Mount Diablo Group Campsites
4.41700 reviews96 Mitchell Canyon Road, Clayton, CA 94517
Mount Diablo Group Campsites
$6.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Vehicle entrance fees range from $6-$10 depending on the entrance location.
About this campground
Nestled within the rolling hills of Mount Diablo, these group campsites provide the perfect basecamp for outdoor gatherings and team retreats. With essential amenities including pit toilets and fresh running water, groups can disconnect from the digital world while staying comfortably connected to nature's rhythms.
Mount Diablo Group Campsites cater to larger groups and emphasize primitive camping experiences.
Historical SignificanceStand on sacred ground where the Julpun, Northern Miwok, Volvon, and Chupcan peoples have gathered for thousands of years, drawn to this powerful peak rising from the valley floor. Mount Diablo holds deep spiritual significance as a creation site in Native Californian traditions, and later served as the initial point for land surveys that mapped much of California and Nevada, making it a cornerstone of both indigenous heritage and American expansion.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the golden California climate at its finest, where sun-drenched summers invite early morning hikes and starlit evenings around the campfire. Winter brings gentle rains that transform the landscape into emerald meadows, while spring and fall deliver those perfect camping days with crisp mornings giving way to warm afternoons. These shoulder seasons attract the most visitors, offering ideal conditions for exploring the mountain's diverse trails.
ElevationJourney from oak-studded foothills to the wind-swept summit at 3,849 feet, where the mountain creates its own weather patterns and rewards climbers with views stretching from the Sierra Nevada to the Pacific Ocean. This dramatic elevation change means you'll experience multiple climate zones in a single day, from warm valleys to cool, fog-kissed peaks where on the clearest days, you can see nearly 200 miles in every direction.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a living tapestry of California ecosystems, where ancient oak groves provide shade along trickling creeks, and spring wildflowers paint the grasslands in vibrant yellows, purples, and oranges. Wildlife thrives here—watch for gray foxes padding through the underbrush at dusk, listen for the distinctive buzz of rattlesnakes sunning on warm rocks, and bring your binoculars to spot some of the 200+ bird species that call this mountain home, from soaring golden eagles to tiny Anna's hummingbirds.
Geological RegionExplore a geological wonderland where 190 million years of Earth's history lie exposed in the Coast Range's twisted rock formations. Ancient ocean floors have been thrust skyward, creating a unique mixture of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks that tell the story of California's dramatic formation. From 10-million-year-old marine fossils to volcanic outcroppings, Mount Diablo serves as an open-air museum of plate tectonics and continental collision.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility details are not specified for the group campsites.
Sites SizeThe group campsites accommodate larger groups, but specific measurements or site sizes are not provided.
Sites PrivacySites may lack substantial privacy as they cater to larger groups.
Total Campsites5 campsites
Recommended CampsitesGroup sites are ideal for reunions or educational programs.
Best CampsitesSpecific site recommendations are not provided. Group sites accommodate larger parties.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Park gates open at 8:00 AM.
Check-out
Park gates close at sunset.
Stay Limit
Visitors can reserve campsites six months in advance.
Groups
Group sites can accommodate larger parties. Exact guest and vehicle limits are not specified.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutGroup sites with pit toilets and running water are distributed across specific sections.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are made through Reserve California at www.reserveamerica.com or by calling 1-800-444-7275.
Walk-in AvailabilityLimited walk-up availability may exist, but reservations are strongly recommended during peak season.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled up to 24 hours prior to arrival without penalty.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Activities at Mount Diablo Group Campsites emphasize nature exploration and recreational opportunities within the state park.
Hiking
Mount Diablo State Park features nearly 200 miles of trails, including several accessible to group campers. Trails range from easy to strenuous, providing opportunities for all skill levels.Climbing
Climbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.Biking
Cyclists can utilize well-maintained bike trails and new turnouts added for safety. Mountain biking is allowed on designated trails, providing options for different skill levels.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife is abundant, with over 200 bird species and creatures such as gray foxes and coastal black-tailed deer. Visitors are encouraged to maintain safe distances from animals.Cultural and Educational Programs
Interpretive programs and guided hikes are available, focusing on the park's natural and cultural history.Winter Activities
Winter recreation is limited but may include cold-weather hiking and camping. Snow may pose challenges for access.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not mentioned as available options.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Firewood gathering prohibited; fires allowed in designated pits and stoves during low fire danger periods.
- Quiet hours are enforced during evening hours.
Hazards
General hazardsRisks include venomous rattlesnakes, ticks, poison oak, and dehydration due to high temperatures.
Active alertsFire danger varies by season and can result in park closures.
Weather forecast
79
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 31%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 8.7 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services are at Contra Costa Regional Medical Center in Martinez. Police and fire services are accessible via 911.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season is generally during spring and fall.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not specifically mentioned. Visitors are encouraged to pack out trash to protect the environment.
Proximity to water featuresWater features include small creeks and riparian areas throughout the park.
Common complaintsRoads are steep and narrow, and conditions can be hazardous for larger vehicles. Limited cellphone coverage makes emergencies difficult.
HostCampground hosts details are not provided.
Campground Map
96 Mitchell Canyon Road, Clayton, CA 94517
Driving directionsTake Highway 680 to Walnut Creek. Exit at Diablo Road, then continue 3 miles east to Mount Diablo Scenic Blvd., which winds up to the park.
Road access features steep, narrow, and winding roads with blind turns, suitable for vehicles under 24 feet in length. Seasonal closures may occur during periods of extreme fire danger.Nearby places
Clayton (3 miles, approximately 10 minutes)
Walnut Creek (12 miles, approximately 20 minutes)
Concord (14 miles, approximately 30 minutes)
Danville (15 miles, approximately 30 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Clayton (3 miles) and Walnut Creek (12 miles).
Camper Reviews
4.4
700 reviews
Mount Diablo Group Campsites is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews suggest Mount Diablo Group Campsites are ideal for groups looking to enjoy nature and outdoor activities. However, some reviews note sparse amenities and challenging terrain.
Review Summaries
Based on 700 reviews
What Campers Love
Many reviewers appreciated the stunning views and access to extensive hiking trails.
Based on 700 reviewsCommon Concerns
Some users felt the amenities, such as bathrooms, could be better maintained.
Based on 700 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing extra water, sturdy hiking boots, and reviewing trail maps in advance to avoid getting lost.
Based on 700 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Visitors report the park is best enjoyed during spring and autumn, with summer being too hot and winter potentially cold and wet.
Based on 700 reviewsCamper Quotes
"The views from Mount Diablo Group Campsites are breathtaking, especially at sunset." "Come prepared with water and supplies as amenities are limited."
Based on 700 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Reviews commonly highlight the group campsite's suitability for larger parties and the area's natural beauty. Specific campsite numbers are not mentioned.
Based on 700 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility for campers with disabilities is not explicitly reviewed.
Based on 700 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet-related reviews are not mentioned, and policies on pets are unclear.
Based on 700 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025