The best waterside campgrounds near Berkeley, California

The college town of Berkeley is quite convenient to the bigger Bay Area cities. Oakland's about 20 minutes south, and San Francisco's about 1 hour to the southwest. Its position in central California creates extremely mild temperatures year-round. Expect highs to range from the mid-60s to mid-70s in all but the winter months.

Tilden Regional Park in the East Bay makes an excellent destination for a local camping trip. The Wildcat View campsite features good terrain for group tent camping. Take a dip in the park's small Lake Anza or picnic on its beach.

Are you looking to get in some challenging hiking? Drive about an hour east of Berkeley and explore Mount Diablo State Park. Take the 13.1-mile Mitchell Creek to Diablo Summit loop trail. It's a tough ascent recommended only for experienced hikers. You'll be rewarded with an excellent view of Marin County from 3,848 feet.

The 7.8-mile Mitchell Canyon-Eagle Peak Loop is another difficult hike. Steep sections and little shade mean you'll get a tiring workout on this one! Not feeling quite that ambitious? Try the Curry Point and Balancing Rock trail for a considerably easier 4-mile hike.

Note that poison oak is pretty prevalent in this region. It's generally a good idea to cover up exposed skin if you're traipsing around in the undergrowth.

96% (2.6K) • 20 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Berkeley

1. The Meadows at Isleton

95%

(1525)

42mi from Berkeley · 20 sites · Tents, RVs

Once an asparagus farm for Heinz, the property was left neglected for over 25 years. They started to convert the land to a lavender farm when they realized that there was more that they should do to enjoy their journey, hence; they incorporated the camping to share this beautiful location with others. From majestic sunrises to magnificent sunsets, The Meadows offers not only a calm and relaxing atmosphere gained from the Lavenders growing, but also provides a central location to all of the California River Delta venues and experiences. From local wine tasting to boating, fishing or just enjoying the nearby collectic towns, Bring your tent, trailer, or motor home to enjoy the heart of the California river delta. Each campsite is extra large for privacy and room to spread out. Dog-friendly. Watch the sunset while enjoying the picturesque views of the surrounding vineyards. Walk the streets of our historic downtown and visit the small shops and locally-owned restaurants-- Manny’s Barzzeria, Mc Broodery's, Pineapples, or Peters Steak House. Of course, don’t miss out on DeJacks our country store that stocks it all!! Spend the day at the public fishing docks, kayak for the day in the delta waters, or head over to Sherman Islands epic wind/kite surfing areas. Local year-round festivals abound in the Delta and The Meadows is strategically located central to all. Our small town of 800 people will truly give you the feeling of being out of the big city!

The college town of Berkeley is quite convenient to the bigger Bay Area cities. Oakland's about 20 minutes south, and San Francisco's about 1 hour to the southwest. Its position in central California creates extremely mild temperatures year-round. Expect highs to range from the mid-60s to mid-70s in all but the winter months.

Tilden Regional Park in the East Bay makes an excellent destination for a local camping trip. The Wildcat View campsite features good terrain for group tent camping. Take a dip in the park's small Lake Anza or picnic on its beach.

Are you looking to get in some challenging hiking? Drive about an hour east of Berkeley and explore Mount Diablo State Park. Take the 13.1-mile Mitchell Creek to Diablo Summit loop trail. It's a tough ascent recommended only for experienced hikers. You'll be rewarded with an excellent view of Marin County from 3,848 feet.

The 7.8-mile Mitchell Canyon-Eagle Peak Loop is another difficult hike. Steep sections and little shade mean you'll get a tiring workout on this one! Not feeling quite that ambitious? Try the Curry Point and Balancing Rock trail for a considerably easier 4-mile hike.

Note that poison oak is pretty prevalent in this region. It's generally a good idea to cover up exposed skin if you're traipsing around in the undergrowth.

96% (2.6K) • 20 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Berkeley

1. The Meadows at Isleton

95%

(1525)

42mi from Berkeley · 20 sites · Tents, RVs

Once an asparagus farm for Heinz, the property was left neglected for over 25 years. They started to convert the land to a lavender farm when they realized that there was more that they should do to enjoy their journey, hence; they incorporated the camping to share this beautiful location with others. From majestic sunrises to magnificent sunsets, The Meadows offers not only a calm and relaxing atmosphere gained from the Lavenders growing, but also provides a central location to all of the California River Delta venues and experiences. From local wine tasting to boating, fishing or just enjoying the nearby collectic towns, Bring your tent, trailer, or motor home to enjoy the heart of the California river delta. Each campsite is extra large for privacy and room to spread out. Dog-friendly. Watch the sunset while enjoying the picturesque views of the surrounding vineyards. Walk the streets of our historic downtown and visit the small shops and locally-owned restaurants-- Manny’s Barzzeria, Mc Broodery's, Pineapples, or Peters Steak House. Of course, don’t miss out on DeJacks our country store that stocks it all!! Spend the day at the public fishing docks, kayak for the day in the delta waters, or head over to Sherman Islands epic wind/kite surfing areas. Local year-round festivals abound in the Delta and The Meadows is strategically located central to all. Our small town of 800 people will truly give you the feeling of being out of the big city!

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

D

Daniel

3 weeks ago

16 ft car

1 night at The Meadows at Isleton

Everything was great. Lots of space, water, and secluded. Great host.

C

Cody

June 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Meadows at Isleton

For a quick overnight stay, this was perfect. The owner was communicative and accommodating, even offering some traffic and routing guidance.

C

Colleen

June 2025

26 ft Class C

Weekend Trip to The Meadows at Isleton

This was our 2nd trip to the Meadows. Very rustic. it is quiet and very relaxing. Close to town so walking is very doable. we had a good dinner at Peters Steak House, it was good, not excellent. However the waitress was a lot of fun and we enjoyed our experience. Juat know when camping at the meadows, the only amentie is the outhouswe.

P

Patrick

May 2025

20 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to The Meadows at Isleton

It's perfectly set in the fields. Close to downtown, but not too close. The fields are secluded and it feels like we are all alone.

P

Patrick

April 2025

20 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to The Meadows at Isleton

Wonderful! We really enjoyed our evening there. It was the perfect spot to relax and spend the day. The owner was extremely friendly and endeavored to enhance our stay. I would highly recommend.

T

Tracy

February 2025

31 ft Class A

Weekend Trip to The Meadows at Isleton

We had a great time staying at The Meadows. Since we were the only guests, we didn’t stay in site 1 and opted for a site (no #) overlooking a vineyard. Great place, peaceful yet very close to town.