Lake Camping Near San Ramon, California, US: 12 Best Lake Campsites 2025

Looking to experience the great outdoors near San Ramon, California with a lake as your backdrop? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 500 options available, you'll find the perfect campsite to suit your needs. Whether you're a seasoned camper or new to the game, Hipcamp has you covered. Check out top-rated campsites like Finnon Lake Recreation Area (780 reviews), The Meadows at Isleton (514 reviews), and Walden Ranch (418 reviews) for tried-and-true options. Enjoy popular amenities such as campfires, pet-friendly sites, and toilets. And don't forget to take advantage of the nearby activities like surfing, snow sports, and climbing. With an average price per night of $66 and options as low as $25, Hipcamp is your go-to for a memorable camping experience!

96% (1.7K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Looking to experience the great outdoors near San Ramon, California with a lake as your backdrop? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 500 options available, you'll find the perfect campsite to suit your needs. Whether you're a seasoned camper or new to the game, Hipcamp has you covered. Check out top-rated campsites like Finnon Lake Recreation Area (780 reviews), The Meadows at Isleton (514 reviews), and Walden Ranch (418 reviews) for tried-and-true options. Enjoy popular amenities such as campfires, pet-friendly sites, and toilets. And don't forget to take advantage of the nearby activities like surfing, snow sports, and climbing. With an average price per night of $66 and options as low as $25, Hipcamp is your go-to for a memorable camping experience!

96% (1.7K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. The Ranch at Cross Road

96%

(652)

15mi from San Ramon · 12 sites · Tents, RVs · Livermore, CA

Welcome to the ranch at cross road! We are a family owned organic farm in the heart of Livermore wine country. We have 10 camp sites spread across the property for you to choose from. The property is 15 minutes from Lake Del Valle and some of the best wineries and breweries California has to offer. Settle in and enjoy amazing sunsets every night with us! We accommodate tents,Travel trailers, Fifth wheels, Toy haulers, Pop-up campers, Class A RVs, Class B RVs, Class C RVs, Campervans, and Cars. Our guests love us too! "I had a wonderful stay at Matt’s ranch! It was easy to find even as it was starting to get dark, and the campsites were well lit and easy to find. The ranch is beautiful. It was such a treat to stay here. I would definitely stay again."

2. Walden Ranch

99%

(919)

49mi from San Ramon · 2 sites · Tents · Linden, CA

Walden Ranch began with the purchase of a neighboring 20 acres. Couple that with the inspiration of Thoreau's lines and life at the real Walden Pond, the ranch has grown to nearly 300 acres and the small ranch pond has grown to a 5-acre lake with a 3-acre forest and home. Scouts, family and church groups use the site for gatherings. Available are canoes, bonfire, and exploring the ranch's 300-head cattle, llamas, poultry and wildlife. Fires always allowed at fire ring. You are welcome to bring your own wood. Pitch your tent in a forest setting alongside a lake on a working cattle ranch. Watch wildlife or hike to smaller lakes on the ranch. Other animals include dogs, llamas, geese, chickens, and horses. The ranch is within a 20 minute drive to either Stockton or Lodi, CA and is surrounded by vineyards, orchards and pastures. Outdoor flush toilets, sink, tables and fire ring available. Forested area is set amidst grazing lands. This "Walden" even has willow trees slipped from a tree near Thoreau's cabin near Walden Pond, MA. Owner looks forward to sharing this peaceful, special spot!

3. The Meadows at Isleton

95%

(1523)

32mi from San Ramon · 20 sites · Tents, RVs · Isleton, CA

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!

Public campgrounds near San Ramon

Smoke on the Water. Early morning fog over Lake Chabot. This is the morning view from campsite 71. Campsites 69-73 all sit on the hill overlooking the Lake.

94%

(33)

Anthony Chabot Family Campground

9.6mi from San Ramon · 78 sites · Tents, RVs · in Anthony Chabot Regional Park

Awesome camp ground - amazing views and spectacular oak trees. Lots of families, so not very quiet, but that's car camping for you.

89%

(36)

Coe Ranch Campground

45mi from San Ramon · 27 sites · Tents, RVs · in Henry W. Coe State Park

93%

(23)

Glen Campground

49mi from San Ramon · 11 sites · in Point Reyes National Seashore

99%

(79)

Wildcat Campground

49mi from San Ramon · 7 sites · in Point Reyes National Seashore

Stories from the community

A

Aaron

3 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Walden Ranch

This place is special. If you’re looking to get up close with herds of cattle, alpaca, horses, mules, farm dogs, geese and a massive pig this is the spot. Be prepared for lots of night noises- the animals talked all night long. We had great weather and the place to ourselves which was a treat but this farm would be great for groups. Our dog was off leash running with the farm dogs most of the time- and you could smell it on her. Alan’s dogs were very gentle, but they have free range. There was also a comically large pig wandering about. If Alan asks if you want to feed the herd, say yes! We witnessed a minutes-old calf getting up on her feet, while we slinging hay. It was a very cool experience. We would definitely come back for a visit.

C

Chase

November 2025

16 ft travel trailer

4 nights at The Ranch at Cross Road

Tons of space. Beautiful farm. Bathroom clean with a fun partially outdoor shower. Overall, would recommend.

B

Barb

October 2025

35 ft Class A

With pets

2 nights at The Ranch at Cross Road

The setting is beautiful. Out in the country with a very large hill behind you and many in front of you. Some livestock and QUIET. It is so quiet; it's wonderful. The physical spaces are wide set which is really nice. I couldn't hear our generator when I took our pup for her morning constitutional once I got to the next space. Having the gate for security is excellent. You get the code once your reservation is finalized. Matt was very responsive to emails sent thru Hipcamp. We'll stay at The Ranch again. We have a 35' motorhome and pull a Jeep.

S

Sharon

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at Walden Ranch

As a solo female camper, I couldn’t have asked for a more welcoming or unforgettable experience. The ranch itself stretches across 300 acres of pure peace and wide-open beauty—complete with cows, donkeys, and even a sweet little calf that stole my heart (and got its bottle from me!). The mornings—or, more accurately, the very early mornings—were accompanied by peacocks and roosters who seem to think 3:30 AM is sunrise. Instead of being annoyed, I laughed every time. It’s part of the ranch’s charm: nature doing whatever nature wants. The highlight of my stay was joining the host to feed the cattle. I never realized how vocal cows could be until I was surrounded by a chorus of them, each with their own personality and voice. It was grounding, beautiful, and completely mesmerizing. If you’re craving solitude, connection with animals, and a slice of real country life, this place is a must. It’s safe, peaceful, and full of small, magical moments that remind you how good it feels to slow down and just be.

A

Amit

October 2025

16 ft car

1 night at The Ranch at Cross Road

Love the Camp sites. Nice clean and very responsive host.

T

Tharindu

October 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to The Ranch at Cross Road

The place was pretty good. The bathroom was clean and well equipped. The ranch had everything for a quiet and calm sleep.

Janelle

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Ranch at Cross Road

Had a great experience camping here! The bathrooms can be a little bit of a walk from some of the sites, but I was impressed that the bathrooms were very clean and well stocked. I was extra impressed with the porta-potty’s automatic lights that flicked on when it was dark as well as the sink for hand washing outside. This is a great place to camp if you have a large group since there are a lot of sites that can easily be combined. I’d recommend to arrive early if coming with a group and looking to combine sites since the sites are first come first serve. Lake Del Valle was about 25 min drive away and there were several wineries within 1-15 minute drive. There was even a dispensary 6 minutes away which was a pleasant surprise.

Cassandra

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Ranch at Cross Road

Easy access. Flat ground. Great facilities. 100% recommend if you're looking for a hassle free, worry free place to camp.

Beautiful place to camp. I sleep great here every time.

Rick

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Ranch at Cross Road

Camping at Matt's ranch never disappoints. Fell asleep to near silence, woke to an occasional coyote call, and slept in until 8am when a far off rooster decided it was morning. Bathroom was clean, property was gorgeous, love this place.

A

Alwyn

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Walden Ranch

My family and I enjoyed tent camping on Alan’s land. Very kind and willing to share not only the campground but all of the activities around. Thanks for a great stay.

A

Aimee

October 2025

23 ft travel trailer

4 nights at The Ranch at Cross Road

Communication went smoothly throughout our stay. The site felt spacious, quiet and safe while still being centrally located. We would definitely camp here again.

C

Claire

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Walden Ranch

Beautiful location, quiet and private with lots of space

S

Sam

October 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at Walden Ranch

Alan is a great host! He took us with him to feed the cattle. I hope everyone get to experience the camp! I will definitely come back again!

C

Crystal

October 2025

21 ft travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Ranch at Cross Road

We enjoyed our stay. There was lots of space for the kids to play and not interrupt anyone else’s campsites. The kids loved visiting the goats and the swing.

C

Cara

October 2025

Tent

3 nights at Walden Ranch

Loved, loved, loved the meadow, the ponds, feeding hay to the herds, picking up carrots to feed the two horses and two so lies. Alan is a kind man who adopted 7 dogs so our two felt right at home off leash. The farm is >300 acres. We’lll be back!

M

Mika

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Walden Ranch

I had a wonderful weekend at the farm. It’s a peaceful and beautiful place with cows, dogs, lamas and many more. My three pups had a blast running around and getting to know everyone. The owner is a wonderful person and I will for sure be back to camp here.

B

Brook

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

1 night at Walden Ranch

Very cute pumpkins and light decorations for Halloween. Animals were adorable and good spots to set up. Great experience.

S

Sabrina

October 2025

18 ft campervan

1 night at The Ranch at Cross Road

We really liked the Camping ground on Matt's land. It's big, and beautiful. You've got everything you need. 😊 Would definitely come again.

L

Lisa

October 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Walden Ranch

If I lived in a city down there I'd be bringing my kids to this place. I was just passing through. At night you can hear the baby dinosaurs crying out from the trees. It's amazing...

R

Richard

September 2025

Tent

1 night at The Ranch at Cross Road

Communicative host & a nice bathroom / shower set up. Id stay here again 👍