Round Valley Regional Preserve

Closed — The campground is currently closed for the season and reopens annually in spring. Reservations must be made at least two business days in advance by calling East Bay Regional Park District Reservations.

About

Round Valley Regional Preserve features a remote backpacking campsite accessible via a 3.6-mile hike from the Marsh Creek Staging Area. This group site accommodates 1 to 25 people and includes leveled tent spaces, picnic tables, an ADA accessible restroom, and non-potable water that must be treated, filtered, or boiled before use. Reservations must be made at least two business days in advance. The 2,191-acre preserve showcases diverse ecosystems including non-native grasslands, blue oak woodland, chamise chaparral, and riparian corridors along Round Valley Creek. The terrain features rolling hills and steep slopes with elevations that offer expansive views across Contra Costa County. Wildlife includes endangered San Joaquin kit fox, golden eagles, burrowing owls, California red-legged frogs, and California ground squirrels. The preserve represents one of the northern extremes of kit fox range in California. Summer temperatures commonly exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making spring and fall ideal visiting seasons. The preserve was originally ranched by the Murphy family beginning in 1873 before being preserved as parkland in 1988. Dogs are not permitted in the preserve due to the sensitive wildlife habitat. The park is managed by the East Bay Regional Park District and is open for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding on designated trails.

Directions

From I-680, exit at Ygnacio Valley Road. Proceed on Ygnacio Valley Road to Clayton Road in Concord and turn right (east). Clayton Road becomes Marsh Creek Road in Clayton. Proceed east on Marsh Creek Road, past Deer Valley Road, until you reach the preserve staging area on your right. The backpack campsite is located 3.6 miles via the Miwok Trail from the Marsh Creek Staging Area.

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