Morgan Territory Campsite

For Californians with a thirst for true backcountry adventure, Morgan Territory Campsite offers a secluded and authentic wilderness experience within the beautiful Morgan Territory Regional Preserve. This isn't your typical drive-up campground; it's a dedicated backpack camp, meaning you'll earn your tranquility with a hike in. As residents of a state blessed with incredible natural diversity, we often seek out those truly wild spaces that allow us to disconnect and immerse ourselves fully in the environment. Morgan Territory Campsite delivers just that, providing a raw and rewarding escape that feels miles away from urban life, yet remains accessible for a determined local adventurer.

This campsite is perfect for seasoned backpackers, scout groups, or individuals looking to challenge themselves and enjoy the serene solitude of California's rolling hills and expansive views. It's a place where preparedness is key, and the rewards are abundant: breathtaking sunrises, star-filled nights, and the profound quiet of nature. While it embraces a primitive style of camping, it offers essential facilities to ensure a comfortable (for backpacking standards) and memorable stay. This article will guide you through the unique aspects of Morgan Territory Campsite, detailing its remote location, the services you can expect, its most captivating features, and why it stands out as an exceptional choice for those seeking a genuine wilderness experience in our golden state.

Morgan Territory Campsite is nestled within the Morgan Territory Regional Preserve, with its general address being California 94551, USA. More specifically, the campsite is a "backpack camp," meaning it's a hike-in site. This design inherently contributes to its secluded nature, ensuring a quieter and more immersive experience away from car camping crowds. While the preserve itself is located near Livermore, CA, the actual campsite is a few miles into the backcountry.

Accessing Morgan Territory Regional Preserve typically involves driving to the staging area. From I-580 in Livermore, you would exit onto N. Livermore Ave., turn north, then right onto Morgan Territory Road, following it for about 5.5 miles to the staging area. If coming from Walnut Creek/Concord, you would take Clayton Road to Marsh Creek Road, then turn right onto Morgan Territory Road, with the staging area being 9.4 miles from Marsh Creek Road. It's important to note that "Morgan Territory Road is narrow and curvy," so caution is advised. Once at the staging area, the backpack camp is approximately a "3-mile hike on old ranch roads from the Morgan Territory parking lot," though some unofficial trails might offer a slightly shorter route. Overnight parking is generally permitted at the staging area, with passes often included in the reservation. This hike-in requirement, while a commitment, ensures that only those truly seeking a wilderness experience reach the campsite, contributing to its untouched feel and providing a deeper sense of accomplishment for Californians embarking on this adventure.

Services Offered:

• Backpack camp: A primitive hike-in campsite.
• Picnic tables are available for convenience.
• Vault toilet on site for restroom needs.
• Non-potable water available from a water spigot and water trough (essential to filter, treat, boil, or bring your own potable water for drinking).
• Hitching rails provided for equestrians.
• Accommodates groups up to 20 people in a single site.
• Reservations are required and must be made at least two business days in advance via phone, as same-day reservations are not available.
• Overnight parking passes are typically included with reservations and emailed for printing and display.

Features / Highlights:

• Highly secluded and remote, offering a true wilderness experience without traffic noise.
• "Beautiful little glen with a view of Mount Diablo," providing stunning scenic backdrops.
• Fenced in to keep cows out, maintaining a clean camping area.
• Located in an "open grassland" and "oak-studded hills" environment, perfect for enjoying wildflowers in spring or early summer.
• No campfires are allowed at any of the backpack sites; only camp stoves are permitted. This is crucial for fire safety in this natural preserve.
• Provides two leveled areas specifically for tents, despite the general terrain.
• Offers extensive hiking trails (over 34 miles in the preserve) with varied difficulty levels directly accessible from the area.
• Pet-friendly (dogs must be leashed), allowing Californians to bring their canine companions on their adventure.
• Expansive ridgetop views include Mount Diablo to the west, Mount St. Helena to the north, and the snow-covered Sierra Nevada to the east on clear days.

Contact Information:

Address: California 94551, USA (located within Morgan Territory Regional Preserve)

For reservations and specific inquiries regarding Morgan Territory Campsite (Backpack Camp), contact the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) Reservations Department.

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

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

Reservations must be made by phone at least two business days in advance.

For Canadian residents, please use 510-544-2707.

Morgan Territory Campsite offers a unique and highly suitable experience for Californians who are genuinely seeking a backpacking adventure and a deep connection with nature. Its secluded location within the beautiful Morgan Territory Regional Preserve provides an unparalleled sense of wilderness, a valuable commodity for those of us living in a bustling state. The hike-in access ensures that the campsite remains quiet and less frequented than drive-up options, appealing to those who cherish solitude and a more challenging outdoor experience.

For scout groups, experienced hikers, or families looking to introduce older children to backpacking, this campsite is ideal. It provides essential facilities like vault toilets and picnic tables, while the non-potable water source teaches valuable wilderness skills of filtration and treatment. The explicit "no campfires" policy is a crucial safety measure for California's dry climate, encouraging the use of camp stoves and promoting responsible outdoor practices. The opportunity to witness "beautiful views" of Mount Diablo and even the Sierra Nevada, along with vast wildflower meadows, adds immense value to the experience.

The fact that it's dog-friendly (with leash rules) means that beloved canine companions can also join the adventure, a significant plus for many California outdoor enthusiasts. While cell service may be spotty, this serves as an ideal opportunity for a digital detox, fostering stronger connections within your group and with the natural world. Morgan Territory Campsite is not for everyone; it demands preparation and a willingness to embrace a primitive setting. However, for the prepared and adventurous Californian, it represents a truly rewarding escape, offering stunning landscapes, profound quiet, and the satisfaction of a well-earned wilderness experience, all within the breathtaking East Bay region.

Morgan Territory Campsite

California 94551, USA