Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area Campground

4.52

23 reviews

18600 West Corral Hollow Road, Tracy, CA 95376

Quick Facts

636 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

23 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens California State Parks, OHMVR Division site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

636 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

23 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens California State Parks, OHMVR Division site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area Campground

$10.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping is $10.00 per night per vehicle. Day-use fee is $5.00 per vehicle.

Standard Site Fee$10.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Reserve California

Provider

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

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What Campers Say

4.52

Top-Rated

Based on 23 reviews

465 Google reviews

Most mentioned

clean

Some mention

noise

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

18600 West Corral Hollow Road, Tracy, CA 95376

Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area Campground

18600 West Corral Hollow Road, Tracy, CA 95376

Driving directionsAccess Carnegie SVRA from Tracy via Corral Hollow Road, as Tesla Road is closed at MM 9.5. Drive approximately 20 miles from Tracy and follow signage to the park entrance.

The park is accessible via Corral Hollow Road, which is paved. Tesla Road is closed at MM 9.5, making Corral Hollow the sole viable access. Seasonal closures may affect accessibility during extreme weather.

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.

Best Time to Camp at Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area Campground

Experience the classic California Mediterranean climate where sun-drenched summers give way to refreshing winter rains. The hot, dry summer months offer endless riding opportunities, while winter brings dramatic transformation as rain sweeps across the landscape. Seasoned visitors know the secret: arrive just after a light rain when the dust has settled and the trails are at their prime riding condition. Be aware that heavy winter storms can temporarily close access due to flooding, adding an element of nature's unpredictability to your adventure planning.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

2.0 / 5

Hot, dry and often windy summers; campers note securing tents and dusty conditions.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

Mediterranean climate suggests pleasant fall conditions; fewer explicit review details.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

After light rains scenery improves and riding conditions are good; reviews note spring/wet benefits.

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Top 12% in CA

Winter is considered best for riding; clay firms after rain, reducing dust and improving trails.

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

About Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area Campground

Nestled in the heart of California's rugged terrain, Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area Campground welcomes adventure seekers with 23 thoughtfully designed sites that serve as your basecamp for off-highway exploration. Each site comes equipped with its own picnic table, fire pit, and protective shade ramada, creating the perfect outdoor living space. Fresh water faucets are conveniently positioned to serve every three sites, while modern amenities including coin-operated showers and flush toilets ensure comfort after a day of dusty trails. Whether you're drawn to the challenging valley floor routes or the winding paths through surrounding hills, this compact campground puts you right at the gateway to thrilling OHV adventures.

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 SignificanceThis land tells a story spanning thousands of years, from the Muwekma Ohlone and Bay Miwok peoples who first called these hills home, to the coal miners who carved their fortunes from the earth in the 1850s. The early 1900s saw the rise of the Carnegie Brick and Pottery Company, whose industrial legacy still whispers through the landscape. Today, explorers can discover weathered remnants of the old brickworks scattered throughout the park, silent monuments to California's industrial past standing in stark contrast to the natural beauty that has reclaimed the land.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the classic California Mediterranean climate where sun-drenched summers give way to refreshing winter rains. The hot, dry summer months offer endless riding opportunities, while winter brings dramatic transformation as rain sweeps across the landscape. Seasoned visitors know the secret: arrive just after a light rain when the dust has settled and the trails are at their prime riding condition. Be aware that heavy winter storms can temporarily close access due to flooding, adding an element of nature's unpredictability to your adventure planning.

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 embraces the campground with a landscape that captures the raw beauty of California's interior. Rolling hills cascade into steep, rugged canyons where seasonal streams have carved dry, rocky washes perfect for technical riding. Majestic blue oaks and grey pines dot the golden grasslands, while California buckeye adds splashes of seasonal color. Keep your eyes skyward for red-tailed hawks circling on thermals, and you might spot majestic tule elk grazing the hillsides at dawn. As evening falls, listen for the haunting calls of coyotes while black-tailed deer emerge from the shadows to browse the native bunchgrasses.

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.

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 are arranged along the valley floor with shared water faucets between every three sites. All sites include shade ramadas, fire pits, and picnic tables.

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

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

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.

HikingHiking opportunities exist within the Carnegie SVRA, though they are not the primary focus due to the area's emphasis on OHV activities. Trails are shared with vehicles and can vary in difficulty.

BikingBiking is allowed on the designated trails within the recreation area, but the primary focus is on motorized vehicles. Terrain can include steep climbs and rugged paths.

Wildlife viewingWildlife commonly seen in the area includes black-tailed deer, coyotes, and birds of prey such as red-tailed hawks and kestrels. Visitors may also spot tule elk and other mammals.

Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe 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.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

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

Active AlertsSeasonal trail closures due to rain and flooding. Tesla Road is closed at MM 9.5, restricting access to Corral Hollow Road.

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

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.

Weather at Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area Campground

Reviews

4.5

23 reviews

Top-Rated

Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% 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 23 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 23 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 23 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 23 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 23 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 23 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

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

Based on 23 reviews

Accessibility Features

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

Based on 23 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 23 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026

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