Best Tent Camping near Vacaville, CA
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.
