3 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Lake Berryessa, just northwest of Vacaville, offers tent campers several primitive camping options with mountain views and lake access. Steele Canyon Campground and Putah Canyon Campground provide tent sites with varying levels of privacy and proximity to the water. Several walk-in tent areas are also available at sites like Briones Regional Park and Tilden Regional Park within driving distance from Vacaville.
Tent campsites around Lake Berryessa typically feature basic amenities with picnic tables and fire rings, though fire restrictions are common during dry seasons. Many tent sites lack running water, with campers needing to bring their own supplies. Porta-potties are available at most locations and are generally well-maintained. Several campgrounds charge between $35-45 per night for tent sites, with some locations requiring additional resort fees. Primitive tent camping areas often have limited shade, so bringing portable shade structures is advisable. One camper noted that "It got really windy, and it's dry camping at this time (no fires, no water, no hookups)."
Areas farther from the main recreation zones offer quieter tent camping experiences. Tent sites at Steele Canyon often provide more seclusion, particularly in the 50s and 80s numbered sites. Morning and evening hours bring peaceful conditions to tent campgrounds, even when day-use areas are busy with boaters and visitors. The sites at Lake Berryessa are particularly popular for tent campers seeking water recreation opportunities. A recent review noted that "The site was great layout and I had a really enjoyable time out on the water. Other boaters were very respectful of the no wake zones." Tent campers should be prepared for variable weather conditions, with potential for both very hot days and cool nights depending on the season.
"It got really cold at night (32 degrees), but my fault for not checking the weather. Beautiful views. Nice landscape. Spacious sites. There was no one else in the cluster of 6 spots that I stayed at."
"Our favorite spot to take the kids to the lake. If your looking for something calm this is the spot at Lake Berryessa."
from $5 - $55 / night
"There’s a pretty awesome cliff jump nearby as well. Dogs are allowed. The lake is a very popular day use area as well. Does get very hot make sure you bring your bathing suit."
from $5 - $37 / night
"Lake Berryessa is a large lake that has many turnouts to fish or even stop for a quick stretching of the legs , even saw a few turnouts with picnic tables and clean bathrooms."
"Loads of space, security driving around, noise limit is 10pm. Toilets are clean and trash cans are provided. They sell ice and propane on-site ."
"About 50 tent only sites, some just feet from the lake. RV sites are farther from the lake on mostly level gravel pads with picnic table, fire rings, and a trash can at each site."
"Great Lake for paddle boarding and some fishing. Rv site was nicely groomed with drainage rock. Not perfectly flat but that is fine. No shade during the day. But over all a nice park and pretty quiet."
"There is a separate bedroom, you could sleep 2 couples on beds easily with extra floor space and a small individual bunk for larger families."
"And charcoal grills outside each cabin. A couple general use picnic tables scattered about. So those are the basics you can read anywhere."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $25 - $100 / night
"A few low spots. Cleared 12' barely with minor scrapes. Good parking and turn around. Lots of opportunities for horse riders in area. Pets on leash."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $75 - $200 / night
"Angel Island is a unique backpacking experience, one I'd gladly do again."
"Angel Island is a California State Park, but it's surprising how many visitors do not know of the 10 campsites scattered around the island!"
Available this weekend
from $30 / night
"Pantoll is a pretty campground located adjacent to the entrance to Mount Tamalpais. You can hike to, bike to, take the bus to, or even drive to this campground. "
"All sites are a small walk up on a hill kind of steep. Ranger station at parking lot that sells firewood. Water faucets, bathrooms. No showers. Bear lockers."
from $7 - $25 / night
"Tilden Park is perfect for anyone whose interested in wildlife and hiking in perfect climates. Tilden offers a lake in the middle to swim in and fish. The campsites have lots of fire pits."
"Tilden is great for anyone looking for a close park right outside of the Berkeley/San Fran area. It is a rather large park area that overlooks Berkeley."
from $75 - $120 / night
GuideFriendly staff and a camp host selling firewood. Clean flush toilets and hot showers for 50 cents. A little difficult to find a level spot for a van in the dry camping area, and most spots were right on the side of the road. It would be more enjoyable if one could pull off into the dirt area for level spots out of the main drag.
GuideGreat location, clean bathrooms, great water pressure and temperature in the showers. Very nice sunrise and sunsets here thru the trees.
TravelerNothing fancy. Looks like they are building a fence and trying to improve the place. A lot of street noise and free roamers walking through the camp sites.
ScoutThis campground needs a lot of work including docks, boat births and sites need pads and less weeds, stickers, burs.
GuideWe arrived and looked at our site and needed sun to recharge our batteries so the attendant let us pick one from the available list. A bit dusty but well worth it for the amenities.
TravelerGreat camp with amazing views. But, you should not camp alone. I've been here often this month and have seen a herd sheep eating the grass on the hillside, heard a pack of coyotes several nights in a row, until I heard a Mt Lion doing it's bird like sounds at night, as it circled my rv. This is last night, 10/07/2026 - mt lion presence detected, not seen. Be careful.
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.
TravelerCowboy Camp had everything I had heard it offered & more! There was plenty of space when I visited and I got to pick a spot down by the water. Easy access & semi-secluded. The spot was half shaded and half sunny by 3 PM. Perfect for our truck to park in & stay cool. Vaulted toilets were in decent shape & even had TP. Lots of awesome spots to pull off at on the way there from Winters area. Beautiful views of flowing green water & colorful trees.
TravelerHad a late check in after scheduling in the same day, but the staff were so welcoming and helpful over the phone! The campsite is so clean you could walk around barefoot. the scenery is so beautiful with sheep, cattle, mountains and a stream surrounding/on the property. Would definitely recommend
Tent camping near Vacaville, California offers numerous options within a 30-45 minute drive. Lake Berryessa's water level fluctuates seasonally, affecting shoreline camping conditions throughout the year. Campsites at most locations lack natural shade, with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F, making early morning and evening the optimal times for outdoor activities.
Water activities at Lake Berryessa: The lake provides calm areas ideal for paddleboarding and kayaking, particularly in protected coves. "I came to check out the more calm waters in the canyon for my paddleboard. The site was great layout and I had a really enjoyable time out on the water. Other boaters were very respectful of the no wake zones," notes a visitor to Steele Canyon (formerly Lupine Shores).
Hiking at Mount Tamalpais: Multiple trail networks connect camping areas to viewpoints and beaches. "You can hike anywhere from this campground. Down to Muir Woods in less than 3 miles. Up to Rock Springs, Bolinas Ridge, and Mount Tam. Down to Stinson Beach. I could spend a week here exploring all the trails," reports a camper at Pantoll Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Several campsites offer direct access to fishing spots with varied catch potential. At Delta Bay RV Resort, a visitor mentioned, "Spent the night at my usual fishing spot and had a great time. Staff is friendly and food is good."
Secluded sites: Some campgrounds offer more private locations away from high-traffic areas. At Steele Canyon, a camper advised, "Look in the 50's & 80's for the more secluded campsites."
Wildlife viewing: The region supports diverse animal populations viewable from campgrounds. "Wildlife was seen throughout the day and the weather was great," notes a visitor to Putah Canyon - Lake Berryessa USBR.
Urban proximity with natural settings: Camping areas maintain natural environments despite being close to urban centers. A camper at Tilden Regional Park observed, "This trek just past the border of Berkeley's town limits will impress with its towering Eucalyptus with a splendid arbor scent that is unmatched in any forest."
Unique accommodations: Beyond traditional tent sites, some locations offer alternative lodging. "They have a lot of cute tiny houses in this campground. You can bring your own tiny house, or rent one for the weekend," explains a visitor to Delta Bay RV Resort.
Fire restrictions vary: Regulations change based on season, location, and current conditions. A Steele Canyon camper noted, "It's dry camping at this time (no fires, no water, no hookups, etc.). Fire scars all around the lake...looks like this entire area got hit a few years ago."
Campsite reservation systems differ: Some locations require advance planning while others operate first-come, first-served. "This is the only first come first campground around as far as I know," states a Pantoll Campground visitor.
Water availability fluctuates: Access to drinking water varies by location and season. "My spot did not have running water, but it did have Porta potties that were extremely clean," reports a Steele Canyon camper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Vacaville, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Vacaville, CA is Steele Canyon (formerly Lupine Shores) with a 4.3-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Vacaville, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 24 tent camping locations near Vacaville, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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