Tilden Regional Park, near Berkeley, California, is a solid choice for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors without straying too far from urban comforts. This campground offers a unique blend of nature and accessibility, making it a convenient spot for a quick escape.

The area is surrounded by towering Eucalyptus trees, which give off a delightful aroma that adds to the park's charm. Visitors often highlight the excellent hiking opportunities available, with trails leading to scenic spots like Lake Anza and Lake Jewel, perfect for a refreshing dip or a leisurely stroll. As one camper noted, “You would be hard-pressed to find a better regional park near Oakland with such sweeping views and well-preserved hiking trails.”

While the amenities are basic—think picnic tables and fire pits—there's plenty of room to set up camp and enjoy a night under the stars. If campfire cooking isn’t your thing, you can always head into Berkeley for a slice of Zachary's Chicago Deep Dish Pizza, which comes highly recommended by those who’ve been around.

For families, Tilden Park offers fun activities like visiting Tilden's Little Farm, where kids can interact with animals. Just keep an eye out for poison oak on the trails and watch for the local turkeys wandering about. Whether you're biking through the hills or just soaking in the natural beauty, Tilden Regional Park has a little something for everyone.

Tilden Regional Park

Kensington is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Kensington is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Kensington, CA. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Kensington

The Best Camping Near Kensington, California

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. It is great for biking (but be weary of the hills). It also has a great lake/pond area for anyone to relax at. 

Great for biking!

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!

Tilden Park is great for getting in touch with nature!

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.

Good Option for East Bay Residents

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!

Photos of Tilden Regional Park

Real photos from real campers