Two Rocks Group Camp

For Californians, especially those residing in the vibrant and bustling Bay Area, finding an accessible yet genuinely restorative outdoor escape is a precious commodity. Two Rocks Group Camp, nestled within Oakland's expansive Anthony Chabot Regional Park, offers just that: a unique opportunity to feel "far away while still being on Oakland." This primitive group campsite provides a chance to connect with nature, enjoy the camaraderie of a group, and experience the tranquility of a wooded setting without venturing too far from urban conveniences.

Two Rocks Group Camp is specifically designed for groups, providing a dedicated space for gatherings, scout troops, family reunions, or simply a larger group of friends looking to camp together. It's known for being a "nice and quiet place to camp," offering a peaceful retreat where the sounds of nature, though sometimes accompanied by distant city hum and overhead air traffic, allow for a refreshing escape. The camp provides essential amenities like a fire pit, grill, water spigot, water fountain, and a restroom facility with pit toilets, ensuring a comfortable, albeit rustic, camping experience. While the presence of poison oak is noted by previous visitors, awareness and caution can easily mitigate this. The enjoyment of nearby trails and the wooded environment filled with Eucalyptus trees contribute to a picturesque setting, making it a cool campsite for those who appreciate natural beauty.

Two Rocks Group Camp is located on Two Rocks Trail, Oakland, CA 94605, USA. This places it directly within the sprawling Anthony Chabot Regional Park, a significant natural space managed by the East Bay Regional Park District. The park itself spans a vast area, offering diverse landscapes and a sense of wilderness even though it's situated within the urban fabric of Oakland.

The accessibility of Two Rocks Group Camp is designed for group bookings and requires specific access. The entrance to the park's primitive group sites, including Two Rocks, is off Redwood Road, before the main park kiosk. Sites are located inside the Marciel gate, which locks at 10:00 PM, meaning no entrance is permitted after this time. Parking passes and a gate combo code are typically emailed to reservation holders 5-10 days prior to arrival. It's important to note that buses, RVs, trailers, food trucks, or caterers are generally prohibited, indicating that this is a tent-focused group camping experience.

Despite its somewhat secluded feel within the park, its Oakland address means it benefits from excellent accessibility to the wider Bay Area. Commuters and campers alike can easily reach the park via major roadways. For instance, from I-580, visitors can take the Redwood Road exit, leading directly to park entrances. This convenient access means that while you're enjoying the feeling of being "far away," essential services, grocery stores, and medical facilities in Oakland and nearby Castro Valley are never too distant. This balance of natural immersion and urban proximity makes Two Rocks Group Camp a practical and appealing choice for Californians seeking an accessible escape.

Services Offered:

• Primitive group campsite (minimum 17, maximum 50 people capacity).
• Picnic tables at each site.
• BBQ grill at each site.
• Fire pit for campfires (wood not provided).
• Water spigot / drinking fountain available.
• Restroom facilities with chemical (pit) toilets. (No access to flush toilets or showers).
• Parking for up to 10 vehicles with parking passes provided via email (no overflow parking).
• Beer and wine allowed with an additional permit ($25.00). Hard alcohol is prohibited.
• Trash disposal (usually in designated receptacles).
• Access to nearby hiking and mountain biking trails.

Features / Highlights:

• Quiet and peaceful camping environment, especially at night.
• A sense of being "far away" from the city despite being within Oakland.
• Safe environment, with a strong feeling of security.
• Wooded area with Eucalyptus trees, providing shade and a natural ambiance.
• Direct access to the Two Rocks Trail and other trails within Anthony Chabot Regional Park, ideal for hiking and trail running.
• Designated for group use, fostering shared experiences and camaraderie.
• Proximity to other attractions within Anthony Chabot Regional Park, such as Lake Chabot for fishing and boating.
• Offers a more rustic, back-to-basics camping experience.
• The opportunity to observe local wildlife.

Contact Information:

Address: Two Rocks Trail, Oakland, CA 94605, USA (Located within Anthony Chabot Regional Park)

For reservations and general inquiries related to Anthony Chabot Regional Park campgrounds (including group sites like Two Rocks), contact the East Bay Regional Park District Reservations Department:

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

Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm, Pacific Standard Time.

For Californians, particularly those in the Bay Area, Two Rocks Group Camp offers an incredibly suitable and accessible option for group outdoor adventures. Its primary allure is its unique ability to provide a feeling of genuine escape and "far away" tranquility, even though it's conveniently located right in Oakland. This proximity to a major urban center means less travel time and easier logistics for groups, making it an ideal choice for weekend getaways, youth group outings, or family gatherings where not everyone has extensive time for long journeys.

The emphasis on group camping makes it perfect for fostering shared experiences and building camaraderie in a natural setting. While it is a primitive site with pit toilets and no showers, the provided amenities like fire pits, grills, and water access cover the essentials for a comfortable and enjoyable outdoor experience. The nearby trails are a significant highlight, inviting hikers and trail runners to explore the wooded landscape and experience nature firsthand.

While there's a noted presence of poison oak and some daytime city and road noise, these are minor considerations that are often outweighed by the convenience and the sense of safety provided by the location and its relative seclusion at night. For Bay Area locals seeking an authentic, back-to-basics group camping experience within easy reach, Two Rocks Group Camp at Anthony Chabot Regional Park is a highly recommended destination that proves you don't have to travel far to find a peaceful slice of California wilderness.

Two Rocks Group Camp

Two Rocks Trail, Oakland, CA 94605, USA