Girls’ Camp

Welcome to Girls' Camp, a unique and rugged group campsite nestled within the stunning Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park in Oakland, California. While the name might conjure images of traditional summer camps, this particular "Girls' Camp" refers to a primitive group camping area managed by the East Bay Regional Park District. It offers a distinctive outdoor experience for organized groups of 17 to 50 people, providing a rustic escape amidst the beautiful redwood and mixed-evergreen forests of the East Bay hills.

Girls' Camp is not your typical drive-up campground; it’s a hike-in site, designed for those who embrace a bit of effort for the reward of a more secluded and authentic outdoor adventure. As one reviewer candidly put it, "Don’t rent this site. They no longer allow you to drive in from the parking lot to drop things off, so any firewood, food, tent, etc. needs to be carried in by hand or with a wagon, which severely limits your ability to bring in enough stuff for a large group." This makes it an ideal spot for experienced campers and groups who are prepared for the logistics of carrying in their gear, and who prioritize privacy and immersion in nature over roadside convenience. It's a fantastic option for California locals looking for a substantial group outing that encourages teamwork and truly disconnects from urban distractions.

Girls' Camp is located within Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park in Oakland, CA 94611, USA. This places it in the verdant hills of the East Bay, offering a surprising pocket of wilderness within close proximity to a major metropolitan area. Redwood Regional Park itself is a beloved natural sanctuary, known for its majestic redwood groves, scenic trails, and diverse wildlife.

Accessibility to Girls' Camp is a crucial detail for planning. Unlike many campgrounds, it is a designated "hike-in" site, meaning vehicles cannot drive directly to the campsites for unloading. Access to the campground involves a walk from the parking area. Specifically, it is a "½ mile down a steep hill from the Skyline gate" or approximately "2.4 miles from the other lot" (likely referring to the Redwood Gate or Canyon Meadow Staging Area). More precise information from the East Bay Regional Park District indicates it is approximately "0.40 miles to hike in from the Skyline Gate Staging Area," with a "steep incline to the site." This necessitates that all gear, including tents, food, and firewood, must be hand-carried or transported by wagon from the parking area.

The Skyline Gate Staging Area, located at 8490 Skyline Blvd, Oakland, serves as the primary parking and starting point for accessing Girls' Camp. This area is easily reachable by car from various parts of the East Bay and beyond, via major freeways and Skyline Boulevard. While it requires a commitment to a hike-in experience, the location offers the benefit of being relatively close to Oakland's urban core, yet feeling remarkably remote once you're on site, providing a true escape for California locals.

Girls' Camp, as a primitive group campsite within the East Bay Regional Park District, offers essential amenities designed to support a rustic and self-sufficient group camping experience.

• Primitive Group Campsite: Girls' Camp is specifically designated as a group campsite, suitable for a minimum of 17 people and a maximum of 50 people. This makes it ideal for scout troops, large family gatherings, or organized outdoor clubs.
• Shelter: The site is equipped with a shelter, providing a communal covered area for gathering, dining, or protection from the elements.
• Picnic Tables: Numerous picnic tables are available within the site, offering ample seating and surface space for dining, games, and group activities.
• BBQs: Barbecue facilities are provided, allowing groups to cook meals over charcoal or propane (always check current fire restrictions).
• Fire Circle: A designated fire circle is available for campfires, promoting a classic group camping experience. However, campers must always adhere to any posted fire restrictions or burn bans, especially during dry California summers.
• Drinking Fountain: A drinking fountain with a spigot is available, providing access to potable water at the campsite. This is a crucial amenity for a hike-in site.
• Vault Toilets: While not flush toilets, group campsites in the East Bay Regional Parks typically have chemical or vault toilets readily available for campers. Specific details about the type of toilet at Girls' Camp might require direct inquiry, but sanitation facilities are provided.
• No Vehicle Access to Site: As a hike-in site, there is no vehicle access directly to the camping area. All gear must be carried from the parking lot.
• Limited Parking Passes: Reservations for Girls' Camp include 10 parking passes for the Skyline Gate Staging Area. No additional parking is available, so groups must coordinate carpooling.
• No RVs, Motorhomes, Trailers, or Buses: These types of vehicles are not permitted at any East Bay Regional Park group campsites, reinforcing the primitive and hike-in nature of Girls' Camp.

Girls' Camp in Redwood Regional Park offers several distinctive features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for group camping in the Oakland area:

• True Hike-In Experience: The requirement to carry in all gear (a "½ mile down a steep hill from the Skyline gate") provides an authentic backcountry feel while still being relatively close to urban amenities. This feature cultivates teamwork and a sense of accomplishment.
• Seclusion and Privacy for Groups: As a group-specific, hike-in site, Girls' Camp offers a level of privacy and seclusion that is hard to find in more accessible campgrounds. This allows groups to enjoy their time together without disturbances from other campers.
• Beautiful Redwood Forest Setting: Campers are immersed in the stunning environment of Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park, surrounded by towering redwood trees, diverse flora, and the natural beauty of the East Bay hills. This provides a serene backdrop for outdoor activities.
• Designated Group Amenities: The inclusion of a shelter, numerous picnic tables, BBQs, and a fire circle caters specifically to the needs of large groups, facilitating communal meals and gatherings.
• Potable Water On-Site: The presence of a drinking fountain with a spigot is a significant convenience for a hike-in site, ensuring access to fresh water without the need to filter or carry in excessive amounts.
• Proximity to Hiking Trails: The campground’s location within Redwood Regional Park means immediate access to an extensive network of hiking trails, allowing groups to explore the redwood groves and scenic vistas. One reviewer mentioned "just hiking past while on the trail," indicating its integration with the park's trail system.
• Off-Grid Disconnection: While not explicitly stated, the nature of a primitive, hike-in park campground often implies limited to no cell service, offering a valuable opportunity for groups to truly disconnect and focus on interpersonal connection and nature.
• East Bay Regional Park District Management: Being managed by EBRPD ensures that the site adheres to park standards for maintenance, even if basic, and benefits from the wider park district's resources and rules for responsible recreation.

For inquiries and reservations regarding Girls' Camp at Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park, contact the East Bay Regional Park District. Since it's a group campsite, reservations are typically handled directly by their reservations department.

Address: RRH9+6R, Oakland, CA 94611, USA (This is a plus code for a general area; the park's main address is often used for contact).

For the most accurate reservation information and to make a booking, use the following:

East Bay Regional Park District Reservations Department:

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

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

It is highly recommended to call the Reservations Department, as group campsite reservations are typically made over the phone. You can check availability online at ReserveAmerica.com by searching for "Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park" before calling. Also, be aware of the specific reservation windows; reservations usually open in six-month blocks (e.g., January for the first half of the year, May for the second half). Remember to inquire about the security deposit, parking passes (10 are issued for the site, parking at Skyline Gate Staging Area), and any current fire restrictions before your visit.

For California locals, particularly those in the bustling Bay Area, Girls' Camp in Oakland's Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park offers a distinct and highly suitable outdoor experience for group outings. Its prime location provides the incredible advantage of being remarkably close to urban centers, yet feeling wonderfully remote once you've made the trek to the campsite. This makes it an ideal escape for a weekend, offering a genuine sense of wilderness without the need for extensive travel across the state.

The hike-in nature of Girls' Camp, while requiring some planning and effort, is precisely what makes it perfect for a meaningful group adventure. It fosters teamwork, encourages physical activity, and ensures a level of privacy that few other accessible campgrounds can offer. For local groups – whether it's a youth organization, a family reunion, or a gathering of friends – this shared challenge creates lasting memories and a deeper connection to both nature and each other. The ability to carry in gear with wagons, though sometimes limited, adds to the authentic, self-reliant camping spirit.

Being able to enjoy a dedicated group shelter, ample picnic tables, BBQs, and a fire circle (when permitted) within such a beautiful redwood forest setting is a significant draw. It allows for communal meals, storytelling around the campfire, and quality time spent together. The on-site drinking fountain is a practical amenity that simplifies water management for a hike-in site. Furthermore, the extensive network of hiking trails accessible directly from the campground means endless opportunities for local explorers to enjoy the natural beauty of Redwood Regional Park.

Ultimately, Girls' Camp is a fantastic resource for Oakland and Bay Area residents seeking an accessible yet genuinely immersive group camping experience. It encourages a healthy dose of outdoor challenge, promotes strong group bonds, and provides a much-needed escape into California's stunning natural landscapes, all within their own backyard.

Girls’ Camp

RRH9+6R, Oakland, CA 94611, USA