Juniper and Live Oak Campground
Description
If you’re looking for a Bay Area camping getaway filled with expansive views, climbing, and hiking, head to Mount Diablo State Park. Choose from about 50 sites at Juniper Campground and Live Oak Campground, both of which are perfect if you’re after solid Mt. Diablo State Park camping and not travelling with a large group. Easily accessible and located inside the South Gate at the base of the mountain, Live Oak Campground is a great spot if you are planning on exploring the entire mountain or only have one night. Take your pick among 22 sites, but be aware that the sites are close together so privacy can be an issue. Campsites 10 through 16 offer the most seclusion. Closest to the top of the mountain, the sites at Juniper boast incredible views well worth the climb. Camping here is fairly comfortable with access to fire rings, picnic tables, toilets, and some showers. All of Mount Diablo tends to be on the dry side, so be sure to bring lots of water.
Activities
Offered near the campground.
Biking
Biking up Mt. Tam is most definitely “not lame.” While there are beginner, intermediate and advanced routes , most people go fo...Read more
Hiking
From Tarantula Treks to a massive observatory deck with stunning views (perhaps the best in Northern California), there is lots...Read more
Horseback riding
Horseback riding is allowed on the trails. It’s best to contact the park directly for specific information.
Climbing
Whether a casual boulder session or a multi-pitch climb is your thing, Mt. Diablo offers up a good range of climbing options (...Read more
Wildlife watching
Mt. Diablo will not disappoint nature lovers. Wildlife seekers should visit expecting to seek out amphibians, insect life, bob...Read more
Terrain
Natural features you'll find at Juniper and Live Oak Campground.
11 Reviews
Adding a little more detail to press "Recommend"- would recommend Juniper over Live Oak if you want a quicker view at the top.
Campsite was generally quiet by 9pm.
Campsite was warm at night for stargazing.
Juniper Campground Campsite #16
Pros:
Bathrooms: near JC Campsite #24- clean with toilet cover and toilet paper.
Diablo overlook: spacious - good views for sunset, sunrise, stargazing.
Food locker: 2x. We used the one beneath the tree - raccoon did not get inside.
Parking: vehicle fit on roundabot right next to campsite.
Privacy: secluded by surrounding bushes
Spacious: can fit at least two+ tents
Trash/Recycling bins: plentiful
Minor cons:
-minimal view from campsite #16, tall bushes provide privacy. better view from the overlook.
-Flies/bees active buzzing at campsite.
-If sitting around picnic table at night, make sure snacks are not out on picnic table, but kept in lap. Raccoon was not shy about jumping on inactive stove top.
Camped at Juniper Camp, would strongly recommend. Great, easy ridgeline hiking with incredible views and tons of wildlife -- rabbits, snakes, birds. Great sunset and city night views from the top of the mountain. Our campsite didn't have a view but we were able to walk 50 feet to the parking lot which has an amazing view. Extremely aggressive raccoons -- I thought they were dogs. Only major downside is the ban on wood fires that is in effect throughout almost all of the summer (charcoal fires only). It can get windy, so wear layers and make sure your tent is has plenty of mesh, or bring earplugs to deal with the sound of the wind! Our campmates who didn't do either ended up sleeping in their car.
Stayed at Site #11. Wonderful campground with stunning views.
Rangers are very helpful and friendly. Our food locker door was broken and had to keep food in our car.
Restrooms are clean. Showers were not working when we there.
Raccoons are a little crazy
These sites don't offer much privacy, but the views of the bay area are stunning.
Stayed st Juniper campground in Mid-February, it was super windy! We feared out tents would blow away when we left, and it was hard to sleep.. We all ended up in our cars by the morning. It has a great view on the western side of the city lights, but call a ranger and see how the wind gusts are for that night before you make the trek!
Wouldn't recommend using the food lockers. They are terrible and do not close all the way. Raccoons will definitely get in. We kept waking up to them tearing open bags of chips, and even if you block the door, they'll get in. These raccoons are huge from all the snacks they steal! And there is trash everywhere in the brush from them.
Also, the rangers are not very chill. Alcohol is not allowed and they will make you pour it all out. We were threatened repeatedly of getting kicked out and they even made us take our hammock down for no reason.
So keep your beers and food in the cars.
There are amazing views so definitely worth a trip.
We woke up a couple times because of raccoons in the food locker. At one point there were baby raccoons inside the locker. The door to the locker was in pretty bad shape prior and they were able to squeeze in. We had to let them out then use the firewood box to try to block the door. 5 minutes after getting back in the tent, a bigger raccoon appears to try to open the box again. I would recommend wearing earplugs and not pitching too close to the food locker if you don't want to be disturbed. They are loud and not afraid to keep trying.
Took a 3.5 year old on the hike from Juniper campground to the summit. Found ice cream at the summit visitor center, the little one was pleasantly surprised.
It says no dogs on the trails, but we saw 2
- Park
- Mount Diablo State Park
- State
- California
- Country
- United States
- Phone Number
- (925) 837-2525
- Directions
- View on Google Maps
- Official Website
- View Website
- Coordinates
- 37.879° N, 121.934° W
- Unknown price
- Tent / RV / Trailer: 51 Sites (Up to 8 people per site)