Anthony Chabot Regional Park Bay Area Day Trip

Anthony Chabot Regional Park is just 30 minutes from downtown Oakland, California, and makes a great day trip from anywhere in the Bay Area. This park has something for everyone and is ideal for hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, or camping. Visitors enter the park with thick drive-through stands of eucalyptus trees that line both sides of the road. Be cautious here; the drive (via Redwood Road) is narrow and winding, and many bicyclists frequently use it. If you’re looking for a fun day trip with plenty of outdoor activities, Anthony Chabot Regional Park is worth considering.

Anthony Chabot hiking Park Trails

Anthony Chabot Regional Park offers over 70 trails for hikers of all skill levels, with most being dog-friendly for a small fee. Lake Chabot is a short hike from the family campground, accessible via multiple paths. Huck’s Trail is the quickest but steepest route, while Honker Bay Trail provides a more leisurely 45-minute walk. For those seeking a challenge, Brandon Trail begins just outside the campground and is a segment of the Skyline National Trail, a 32-mile trek that boasts beautiful views of Oakland and San Francisco Bay.

Anthony Chabot Regional Park Camping

Anthony Chabot Regional Park campsites are open year-round, although walk-in sites are restricted during the winter months. The family campground offers 63 walk-in and tent campsites, along with 12 sites featuring RV hookups, restrooms, and hot showers. There are also several group camping sites (with a minimum occupancy of 11 people) at Puma Point, El Venado, Lost Ridge, Two Rocks, Hawk Ridge, and Lookout Ridge. All of these sites offer incredible views overlooking the lake and a private atmosphere ideal for large groups.

Lake Chabot Fishing and Boating

Lake Chabot is a reserved water supply managed by the local water district, so several usage rules are in place to protect it. Canoeing and kayaking are permitted, provided boats are launched from the Marina. However, motorized watercraft and swimming are not allowed to protect water quality. The fishing is excellent as the lake is stocked with heavy, healthy trout, catfish, and bass year-round.

Lake Chabot Golf Course

The Lake Chabot Golf Course is open all week and offers an entire 18-hole course, a 9-hole course, a driving range, and a putting green. Golf Course rates are reasonable even on weekends. Carts are available for rental, and seniors and children get discounts.

Access and Location:

Address: 9999 Redwood Rd, Castro Valley, California. Website. https://www.ebparks.org/parks/anthony-chabot
Main access points include Redwood Road (Proctor, Marciel, Bort Meadow, MacDonald, and Big Bear Staging Areas) and Skyline Boulevard. From I-580 westbound, take the Redwood Road exit and turn right; eastbound, turn left.
Park Hours: Open from 6 a.m. until sunset (hours vary by season). Parking Fees: $5 per vehicle, $4 for trailered vehicles, and $25 for buses.
Park Wildlife and Environment: Visitors may spot deer, foxes, wild turkeys, eagles, red-tail hawks, and California condors. The park includes redwood regrowth, eucalyptus groves, and oak woodlands.

Nearby Points of Interest

Oakland Zoo (5 miles, ~12-minute drive) Situated at 9777 Golf Links Rd, Oakland, CA 94605, this 100-acre zoo in Knowland Park houses over 850 animals, including elephants, giraffes, and tigers. Highlights include the California Trail exhibit, a gondola ride offering stunning views of the Bay Area, and a children’s zoo featuring interactive areas. Open daily, it’s ideal for families.

Redwood Regional Park (7 miles, ~15-minute drive) Is Located at 7867 Redwood Rd, Oakland, CA 94619. This 1,833-acre park features coast redwood groves, some of which are over 100 years old in regrowth, as well as 40 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The Stream Trail is popular for easy walks, while the East Bay Skyline National Trail offers challenging hikes. Wildlife includes deer and rare species, such as the California condor.

Chabot Space & Science Center (8 miles, ~18-minute drive) Located at 10000 Skyline Blvd, Oakland, CA 94619, this center features interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and telescopes for stargazing. It’s great for families and science enthusiasts. Admission is $20–$25, with discounts for kids and seniors. Open Wednesday through Sunday; check the website for details.

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