Devilishly Good Camping

Best Camping on Mount Diablo

High & Mighty

Lofty at 3,000 feet, Juniper Campground—named for the surrounding juniper trees—is located very close to Diablo’s summit and is the largest camping area, with 36 sites. Set up camp, then set out on a 1-mile (round-trip) out-and-back hike to Diablo’s peak, featuring one of the best panoramas in the entire state. Back at your tent, grill some food, roast some s’mores, and marvel at the stars. Astronomers describe Mount Diablo as one of best dark sky watching spots in California.

Small Wonder

Located at 2,200 feet, the intimate Junction Campground has six sites nestled in woodland, and shhh … it’s first come, first served. Its location lets you get an early start on Diablo’s popular Summit Trail, particularly spectacular in spring when the weather is cooler and the wildflowers are everywhere!

Sandstone Sensation

Set at 1,450 feet, Live Oak Campground's 22 sites give you easy (and early bird!) access to Diablo’s popular Rock City, filled with naturally whimsical sandstone formations. Explore the Wind Caves and see Elephant Rock, Artist Point, and Fossil Ridge. Be sure to seek out Sentinel Rock, where you’ll gain another of Diablo’s postcard famous views!

Group Scoop: Mount Diablo has five Group Camping Sites too!

Get Married Bonus!

Talk about a Lover’s High: Get married at 3,849 feet! Better than Vegas, this “destination wedding” at Mount Diablo’s summit is back by popular demand. The Contra Costa Clerk-Recorder will officiate weddings from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Friday, May 24. There are only 16 spots available! Schedule your ceremony.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Perles Beach Angel Island San Francisco Bay

    Secret Beach

    A hidden beach and a killer view? Those are hard to come by, but that’s exactly what you’ll get at Perles Beach on Angel Island. Bike or hike to this beautiful pocket cove.

    View
  2. Cinematic Sonoma

    Longer days. Golden light. Wildflowers in bloom. It’s the perfect moment to plan your spring escape to Sonoma for the Sonoma International Film Festival, March 25–29. No fuss. No sprawl. Just films, friends, fresh air, and that unmistakable Sonoma glow.

    View
  3. Hike Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve

    Mellow in the Marsh

    Beach, birds, ice plant popping purple flowers: That’s a hiking slam dunk! Hike about 2 miles at Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve using their easy to navigate (well-signed) Sequoia Audubon Trail.

    View
  4. A man is looking through his binoculars at sunrise at the Bayland Nature Preserve in Palo Alto

    Baylands Bird & Art Loop

    Combine an outdoor art walk and wildlife sightings at the Baylands Nature Preserve in Palo Alto. This 5-mile loop through Byxbee Park and the Emily Renzel Wetlands features striking installations by artists Peter Richards and Michael Oppenheimer—where the landscape itself becomes part of the canvas.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Tree Town

    Home to an estimated 21,000 trees and 100 acres of parkland, South Pasadena has earned its nickname: the City of Trees. This 2.5-mile neighborhood walk lets you experience its leafy canopy up close, winding through charming streets and three of the city’s beloved parks.

    View
  2. A Better Way to Baldwin

    The Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook in Culver City is one of West L.A.’s most popular hiking spots, but most visitors miss the bigger picture. This 3.5-mile out-and-back along a section of the Park to Playa Trail offers a fuller experience of this gorgeous nature park with sweeping urban views and a few artistic surprises along the way.

    View
  3. Sponsored

    Warm Up to Winter in Reno Tahoe

    2026 is just getting started, but there’s one place already rising to the top as the best for adventure and relaxation: Reno Tahoe. The awe—and ahhhs—begin as soon as you arrive. G

    View
  4. A woman standing at the pond's edge at Ernest B Debs Regional Park in Los Angeles. Trees are making reflections on the pond.

    Urban Oasis Loop

    Home to the city’s Audubon Center, Ernest E. Debs' 282-acre park features a robust network of hiking trails and surprising wildlife diversity. More than 140 bird species have been spotted here. Birdwatcher or not, this 2.5-mile route makes for a gorgeous outing.

    View