Anthony Chabot Campgrounds (Lake Chabot, Oakland, CA)

Checked out camping at Lake Chabot last weekend - it was pretty cool, especially considering it sits right between Castro Valley and Oakland of all places. Campsites are really close together, but we were lucky to find two walk in sites that were set pretty far apart from the rest. The car camping sites are definitely not for campers that want privacy or are looking for a place to kick back, stay up late and drink beers around the campfire.

Walk-in sites aren't too far from the parking lot, probably about 500 feet or so. There's a good size meadow/lawn where you can enjoy some sunshine, and a small amphitheater with benches and a fire pit. Bathrooms are close by and clean. Most of the sites (car camping and walk-in), although described online as "spacious" are pretty small, and a lot of them look like they'd barely fit one tent, let alone two.

Wildlife: lizards and wild turkeys

Anthony Chabot is about 45 minutes/1 hour from the SF peninsula, even with traffic. Once you're in the park you have no idea you're so close to Oakland or the freeway. There are stores (Safeway) nearby. All in all, a pretty cool place, and we're definitely going back again soon.