Live Oak Campground
4.1022 reviews1300 North Gate Road, Walnut Creek, CA 94598
Live Oak Campground
$30.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$30.00
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
Campsites are $30. There is an additional $8.25 reservation fee charged per booking. Each site accommodates up to 8 people and 2 vehicles.
About this campground
Nestled beneath a canopy of ancient live oaks, this enchanting campground serves as your gateway to Rock City, where towering sandstone formations create a natural playground for climbers of all ages. The gnarled branches overhead provide welcome shade while nearby boulders beckon adventurers to explore their sun-warmed surfaces, making this an ideal basecamp for families seeking both comfort and adventure.
Live Oak Campground accommodates multiple types of camping, including tent and RV camping. Group camping is possible, but no additional amenities such as cabins or glamping were noted.
Historical SignificanceYou're camping on sacred ground where ancient stories still whisper through the oak leaves. The Julpun tribe reveres Mount Diablo as the very birthplace of the world, while neighboring tribes honor it as the dwelling place of powerful supernatural beings. This California Registered Historical Landmark carries millennia of spiritual significance, inviting visitors to experience not just natural beauty but profound cultural heritage.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal tapestry of Mount Diablo, where summer days blaze with intensity—temperatures soaring past 100°F demand early morning adventures and afternoon siestas in the shade. Winter brings gentle relief with mild temperatures perfect for hiking, while spring transforms the landscape into a painter's palette of wildflowers, carpeting the hillsides in brilliant yellows, purples, and oranges.
ElevationPerched at 2,100 feet above sea level within Mount Diablo State Park, the campground offers a perfect vantage point where cool mountain breezes temper the valley heat below, creating an ideal climate for comfortable camping and spectacular sunset viewing.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a landscape where majestic oak woodlands meet golden grasslands, creating a quintessentially Californian tableau. Just moments from your campsite, Rock City's remarkable sandstone formations rise like ancient sentinels, their weathered surfaces telling stories written over millions of years. These natural sculptures provide endless exploration opportunities while framing unforgettable views of the surrounding wilderness.
Geological RegionMount Diablo State Park showcases a remarkable geological timeline spanning 190 million years in the heart of the San Francisco East Bay. Here, the earth's dynamic history unfolds through exposed layers of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rock, while diverse ecosystems—from oak woodlands to grasslands and chaparral—paint the mountainsides. This geological wonderland offers visitors a rare glimpse into California's ancient past, where tectonic forces created one of the Bay Area's most iconic peaks.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible features were not specifically mentioned for Live Oak Campground but are detailed for other park areas. Accessibility features include accessible restrooms and paved trails in certain park locations.
Sites SizeSites vary in size, with maximum vehicle limits of two and occupancy limits of up to eight people per site.
Sites PrivacySites are generally close together, with approximately 15 feet between neighboring campsites as noted in reviews. Privacy can be limited.
Total Campsites50 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites closer to Rock City offer access to climbing features and trails. Campsite #22 has a trailhead nearby.
Best CampsitesSite-specific feedback highlights Campsite #2 for its proximity to trails and cleanliness.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit information not explicitly provided.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum occupancy of 8 people per site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are arranged in close proximity, approximately 15 feet apart, with some trails located behind certain sites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round, but accessibility may depend on weather conditions.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Reserve California at 1(800) 444-7275 or their website.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up/first-come-first-served availability not explicitly mentioned.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation policy not explicitly provided.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Live Oak Campground provides access to several recreational activities, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and rock climbing. The proximity to Rock City enhances the camping experience with climbing opportunities and unique geological formations. The campground is also close to trails leading to Mount Diablo's summit.
Hiking
Hiking trails are accessible from the campground, with well-marked paths leading to the summit of Mount Diablo. Rock City and other geological formations offer additional exploration opportunities.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
Biking trails are part of Mount Diablo State Park's offerings. Cyclists can use designated bike turnouts and explore the park's extensive trail system.Wildlife viewing
The park is home to diverse wildlife, including deer, hawks, and snakes. Observing wildlife can be part of the overall hiking and camping experience.Cultural and Educational Programs
Guests can participate in guided hikes and interpretive programs organized by park staff. Publications and maps detailing the area's cultural and geological history are available.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities like snowshoeing or skiing are mentioned for this campground.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not applicable to Live Oak Campground.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed in designated fire pits, following fire danger level signage.
- Quiet hours not explicitly mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include rattlesnakes, poison oak, and aggressive raccoons. Some campsites may lack flat terrain for tents.
Active alertsThe elevator at the Summit Visitor Center is currently non-operational.
Weather forecast
81
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 40%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 10 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
In case of emergency, call 911. The closest emergency response is at the Concord Fire Department (~10 miles away). For non-emergencies, contact Parks Dispatch at (916) 358-1300.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak seasons not explicitly defined.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available, but some user reviews have noted overflowing garbage cans and poorly maintained barbecue pits.
Proximity to water featuresNo significant water features directly near the campground.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include rude staff interactions, sloped terrain making tent setup difficult, and poorly maintained restroom facilities.
HostHost information not explicitly provided.
Campground Map
1300 North Gate Road, Walnut Creek, CA 94598
Driving directionsTake Highway 680 to Walnut Creek. Exit at Diablo Road, and then follow Mount Diablo Scenic Blvd, which winds up to the park and eventually to Live Oak Campground.
Roads to the campground are steep, narrow, and winding with tight curves. There are limited visibility and blind turns on the drive up. Vehicles over 24 feet are not recommended. The roads are shared by vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, and animals.Nearby places
Walnut Creek (~8 miles), Concord (~10 miles), Danville (~10 miles), Clayton (~12 miles)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies can be found in Walnut Creek (~8 miles away) or Clayton (~12 miles away) for groceries, fuel, and camping essentials.
Camper Reviews
4.1
22 reviews
Live Oak Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Live Oak Campground are mixed. Positive aspects include clean restrooms, proximity to hiking trails, and unique features like climbing rocks at each campsite. Negative feedback often centers around poor staff communication, limited privacy, and maintenance issues.
Review Summaries
Based on 22 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean restrooms, access to potable water, proximity to Rock City, and geological features that enhance the experience for families.
Based on 22 reviewsCommon Concerns
Staff communication issues, lack of privacy between campsites, poor maintenance of trash facilities, and campsites with sloped terrain or poison oak.
Based on 22 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring extra water due to varying availability in drought conditions. Avoid camping in summer due to high temperatures. Use earplugs to mitigate noise from neighboring campsites.
Based on 22 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer experiences are often negatively affected by extreme heat (up to 100 degrees), while fall and spring visits are more positively rated for milder conditions and better hiking opportunities.
Based on 22 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Nice camping in a grove of live oaks, bathrooms were nicely clean with running water" - Henry Leinhos. "This campground provides the best playground possible for big and small kids" - Jessica Alba....
Based on 22 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
"We loved our stay at campsite 2. Clean restrooms and right near the trail" - Kevin Clark. "Our site had enough space for 2 cars, stone grill, water access, bench and 2 large tents" - Romit Jadhwani.
Based on 22 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific accessibility reviews for Live Oak Campground were provided, but general park accessibility features include accessible restrooms and paved trails.
Based on 22 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed at Live Oak Campground, but must be kept on a leash during the day and enclosed in a vehicle or tent at night. No specific issues regarding pets were mentioned in user reviews.
Based on 22 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025