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Campgrounds near Union City, California provide a mix of outdoor accommodation options within the East Bay Area, suitable for tent and RV camping. Dumbarton Quarry Campground on the Bay in Fremont offers full hookup sites and tent camping close to urban areas, while still providing access to trails and wildlife viewing. Anthony Chabot Regional Park in Castro Valley features family-friendly camping with lake access and fishing opportunities. Most camping in the region is developed rather than dispersed, with options ranging from basic tent sites to RV parks with full hookups and cabin accommodations at places like Del Valle Campground in Livermore.
Facilities throughout the area vary in terms of amenities and services. Most campgrounds require reservations, with sites often filling quickly during summer weekends and holidays. The mild Bay Area climate allows for year-round camping, though winter brings cooler temperatures and occasional rain. Several campgrounds provide water and electric hookups, with parks like Alameda County Fairgrounds RV Park offering full services specifically for RVs. The urban proximity means good cell service at most locations, but also brings traffic noise at some sites. A visitor commented about Dumbarton Quarry Campground: "Great for first time campers. Tent site was spacious. Not too crowded. Clean bathroom and shower. Several trails to walk. Close to town in case we forgot something."
Campground experiences in the Union City area reflect the balance between urban convenience and natural settings. Sites near the Bay offer unique wildlife viewing opportunities and flat hiking trails, while those in the hills provide more seclusion and varied terrain. Many campers appreciate the location as a convenient base for exploring the broader Bay Area. "We appreciate how convenient it is for people who live in the Bay Area and if you want to visit the area from out of state, it would be a great place to park your camper and explore," noted one review of Dumbarton Quarry. Wind can be an issue at bayfront locations, and limited shade is common at newer camping areas where trees are still maturing. Restroom facilities are generally well-maintained across the various camping areas, with most developed campgrounds offering showers.
"as usual some spots are better than others but most close to restrooms and/or water. lots of poison oak and star thistle right off trail. great deterrent for kids to stay out of tick areas but id worry"
"Midweek in June the park, which is fairly large, is still nearly empty."
from $25 - $200 / night
Check Availability"What they do have are scores of hookup sites for $60 / night and three tent / drive-in no hookup water-only sites for $45 / night."
"Since it's a new campground, the trees are young and don't supply much shade, but since it's close to the SF Bay, the bay breeze helps."
from $45 - $65 / night
Check Availability"After time spent here at this oasis in the middle of Eastbay, California, you’ll very much feel like part of this place with its endless trails, fantastically well-kept camping grounds and the warm hospitality"
"Campsite amenities were great, easy access to water and bathrooms. Bathrooms were spotless the whole weekend, even though it was a holiday weekend and every site was booked."
from $15 - $200 / night
Check Availability"The Fairview RV Park is a great Bay Area location easy to find right off hwy 680, in the Alameda county fairgrounds. The staff are all pleasant to work with and the park and facilities are clean."
"If the Alameda Fairgrounds are having an event, you can't beat this location, it's on the property."
"This mountain has many of hiking trails for various levels of hikers."
"Live Oak is the closest to the entrance (and town), and features some cool rock formations to explore, but it's colder, has terrible cellular data service, and doesn't quite have the sunset / sunrise views"
from $30 / night
Check Availability"We walked through and enjoyed the nature areas so much. We continue to go back and spend time at Cayote Hills because it is so beautiful. We can't wait until thwe next time."
from $75 / night
Check Availability"Clean, has some views from far border of the hills but the spots are tight and there is not much to do but hook-up."
"After-hours check-in was a breeze, as the checkin instructions were taped to the main door of the office at the park entrance."
"We rarely make reservations to camp in California Beach Parks, as they are usually filled up weeks or even months in advance."
"Beautiful beach walking distance from campground. Bike or walking trails to wonderful beaches and places to eat. Short drive to many other areas. small but good size sites for where it is."
from $35 - $165 / night
Check Availability"Dogs are allowed they have picknic area's and a kite area.thete are several different entrances."
from $100 / night
Check Availability
ScoutI was woken up by law enforcement and asked to leave on my second night staying here. They will issue a citation (luckily they took mine away and gave me a warning) this needs to be removed as a dispersed site.
GuideThere are many spot. It's a parking lot and the spots are very snug. The edge by the ocean lost a few.
Staff is kind, helpful and responsive. Area is clean and very peaceful. It's a bit pricey. Our standard spot was $150.
GuideLike most/all east bay parks, this is well appointed for the masses. It’s also surrounded by rolling hills and close to suburbia. For many, these are positives. As an east bay resident they are for me as well. Del Valle is a bit more removed than many east bay parks. From my location in Fremont, it’s a one hour drive. A pleasant drive for the most part. I camp to get away for a bit and almost always to mountain bike. As such, I seek parks that have trails. Del Valle has a map of many trails. They also appear on many of the mapping services used by mountain bikers. Review those and digest them if this is also your intention - these are east bay parka style trails. In other words, mostly steep and loose fire roads, with many “social trails” sprinkled between. If you are compelled to stay legit/legal trails, bring an ebike. Now on to the camping. I picked a spot as far removed from any booked spot on the map. I triple checked this up until the day before I arrived. I want solitude! When I arrived Thursday afternoon, I was surprised to see the sites just 3 spaces away, on both sides, occupied. This is a fairly compact area. And while I’m sure they’re lovely folks, this isn’t what I expected on a Thursday. Saturday? Sure. Anyway… be aware that these reservation services aren’t completely reliable in that regard. The bathrooms and showers are amazing! Clean, smell good, cared for. Noteworthy is the hot showers in the camp grounds are free and your one push of the button provides water for two minutes I'd guess. Very nice! The space, 135 for me, is okay. A couple trees for shade, a nice table and fire pit. It’s now dark and the noise is minimal - mostly from the group campsite just down the hill. I’ll update this with more details in the coming days since it’s a 4 day visit.
Update 1: it’s my first morning here. Using starlink as there is no cell signal to be found. What I noticed last night was that this park is directly below the flight path to the local airports. Every couple minutes last night, a plane would fly overhead. According to flight aware, they’re at about 10,000 feet. If this will ruin your getaway, you’ve been warned.
Update 2: On Friday night, the majority of the spots were filled. Many large groups of people with varying degrees of consideration, but to their credit almost all (except the barking German Shepard) were quiet by 10PM. It was a bit more crowded come Saturday morning. Some friends came to visit for a mountain bike ride, and we set off at about noon. I had been complimentary of the facilities and bragged that I'd be taking a nice shower after our ride. Unfortunately, upon our return, there was no hot water and no lighting in the showers. And, sadly, someone decided to remove the tags and hangers from their TJ Maxx haul and leave them all over the floor of two of the showers.
Verdict: I'd only come back here in the springtime when it's likely to be green and have some water in the arroyo and only during the week. The density and composition of the people here was akin to being at Costco on a Saturday, and I only did that once.
TravelerNothing like camping under the redwoods with sounds of streams nearby. Restrooms and facilities are clean and well maintained. Park Rangers are extremely nice and helpful.
GuideWe came in around 9pm. There's a board with names and site numbers on the office building. These are snug spots but we have enough room to put the slide out. It is a level gravel parking lot. There's not alot of places in San Fran to even day park. This is just fine. They do fill up fast. Called the next day to extend through Sat, they are booked solid.
Dog walk is through the gate at the back of the lot where abandoned railroad tracks are. There's a pond with some ducks and a walking path.
TravelerThis is a fun place for you and the fam either to camp or for the day.
The tide comes in and out here as it’s a low level island and the approach to access sometimes will be under water from the tide. It is just like that, not poorly maintained, just one short section that can get 6inches deep and is not an issue for anybody.
I stayed in a tent camper fold-out. I hugged the hedge next to a teardrop. Everyone was nice and it was a relaxing stay. Can launch boat/kayak or do all the wind surfing type sports they talk about.
TravelerIt’s quite large compared to to other campsites. It was pleasant and have no complaints. Nothing special but hiking trails are fantastic.
GuideVery well run & clean. Mostly quiet. 20 minute walk to Capitola Village (north) or Seacliff (south). Some shady sites, some are exposed.
LegendLas Trampas is one of those wonderfully odd camping experiences that almost feels like you’ve discovered something you weren’t supposed to know about. Despite sitting on the doorstep of Danville and San Ramon, this 6,050-acre preserve quickly trades suburbia for steep ridges, oak woodland, grasslands and some terrific views across the East Bay. And camping here is decidedly primitive: the Corral Area is a single reservable group campsite for 17–50 people, rather than a conventional campground with individual sites. That means lots of privacy, lots of space and very little resembling a traditional developed campground.
While my earlier review goes into considerably more detail, I thought I’d revisit this campground with a quick topline of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS - along with a fresh batch of photos.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Remarkable feeling of seclusion considering you’re only minutes from the suburban East Bay, with Oakland lying just beyond; (2) Having essentially one primitive group camping area makes this feel more like your own private campground than a conventional campsite; (3) Picnic tables, BBQs, food-storage box and a drinking-water spigot provide just enough infrastructure without spoiling the primitive experience; (4) Direct access to a huge trail network with Rocky Ridge reaching 2,024 feet and panoramic views toward Mt. Diablo and the surrounding valleys; and (5) Abundant wildlife, seasonal wildflowers, grazing cattle and those beautiful rolling East Bay hills make the setting the real amenity here.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) This is group camping only, with a 17-person minimum, so it simply doesn’t work for a couple or small family looking for an ordinary campsite; (2) No hookups, showers or flush toilets - here, primitive means primitive; (3) Water at the campsite should be considered unreliable, so bring your own rather than betting the weekend on the spigot; and (4) Many of the best trails are steep, exposed and short on shade, which can make hot-weather hiking considerably more strenuous than the beautiful scenery initially suggests.
Insider’s Tip: Bring more water than you think you’ll need and make time for a ridge hike. Las Trampas is one of those places where climbing a few hundred feet completely changes your perspective especially when the suburban Bay Area seemingly disappears beneath you, which is precisely what makes camping here so unexpectedly special.
Happy Camping!
Camping opportunities near Union City CA range from bayfront locations to hillside settings with varied terrain. The region experiences mild temperatures year-round, with summer highs averaging 75-85°F and winter lows rarely dropping below 45°F. Windy conditions affect many campgrounds along the bay shoreline, creating challenges for tent campers during evening hours.
**Birdwatching trails: Explore the trails near Dumbarton Quarry Campground on the Bay where wildlife viewing opportunities abound. "There are many many trails for hiking and biking, and wildlife is plentiful. Our RV is small and we used the showers and bathrooms quite a bit. They are cleaned daily and we're always in great shape," shares Michael D.
**Fishing access: Fish for bass, trout, and catfish at Anthony Chabot Regional Park lake. A camper notes, "The best part is the fishing at the nearby lake. Bass, Trout and Catfish primarily." The lake prohibits swimming but offers excellent shoreline fishing opportunities.
**Sunrise viewing: Plan early mornings at higher elevation campgrounds for spectacular views. "Sunrise views" are highlighted by Blake H. as one of the best features of camping in the area. Morning fog typically burns off by 9-10am, offering clearer visibility for photography and hiking.
**Urban-adjacent camping: Many campers appreciate Del Valle Campground for its proximity to amenities. "This is nice little campground that is only about 15 minutes from downtown Livermore. It's a great escape from the craziness of the Bay Area without having to drive too far. The lack of cell reception really helps the feeling of being away from the city life," reports Uriel S.
**Clean facilities: Campsites throughout the region maintain their facilities regularly. At Dumbarton Quarry, "The bathrooms are modern and clean, if spartan. The showers are roomy with ok water pressure (for California) and warm water. The laundry is super convenient," according to Kim G.
**Wildlife encounters: Morning wildlife viewing is common at many campgrounds. One camper at Del Valle notes, "There was quite a bit of wildlife roaming through the park mainly in the early morning. I saw deer and turkeys roaming the campground." Most wildlife remains non-threatening, though food storage precautions are necessary.
**Wind conditions: Consistent winds affect bayshore camping areas. "Every time we have stayed here it has been windy," reports a reviewer at Dumbarton Quarry. Another camper at Mt. Diablo State Park warns, "No matter how hot it is you'll never be able to escape the howling winds at night. Good tent stakes and warm gear is a must."
**Site spacing variations: Campground layout and privacy varies significantly between parks. At Anthony Chabot, Ryan W. explains, "The sites are fairly close to each other, which matters because one of the other campers is right next to mine (46) and doesn't understand basic camp etiquettes like not using generators all night or letting their dog wonder through other sites."
**Road conditions: Access to higher elevation campgrounds requires careful driving. At Mt. Diablo, "The road in is fairly winding with a bit of a drop down the cliff. If you're heading in at dusk or dawn, go slow. You will see deer stepping through the road."
**Playground access: Families appreciate Alameda County Fairgrounds RV Park for its convenient location near attractions. While the campground itself is basic, one reviewer notes that "If you are visiting and want to go to San Francisco, I think this is one of the closest RV parks to the city."
**Lakeside activities: Children enjoy the swimming areas at Del Valle during summer months. A camper shares, "Del Valle is one of the most beautiful lakes in the east bay. The water is perfect temperature. Great hikes, paddle boarding, kayaking, swimming and beginner windsurfing."
**Trail difficulty: Consider trail grades when hiking with children. "The hills are pretty intense, but they're beautiful!" notes a reviewer about Del Valle, suggesting families choose appropriate routes based on children's hiking abilities. Most parks offer trail maps with difficulty ratings.
**Leveling requirements: Many sites require additional leveling. At Dumbarton Quarry, Kim G. advises, "Sites, though asphalt, require some leveling." Plan to bring leveling blocks even at developed campgrounds with paved sites.
**Gate restrictions: Check park gate hours when planning evening activities. At Mt. Diablo, Blake H. cautions, "They lock you in at sunset; if you want to leave you have to call the fire department to open the locked gate, it's not like a tiger-teeth exit but no entry kind of situation."
**RV site selection: Choose sites based on size and privacy needs at Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground. "The better sites are #5-12 with #11 and #12 being the best," recommends one RVer regarding Anthony Chabot, while others suggest researching site maps before booking as size and level vary considerably throughout parks near Union City.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the overnight camping options near Union City?
While Union City itself has limited camping, several excellent options exist within driving distance. Anthony Chabot Regional Park in nearby Hayward offers family-friendly sites with restrooms and water access. Sites here accommodate both tents and some RVs. For redwood enthusiasts, San Mateo Memorial Park provides a peaceful basecamp for exploring hiking trails through magnificent redwood forests. The campground is meticulously maintained with spotless facilities. Additional options include Coyote Hills Regional Park in Fremont and Sunol Regional Wilderness, both offering drive-in sites that can be reserved in advance. Most nearby campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak summer months and weekends.
Are there any campgrounds in Union City?
Union City itself doesn't have dedicated campgrounds within city limits, but several excellent options are available within a 30-45 minute drive. Skyline Wilderness Park offers tent camping in a designated area separate from RVs, providing a convenient base for exploring the greater Bay Area. Sanborn County Park features walk-in tent sites accessible via a short paved path, with carts available to help transport gear. The sites include picnic tables and storage boxes, with clean bathroom facilities nearby. Other nearby options include Alameda County Fairgrounds RV Park for those with recreational vehicles and Garin Regional Park for tent campers. Most nearby campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak season.
How much do camping sites in Union City cost?
Camping costs near Union City vary by location, amenities, and season. Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground typically charges $35-45 per night for standard sites. For RV travelers, Half Moon Bay RV Park offers full hookup sites ranging from $75-95 per night depending on the season and site location. Regional parks like Garin Regional Park and Coyote Hills generally have more affordable rates between $25-35 per night for tent camping. Most campgrounds add reservation fees of $7-10. Many parks offer senior and military discounts. State parks may have additional vehicle fees. Prices tend to increase during summer months and holiday weekends, while off-season camping often comes with reduced rates.
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