Bort Meadow Group Camp

For Californians in search of a perfect spot to host a large gathering, be it a family reunion, a scout troop adventure, or a community retreat, Bort Meadow Group Camp offers an exceptional solution. Tucked away in the beautiful Oakland Hills, within the expansive Anthony Chabot Regional Park, this dedicated group campground provides a unique blend of natural seclusion and convenient accessibility, making it an ideal choice for Bay Area locals. Unlike many busy public campgrounds, Bort Meadow specializes in accommodating larger parties, ensuring ample space and a private setting for your group to connect and enjoy the outdoors.

Anthony Chabot Regional Park itself is a gem of the East Bay Regional Park District, offering diverse landscapes from rolling grasslands and chaparral to shady eucalyptus groves and stunning views of Lake Chabot. Bort Meadow Group Camp capitalizes on this natural beauty while providing facilities tailored for group use. This article will serve as your comprehensive guide to Bort Meadow Group Camp, detailing its prime location, the essential services it provides, its standout features, and why it's perfectly suited for Californians looking for a memorable group camping experience close to home, yet feeling a world away.

Bort Meadow Group Camp is conveniently located at Redwood Rd, Oakland, CA 94619, USA, within the sprawling Anthony Chabot Regional Park. Despite its serene and secluded feel, it is remarkably accessible for residents of the greater San Francisco Bay Area, being only about 35 minutes from downtown Oakland and Oakland International Airport.

To reach Bort Meadow, you typically take Redwood Road, passing Merritt College if coming from Highway 13, and continue for approximately 2.4 miles past the stables and the main entrance to Redwood Regional Park. The entrance to Bort Meadow is located off Redwood Road "before the park kiosk." It's important to note that access to the group camp is via a "locked gate," for which a combination code and information letter are emailed to reservation holders 5-10 days prior to arrival. This ensures privacy and security for groups. There are two parking lots for Bort Meadow: a day-use lot at the top of the hill for the public, and a second driveway leading down to the group camp's main parking area. While vehicles can temporarily load/unload near the site (limited to 2 vehicles for a maximum of 15 minutes), the main parking is a "15-minute walk from site," so planning for transport of gear (e.g., bringing wagons) is advisable. This balance of being close to urban centers yet offering a true outdoor retreat makes Bort Meadow an excellent choice for local Californian groups.

Bort Meadow Group Camp is designed to cater to the needs of larger groups, providing essential services for a comfortable and self-sufficient camping experience. As a "primitive group campsite," it offers:

• Large Group Capacity: Bort Meadow is one of the largest group campsites, with a minimum capacity of 100 people and a maximum capacity of up to 300 campers, making it suitable for very large gatherings. A minimum of 10 people is required to use group campsites within the park.
• Picnic Tables: The site includes multiple picnic tables to accommodate large groups for dining and activities.
• BBQ Facilities: Barbecue facilities are provided, allowing for group cooking.
• Fire Rings: There are two designated fire rings, enabling communal campfires (subject to current fire regulations and burn bans).
• Water Access: Water is available on-site, a crucial amenity for group camping. It is generally provided via drinking fountains or spigots.
• Vault Toilets: Chemical or vault toilets are provided at the group camp, offering basic restroom facilities. It's important to note there is "no access to flush toilets or showers" at these primitive group sites.
• Equestrian Camping: Bort Meadow is unique in that it "also allows equestrian camping" by reservation, making it a key destination for horse owners. This includes specific parking considerations for trucks and horse trailers.
• Secured Access: The group camp is accessed via a locked gate, with the combination provided upon reservation, ensuring privacy for your group.
• Parking: The site accommodates up to 75 vehicles, with designated parking areas. Overflow parking is generally not available, so groups must plan accordingly.

Bort Meadow Group Camp offers several compelling features that make it a standout choice for groups seeking an outdoor experience in the East Bay:

• Exceptional Group Capacity: With the ability to host up to 300 campers, Bort Meadow is one of the few campgrounds in the region capable of accommodating very large organized groups, making it ideal for events, scout Jamborees, or large family reunions.
• Equestrian-Friendly: Its designation as an equestrian camping site is a major highlight, providing dedicated space and policies for horse campers. While not providing corrals, it facilitates bringing portable corrals or using high-ties, catering to a specific outdoor interest.
• Seclusion within a Regional Park: Despite its proximity to Oakland, Bort Meadow offers a "peaceful and secluded outdoor experience" due to its specific location within Anthony Chabot Regional Park and its locked gate access, allowing groups to enjoy their time without disruption from the general public.
• Access to Extensive Trail System: Campers have access to miles of "hiking and mountain biking trails" that traverse through "grasslands, chaparral, and shady eucalyptus groves." The East Bay Skyline National Trail also runs through the park, offering opportunities for long, scenic hikes.
• Scenic Views and Wildlife: The park features "sunrise views over the lake and hills with rolling fog" and is home to "abundant wildlife," including sightings of wild turkeys and deer, enhancing the natural experience.
• Close Proximity to Lake Chabot: While not directly on the lake, the camp is part of Anthony Chabot Regional Park, which includes Lake Chabot. This provides access to fishing, boat rentals, and a marina with a cafe, offering additional recreational options nearby.
• Cell Reception: A significant convenience for a natural setting, "decent cell service" is available, allowing for necessary communication while still feeling immersed in nature.

For reservations and inquiries regarding Bort Meadow Group Camp, it is essential to contact the East Bay Regional Park District directly, as group campsites cannot be reserved online.

Address: Redwood Rd, Oakland, CA 94619, USA (General park address for Anthony Chabot Regional Park).

Phone for Reservations: 1-888-EBPARKS (1-888-327-2757), option 2.

Reservation Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Pacific Standard Time.

It is highly recommended to call well in advance to check availability and make reservations, especially for large groups, as these popular sites book up quickly. Information regarding specific policies, such as the minimum number of people (a minimum of 10 people is typically required), parking passes, and the $25 beer and wine permit (no hard alcohol allowed), will be provided during the reservation process. Always confirm all details and specific gate codes prior to your arrival.

Bort Meadow Group Camp stands out as an exceptionally suitable destination for Californians, particularly those residing in the bustling Bay Area, who are looking to organize a memorable group outdoor experience. Its prime location in the Oakland Hills offers an accessible retreat that feels far removed from urban life, yet remains just a short drive for most residents. This convenience is paramount for coordinating large gatherings, allowing participants to easily arrive and depart.

The core suitability for locals lies in its specialized design for groups. With its impressive capacity, ample picnic tables, and multiple fire rings, Bort Meadow provides the perfect infrastructure for family reunions, youth group events, or community gatherings that simply wouldn't fit in a standard individual campsite. The "secluded" nature, secured by a locked gate, offers a private and controlled environment where groups can truly bond and enjoy themselves without disturbing or being disturbed by other campers. The ability to bring horses for equestrian camping further broadens its appeal to a significant segment of California's outdoor community.

Beyond the group-specific amenities, the campground's setting within Anthony Chabot Regional Park means immediate access to a wealth of recreational opportunities. Miles of hiking and biking trails, scenic views, and proximity to Lake Chabot provide diverse activities for all ages and interests. For Californians who value both nature and convenience, Bort Meadow Group Camp offers a unique opportunity to create shared memories in a beautiful, natural setting, proving that an impactful outdoor experience doesn't require traveling far from home. It's a testament to the diverse natural resources available right within the East Bay, waiting to be explored and enjoyed by its local communities.

Bort Meadow Group Camp

Redwood Rd, Oakland, CA 94619, USA