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.

Best Tent Sites Near Vacaville, California (25)

    1. Steele Canyon (formerly Lupine Shores)

    6 Reviews
    Yountville, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 966-9192

    $5 - $55 / night

    "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."

    2. Manzanita Canyon - Lake Berryessa - USBR

    2 Reviews
    Witter Springs, CA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 966-9088

    $5 - $37 / 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."

    3. Putah Canyon - Lake Berryessa USBR

    2 Reviews
    Witter Springs, CA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 966-9051

    "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 ."

    "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."

    4. Delta Bay RV Resort

    2 Reviews
    Rio Vista, CA
    26 miles
    +1 (916) 777-5588

    5. Rancho Seco Recreation Area

    15 Reviews
    Herald, CA
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 748-2318

    "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."

    "I pitched a tent in site 43 right next to the lake. Excellent place."

    6. Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park

    15 Reviews
    Stinson Beach, CA
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (415) 388-2070

    $25 - $100 / night

    "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."

    7. Briones Regional Park

    1 Review
    Pleasant Hill, CA
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 327-2757

    $75 - $200 / 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."

    8. Pantoll Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park

    15 Reviews
    Stinson Beach, CA
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (415) 388-2070

    $7 - $25 / 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.  "

    "Pantoll would be one of my favorite campgrounds of all time if not for the noise levels. One would think that quiet time would be respected in a backpackers campground, but not here."

    9. Sunrise Campground — Angel Island State Park

    9 Reviews
    Tiburon, CA
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (415) 435-5390

    $30 / 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!"

    10. Tilden Regional Park

    4 Reviews
    Kensington, CA
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 327-2757

    $75 - $120 / 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."

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Showing results 1-10 of 25 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Vacaville, CA

582 Reviews of 25 Vacaville Campgrounds



Guide to Vacaville

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.

What to do

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."

What campers like

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.

What you should know

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 25 tent camping locations near Vacaville, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.