Tilden Regional Park

Let's just call a spade a spade here, alright? This campground isn't going to be one that you look back at and fondly recollect a surreal experience in the middle of nature with all of the rustic touches one might come to expect when camping in NorCal. And while the Redwoods and Sequoias will steal the attention of most, 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. 

What this campground lacks in ambiance, grooming and amenities, this location makes up for by putting you smack dab in the middle of some very phenomenal hiking in all of the Eastbay. Whether heading towards Lake Anza for a cool dip (beware the snapping turtles!), taking the kids to Tilden's Little Farm (bring your own carrots, kale and lettuce), an arduous bike up and down the Berkeley Hills or going for a stroll nearby Lake Jewel, you would be hard-pressed to find a better regional park near Oakland and the surrounding areas with such sweeping views and well preserved hiking trails with varying degrees of difficulty. 

Oh, and if you get tired of campfire food, there's always nearby Zachary's Chicago Deep Dish Pizza (this Chicagoan approves!) in Berkeley along with a frosty cold Anchor Steam! 

Happy Camping!

The setting at Tilden Park is not what I would typically seek when I want to "get out there", but for its close proximity to the urban areas of the East Bay, it is a pretty good option.

There are lots of turkeys, and watch out for poison oak on the trails. We camped in one of the group camp sites, which had a large covered pavilion which was nice. Tall eucalyptus trees surrounding the open grassy area of the campsite.

I was here for a weekend workshop with the organization Bay Area Wilderness Training. It was a great spot for the purpose of the training, but I do not think I'd come back on my own.

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. The weather is always great too!