“An Ecological Treasure Trove”
With perhaps the worst drought that California has ever seen Mount Diablo is suffering from a severe water shortage. Most of the water in the park is produced through a series of springs that is fed to various water tanks, treated, tested and then is ready for the public to use. However, with the lack of rain the springs on the mountain have been reduced to a trickle. In order to meet the parks’ basic water needs the park has been forced to take a number of drastic measures. Most of the park’s permanent flushing restrooms have been closed and porta-potties have been rented. The showers and water faucets in the campground have been shut-off. Many of the water faucets within the park have been shut-off. This park is one of the ecological treasures of the San Francisco Bay Area. Every season in the park has its special qualities. Discover for yourself the mountain's beautiful wildflowers, its extensive trail system, fascinating wildlife and distinctive rock formations. View the stars from its lofty heights, bike ride to its 3,849 foot summit or explore the more remote trails by horseback. The park offers hiking, biking, horseback riding and camping. The consumption of alcohol beverages is prohibited. At Mount Diablo State Park, dogs are allowed only in developed areas (picnic sites, campgrounds, and paved roads) and must be on a leash at all times. While camping, dogs must remain in a tent, camper or enclosed vehicle during the night. Noisy, vicious, or dangerous dogs are prohibited.
Reviews of Mount Diablo State Park
6 people have reviewed this location
Ratings Summary
Cell Coverage
Verizon 5G
Confirmed by 2 users | Last reported on April 09, 2024Mt. Diablo has 56 campsites with hot showers and flush toilets. Some sites will accommodate RVs up to 20 feet; trailers are not recommended due to road conditions.
Group sites are available with running water and pit toilets. Some have horse facilities.
Nightly Rate: -
Days Stayed: -
Site Number: n/a
Mt Diablo is fun to visit, but at the same time - beware of the desert summer heat. Be sure to do the hike around the mountain but bring lots of water.
At Juniper campground, you can see views of the ENTIRE SF bay from the outside eastern-facing sites and the parking lot has a nice place to lounge and watch dreamy sunsets/clouds coming in. Would stay again just for these views.
Site has a lot of spots and seems to sometimes have availability online. Bathrooms and showers.
Nightly Rate: -
Days Stayed: 1
Site Number: -
Wonderful place for hiking and taking in the views of the SF Bay Area. Difficult road (steep, narrow, very winding), but for smaller rigs that might be an advantage: better campsite availability!
Most of the campsites in the Juniper campground are not level, except for the sites for disabled. Some are unusable for an RV because they are so steeply graded. Read the notes carefully before you reserve and be sure to bring your leveling stuff.
The only real complaint we have is the showers in the Juniper Campground. They were filthy to the point we would not use them! It's a real pity because they are very nice facilities--relatively new and well constructed. Shame on the campground managers for not having them cleaned.
Nightly Rate: $34.00
Days Stayed: 1
Site Number: 18
Cell Coverage Rating
Verizon 5G
A reasonably well appointed state park campsite near the top of Mount Diablo, this particular campground on the mountain hosts expansive views of the underlying valley and - on a clear day - you can see the highest points of the East Bay / Berkeley Hills and Marin County's Mount Tamalpais to the west, Santa Clara County's Mount Hamilton to the south, and the northern reaches of the San Francisco Bay.
During my stay, the bathrooms and showers were clean. Please note that some years during late summer / early fall water may be unavailable at this elevation on the mountainside due to drought conditions. Be sure to confirm with state park staff when booking. On this topic, campsites can become a bit dusty in late-season dry weather.
Springtime camping is quite verdant with rainstorms and even some rare light snow at the higher elevations. Summer and fall sunrises and sunsets highlight the golden slopes of grassy plains covering most of the mountainside.
Pull in sites are quite small as there is limited space for parking / trailers on this part of the mountain. I recommend asking park staff if the lower elevation (but still spectacular) Live Oak campground is a better fit. Regardless, check ahead with park staff if you are planning on bringing an RV or trailer. The drive from the south and north gates are quite long and somewhat steep. Give yourself about 30+ minutes to drive from the entrance to campsites or the summit, and be sure to go slow as there are often more hikers and cyclists than motor vehicles on the park roads at any given time.
The visitor center at the mountain peak is a must visit, but don't overlook the many hiking and cycling trails around the mountain. I highly recommend the (very) steep, but beautiful, Mitchell Canyon cycling and hiking trail that leads towards the base of the northern face of the mountain and of course the Juniper Trail to the summit.
Nightly Rate: $30.00
Days Stayed: 1
Site Number: Juniper - campsite 20
Cell Coverage Rating
Verizon 5G
Be the first to add a review to the Mount Diablo State Park.
Mount Diablo State Park
Hours
Problem with this listing? Let us know.
Has RV parking changed? Let us know.
-
Parking
-
Pets Allowed
-
Restrooms
-
Wifi
-
Wheelchair Accessible
-
Credit Cards Accepted
- Affiliation
- State park or forest
- Last Nightly Rate
- 30.0
- Longest Vehicle Length Reported
- 21.0
- Lowest Nightly Rate
- 30.0
- Max Length
- 20 ft
- Max Stay
- 14
-
Paved Sites
-
Full Hookup
-
Pull Through
-
Tent Sites
-
Dump Station
-
Big Rigs
-
Open Seasonally
-
Age Restricted
-
Boondock
-
Cabin Sites
-
Dispersed Sites
-
Firewood
-
Fulltime Residents
-
Group Tent Sites
-
Laundry
-
Mobile Homes
-
Permit Required
-
Potable Water
-
Propane
-
Public Water
-
Pull Through RV Sites
-
Reservations
-
Sewer Hookup
-
Showers
-
Standard Tent Sites
-
Water Hookup
Campground, Restrooms
Nearby Hotels
Related Trip Guides
The Ultimate Guide To Joshua Tree National Park
- 53 Places
- 11:44
- 408 mi
The top things to do on an I-40 road trip
- 35 Places
- 49:44
- 2,851 mi
The top things to do on an I-10 road trip
- 55 Places
- 56:13
- 3,026 mi