How much does camping cost at Sunol?

Camping fees at Sunol range from $15-$50/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Sunol first-come first-served or reservation?

Sunol accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Sunol before I book?

Yes! Sunol has 2 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Sunol?

Sunol is open No specific open or closed season dates provided.. 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 Sunol?

Sunol does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Sunol have?

Sunol has 18 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Sunol?

Pets are not allowed at Sunol. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Sunol?

Sunol offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Sunol?

Popular activities at Sunol include Hiking, Wildlife Viewing, Climbing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Sunol

Q: Can I have a campfire at Sunol?

Fire policies at Sunol: Campfires are prohibited at backpack sites. Fires are allowed only in designated areas and must use commercially purchased wood.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.00

11 reviews

1895 Geary Road, Sunol, California, 94586, United States

Top 11% in CAFall

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

440 ft

Price

$15 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

18 campsites

Season

No specific open or ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Book on East Bay Regional Park District Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

440 ft

Price

$15 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

18 campsites

Season

No specific open or ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Book on East Bay Regional Park District Official Website

Get Directions

Sunol

$15.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees vary based on site type and amenities. No data is provided regarding specific site fees for hookups or premium locations.

Hike and Bike Site Fee$15.00

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Reserve America

Provider

88832727574559

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

1895 Geary Road, Sunol, California, 94586, United States

Sunol

1895 Geary Road, Sunol, California, 94586, United States

Nearby places

Oakland and Berkeley (approximately 1 hour by car), San Francisco and the Peninsula (longer drive).

Nearby supplies

Visitors should bring plenty of drinking water as none is available in the park. Additional supplies are not mentioned nearby.

Driving directionsFrom Fremont - Head north on I-680 and exit at Calaveras Road. Turn right on Calaveras and proceed to Geary Road, which leads directly into the park. From Oakland/Berkeley - Head east on I-580 to the I-680 junction in Pleasanton. Head south on I-680 and exit at Calaveras Road/Highway 84 just south of the town of Pleasanton. Turn left onto Calaveras Road and proceed to Geary Road, which leads directly into the park. From Walnut Creek/Danville - Head south on I-680 and exit at Calaveras Road/Highway 84, just south of the town of Pleasanton. Turn left onto Calaveras Road and proceed to Geary Road, which leads directly into the park.

Road access to Sunol is via paved roads, specifically Calaveras Road and Geary Road, which are accessible year-round. No seasonal closures are mentioned.

Weather at Sunol

Current alert: Stricter fire restrictions may be in place during certain seasons. Visitors are advised to check ebparks.org/alerts-closures for updates.

Best Time to Camp at Sunol

Fall delivers the best conditions: cool mornings in the upper 40s to low 50s, afternoons in the mid-60s to low 70s, and reliably dry trails. Winter sees temperatures around 43°F at dawn, warming to 60°F by afternoon. Summer peaks at 86°F, better tackled with early starts. Wildlife viewing is strongest in fall when animals are active in cooler weather. Cell phone reception is spotty inside the park.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 11% in CA

Fall noted as best: cool mornings, mid-60s afternoons, dry and reliable trails.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: No specific open or closed season dates provided.

About Sunol

Sunol Regional Wilderness offers backpack-in campsites along the Ohlone Wilderness Trail, 18 primitive spots scattered across 6,859 acres at 440 feet elevation. The campground sits on Pleasanton's southeastern edge, managed by East Bay Regional Park District. Sites range from 3 to 30 people. Fees run $15-50 per night. Expect vault toilets, picnic tables, and no potable water.

Sunol Regional Wilderness provides backpack camping only, with no amenities for RVs, groups, or glamping.

Historical Significance

The Ohlone people first traveled these trails. Spanish ranchers later introduced cattle grazing, a practice the park district continues today as part of its multi-use management approach.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the best conditions: cool mornings in the upper 40s to low 50s, afternoons in the mid-60s to low 70s, and reliably dry trails. Winter sees temperatures around 43°F at dawn, warming to 60°F by afternoon. Summer peaks at 86°F, better tackled with early starts. Wildlife viewing is strongest in fall when animals are active in cooler weather. Cell phone reception is spotty inside the park.

ElevationThe trail winds through varying elevations across the wilderness, offering both challenging climbs and gentle meadow strolls that reward hikers with ever-changing perspectives of the East Bay landscape.

Natural Features and SceneryThe wilderness spreads across varied terrain where oak-studded hillsides meet seasonal creeks and open meadows. Golden grasses dominate the landscape in fall, creating classic California scenery. Cattle still graze portions of the acreage, a working legacy of the region's ranching past. The remote ridge camps deliver views across rolling hills with little sign of nearby development.

Geological RegionPerched on the southeastern edge of San Francisco Bay near Pleasanton, Sunol Regional Wilderness encompasses 6,859 acres of varied terrain under the thoughtful stewardship of the East Bay Regional Park District. This remarkable landscape showcases the region's geological diversity, from ancient rock formations to fertile valleys, all managed through a progressive multi-use philosophy that balances recreation with traditional cattle grazing—creating a living landscape where nature, history, and outdoor adventure converge.

Scenic ViewsThe campsites are located along the Ohlone Wilderness Trail, providing scenic views of the ridge connecting Sunol to Del Valle.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available as this campground is dedicated to backpack-style camping.

Programs & ActivitiesNaturalists lead educational hikes, trail rides, and backpacking adventures. The Indian Joe Nature Trail offers a self-guided experience.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Stay limits are not explicitly mentioned.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Varies by site type, ranging from 3 to 30 guests.

Groups

Group sites can accommodate up to 30 people at specific locations, such as SUN BP STARS REST.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites are sparse and spread out, offering privacy. The wilderness trail system distributes camps across the acreage rather than concentrating them in loops.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made by calling the EBRPD Reservations Department at 1-888-327-2757 (option 2).

Walk-in AvailabilityNo mention of first-come, first-served availability; all backpack campsites appear to require reservations.

Cancellation PolicyContact the EBRPD Reservations Department for cancellations or changes at 1-888-327-2757 (option 2).

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned, and the terrain may pose challenges as trails are described as 'fairly steep uphill.

Site SizeSites range in capacity, accommodating between 3-30 people.

PrivacySites are described as sparse and provide a private, wilderness experience.

Total Campsites18 campsites

Recommended SitesVisitors are advised to hike uphill trails before making a reservation due to their steepness.

Best CampsitesBoyd's #2 accommodates up to 16 people, suitable for larger groups. Reviews mention private camps along the Ohlone ridge that appeal to backpackers seeking solitude.

Need help booking Sunol?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

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Booking tips & windows

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Sunol Regional Wilderness provides minimal amenities primarily targeted towards backpackers. "Visitors should bring plenty of drinking water, there is none available in the park." The campground has chemical toilets but no potable water. Several facilities are mentioned, including a visitor center, picnic tables, equestrian staging, horseback riding trails, and access to the Ohlone Wilderness Trail.

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Sunol Regional Wilderness offers activities such as hiking, horseback riding, rock climbing, and naturalist-led tours. The Ohlone Wilderness Trail is a centerpiece, providing a challenging hiking experience.

Hiking

Climbing

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSteep trails from Sunol Regional can pose challenges for hikers carrying gear. Cell phone reception is spotty. Water is not potable and must be filtered.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; chemical toilets are provided instead.

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.

Fire PolicyCampfires are prohibited at backpack sites. Fires are allowed only in designated areas and must use commercially purchased wood.

Emergency ServicesIn case of emergency, call 911 from a pay phone or (510) 881-1121 from a cell phone. Emergency cell reception may be spotty.

Trash & RecyclingNo information about trash or recycling facilities is provided. Campers are advised to clean up their sites before departing.

Water FeaturesCreeks are available within the facility but require water filtering.

Camp HostNo campground host details are mentioned.

Cell CoverageOfficial sources indicate "CELL PHONE RECEPTION MAY BE SPOTTY INSIDE PARKS."

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

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

From Booking Sources

4.0

11 reviews

Satisfactory

Sunol is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Sunol Regional Wilderness is praised for its natural beauty and challenging hiking trails. However, minimal amenities and the lack of potable water are common concerns.

Review Summaries

Based on 11 reviews

What Campers Love

'Beautiful private camps along the Ohlone ridge' and 'great for backpackers seeking solitude.'

Based on 11 reviews

Common Concerns

'No potable water available,' 'steep uphill trails,' and 'sparse facilities for travelers.'

Based on 11 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

'SUN BP STARS REST' is suitable for large groups (up to 30), while smaller sites like 'SUN BP SKY' accommodate up to 3 people. Privacy and wilderness experience are consistent across locations.

Based on 11 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring plenty of drinking water and prepare for steep trails. Filtered water may be available from natural sources.

Based on 11 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Hiking conditions may be challenging in summer due to heat, and cell phone reception is generally unreliable year-round.

Based on 11 reviews

Camper Quotes

1) 'Beautiful private camps along the Ohlone ridge connecting Sunol to Del Valle.' 2) 'The camps are sparse for travelers. Pit toilets and water that needs to be filtered (if available).' 3) 'The...

Based on 11 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific feedback on accessibility is available; the steep terrain may challenge individuals with mobility concerns.

Based on 11 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not allowed at this campground.

Based on 11 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Backpackers who want genuine solitude an hour from Oakland. Fall is the sweet spot: dry trails, cool mornings, active wildlife, and golden-grass ridgelines connecting Sunol to Del Valle. Group site SUN BP STARS REST fits up to 30 people.

Skip if

Car campers, RV travelers, or anyone expecting a spigot. There is zero potable water on site, trails to the ridge camps run steep with a full pack, no pets are allowed, and cell reception drops out once you're inside the park.

Nearby Campgrounds

7000 DEL VALLE ROAD, LIVERMORE, California, 94550, United States

Del Valle Family Campground spreads 150 sites across 4,316 acres of oak-studded hills in California's East Bay, about 10 miles south of Livermore. The East Bay Regional Park District manages this lakeside setup where campers can reserve tent sites, RV hookups (up to 90 feet), or cabins for $35-$50 per night. The campground delivers full amenities. Hot showers, flush toilets, a camp store. But cell service is nonexistent, and mosquitoes can be aggressive after sunset.