Tilden Regional Park

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!

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!