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. All right, Almaden!

    Take a trip through time on this 5-mile loop in Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Explore the ruins of an old cinnabar mine and enjoy the first hints of wildflower season.

    View
  2. Waterfalls and Wine Pours

    Cooler temps, green hills, and the return of our magnificent waterfalls! This family-friendly 2-mile hike at Uvas Canyon County Park in Morgan Hill is a great way to get the most out of a short hike post-rain.

    View
  3. Woman hiker is climbing up the ladder in the Steep Ravine section of the Dipsea Loop Trail on Mount Tam

    Misty on Mount Tam

    Mount Tam’s 3.9-mile round-trip Steep Ravine and Dipsea Trail Loop weathers the wets and wilds with some confidence, sheltered in parts by redwoods, and wowing with a waterfall.

    View
  4. Mile-Long Cataract Club

    In winter after heavy rains, the north flank of Mount Tam glows with flows. The nearly mile-long series of waterfalls—Cataract Falls—transforms into a supercharged spectacle. Starting at Alpine Dam, a 1.6 mile (one-way) narrow trails threads through redwoods and ferns along Cataract Creek.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Peace Labyrinth

    Hidden in LA’s historic West Adams district, the Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens is a welcome respite from the norms of urban noise.

    View
  2. Weekend Sherpa Podcast: Take It Outside

    Adventure for your earbuds. What's new in the world of the outdoors? Listen to Weekend Sherpa co-founders discuss local hikes, beaches, bike rides, camping spots and all kinds of travel and adventure in California and beyond!

    View
  3. Hikers sitting on a large rock slab next to Three Sisters Falls in Cleveland National Forest Southern California near Julian

    Three Sisters

    Good things come in threes at this hike to a lovely trio-tiered waterfall in Cleveland National Forest. The 4.25-mile out-and-back hike rambles among rolling hills, with rocky mountain views as switchbacks take you down to a lush canyon and the falls.

    View
  4. People gathered around a tree at an LA Park as part of the Tree Tour led by Stephanie Carrie

    LA's Tree Tour

    Los Angeles is famous for its iconic palm trees but did you know that LA is home to one of the most diverse urban forests in the world? With over 1,000 different tree species lining its streets, LA offers a unique urban canopy waiting to be explored. One of the best ways to discover it is by joining a Tree Tour

    View