Cedar Group Camp, Del Valle Regional Park

For Californians seeking a truly immersive group camping experience that harks back to the roots of outdoor adventure, Cedar Group Camp within Del Valle Regional Park in Livermore offers a unique opportunity. This isn't your typical RV park with full hookups; instead, it's a primitive, hike-in group site designed for those who embrace self-sufficiency and the raw beauty of nature. If your group, whether it's a scout troop, multiple families, or a gathering of friends, is looking to disconnect from modern amenities and reconnect with each other and the wilderness, Cedar Group Camp might be the perfect destination in the East Bay.

This article aims to provide a clear and factual overview of Cedar Group Camp, based on the experiences of those who have ventured there. We'll explore its distinct characteristics, including the hike-in access, the lack of electricity and potable water, and the unique challenges and rewards these aspects present. Our goal is to help California locals understand what to expect before booking, ensuring that their camping trip is as enjoyable and prepared as possible. While it may not suit every type of camper, for those seeking an authentic, off-grid group adventure, Cedar Group Camp holds a special appeal.

Operating under the East Bay Regional Park District, Del Valle Regional Park offers a variety of camping options, but Cedar Group Camp specifically caters to larger groups (minimum 17 people, maximum 50) desiring a more rugged experience. It emphasizes the "real camping" feel, where planning and teamwork are part of the adventure. This makes it an ideal spot for organizations and families who value teaching resilience and enjoying nature unencumbered by excessive creature comforts. Let's dive into the specifics of what makes Cedar Group Camp a distinctive and worthwhile choice for group outings in California.

Cedar Group Camp is located within the expansive Del Valle Regional Park, near Livermore, CA 94550, USA. While Del Valle Regional Park itself is easily accessible from the Livermore area and major East Bay thoroughfares, accessing Cedar Group Camp requires a specific approach that sets it apart from many other campsites. It's crucial for visitors to understand that this is a hike-in site, not a drive-up camping area.

Accessibility to the campground involves parking your vehicle "almost a quarter mile far on the road side" from the campsite. From this parking area, campers must "drag all your camping stuff in a strong cart on a path along the hill with ups and downs." This means all gear, food, and water must be transported manually over a distance, often uphill and downhill. This accessibility feature is a significant part of the "real camping" experience at Cedar Group Camp and requires physical preparedness and appropriate gear, such as sturdy wagons or carts. The main entrance to Del Valle Regional Park is on Del Valle Road, and Cedar Camp's trail entrance is just past the park entrance to your left.

Despite the hike-in nature, the overall Del Valle Regional Park is well-established with good road access leading to the main parking areas. However, cell service can be spotty in the area, which is an important consideration for communication. For navigation, it's advisable to have directions pre-downloaded or a physical map. This blend of remote campsite feel within a generally accessible regional park makes Cedar Group Camp a convenient yet challenging option for Bay Area residents looking for a wilderness experience without traveling too far from urban centers. It's a great way to feel truly "away" while still being within reach of necessary services if an emergency arises.

Cedar Group Camp offers a truly primitive camping experience, with services designed to foster self-reliance and a deeper connection with nature. Here's what you can expect:

• Hike-in Access: This is a core feature. Campers must park roughly a quarter-mile from the actual campsite and transport all their gear via a path with varied terrain. This means no direct vehicle access to the site.
• No Electricity Supply: Unlike many developed campgrounds, Cedar Group Camp does not provide any electrical hookups. Campers must be entirely self-sufficient for all power needs, relying on battery-powered devices, portable chargers, or going without.
• No Water Supply: There is no potable water available directly at the campsite. Visitors "must bring in your drinking water" and water for all other usages (cooking, cleaning). This requires significant planning and packing sufficient quantities for the entire group's stay.
• Chemical Toilets: The campground provides "two restrooms," which are specifically described as "chemical toilets" or vault toilets. These are basic, non-flush facilities. Campers should be prepared with their own toilet paper and hand sanitizer. There is no access to showers.
• Designated Fire Pit/Fire Circle: A "firepit" or "fire circle with benches" is provided, allowing for campfires for cooking and warmth, provided there are no burn bans in effect. Reviewers noted the fire pit was "not great but okay."
• Picnic Tables and Serving Tables: The site includes "three 8' tables" and "two serving tables," providing ample space for food preparation and communal dining for a group.
• BBQ Grill: An "XL BBQ" grill is available, suggesting a larger cooking area suitable for group meals.
• Fencing Around Campground: One reviewer noted "a fencing around whole campground," which can enhance a sense of safety and containment, particularly beneficial for groups with children.
• Minimum and Maximum Capacity: The site has a minimum capacity of 17 people and a maximum of 50, making it exclusively for larger group gatherings.

Cedar Group Camp at Del Valle Regional Park offers several unique features and highlights that make it a distinctive choice for specific types of campers in California:

• Authentic Primitive Camping Experience: The primary highlight is the genuine "feel of real camping." For groups wanting to truly disconnect and experience the outdoors without modern conveniences, Cedar Camp delivers. This includes the challenge of a "hike in" with all gear, requiring teamwork and preparation, which can be a valuable part of the adventure.
• Ideal for Group Gatherings: With a capacity for up to 50 people, it's perfectly suited for large groups like "scout campouts," extended family reunions, or organized youth groups. The ample picnic and serving tables facilitate communal activities.
• Safe and Contained Environment: The "fencing around whole campground" provides a sense of security, particularly noted as beneficial for families with kids. This containment can offer peace of mind in a wilderness setting.
• Local Wildlife Viewing: The presence of a pond where one can "hear the sound of ducks (probably)" and the possibility of seeing "some animals/birds going towards pond" adds to the natural ambiance and provides opportunities for wildlife observation.
• Enjoyable Short Trail: The presence of a "nice short trail" within or very near the campsite offers an easy opportunity for exploration. The advice to "start from the flat side if you are with family and kids and take it easy so that while returning you will be coming downwards" suggests thoughtful trail design for various ages.
• Fire Circle with Benches: The inclusion of a dedicated "fire circle with benches" promotes communal gatherings around a campfire, a quintessential camping activity, even if the fire pit itself is described as "not great but okay."
• Proximity to Del Valle Regional Park Amenities: While Cedar Camp itself is primitive, its location within Del Valle Regional Park means that other park amenities (such as Lake Del Valle for boating, fishing, and swimming) are accessible by a short drive, providing options for activities beyond the campsite itself.

For reservations, inquiries, and the most up-to-date information regarding Cedar Group Camp at Del Valle Regional Park, please use the following contact details:

Address: Livermore, CA 94550, USA (Please note this is the general park address; Cedar Group Camp is a hike-in site within the park.)

Phone: (888) 327-2757

Mobile Phone: +1 888-327-2757

It is highly recommended to call the East Bay Regional Park District Reservations Department well in advance of your desired camping date, as group campsites are typically reserved by phone only and require reservations at least 3 business days in advance. They can provide essential details on booking procedures, any current fire restrictions, and specific guidelines for primitive group camping at Cedar Group Camp, including information on the required security/damage deposit and beer/wine permits. Verifying water availability status (or lack thereof) is crucial for planning your group's hydration needs.

Cedar Group Camp within Del Valle Regional Park is particularly well-suited for locals in California who are seeking a distinctive and authentic group camping experience. For Californians living in the Bay Area and surrounding regions, its location in Livermore offers a relatively accessible wilderness escape, avoiding the need for extensive travel to more distant national parks. This makes it an ideal choice for a weekend group adventure where the journey itself is part of the bonding experience.

The primitive nature of Cedar Group Camp, characterized by the hike-in access and lack of electricity and running water, is precisely what makes it suitable for local groups aiming for a true "back to basics" camping trip. This environment fosters self-reliance, teamwork, and problem-solving skills – invaluable lessons for scout groups and families alike. It encourages campers to fully disconnect from digital distractions and immerse themselves in the natural surroundings, a much-needed respite from urban life for many Californians.

For large family gatherings, youth organizations, or groups of friends, the camp's capacity for up to 50 people provides a rare opportunity for communal outdoor living in a dedicated space. The existing picnic tables, BBQ, and fire circle facilitate group activities, while the surrounding fencing offers a sense of safety and containment, particularly reassuring for those with children. Furthermore, the presence of a "nice short trail" and the opportunity to observe local wildlife, like ducks in the pond, add simple yet profound layers to the natural experience.

While the absence of modern amenities might deter some, for Californians who cherish the challenge of carrying in their gear, providing their own water, and embracing off-grid living, Cedar Group Camp is an unparalleled local gem. It offers a chance to create lasting memories, strengthen bonds, and truly appreciate the raw beauty of California's East Bay wilderness, all within a convenient distance from home. Planning ahead and embracing its unique, rugged charm will ensure a rewarding adventure at this one-of-a-kind group campsite.

Cedar Group Camp, Del Valle Regional Park

Livermore, CA 94550, USA