Group Camping: Frequently Asked Questions

Group campsite reservations are by phone only. Check availability at ReserveAmerica.com before you call. Search by park name. “C” = CALL – the date is available.

• What are the seasonal group campsite closure dates?
• Where are group campsites located?
• How do I make a group camp reservation?
• Who can use the group campsites?
• What is the difference between a primitive and developed group campsite?
• How much does it cost to reserve a group camp?
• When can I make a group camp reservation?
• What is the policy for security deposits?
• How many parking passes will I receive? And how many cars allowed per site?
• Can I bring my RV, motorhome, trailer, or bus to my group campsite reservation
• How do I CANCEL or CHANGE my reservation?
• What is the cancellation/rescheduling policy for rain/bad weather?
• Where can I build a fire?
• Which group camping sites allow alcohol with a beer and wine permit?
• What other permits to I need?
• Can I have friends or family come to my group campsite for the day?
• Are dogs allowed?  If so, are there any additional fees?
• What are the quiet hours?
• What is the maximum amount of nights I can stay in a group campsite?

What are the seasonal group campsite closure dates? 

Please see the Seasonal and Site Closure List (PDF) for details.  Closing and opening dates are subject to change.

Where are group campsites located?

Anthony Chabot, Black Diamond, Briones, Coyote Hills, Del Valle, Garin, Las Trampas, Point Pinole, Redwood, Round Valley, and Tilden all have primitive group campsites. Anthony Chabot and Del Valle also have developed group campsites which sit inside the family campgrounds.

How do I make a group camp reservation?

Group campsite reservations can only be made over the phone. Call the Reservations Department at 1-888-327-2757, option 2. For persons with hearing impairments, please use the Telecommunications Relay Service at 711. *For Canadian residents, please use 510-544-2707. Payment with a Visa/Mastercard is due at the time of booking.

Who can use the group campsites?

Groups of 10 people or more may make a reservation in a group camp.

What is the difference between a primitive and developed group campsite?

-- "Developed" group campsites are located within a family campground and have access to flush toilets and showers. These sites are Puma Point at Anthony Chabot Regional Park and Wild Turkey and Punta Vaca at Del Valle Regional Park.

-- "Primitive" group campsites are generally in more remote locations, have chemical toilets, and no access to showers.

How much does it cost to reserve a group camp?

** SECURITY/DAMAGE DEPOSIT equal to one night’s fee is charged per site.
** SERVICE FEE:  $8.00 non-refundable fee is charged per site reserved.

When can I make a group camp reservation?

Reservations for group campsites must be made, at minimum, 3 days prior to the first day of camping. Reservations can be made through the end of the calendar year. View the Group Camping page for information on booking window release dates. 

What is the policy for security deposits?

All reservations of group camp sites require a refundable security/damage deposit equal to the current rate for one night of camping. All or part of your deposit may be forfeit for violating any of the terms of your reservation contract. The deposit is fully refundable if the area is left in good condition and regular servicing is sufficient to prepare for the next group. If excessive staff intervention is required, you will be charged. You will be notified if your deposit is retained for any reason. Otherwise, deposits paid by credit card will be refunded to the same credit card 14-21 days after your camp-out; refunds for checks, cash or money order will be by check mailed to the address on the reservation 4-6 weeks after your camp-out.

How many parking passes will I receive?

The number of parking passes issued is dependent on maximum site capacity and the cost is included in the reservation fee. No additional parking is available so please inquire before making your reservation. Parking passes are emailed to you and you’ll be responsible to distribute to your guests prior to arrival at the park.

Follow all rules and posted signs; vehicles in violation may be cited and/or towed. Where allowed, vehicle access is permitted only with a valid parking pass (may also require pre-arrangement with park staff). Vehicles must park in the permitted area. Except for cases of an emergency, vehicle access is limited to one group trip in and one group trip out: shuttling campers and/or equipment is strictly prohibited. Carpooling is strongly suggested. WALK-IN sites have NO VEHICLE ACCESS.

Can I bring my RV, motorhome, trailer, or bus to my group campsite reservation?

No, these vehicles are not permitted at any of the group campsite locations.

How do I CANCEL or CHANGE my reservation?

NO REFUNDS will be given for unfavorable weather conditions (heat, rain, wind, etc.) during your stay. To cancel or change your reservation, you must call the Reservations Department at 1-888-327-2757, option 2.

CANCELLATION:

• 14 or more days in advance, 90% of the site use fees + 100% of the security deposit is refundable
• 13 - 3 days in advance, 50% of the site use fees + 100% of the security deposit is refundable
• Under 3 days, 100% of the security deposit is refundable. NO site use fees are refundable.

CHANGES:

• NO changes to the reservation will be made under 3 days.
• 3 or more days in advance, an $8 reservation service fee will be assessed for adding or dropping nights, changing dates and/or changing sites. You will be responsible for paying for any additional nights or difference in site cost + the $8 reservation service fee. If dropping nights, you will be refunded the night(s) less the $8 reservation service fee. Each change to a reservation will incur an additional $8 reservation service fee.

NOTE: * The $8 reservation service fee paid upon initial reservation as well as any incurred from changes to a reservation are non- refundable.​

What is the cancellation/rescheduling policy for rain/bad weather?

There are no refunds for bad weather.  Regular cancellation and rescheduling policies apply.

Where can I build a fire?

FIRES and BBQs are only allowed within the BBQ pit or fire ring provided by the park, and must be attended by at least one responsible adult at all times. All fires must be extinguished before going to sleep or leaving the site. Fireworks are never allowed.  Stricter fire restrictions, including park closures, may be in force during your visit: call 888-EBPARKS (888-327-2757), option 4 then 2, or go to the Parks and Trails Closure Page.

FIREWOOD: To limit the spread of Sudden Oak Death fungus, you may NOT BRING UNPROCESSED/NATURAL FIREWOOD into the park. You may bring wood which has been commercially purchased and certified to be uncontaminated, processed fire logs or cut lumber.  Family campground kiosks at Anthony Chabot and Del Valle have firewood for purchase.

Can I have alcohol in the group camp?

Ordinance 38 prohibits alcohol in primitive group campsites EXCEPT with a permit. Beer and wine are allowed in the developed group sites (which are part of the family campgrounds). Beer and wine permits are $25 and must be purchased in advanced preferably no later than 3 days before the reservation. Beer and wine permits cannot be purchased at the parks.

Parks that allow beer and wine permits for group camping are all sites at Anthony Chabot, Coyote Hills, Del Valle, Garin, Las Trampas, Point Pinole, Redwood excluding Girl’s Camp, and Tilden only at Gillespie.   

Puma Point at Anthony Chabot, Wild Turkey and Punta Vaca at Del Valle do not require a beer and wine permit.

NOTE: Hard Alcohol is never allowed in any of the East Bay Regional Parks.

What other permits do I need?

You may need other permits. A full list can be found on the Permits Page

Can I have friends or family come to my group campsite for the day?

The group campsites are intended to be used by those staying overnight and day use visitors are not permitted. Please plan to meet your visitors in a day-use portion of the park.

Are dogs allowed?  If so, are there any additional fees?

Some parks charge an extra fee to have dogs in the park. The dog fee is paid upon arrival to the park when you begin your stay. The fee is $2/day per dog. Registered service dogs are free. Maximum 3 dogs per reservation.

What are the quiet hours?

Quiet hours are 10pm to 7am. CAMPGROUND DISTURBANCES: PLEASE CALL 911 ON THE PARK PAYPHONE OR (510) 881-1121 TO NOTIFY PARK POLICE OF AFTER HOURS PROBLEMS that need police attention. Other campers will be glad you brought the problem to the attention of the Regional Parks Police.

What is the maximum amount of nights I can stay in a group campsite?

You may stay at a group campsite up to 7 days per month, per park.