Best Equestrian Camping near Vernalis, CA

What a find! This hidden gem hides behind the vineyard crested mountain range just due south of Livermore. Once you get off the 680/580 highways, you'll be immediately swept into a different wind-strewn, rocky landscape that you'll have to wind around several bends on some decent inclined well-paved roads before making your arrival to Del Valle regional park. 

You'll have to pay the$10 to get through, but this is one of the few parks where that fee, if maximized, is a great investment. The campgrounds here are all incredibly well maintained, spacious (perhaps a bit too spacious and open in some places). With a great number of trails to take in any direction, the great find here is the well-appointed lake that rents kayaks, paddle boats and canoes. There's even horses you can rent nearby if you get tired of all the hiking. 

There's plenty of places to picnic if you get tired of eating at your campsite. Be wary of the weekends, especially long holiday weekends where this park gets completely overrun. Other than this, it's a fantastic camping site. 

Happy Camping!

YOU CANNOT CAMP HERE. However, this gorgeous state park has dozens of beautiful trails winding through cattle country and down along streams and ponds in the Dinosaur Point area.

NO WATER. Note that there is no safe potable water at the park, so if you're hiking, bring plenty to drink.

NOT DOG-FRIENDLY: Dogs are allowed on leash in the parking lot only. You cannot hike with your dog here.

VERY HORSE-FRIENDLY: The park is especially friendly to horses, because the lady that donated the land was an equestrienne. There is a corral at the main parking lot area and the park is fenced for livestock. They make a point of stating that although the water in the creeks and ponds is unsafe for humans, it is safe for livestock and horses. (The one exception to the no camping rule, actually, is when those on horseback are allowed to camp during special events.)

We stayed in Sites 78 & 80, which were enormous, and could’ve easily fit 20-30 people, not the 8 people the sites were limited too. Careful though, many sites, including these, were mostly exposed with very little shade. Camping Labor Day weekend, temps were in the low 90s, and there were LOTS of mosquitoes. Most people in our party came back with upwards of 20-30 bites, even with lots of bug spray, screened enclosures, and other precautions.

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. Park staff came by each evening to invite us to programs at the amphitheater. A firewood truck drove by at least once a day. You can also make purchases at a little camp store (in a shipping container), plenty of ice and firewood, but we didn’t see any alcohol for sale.

Check the rules ahead of time, they are quite restrictive and very different from many other campgrounds. No hard alcohol? No hammocks? No entry after 10:00pm?

Also note, the lake isn’t really in walking distance. If you have a dog, you have to head to East Shore (~5 min drive) and the Dog Run trail to let them in the water. Be prepared for a steep scramble down to the lakeside, and very limited beach.

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 given you both by the camp rangers and fellow campers you’ll come across. 

From a range of activities including horseback riding, kayaking on the namesake lake as well as hiking the foothills, if you’ve come here for nature, you’ll strike gold! The amenities are basic and – key to all California Regional Parks – everything is very well maintained, easy to find and wonderful to make use of. 

Happy Camping!

This is a primitive campground, no showers only vault toilets and restroom near visitor center ( 2 min walk from campground) both decently clean. Water for washing dishes is available. Spots are not close to each other so there is privacy. It is small, quiet, surrounded with beautiful views. Good hiking trails and good opportunity for bird watching, wild flowers viewing and plenty of deer around. From main road it takes about 35 min drive up the hill through narrow road which is paved but I don't think it is appropriate for RVs. It is a bit of hassle getting here but worth it! If you are car camping I advice NOT to choose drive in spots as it is not leveled but the parking where you have to walk to your camp spot is okay.

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. There was quite a bit of wildlife roaming through the park mainly in the early morning. I saw deer and turkeys roaming the campground.

The restrooms and showers were clean and functional. Maybe a bit outdated, but I don’t see that as a negative considering everything works. It’s also nice that the showers are free, no need to bring your roll of quarters.

The close proximity to the lake and all the hiking trails is a huge plus.

The only negatives I can mention are the camp store and the lack of privacy at each site. It seems like the camp store is only open on Saturdays which means if you need anything, it’s close to an hour long commitment to drive into Livermore, buy what you need, and drive back. I’m not sure if that’s always the case but when I visited in April that was what the sign had posted. As far as the lack of privacy, I don’t think it’s a deal breaker since there is a good amount of space between sites but they are all fully exposed. I can see these being a bit of a problem especially on a crowded weekend.

Overall a nice campground in a good location with plenty to do in the area.