Briones Regional Park

Star4.43
7 reviews
2537 Reliez Valley Road, Martinez, California, 94553 , United States

Quick Facts

1,099 ft

Price

$50 - $300/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Group campsites are ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens East Bay Regional Park District site

Official Website
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Briones Regional Park
$50.00 - $300.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Group camping fees range by site size: Wee-Ta-Chi has a minimum fee of $50 for up to 50 people, Maud Whalen has a minimum fee of $75 for up to 75...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$300.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
1-888-327-2757
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What Campers Say

4.43

Recommended

Based on 7 reviews

1203 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsfriendly

"Users consistently praise the park's scenic beauty and diverse trails, with specific highlights such as 'waves of fog' and 'views from the crest of the hills.' Seasonal attractions like wildflowers and newts are also noted. Some reviews mention challenges, including poison oak and unmarked trails."

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Campground Map

2537 Reliez Valley Road, Martinez, California, 94553 , United States

Briones Regional Park

2537 Reliez Valley Road, Martinez, California, 94553 , United States

Driving directionsFROM HWY 24: exit Orinda Village and head north on Camino Pablo Rd. Shortly after Camino Pablo becomes San Pablo Dam Rd, turn right at the light onto Bear Creek Rd. Bear Creek entrance is on the right, just beyond Happy Valley Rd. FROM HWY 80: exit San Pablo Dam Rd and head east through town past San Pablo Reservoir. Turn left at the light onto Bear Creek Rd and look for Bear Creek park entrance just beyond Happy Valley Rd.
The campground is accessible via paved roads from major highways HWY 24 and HWY 80. Some user reviews note spotty cell phone reception inside the park, suggesting potential challenges for navigation.
Nearby places
Lafayette, Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, Concord, and Martinez (specific distances not provided).
Nearby supplies
Closest grocery, camping supplies, and fuel locations are unspecified. Campers are advised to plan ahead.

Best Time to Camp at Briones Regional Park

Experience nature's dramatic seasonal transformations at Briones, where each time of year paints the landscape with its own unique palette. Autumn mornings wrap the hills in mysterious fog, creating an ethereal atmosphere perfect for early risers. Spring bursts forth with vibrant wildflower displays carpeting the verdant hillsides, while winter's gentle rains transform the terrain into a hiker's paradise of crisp air and clear views. Year-round, you'll enjoy comfortable dry conditions with refreshing breezes and minimal rainfall, making every season an ideal time to explore.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season mid-May–Oct; clear weather and full trail access make summer strong.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Autumn foggy mornings and scenic views noted; trails remain accessible in fall.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring praised for lush greenery, wildflowers and newts; visually best season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Winter scenery is browner; trails accessible but group sites closed outside season.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Mid-May through October.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Group campsites are available for reservation beginning mid-May through October.
  • Current Alerts: Fire and BBQ restrictions vary seasonally; campers are advised to check park alerts for updates.

About Briones Regional Park

Escape to the untamed beauty of Briones Regional Park, where three pristine group camping areas await your adventure. Whether you're gathering with 50 friends at the intimate Wee-Ta-Chi site or hosting up to 300 people at the expansive Homestead Valley, you'll find yourself immersed in a landscape of golden rolling hills and hidden canyon retreats. The Maud Whalen site offers the perfect middle ground, all three nestled within a tapestry of sweeping grasslands and sheltered valleys that define this remarkable wilderness.
Briones Regional Park provides three group camping areas, each designed for large gatherings: Wee-Ta-Chi (up to 50 people), Maud Whalen (up to 75 people), and Homestead Valley (up to 300 people). These campsites are primitive, requiring advanced reservation and adherence to strict park rules.
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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
  • Advanced reservations are required
  • no walk-up availability.

Amenities available

Firewood available
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Briones Regional Park is celebrated for its diverse recreational offerings. 'Hiking, running, and horseback riding over the park's scenic trails' are officially noted as main activities. User reviews enhance this description, highlighting 'picnicking, birdwatching, kite flying, photography, and nature study' as common pastimes. Seasonal variations such as 'newts in the ponds' and springtime wildflowers add to the allure.
HikingThe park features a broad network of trails that traverse grassy hills and shaded forests. Trails vary in elevation, offering panoramic views of natural landmarks like Mount Diablo. User reviews describe the trails as 'mostly double wide,' accommodating hikers of all levels. However, caution is advised on narrower, less-maintained paths due to poison oak.
BikingMountain biking is noted as a popular activity, leveraging the park's challenging terrain and scenic ridges.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a highlight; cows roam the park year-round, and newts populate seasonal ponds in specific periods. Poison oak is noted as a drawback but is generally avoidable on marked trails.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe park hosts annual events like the Bay Area Orienteering Club's orienteering meet, which is open to interested participants.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include poison oak (especially in unmarked trails), mountain lions (spotted at night as per user reviews), and roaming cows. Campers should also watch for cow pies.
Active AlertsFire and BBQ restrictions vary seasonally; campers are advised to check park alerts for updates.

Weather at Briones Regional Park

Reviews

4.4
7 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Briones Regional Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Users consistently praise the park's scenic beauty and diverse trails, with specific highlights such as 'waves of fog' and 'views from the crest of the hills.' Seasonal attractions like wildflowers and newts are also noted. Some reviews mention challenges, including poison oak and unmarked trails.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews

What Campers Love

- 'Magical trails' with scenic fog and panoramic views. - Seasonal attractions like wildflowers and newts. - Family-friendly and varied trails accommodating different activities like biking and...
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Based on 7 reviews

Common Concerns

- Presence of poison oak in some areas. - Poorly marked trails in certain spots. - Limited signage and directions, creating difficulty in navigation.
Based on 7 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Visit during spring for lush greenery and wildflowers. - Wear protective clothing to avoid poison oak. - Carry a map or use a GPS to navigate less-marked trails.
Based on 7 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring is highlighted as the best season for lush greenery, wildflowers, and clear weather. Winter sees a decline in aesthetic appeal due to browner landscapes, but trails remain accessible.
Based on 7 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Magical trails! We got here in the early morning on a weekend in November and it was gorgeous.' - Aaron Durant - 'In the spring, it's beautiful and green with flowers, but it's browner through...
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Based on 7 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

- Homestead Valley is the largest group camping area, accommodating up to 300 people. However, no specific reviews are linked directly to individual campsites.
Based on 7 reviews

Accessibility Features

No user reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 7 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and dogs can hike off-leash except in areas with cattle. This is a notable positive for pet owners.
Based on 7 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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