Stewart's Camp

For Californians passionate about immersing themselves in true wilderness, Stewart's Camp offers an unparalleled opportunity to disconnect and experience the rugged beauty of the Ohlone Wilderness. Nestled deep within the expansive East Bay Regional Parks system near Livermore, this hike-in backpacking camp is a favored stop along the renowned Ohlone Wilderness Trail. If you're a local seeking a genuine escape from the daily grind, where the sounds of nature replace city noise and panoramic vistas stretch for miles, Stewart's Camp is a destination that promises tranquility and rejuvenation.

The Ohlone Wilderness is a vast expanse of mountains and canyons, a truly wild area right in our backyard. Stewart's Camp embodies the spirit of this wilderness, providing a secluded haven for those willing to venture a bit further off the beaten path. It's not a drive-up RV park; instead, it offers a more intimate and quiet camping experience, perfect for backpackers and nature enthusiasts. As Californians, we often crave these moments of solitude and connection with our state's diverse landscapes, and Stewart's Camp delivers just that.

Visitors consistently praise the peacefulness and beauty of this site. With "privy, trash, and water right near the site," as one reviewer noted, it provides essential comforts while maintaining its wilderness character. The journey to Stewart's Camp, often described as having a "beautiful approach trail," is part of the adventure, preparing you for the serene environment that awaits. This article will delve into what makes Stewart's Camp a unique and highly suitable choice for Californians, covering its location, the services it offers, and the standout features that define its remote charm.

Stewart's Camp is located on Greenside Rd, Livermore, CA 94550, USA, but its true location is within the Ohlone Wilderness, part of the East Bay Regional Park District. This means it's not a roadside camp you can simply drive up to. Instead, Stewart's Camp is a designated backpacking campsite along the 28-mile Ohlone Wilderness Trail, which traverses mountains and canyons in southern Alameda County, connecting Mission Peak Regional Preserve, Sunol Regional Wilderness, and Del Valle Regional Park.

Access to Stewart's Camp typically begins from either Del Valle Regional Park in Livermore or Sunol Regional Wilderness near Pleasanton. The most common starting point for reaching Stewart's Camp is from Del Valle Regional Park. From the main entrance, you would embark on a significant hike – approximately 7 miles – to reach the campsite. This makes Stewart's Camp a true hike-in destination, requiring proper planning, preparation, and backpacking gear.

To utilize the Ohlone Wilderness Trail and its campsites, including Stewart's Camp, visitors aged 12 and over are required to purchase an Ohlone Wilderness Regional Trail Hiking Permit/Map. This permit is valid for one year. Additionally, a separate camping reservation must be made at least two days in advance by calling the East Bay Regional Park District Reservations Department. Overnight parking, with a reservation and permit, is allowed at the Del Valle, Sunol, and Mission Peak parking lots. The approach trails offer "beautiful" scenery, winding through diverse landscapes that include oak woodlands, grassy uplands, and wilderness ridges. This commitment to a longer hike ensures a genuinely secluded experience, far removed from the sounds of traffic and urban sprawl.

Stewart's Camp, being a wilderness backpacking site, offers fundamental services designed to support overnight stays in a natural setting. Campers should come prepared with most of their own provisions.

• Designated Backpacking Campsites: The camp provides specific, marked areas for setting up tents, ensuring a designated space for overnight stays.
• Vault Toilet (Privy): A key amenity is the presence of a "privy" or vault toilet near the site, providing basic, non-flush restroom facilities. This is a crucial convenience in a wilderness setting.
• Trash Receptacles: Trash disposal is available "right near the site," as noted by a reviewer. This service helps campers properly manage their waste and keep the wilderness clean.
• Water Source: Water is available at Stewart's Camp. However, it's explicitly stated by the East Bay Regional Park District that "all water is non-potable (filter, treat, or boil for human consumption)." Campers must bring their own water treatment methods or sufficient potable water for their stay.
• No Electricity: There are no electrical hookups or power sources at Stewart's Camp, reinforcing its rustic, off-grid nature. Campers should plan for all their power needs with portable chargers or other off-grid solutions.
• No Showers: As a backpacking camp, showers are not available. Campers should plan for wilderness hygiene methods.
• Fire Rings (Potential): While not explicitly stated in the provided snippet, many backpacking camps include designated fire rings. It's always advisable to check current fire restrictions and regulations with the park before planning a campfire.
• Permit and Reservation System: The East Bay Regional Park District requires an Ohlone Wilderness Trail Hiking Permit and a separate camping reservation for overnight stays, ensuring controlled access and preservation of the wilderness.

Stewart's Camp offers several compelling features and highlights that appeal to seasoned backpackers and those seeking a profound connection with California's wild landscapes.

• True Wilderness Experience: The most significant highlight is its immersion within the Ohlone Wilderness. This provides a genuine backcountry feel, far removed from urban noise and light pollution, perfect for stargazing and appreciating natural silence.
• Secluded and Tranquil: Reviewers consistently emphasize its quiet and peaceful nature. It's a spot where you can truly "enjoy ALONE," as one past guest highlighted, making it ideal for solitude and reflection.
• "Beautiful Approach Trail": The journey to Stewart's Camp is part of the experience. The trails leading to it are scenic, winding through diverse California landscapes, offering "beautiful river views" and picturesque vistas as you hike.
• Stunning Vistas: The Ohlone Wilderness Trail, and by extension Stewart's Camp, offers "great east bay views," including potential glimpses of Mount Diablo and the surrounding valleys, providing breathtaking photo opportunities.
• Essential Amenities on Site: Despite its remote nature, the convenience of a "privy, trash, and water right near the site" is a significant benefit for backpackers, minimizing the need to carry out waste or find water sources.
• Wildlife Observation: The wilderness setting provides opportunities to observe local wildlife, from deer to various bird species, enhancing the natural experience.
• Part of a Larger Trail System: Stewart's Camp is a strategic stop along the 28-mile Ohlone Wilderness Trail, making it an excellent base for multi-day backpacking trips and exploring more of the rugged regional park system.
• Challenging and Rewarding Hike: The hike to Stewart's Camp can be strenuous, involving significant elevation changes, which makes reaching the destination feel even more rewarding for experienced hikers.

For reservations, permits, and the most up-to-date information regarding Stewart's Camp and the Ohlone Wilderness, it is best to contact the East Bay Regional Park District.

Address: The physical location associated with the park system is at Greenside Rd, Livermore, CA 94550, USA (This refers to the general area, the camp itself is hike-in).

Reservations Department Phone: (888) 327-2757 (Press option 2 for Reservations)

East Bay Regional Park District Main Number: +1 888-327-2757

It's highly recommended to visit the official East Bay Regional Park District website for the Ohlone Wilderness for detailed maps, permit information, current water availability, and trail conditions before planning your trip.

For Californians, Stewart's Camp embodies a vital and increasingly rare opportunity to truly escape into the wilderness without venturing too far from home. Its location within the Ohlone Wilderness, accessible via a rewarding hike from Livermore, makes it an ideal destination for Bay Area residents and others across Northern California who crave genuine solitude and a deep connection with nature. This isn't a family campground with playgrounds; it's a backpacker's haven, offering a tranquil retreat from the constant hum of urban life.

Locals who value self-sufficiency and the challenge of a wilderness trek will find Stewart's Camp perfectly suited to their preferences. The "beautiful approach trail" sets the stage for the serene experience, leading to a campsite where the essential comforts of a privy, trash disposal, and a non-potable water source are thoughtfully provided. This balance allows for a rugged yet manageable adventure, ensuring that the focus remains on the breathtaking scenery, vast open spaces, and the quiet beauty of the East Bay hills.

Moreover, its integration into the extensive Ohlone Wilderness Trail system offers ambitious locals the chance to embark on multi-day treks, using Stewart's Camp as a strategic and peaceful overnight stop. For Californians seeking to challenge themselves, unwind in nature's embrace, and witness stunning sunrises over sprawling vistas or countless stars at night, Stewart's Camp offers an authentic and highly rewarding wilderness experience right in our own backyard. It's a reminder that true escape is often found just a hike away, waiting to be discovered by those who seek it.

Stewart's Camp

Greenside Rd, Livermore, CA 94550, USA