Anthony Chabot Regional Park, Regional park in Castro Valley, California
Anthony Chabot Regional Park is a large regional park in the hills east of Oakland, California, with open grasslands, eucalyptus groves, and trails along Lake Chabot. The grounds also include campgrounds with different setups, as well as areas for horseback riding and cycling.
The land joined the regional park system in 1952, making it one of the early areas set aside for public recreation in the East Bay hills. The dam that forms Lake Chabot was built in the late 19th century to supply drinking water to the city of Oakland.
On summer evenings, campfire programs bring families together around an open fire for storytelling and talks about local wildlife. These sessions take place on the campground itself, making them easy to join for anyone already staying in the park.
Sturdy shoes are a good idea since many trails run through hilly terrain and weather can shift quickly, especially in winter and spring. Those planning to camp should book in advance, particularly on weekends and holidays.
A continuous trail links the park to the regional Cowell/Ridgeline Trail, which passes through several ridges and neighboring open spaces. This means hikers can walk far beyond the park's own grounds without ever needing to return to a road.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
