On a recent trip to visit my daughter near San Francisco, CA, I had the opportunity to spend some time at Del Valle Regional Park located in Oakland, CA. A beautiful park, Del Valle boasts many features for campers and outdoors-lovers to enjoy.
Watershed Map in Del Valle
Visitors may camp at any of the 150 campsites available year-round with provisions for everyone from tent campers to those with large motor homes. There are 21 sites with hookups for water, sewage and 50/30/120 amp electrical services. The campground has restrooms, hot showers, picnic tables and plenty of room to play. In addition to the family camping area, Del Valle also has extensive areas and opportunities for group and wilderness camping. Also, Regional Parks naturalists present campfire programs in the Family Campground Amphitheater on weekend evenings during summer.
Bait and snack shop
Additional recreational opportunities abound in the park as well. Miles of scenic hiking and riding trails can be found on the east side of the park. Hiking is permitted in all areas of the park except the restricted area near the dam located at the end of Lake Del Valle.
Fishing is prime at Del Valle during winter months. The park is home to Lake Del Valle, a beautiful natural lake with regular trout plants from October through May by the California Department of Fish and Game. Largemouth and smallmouth bass bite well in the spring and summer, as do a variety of panfish. There were many people fishing the day we visited the park and it looked as if the fishing was good.
There is a lovely beach area at which swimming is permitted. In addition, canoes, rowboats, pedal boats, motor boats, patio boats and kayaks are available for rental at the boat launch area. Lake tours are also available. The area also offers food, bait, tackle and firewood.
If you are looking for a campground to spend some time enjoying the outdoors in northern California area, Lake Del Valle is not to be missed. Fees are reasonable. Camping without hookups is $22 per night; with hookups it is $45 per night. The reservation fee is $8 per night, but well worth the cost, as sites are reserved quickly. Every site was spoken for on Memorial Day weekend. Kate indicated this was true most summer weekends. As long as you have a site, a wonderful camping experience is all but guaranteed.
Read more about California camping and things to do in California.
