The best camping near Anthony Chabot Regional Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Anthony Chabot Regional Park adventure.

94% (33 reviews)
94% (33 reviews)

Camp, bike, ride and hike in the gorgeous East Bay hills near Oakland.  

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Community favorites near Anthony Chabot Regional Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Anthony Chabot Regional Park

98%
(368)

Blackberry Farm

6 sites · Lodging, Tents6 acres · Bolinas, CA
Blackberry Farm sits on the western side of Mount Tamalpais, tucked in the Gospel Flat area of Bolinas. The family farm and residence were established during the late 1970s on the site of the historic Peter’s Dairy Ranch. The original farmhouse dates back to the late 19th century and survived the great 1906 earthquake. Today, the 7-acre farm is being restored to sustainably support fruit orchards, cottage flower and kitchen gardens, honey bees, a boisterous flock of chickens, and naughty shetland sheep. Our self-serve farmstand attached to our barn has seasonal flowers, organic eggs, heirloom fruit, and local goods from the farm. Our property is the perfect rustic getaway for backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts. You’ll be surrounded by farm/ranch life: chickens clucking, roosters crowing, bees buzzing, and sheep bleating. We also have active nighttime wildlife: coyotes howling, raccoons foraging, owls hooting, etc. Bring earplugs if nature sounds are too much for you. We offer 4 walk-in tent sites that allow you to immerse yourself in nature. We welcome well-behaved pets ON LEASH that won’t harass the chickens, cats, sheep, other campers, or residents. Unruly pets and their campers will be asked to leave. No refund. Limit: 1 dog per site. Pitch your tent in a meadow shared by: Campsite 1 - left side of the meadow, closest to the common area and hot tub. Campsite 2 - middle of the meadow, closest to our fenced apiary and bee garden. Campsite 3 - right side of the meadow, near the orchard. (sites 1 and 3 are next to each other) Campsite 4 - front of the pasture, closest to the parking area (best for car/van campers wanting space to lounge near their parked vehicle.) Multiple sites may be booked for group camping. Sites 1 and 3 are next to each other under the Cypress Trees. Add site 2 if you would like the entire back half of the campground. Add site 4 if you'd like to have a maximum number of 16 total campers and 2 tents/per site. The common area has an outdoor shower, hot tub, covered bbq/cook area, tented (weather-protected) hangout space, and a place to stash your surfboard. The pizza oven is not available for campground use. Redwood Grove hangout areas have seating and tree swings. Please pack out your trash. We offer a recycling bin for glass bottles, cans, and clean paper. Parking is 100 yds or less from the campsites. We have a large wheelbarrow to help you cart your camping gear across the pasture to your campsite. No driving onto or parking in the meadow. Due to the narrow driveway and parking area (lack of turnaround), the site cannot accommodate RVs, trailers, or oversize vehicles beyond 16ft in length, 7ft in width, or 10 ft in height. 1 car per campsite, please. 15-minute walk to the beach and downtown.
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$66
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100%
(58)

Charcoal Springs Camp & Cabin

4 sites · Lodging, Tents40 acres · Watsonville, CA
Welcome to our serene retreat at Charcoal Springs, overlooking the Monterey Bay! Nestled amidst the picturesque Santa Cruz mountains of California, our property offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday urban life, with beautiful views of the ocean, redwood forest, and stunning sunrise/sunsets. Our property is above the redwoods, and more often than not, above the fog line! Our spacious camping area provides ample room for you to set up your tent or camper van (no RVs, trailers or 5th wheels) ensuring a comfortable and memorable stay. Outdoor activities: leisurely stroll along our scenic little trail + surrounding wilderness: we are right next to the north entrance of the Soquel Demonstration Forest for world class mountain biking. If you are interested in hosting a larger group, in organizing a retreat, and in booking out all our sites, please get in touch! ATTENTION: MAY-DECEMBER - FIRE BAN PENDING WEATHER/WIND DAY-OF KITCHEN/BBQ AT PANORAMA CONTAINER CAMP: Propane is $25/tank, WE DO NOT PROVIDE PLATES, CUPS, UTENSILS, OR COOKING SUPPLIES AT CONTAINER CAMP! Container Camp Kitchen has a BBQ, tongs and brush for the BBQ, a 3 burner camp stove, sink, covered trash/recycling cans, miscellaneous pots/pans (see picture with utensils on site). There is NO REFRIGERATOR at Container Camp, so bring your coolers! KITCHEN AT THE COOP (NO BBQ): The Coop is equipped with most kitchenware that one would need (4 cu ft refrigerator, pots, pans, 4 x plates, bowls, and cups, mugs, knives, silverware, salad bowl, french-press coffee pot, kettle…) with a two burner electric hot plate and the woodstove with a cooktop on it. The Coop does NOT have a BBQ. PLEASE KEEP FOOD IN SEALED CONTAINERS OR COOLERS! Also, remember to keep the volume down, as most people come here precisely for the piece and quiet:) Grocery shopping: We are 25 minutes from the Summit store, and Corralitos meat market down Eureka Canyon. All sites have access to: -electricity, -hot showers, -composting toilet (Sun-Mar Excel), -industrial sink (also with hot water), -partially equipped kitchen (with mini fridge and electric hot plates in 'The Coop' / propane stove/BBQ at the container camp in covered kitchen area), -Fire places: wood stove in The Coop, and seasonal fire-pits (bring your own wood - or buy a bundle from us) (Please bring your own SHEETS, TOWELS and BIODEGRADABLE soap - Dr. Bronner's. If you're camping, for an extra comfy night's sleep, we can provide 2 custom double bed sized camping mattresses - for $25 a mattress per night). After a day of exploration, you can use our designated fire pits (seasonally/weather permitting) and share stories under the stars with your fellow travelers. At Charcoal Springs, you can expect a peaceful retreat far from the city, and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature as you traverse the rugged terrain and enjoy the view. Whether you're seeking adventure or simply craving a moment of calm, our property offers the perfect escape for your next outdoor getaway. We look forward to welcoming you to our slice of paradise! Johnny and Jeanne (Profile pic from artist Pedro Gomes: https://pedrogo.com/)
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$95
 / night

Cotillion Gardens RV Park

2 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · Felton, CA
Campers looking to explore the Santa Cruz Mountain redwoods can spend their nights at Cotillion Gardens RV Park, a rare spot bordering Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park off of Highway 9. Here, you’ll find an array of pet-friendly RV sites, San Lorenzo River-front camping cabins (bring your own bedding!), and four designated tent camping sites with wooden platforms, fire pits, and picnic tables. Take advantage of direct state park access to discover beautiful Redwood Grove Loop Trail and other hiking trails, home to some of California’s oldest redwood trees. RV sites can accommodate up to 6 guests in travel trailers, big rigs, and fifth-wheel trailers up to 36 feet, with options ranging from 30-amp electrical service to full hookups and sewer connections. Standout amenities include a heated swimming pool (May to October), laundry facilities, redwood forest horseshoe pits, and for the kids, a playground and clubhouse filled with games. Choose site #68 if you need pull-through access—also, look out for offseason discounts and even extended-stay RV sites.
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$50
 / night
99%
(104)

Audrey Edna Cabin at Alpine Ranch

1 site · Lodging350 acres · Loma Mar, CA
Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) protects open space on the Peninsula and in the South Bay for the benefit of all. Situated on top of a ridge with expansive redwood forest and coastal views, the Audrey Edna Cabin provides a completely private gathering place and destination for visitors with reservations. The cabin has spectacular views of forest, sky, ocean and the Butano ridgeline. It's a short hike to 8000+ acres of county parkland where you can hike, bike and ride horses (though please note, there are no facilities for horse boarding at the cabin.) The cabin is located at Alpine Ranch, a property adjacent to Sam McDonald County Park that was protected by Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST).  Whether you are looking for an active experience or just want to relax in a peaceful, remote setting, there's something here for everyone. This is a rustic hike-in cabin designed for a introductory pack-in experience. Bedding is not provided. It is about a 1.7-mile hike on a rolling dirt road from the Sam McDonald County Park parking lot, with about 650 feet of elevation gain. Most hikers can reach the cabin in an hour or less. Guests should plan to arrive at least 2 hours before sunset, and pack water and flashlights or headlamps. Guests with limited mobility, please contact us for information regarding accommodations that will allow you to access this shared resource. *A note about reservation availability: On the weekends, POST offers priority reservations for the cabin to our partners at the San Mateo County Health Department and Park Rx to provide patients with equitable access to the benefits of nature. Occasionally, we have last-minute public weekend reservation availability due to cancellations. The cabin is reservable up to 3 months in advance, on a rolling basis. Love the idea of a hike-in cabin, but unable to visit us Sunday-Thursday? Check out the nearby Sierra Club Hiker's Hut in Sam McDonald County Park.  Property History: At one time, the ridge of the Santa Cruz Mountains was a thriving center for trade between tribes of the coast and the bay, which we still find evidence of today in cultural sites and artifacts throughout the region. Native people have cared for this land since time immemorial, including the local Muwekma and Ramaytush Ohlone who are still active in the area today. This property specifically is host to a tributary to one of just a handful of waterways that support salmonids in this region, which are a species of tremendous importance to native people. Over 1000 acres here were eventually purchased by entrepreneur Ridgeway Rowley, who built a home on the ranch in the 1880s as part of an unsuccessful wedding proposal to Fannie Page, daughter of a local mill owner (ever heard of Page Mill Road?) After being rejected by Fannie, Rowley operated the ranch for a decade in conjunction with his work as District Attorney and publisher of the Palo Alto Weekly, before eventually returning to his hometown of Cortland, NY, where he lived as a bachelor until his death. Over the course of the 20th century, the ranch was divided, some parts of which became Pescadero Creek County Park. POST purchased the 350 acre home property, now called Alpine Ranch, in 2012 through our Heart of the Redwoods campaign, an initiative to protect 20,000 acres of Redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Alpine Ranch borders Pescadero Creek County Park and Sam McDonald County Park, adding to the area’s protected open space and containing more than a mile of tributaries to Pescadero Creek, which flows year-round and is a major spawning stream for steelhead trout. The Audrey Edna Cabin at Alpine Ranch is situated at one of the property's most scenic overlooks. The cabin was built in the early 1900's, and completely reconstructed up to modern building codes by POST in 2018 so that all could enjoy this special place.
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$100
 / night
99%
(298)

The Olive Farm

2 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Novato, CA
Excellent Group Site! We only host one group at a time so you can be with your family and friends in a large, flat and private space. We listed the site for up to 12 campers but feel free to reach out if your group is bigger. Please check out the newest addition of our cabin bunkhouse. Take a look at the pictures - you can add it to your stay as an extra when you book! The land was originally purchased in the 1980's. Since then, it has been used by four generations of the family as a place to gather, relax, camp and even celebrate. I had my wedding on the property in 2010. For a few years we held an annual music festival with the very inventive name of Samapalooza. Up to 400 people would attend the day filled with live music, food and drinks. You will still find the stage and bar we built as an outdoor kitchen and dining area. Around 2008, my father and I planted our first olive trees. Many have been planted since which has gifted the land the timeless sense of purpose it deserves. My father dedicated his last years to tending the young trees and now I have taken the mantle to carry the farm forward. 'The Property', as it is known amongst family and friends has always been a place to camp. I have sat around the same fire ring for decades, rain or shine. I hope that fellow hipcampers can find the joy that my family and I have experienced here. This is a very private camp on a small olive farm. Geographically close to highways and the town of Novato, Sonoma and Napa wine country, this camp feels remote and secluded. Only one camp on the property to keep it private and special. You basically have your run of the land. We have just updated the land and made some nice improvements. Located on ten acres, you will drive past a small olive grove before reaching the spacious and open campground. Just up the hill from the camp is a private pond where you can fish, take out a small boat or just sit and watch the birds. It can be great swimming on hot summer days. This spot has been used by the family for decades and is now open to share with fellow nature lovers. Just a note: While the majority of the time you can expect complete privacy, this is a working olive farm. From time to time you may run into me (Sam) or someone else associated with the land. We will always do our best to respect your space.
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$126
 / night
95%
(282)

WindTree

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents64 acres · Los Gatos, CA
WindTree is an awesome retreat perched high on top of the Santa Cruz Mountains in California, over looking the entire Monterey Bay and Santa Clara Valley. WindTree is sacred land used by many over the past 30 years for retreat and ceremony. It has also been a working "Wwoof" -ing farm for volunteers from all over the world to come and learn about organic gardening in a fun, beautiful, nurturing community restoring our sense of interrelatedness and encouraging planetary sustainability by our choices and concerns for the wellness of the environment. You can make your experience apart of this community or enjoy a quiet private camp site away from any activities. We are off the grid with solar power and our own well. We have small organic gardens with chickens and goats. You will love it up here under the stars. Note: RV's over 21 feet will have difficulties on our driveway.
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$60
 / night
100%
(24)

Kings Mountain Camp w/ ocean views

4 sites · Lodging10 acres · Woodside, CA
Breathe deep in nature on our 10-acre property on a hillside in Kings Mountain, California. Our generously sized Safari-style tents offer a unique blend of comfort and adventure. Each tent has beds, down comforters, crisp cotton linens, lights, and more. Outdoor and indoor furniture and lots of little touches will make your stay unique. Each tent is perched on a sturdy wooden platform and features a fully furnished deck, providing a cozy space to relax and soak in the breathtaking ocean (Half Moon Bay views) and forest views (Kings Mountain). All tents include a mini fridge and a stove, which are ideal for light cooking, intimate fireside storytelling, and warmth during cool mornings and evenings. We suggest you bring easy-to-prep food, drinks, warm clothes, hiking shoes, and a beanie, as it can get chilly without notice. Your designated parking space is a 6-minute walk from the campsite (downhill on arrival, then back uphill (steep) in the forest), so we recommend traveling light. Our campsite is nestled within the same property as our charming little farm. If you're interested in meeting our friendly farm animals, get in touch, and we'll be delighted to arrange a visit at a time that works best for you and them. Our goats roam the land all day and may visit you for pets and nuzzles. They are gentle, but please do not feed or let them inside the tent. Recharge from the day with a hot shower. Grab your fresh towels from your tent and go to your allocated bathhouses, where you’ll find an indoor shower and well-appointed restrooms. They are nicely lit and stocked with bath products. Additionally, a sink area is available for dish clean-up. Kings Mountain is famous for its hiking and biking trails nested amongst the redwoods. The closest is a 15-minute walk from our campsite, and dozens of others are within a 15-minute car ride. Tent 01 (180sqft) accommodates three people in a queen-size bed and a daybed. Tent 02 (210sqft) accommodates four people: two in a queen-size bed and two in a bunk bed Tent 03 (210sqft) accommodates four people: two in a queen-size bed and two in a twin bed + daybed Children: Kids under the age of 10 are not allowed. An adult must accompany minors under 21 YO.
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$152
 / night

The best camping near Anthony Chabot Regional Park guide

Overview

About

Amid the gorgeous East Bay hills, Anthony Chabot Regional Park features hiking, horse riding, bicycling, and camping. The landscapes constantly change around you—from grasslands and shaded groves to the shores of Lake Chabot—as 70 miles of hiking trails await. Chabot, which spans more than 3,300 acres, is a 20-minute drive from downtown Oakland and easily accessible from Interstate 580. Compact tent sites, backpacker camping, group camping, and family camping are all available, with barbecue pits, fire rings, potable water, bathrooms, and picnic tables, plus hot showers at the family campground. Firewood and charcoal are both available for purchase on-site.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. You can reserve any of the 75 family camping sites online via Reserve America. There are 53 drive-up, 10 walk-in and 12 RV sites. The seven group sites and the backpacking Two Rocks site are only available via phone.
  2. Reservations are recommended year-round, and can be made up to 12 weeks in advance for family camping, and no more than 30 days in advance and up to five days in advance for backpacker camping.
  3. Campground gates are locked nightly at 10pm, so no entry is available until 8am each morning.

When to go

Anthony Chabot Regional Park is open year-round. Weekends, spring, and summer are typically the busiest times, as is the case with most East Bay Regional Parks and Northern California campgrounds. The park is a pleasant visit any time given the mild East Bay climate. Going before Memorial Day and after Labor Day can help you avoid some of the largest crowds.

Know before you go

  • Lake Chabot is relatively close to three major cities: Oakland (20 minutes away by road), San Francisco (25 minutes), and San Jose (40 minutes). Gas, groceries, and restaurants can be found in nearby Castro Valley.
  • While the park has potable water, it’s best to bring in drinking water. Firewood and charcoal are both available for purchase onsite, helping car campers and backpackers save space.
  • Equipment isn’t available onsite, but fishing is allowed on Lake Chabot. That’s in addition to the campground’s access to hiking and mountain biking trails.

Top cities near Anthony Chabot Regional Park

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