Campgrounds and RV parks near Sunol, CA

Sunol Regional Wilderness anchors local hiking, with the Little Yosemite gorge along Alameda Creek a popular destination. Note that swimming and wading in Alameda Creek are prohibited to protect endangered species. The Ohlone Wilderness Regional Trail links Sunol to Mission Peak and Del Valle for longer trips. At Mt Diablo State Park, the Summit Trail leaves from near Live Oak, and Rock City's sandstone formations are a hit with kids. OHV riders head to Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area for motocross tracks, hill climbs, and trials terrain across rolling hills and steep canyons. Day trips include Livermore Valley wineries, downtown Pleasanton, and Mission San Jose. From a Coyote Valley RV Resort base, Monterey, Carmel, and Santa Cruz are within easy reach.

Spring is the area's signature season. Hillsides turn green from late winter rains, California poppies, lupines, and goldfields bloom across grasslands, and creek flows peak. Weekends at Sunol Regional Wilderness and Mt Diablo fill quickly, with lines at entrance kiosks common on warm Saturdays. Summer is hot and dry inland. Daytime highs in the Livermore Valley regularly push into the upper 80s and low 90s, and Carnegie can run hotter. Sunol Regional Wilderness is subject to closure or fire restriction during the wildfire season, which generally runs June through October, and open fires and barbecues are not allowed at the preserve. Coastal redwood parks like Portola Redwoods stay markedly cooler and shadier. Fall brings clear skies and mild temperatures, with reduced crowds after Labor Day. Winter is the wet season, with most annual rain falling December through February. Mt Diablo's higher campgrounds can see freezing nights, and the main campground at Portola Redwoods is closed through the winter months, generally reopening in spring.

Hookups vary widely. Coyote Valley RV Resort offers full 30 and 50-amp hookups, big-rig pull-throughs, a pool, clubhouse, laundry, and dog parks. State park campgrounds in this group do not provide hookups; expect picnic tables, fire rings, flush toilets, and drinking water at most sites, with coin-operated showers at Portola Redwoods and at Carnegie. Live Oak's 22 sites sit close together, have no hookups, and cell service is limited. Carnegie offers shade ramadas, fire rings, flush restrooms, and water faucets, with showers on site. Park gates at Mt Diablo close at sunset and reopen at 8:00 AM. Pets are generally allowed in camp and on paved areas but not on most state-park trails. Wildlife includes deer, raccoons, skunks, and the occasional mountain lion.