Tilden Regional Park
00 review2501 Grizzly Peak Blvd, Orinda , California, 94563, United States
Tilden Regional Park
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
No specific fee details provided in authoritative data.
About this campground
Spanning 2,079 acres of rolling Berkeley Hills, Tilden Regional Park stands as a beloved outdoor sanctuary in the East Bay. Since its founding as one of the region's pioneer parks, this expansive natural playground has delighted generations with its diverse offerings—from winding hiking trails that reveal breathtaking vistas to the nostalgic charm of the historic Tilden Merry-Go-Round. Adventure-seekers and families alike discover their perfect escape here, whether pitching tents at the group camping facilities or exploring the park's countless recreational treasures.
Tilden Regional Park offers several types of group camping accommodations. These include the Gillespie Group Camp, featuring a maximum capacity of 75 people, and smaller equestrian group campsites at Es Anderson Horse Camp with a capacity of 50. Tent camping is supported, but primitive or cabin-style options are not mentioned.
Historical SignificanceThis cherished parkland bears the name of Charles Lee Tilden, whose vision helped preserve this natural treasure for future generations. Recognized as a crown jewel of the East Bay Regional Park District, Tilden has woven itself into the fabric of local life. Countless visitors share stories of childhood memories made here, first dates on scenic overlooks, and family traditions spanning decades—testament to the park's enduring place in the community's heart.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the Bay Area's signature Mediterranean climate at its finest. Winter brings crisp, clear days with temperatures dipping to around 39°F, punctuated by rejuvenating rain showers that paint the hills emerald green. As spring unfolds, wildflowers carpet the meadows, leading into glorious summers where temperatures reach a comfortable 83°F—perfect for outdoor adventures. The dry summer months offer endless blue skies, while autumn's golden light bathes the landscape in warm hues.
Elevationnull
Natural Features and SceneryPrepare to be captivated by sweeping panoramas that stretch from the shimmering waters of San Francisco Bay to the iconic span of the Bay Bridge. Towering eucalyptus groves provide aromatic shade along the trails, their silver-green leaves whispering in the coastal breeze. The park's varied terrain reveals hidden meadows, tranquil reservoirs reflecting the sky, and ridge-top viewpoints that make you feel on top of the world. Each turn of the trail promises a new perspective on the Bay Area's stunning natural beauty.
Geological RegionNestled within the Berkeley Hills, Tilden showcases the dramatic landscape that defines the East Bay. These ancient hills tell a geological story millions of years in the making, where tectonic forces sculpted the undulating terrain. Today, this diverse ecosystem supports a remarkable array of native plants and wildlife, from majestic oaks to delicate wildflowers, creating a living tapestry that changes with each season. The signature eucalyptus groves, though non-native, have become an integral part of the park's character, their distinctive fragrance marking your journey through this exceptional landscape.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly addressed in the provided materials.
Sites SizeGroup campsites accommodate up to 75 people at Gillespie and Wildcat View, and 50 people at Es Anderson Horse Camp and New Woodland.
Sites PrivacyNo specific information on privacy levels of the campsites is provided.
Total Campsites4 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUser reviews suggest Gillespie and Wildcat View for larger groups.
Best CampsitesNo specific site ratings provided.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
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Check-out
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Stay Limit
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Guests Allowed Per Site
- Varies by site. Gillespie and Wildcat View accommodate up to 75 people
- New Woodland and Es Anderson Horse Camp accommodate up to 50 people.
Groups
Group sites accommodate 50-75 people, depending on the specific campsite.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampsites are scattered within the park. Gillespie, Wildcat View, Es Anderson, and New Woodland offer group camping with differing capacities.
Open and Closed SeasonGillespie group campsite is closed seasonally from the first Monday of October to April 30. Wildcat View group campsite is closed for repairs until further notice.
Reservation PlatformsCall EBRPD Reservations Department at 1-888-327-2757 or visit https://www.ebparks.org.
Walk-in Availabilitynull
Cancellation PolicyCancellations or changes require contacting the EBRPD Reservations Department at 1-888-327-2757 (option 2).
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Activities you can enjoy
Tilden Regional Park offers a wide array of recreational activities according to both official materials and user reviews. These include hiking, biking, equestrian activities, fishing, lake swimming (seasonal), and picnicking. User reviews highlight the park’s scenic hiking trails, Bay Bridge views, and a variety of attractions like a merry-go-round and a golf course.
Hiking
The park has scenic hiking trails that provide views of the Bay Bridge and a reservoir. User reviews often praise the variety and beauty of these trails.Fishing
Fishing is listed as an activity, but details about specific fishing opportunities or fish species are not provided.Swimming
Lake swimming is noted as seasonal, but further specifics about swimming facilities or safety measures are not available.Biking
User reviews suggest that the park has biking trails suitable for mountain bikes, but no details are given about terrain or difficulty levels.Wildlife viewing
User reviews mention deer sightings, but no specific wildlife viewing areas or other species are detailed.Winter Activities
Winter-specific activities are not mentioned.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding are not described in the campground or user reviews.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fires are allowed only in designated areas and must be attended by an adult. Only commercially purchased wood, processed fire logs, or cut lumber can be used.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsPotential seasonal hazards include curvy roads leading to the park, as noted by a user review. Wildfire risks may lead to stricter fire regulations.
Active alertsWildcat View group campsite is closed for repairs.
Weather forecast
62
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 83%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 14.8 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
In case of emergency, call 911 from a pay phone or (510) 881-1121 from a cell phone. Emergency services are based in Orinda or Berkeley, depending on the direction of access.
Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingNo information is provided about trash and recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresLake Anza is nearby, offering seasonal swimming and fishing activities.
Common complaintsSome user reviews mention dilapidated structures in previous years, but improvements were noted: 'The parks many great attractions are alive again.'
Hostnull
Campground Map
2501 Grizzly Peak Blvd, Orinda , California, 94563, United States
Driving directionsThe park is located in the Berkeley Hills just north of Highway 24. Take the Fish Ranch Road exit east of the Caldecott Tunnel, drive uphill, and turn right at Grizzly Peak Blvd. From Grizzly Peak, you will pass the South Park Drive entrance. Alternatively, the park can be accessed from its west side in Berkeley through Canon Drive, where Wildcat Canyon Road and Grizzly Peak Boulevard intersect.
Access is through Berkeley neighborhoods and involves curvy roads. User review notes: 'If you get car sick, take the Berkeley 580 direction, not the 13 tunnel.'Nearby places
Orinda (approx. 10 minutes), Berkeley (approx. 15 minutes), Oakland (approx. 20 minutes).
Nearby supplies
No specific mention of grocery or camping supply stores in close proximity. Nearest large towns like Berkeley likely provide these services.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Tilden Regional Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews largely praise Tilden Regional Park for its natural beauty, extensive trails, and family-friendly attractions. Some reviews note accessibility challenges via curvy roads. Others highlight the park’s facilities, such as clean bathrooms and picnic grounds, and nostalgic attractions like the merry-go-round.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include scenic trails with Bay Bridge views, diverse activities, clean facilities, and family-friendly attractions like a merry-go-round and a golf course.
Common Concerns
Complaints include dilapidated structures, curvy access roads that can cause car sickness, and the need for reservations for group facilities.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend reserving picnic or group camping areas in advance, avoiding curvy roads if prone to car sickness, and bringing hand sanitizer for restrooms without running water.
Seasonal Insights
The park is noted for seasonal lake swimming and the closure of specific group campsites from October to April.
Camper Quotes
"Great trails and reservations picnic grounds, access is through Berkeley neighborhoods." - Tom Hess III. "Very nice trail and we can enjoy a beautiful landscape of Bay Bridge and reservoir." -...
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Site-Specific Reviews
No specific reviews about individual campsites are provided.
Accessibility Features
Accessibility concerns are noted in reviews mentioning curvy roads and limited cell phone reception.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are mentioned as allowed in some campsites, but detailed reviews on pet-related experiences are not provided.
Last updated August 10, 2025