Close-in camp-outs - little-known San Francisco Bay Area parks

Sunset, May, 2000 by Lora J. Finnegan

Seven little-known Bay Area parks offer quick escapes

Where is it written that a camping vacation must include a long drive and the logistical expertise of a Desert Storm--type campaign? Truth is, you don't need to drive far to feel like you're getting out into the wilderness. If you choose a close-to-home destination, you can pack up the car on Friday afternoon and be toasting marshmallows over the fire before dark.

It's no secret that the Bay Area has plenty of parks with great campgrounds. The trick is finding the ones that feel secluded but are still easy to reach. Here is a list of our favorites. Note that what we refer to as "walk-in" tent sites are generally less than 150 yards from the parking lot. At most of these campgrounds, you'll find a combination of walk-in sites and tent sites right at the parking lot.

Even for these fairly unknown parks, you should make reservations well in advance and be flexible about dates. For any California state park campground, you can check campsite availability or make reservations up to seven months ahead through ReserveAmerica (800/444-7275 or www.reserveamerica.com).

* Anthony Chabot Regional Park. In the center of a large swath of open space in the East Bay hills, Anthony Chabot park has almost 42 miles of trails, most of them multiuse; there's also fishing in adjacent Lake Chabot Regional Park. The 75-site hilltop campground is sheltered by a grove of eucalyptus trees. All sites are close to hiking trails; the best lake views are from four of the walk-in sites or eight of the drive-in sites. WHERE: Castro Valley. From the east, take I-580 to Redwood Rd.; head north 5 1/2 miles to entrance. From the west, exit from I-580 at E. castro Valley Blvd., turn right on Redwood Rd., and drive 51/2 miles to entrance. FACILITIES: Picnic tables, firepits, grills, water, flush toilets, hot showers. COST: $15 per night, $20 with RV hookups. RESERVATIONS: Up to 12 weeks ahead. CONTACT: (510) 562-7275 for information, (510) 562-2267 for reservations.

* China Camp State Park. China Camp was once home to fishermen who plied San Pablo Bay for shrimp. Despite its proximity to U.S. 101, the park is isolated in the woods off the bay in Marin, with up to 15 miles of uncrowded multiuse trails. Back Ranch Meadows Campground has 30 quiet, tree-sheltered walk-in tent sites, a few with views of the bay. WHERE: From San Rafael, drive 3 miles east on U.S. 101 to N. San Pedro Rd.; go east 3 miles to entrance. FACILITIES: Picnic tables, food lockers, fire rings, water, flush toilets, hot showers. COST: $15 per night Sun-Thu, $16 Fri-Sat. RESERVATIONS: Through ReserveAmerica. CONTACT: (415) 456-0766 for information, (800) 444-7275 for reservations.

* Coyote Lake County Park. The centerpiece of this 4,449-acre park in the hills east of Gliroy is a 638-acre lake for boating, waterskiing, and fishing. The park can get furnace-hot in summer, so try to snag a campsite that's either shaded by oak trees or close to the lake. All 74 sites are near the parking lot, but many have lake views. WHERE: Exit U.S. 101 at Leavesley Rd. E., turn left on New Ave., right on Roop Rd., and drive 8 miles to the park. FACILITIES: Picnic tables, barbecue grills, water, flush toilets, showers (due this summer). COST: $15 per night, $25 with RV hookups. RESERVATIONS: Reserve any of 65 sites up to six months ahead. CONTACT: (408) 842-7800 for information, (408) 358-3751 for reservations.

* Henry W Coe State Park. Though it's less than 40 miles southeast of San Jose, Henry Coe feels rugged and wild; its 81,000 acres of mountainous oak woodlands are home to bluebirds, wild boars, and even a few mountain lions. A small visitor center gives you a picture of what life was like for the Goes, the cattle-ranching family that worked this land until the late 1940s. Camping options run the gamut: 20 tent sites, 70 backcountry sites including 10 group sites (plan on a substantial hike to get to backcountry sites), and 8 equestrian sites. WHERE: From U.s. 101 at Morgan Hill, take E. Dunne Ave. exit; head east 13 miles to entrance. FACILITIES: Picnic tables, fire rings, water, pit toilets (at drive-in sites only). COST: $8 per night, $3 per person for backcountry group sites, $30 backcountry group site (30 or more), $12 equestrian sites. RESERVATIONS: 60 backcountry sites are not reservable. For tent sites, call ReserveAmerica. For equestrian sites, contact the park directly. CONTACT: (800) 444-7275 or (408) 779-2728.

* Joseph Grant County Park. The former Grant Ranch is a sprawling, 10,000 acre park filled with oak woodlands and open meadows, high on the shoulder of Mt. Hamilton in the South Bay. Roam 40 miles of multiuse trails, or fish in three small lakes (license required). Sitting on a knoll are 22 first-come, first-served campsites (plus nine new equestrian sites), just steps from the parking lot. WHERE: From I-680, exit east on Alum Rock Rd. Turn right on Mt. Hamilton Rd. and drive 8 miles to park entrance. FACILITIES: Picnic tables, barbecue grills, water, flush toilets, hot showers. COST: $15 per night. RESERVATIONS: Not accepted. CONTACT: (408) 274-6121.