How much does camping cost at Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area Campground?

Camping fees at Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area Campground range from $10/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. All 23 sites are first-come, first-served. User reviews suggest they are reasonably available.

What is the best time to visit Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area Campground?

Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area Campground is open Not specified, but conditions are best in winter and after light rain, as per user reviews.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area Campground?

Yes, Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area Campground have?

Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area Campground has 23 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area Campground?

Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Pets Allowed, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area Campground?

Popular activities at Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area Campground include Hiking, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area Campground?

Fire policies at Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area Campground: Fires are only allowed in provided fire pits with purchased firewood. Ground fires and gathering wood are prohibited.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.48

31 reviews

18600 West Corral Hollow Road, Tracy, CA 95376

Top 9% in CAWinter

Featured in:Summer Camping California

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

636 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

23 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on California State Parks, OHMVR Division Official Website

Get Directions

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

636 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

23 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on California State Parks, OHMVR Division Official Website

Get Directions

Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area Campground

$10.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees: Day use is $5.00. Camping is $10.00 per night and per vehicle.

Standard Site Fee$10.00

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Reserve California

Provider

925-447-9027ohvinfo@parks.ca.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

18600 West Corral Hollow Road, Tracy, CA 95376

Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area Campground

18600 West Corral Hollow Road, Tracy, CA 95376

Nearby places

Tracy (approximately 20 miles), Livermore (approximately 21 miles).

Nearby supplies

MotoMart store in the park provides firewood, food, off-road parts, and accessories. Livermore and Tracy are the nearest cities for grocery stores and fuel supplies.

Weather at Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area Campground

Current alert: Seasonal trail closures due to rain and flooding. Tesla Road is closed at MM 9.5, restricting access to Corral Hollow Road.

Best Time to Camp at Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area Campground

Winter brings the best riding. After California rains green the canyons, trails turn tacky and rideable. Daytime highs run 50 to 65°F, nighttime lows drop to the mid-30s or mid-40s. Heavy storms can close washes temporarily, but between storms the views peak and crowds thin out. Summer is hot and dry with afternoon winds strong enough to require extra rope for securing gear. Visitors who arrive just after a light rain hit the trails at their prime: dust settled, traction solid.

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Top 9% in CA

Reviews: 'Winter brings the best riding'; temps 50–65°F daytime, trails tacky after rains.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Not specified, but conditions are best in winter and after light rain, as per user reviews.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round.

About Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area Campground

Carnegie SVRA Campground sits on the valley floor of Corral Hollow Canyon, 636 feet up where Alameda and San Joaquin counties meet. Twenty-three sites with gravel pads (up to 75 feet) and ramadas cost $10 per night and accommodate eight people each. The campground has flush toilets, coin showers, and a camp store. Road noise from a nearby highway carries into camp, especially at night.

The campground primarily caters to tent and RV camping, with basic amenities provided. Group sites and glamping options are not available, and there are no advanced features like electric or water hookups for RVs.

Historical Significance

The Muwekma Ohlone and Bay Miwok lived here first. Coal miners worked the hills in the 1850s. The Carnegie Brick and Pottery Company operated in the early 1900s, and weathered remnants of the old brickworks still scatter through the park.

Weather and SeasonsWinter brings the best riding. After California rains green the canyons, trails turn tacky and rideable. Daytime highs run 50 to 65°F, nighttime lows drop to the mid-30s or mid-40s. Heavy storms can close washes temporarily, but between storms the views peak and crowds thin out. Summer is hot and dry with afternoon winds strong enough to require extra rope for securing gear. Visitors who arrive just after a light rain hit the trails at their prime: dust settled, traction solid.

ElevationYour camping adventure unfolds across a dramatic vertical landscape where elevations sweep from 650 feet in the lower valleys to 1,750 feet atop the surrounding peaks. This thousand-foot elevation range creates diverse riding conditions and spectacular vantage points, offering everything from gentle valley cruising to challenging hillside climbs that reward riders with panoramic views of the California countryside.

Natural Features and SceneryCorral Hollow Canyon unfolds in layers: oak-studded grasslands on gentle hills, rocky washes carved by seasonal streams, steep canyon walls in the distance. Blue oaks and grey pines scatter across the golden slopes. California buckeye adds seasonal color. Red-tailed hawks circle overhead. Tule elk graze the hillsides at dawn. Coyotes call at dusk while black-tailed deer browse the native bunchgrasses. The terrain shifts constantly, shaped by millions of years of tectonic movement and erosion.

Geological RegionPositioned where Alameda County's eastern edge meets San Joaquin County's western frontier, the campground sits within the dramatic folds of California's coastal hills. Corral Hollow Canyon showcases nature's sculptural prowess through its varied terrain—from gentle rolling hills clothed in oak-studded grasslands to challenging rocky washes and steep canyon walls that test both vehicle and driver. This diverse geological playground offers riders an ever-changing canvas of natural obstacles and scenic rewards, all carved by millions of years of tectonic forces and erosion.

Scenic ViewsCampers can enjoy views of the rugged hills and canyons. User reviews often highlight the scenic beauty, especially after rainfall when the landscape turns green.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground does not offer hotel-style lodging, but it features basic camping accommodations including ramadas and fire rings.

Programs & ActivitiesThe park offers Junior Ranger programs and educational opportunities about the area's history, including its significance to local tribes and its role in California's coal mining and brick production industries.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 pm

Check-out

12:00 pm

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit not stated. All campsites are first-come, first-served.

Guests Allowed Per Site

No restrictions stated for the number of people per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSites line the valley floor in an open layout with shared water faucets serving every three sites. Each site has a gravel driveway, ramada for shade, fire pit, and picnic table. Some pull-through options exist. Privacy is limited due to the clustered arrangement.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available; all sites are first-come, first-served.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll 23 sites are first-come, first-served. User reviews suggest they are reasonably available.

Cancellation PolicyNot applicable as all sites are first-come, first-served.

AccessibilityAccessibility features include ADA-compliant showers and toilet facilities. The campground is designed to accommodate individuals with disabilities.

Site SizeSites can accommodate up to 8 people and 1 vehicle per site. The driveway surface is gravel, with some pull-through options available. The maximum pad length is 75 feet.

PrivacyCampsites have partial shade provided by ramadas and are relatively clustered. Privacy may be limited due to the open layout.

Total Campsites23 campsites

Recommended SitesReviews recommend visiting after light rain for reduced dust and scenic landscape. Bring earplugs due to road noise and dress warmly for cooler nights.

Amenities available

Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area Campground offers a range of amenities designed to support both camping and recreational activities. There are 23 designated campsites, each furnished with a picnic table, a fire ring, and a shade ramada. Showers are available but are coin-operated, requiring quarters. Potable water can be accessed from three faucets distributed across the campground. Flush toilets are located on the east and west ends of the camping area. Additionally, campers can purchase firewood at the on-site MotoMart store. The campground is located within a dry, desert-like environment, offering basic facilities in a well-maintained area. According to user reviews, the campground is described as "meticulous" and "very clean and well kept." However, one review notes that car noise from a nearby busy road can be disruptive, and earplugs are recommended.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

The campground is located within the Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area, which offers a variety of activities for off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts. The park features designated trails for dirt bikes, ATVs, and 4x4 vehicles, as well as hill climbs and tracks for different skill levels. For non-OHV users, the area offers wildlife viewing opportunities and scenic landscapes. One user review highlights the enjoyment of watching OHV activities from the campground.

Hiking

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe area is home to rattlesnakes and poison oak. Visitors are advised to stay on trails and avoid bushy areas.

Food Storage RequiredFood lockers provided at some campsites; included in standard camping fees.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyFires are only allowed in provided fire pits with purchased firewood. Ground fires and gathering wood are prohibited.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services include a 911 payphone located in front of the west restroom within the campground. The nearest hospital and police facilities are located in Tracy.

Trash & RecyclingTrash cans are provided at each campsite. There are no recycling facilities explicitly mentioned.

Water FeaturesNo significant water features nearby. Potable water faucets located between every three campsites.

Camp HostNot explicitly mentioned in authoritative sources or user reviews.

Cell CoverageSome users mention cell service availability, but it is inconsistent. There is an AT&T tower near the campground, which has been noted to provide coverage.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

31 reviews

Recommended

Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews generally praise the campground for its cleanliness and well-maintained facilities. Visitors appreciate the convenience of amenities like potable water, picnic tables, and fire rings. However, some users mention noise from a nearby road and two-way traffic on trails as drawbacks.

Review Summaries

Based on 31 reviews

What Campers Love

"Facilities are meticulous and the limited camping spaces are as comfortable as anyone could hope to expect in a desert area." "Very clean and well kept." "Great spot for families; plenty of...

Based on 31 reviews

Common Concerns

Noise from a nearby road, especially at night, can be disruptive. Some users also express concerns about the two-way traffic on trails, mentioning the potential for collisions.

Based on 31 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific sites are not highlighted in user reviews, though all 23 sites are equipped with similar amenities.

Based on 31 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring earplugs to mitigate road noise at night. Visit shortly after a light rain for the best riding conditions. Ensure all vehicles have spark arrestors and meet noise regulations.

Based on 31 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter is considered the best time for riding, as the clay soil becomes firm and less dusty after rain. Summer evenings can be windy, necessitating extra rope for securing tents.

Based on 31 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Fun to sit and watch the off-road guests as they enjoy all the great space that has been provided for their use." "Bring warmer clothes for the nights because delta winds can be strong in warmer...

Based on 31 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific user reviews address accessibility, but the campground features ADA-compliant showers and restrooms.

Based on 31 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash. User reviews do not mention specific experiences with pets.

Based on 31 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Dirt bikers, ATV riders, and 4x4 crews who want gravel pads long enough for 75-foot rigs, coin showers, a camp store with spare parts, and first-come sites that rarely fill on weekdays. Winter and early spring are the sweet spot.

Skip if

Highway noise carries into every site after 10 p.m., so light sleepers without earplugs will struggle. There's no fishing, no swimming, trails share space with motorized vehicles, and Tesla Road is currently closed at MM 9.5, so confirm your access route via Corral Hollow Road be

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