Backpack Camping: Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I make a Reservation?
• When can I make a backpack camping reservation?
• Are campfires allowed at these sites?
• Are alcoholic beverages permitted?
• How much does it cost to reserve a backpacking site?
• Where is parking?
• How do I CANCEL or CHANGE my reservation?
• What is the cancellation/rescheduling policy for rain/bad weather?
• Will my backpacking trip be affected by Fire Weather or Fire Danger?
• What other permits do I need?
• Are pets allowed? If so, are there any additional fees?
• What are the quiet hours, if any?
• Locations

How do I make a Reservation?

Check availability at ReserveAmerica.com for Family, Group, and Equestrian (Horse) Campsites. Search by park name. Family Campsite reservations can also be made online at Reserve America.

Reservations can be made by phone only at 1 (888) 327-2757, option 2: Mon.- Fri. 9am-4pm. For persons with hearing impairments, please use the Telecommunications Relay Service at 711. *For Canadian residents, please use 510-544-2707.

When can I make a backpack camping reservation?

Backpacking reservations must be made over the phone at least two days (48 hours) in advance. Same-day or first-come, first-served reservations are not available. Reservations are open for the entire year, with the exception of sites with seasonal closures.

Are campfires allowed at these sites?

Campfires and BBQs are not permitted in any backpack sites. Only backpack stoves are allowed for cooking.

Are alcoholic beverages permitted?

Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in any backpack sites.

How much does it cost to reserve a backpacking site?

****SERVICE FEE: $8.00 non-refundable fee is charged per site reserved.

Where do I park and do I need overnight parking passes?

You will park in the parking lot associated with the backpacking site. Overnight parking passes are included with your reservation. These will be emailed to you prior to your reservation for all locations except Black Diamond Mines (Stewartville). Park staff will issue passes for that location upon check-in. For emailed passes, you will be responsible for printing and displaying in your vehicle. The number of parking passes for each location is limited and carpooling is encouraged. Vehicles not displaying a valid parking pass may be ticketed and/or towed.

How do I CANCEL or CHANGE my reservation?

NO REFUNDS will be given for rain during your stay.

For example, if you had 4 adults going backpacking Friday and Saturday nights so you paid $48 (4 adults x $5/person x 2 nights + $8 non- refundable service fee), and you cancel by 3:00pm on Wednesday or earlier, you would receive $40 refund. by 4:00pm on Thursday, you would receive $20 refund for Saturday night only. after 3:00pm Thursday or later, NO REFUND.

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

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

Will my backpacking trip be affected by Fire Weather or Fire Danger?

In some cases, trails and parks will be closed due to fire weather. Please visit Alerts & Closures webpage to get information about park closures. If the park is closed due to fire weather, you will be contacted and given a full refund. Please obey posted signs and be aware of our Fire Weather Information before your trip.

What other permits do I need?

For Sunol/Ohlone Wilderness, the Ohlone Wilderness Trail permit is required for each person, ages 12 and over. At this time, the permit is only available to purchase online or by calling the Reservations Department. Please purchase well in advance of your planned trip as the permit is mailed to you. Permits are available to purchase at Sunol, Del Valle, and Coyote Hills, call ahead as hours vary.

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

Dogs are allowed at Black Diamond, Morgan Territory, and Sibley. Dogs are allowed along the Sunol-Ohlone Wilderness Trail during the day only and a $2 fee/dog is charged at the Park entrance. Dogs are not allowed to stay overnight along the Sunol-Ohlone Wilderness Trail. Dogs are not allowed at Round Valley at any time.

What are the quiet hours, if any?

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.

Locations:

*ALL backpacking locations require an advanced reservation made at least 2 days prior with the EBRPD Reservations Department. Ohlone Permits are also required for the Ohlone Regional Wilderness. Mailing of permits is not possible under 5 days so please plan to pick up at one of the locations listed above.*

• Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve
• Mission Peak Regional Preserve
• Morgan Territory Regional Preserve
• Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve
• Sunol/Ohlone Regional Wilderness
• Round Valley Regional Preserve

Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve

Stewartville Backpack camp is approximately a 3.2-mile hike-in from the Park headquarters, near the Stewartville and Upper Oil Canyon Trails. This site accommodates 1-20 campers and has picnic tables, a pit toilet, and a non-potable water source (filter, treat, or boil for human consumption). Campers must haul out their own garbage. Camping is limited to 2 nights maximum. Reservations must check-in with the visitor center to obtain overnight parking permits. Site is closed seasonally November – March. Visit Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve

Mission Peak Regional Preserve

On the backside of Mission Peak sits the Eagle Springs Backpack Camps (#1-4). These are approximately 4.5 miles from the Stanford Avenue staging area or 4 miles from Sunol. Each of these sites accommodate 1-10 people and include a picnic table. They share a chemical toilet and non-potable water source (filter, treat, or boil for human consumption). Ohlone Trail Permits are also required if you plan hike from Mission Peak towards Sunol along the Ohlone Trail. Visit Mission Peak Regional Preserve

Morgan Territory Regional Preserve

The Morgan Backpack camp is approximately a 4.5-mile hike from the staging area. This site accommodates 1-20 people. It includes several picnic tables, a vault toilet, hitching rails, and non-potable water (filter, treat, or boil for human consumption). Camping is limited to 2 nights maximum. Site is closed seasonally November – April. Visit Morgan Territory Regional Preserve.

Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve

The Sibley backpack camp is a small, primitive hike-in site for a maximum of 15 campers, a moderate 0.2 mile walk from the parking lot (NO VEHICLE ACCESS). The site has 160 degree views of Mount Diablo, Vollmer Peak and Tilden Park. There are only two tent pads - approximately 10'x25' and 10'x20'.  Site has 2 picnic tables, 1 serving table, and a pit toilet. No fires/BBQ allowed; only camp stoves allowed. Drinking water is 0.2 miles from camp. Dogs are allowed in camp on leash, must be under owner's control at all times, and must not disturb other animals or park visitors.  Bikes are allowed on the fire trail. Camping is limited to 2 nights maximum. Visit Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve.

Sunol/Ohlone Wilderness Regional Preserve 

Backpack water comes from natural springs and may not be available. All water is non-potable (filter, treat, or boil for human consumption). Plan accordingly and carry enough water for your trip.

The Ohlone Wilderness Trail spans 28 miles from Del Valle in Livermore, through Sunol, and ending at Mission Peak in Fremont. Along these 28 miles, there are several locations available for overnight camping. Site capacity varies at each. These sites include (in order from Del Valle towards Mission Peak): Boyd Camp (#1-2); Stewarts Camp; Maggie’s ½ Acre (#1-3); Doe Camp (#1-2); Sunol Backpack Camp which includes Sky Camp, Cathedral, Hawk’s Nest, Oak View, Sycamore, Eagle’s Eyrie, and Star’s Rest; and Eagle Springs (#1-4) on the backside of Mission Peak. Please review the Ohlone Trail map for information about distances and/or elevation. No dogs, alcohol, campfires/BBQ’s, or bicycles are permitted. Visit Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve and Ohlone Wilderness Regional Preserve

Note: Ohlone Wilderness Trail Permit is required for each person to hike beyond Mission Peak Regional Preserve Boundary into S.F. Water District Land along the Ohlone Wilderness Trail. Permits may be purchased online at EBParks.org/Register or by phone 1-888-EBPARKS or 1-888-327-2757, press option 2. Call ahead or visit park pages for hours. Ohlone Wilderness Trail map

Round Valley Regional Preserve

The Round Valley group camp serves as both a large group campsite and a backpacking campsite. Backpacking reservations can be made for groups of 1-8 people, no more than 30 days in advance. The site is approximately a 3.6-mile hike from the parking lot. It includes: graded tent pads, picnic tables, an ADA vault toilet, hitching rails, and non-potable water (filter, treat, or boil for human consumption). No dogs, alcohol, or campfires/BBQ’s are permitted. Visit Round Valley Regional Preserve.