Mount Diablo State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Located in the greater San Francisco Bay Area of California, Mount Diablo State Park comprises 20,000 acres in Contra Costa County. Its namesake peak, Mount Diablo, is part of the Diablo Mountain Range. The peak is a double-peak, with one peak, the North Peak, standing at 3,849 feet tall and another just a mile away, standing tall at 3,557 feet. Historically, the park served as a critical cultural landmark for the indigenous Miwok and the Ohlone peoples. According to their native mythologies, Mount Diable was the original source of all creation.
Nearest Major Cities:
Santa Rosa, CA
San Francisco, CA
Stockton, CA
Danville, CA
Spring 41-55 F
Summer 58-75 F
Fall 51-67 F
Winter 38-55 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Mount Diablo State Park
Campground Accommodations
Juniper Campground
Water hookup: No
Electrical hookup: No
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: 20 feet
Other Amenities: Picnic tables, fire rings, grills, toilets, drinking water, showers
Live Oak Campground
Water hookup: No
Electrical hookup: No
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: 20 feet
Other Amenities: Picnic tables, fire rings, grills, toilets, drinking water, playground
Junction Campground
Water hookup: No
Electrical hookup: No
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: 20 feet
Other Amenities: Picnic tables, fire rings, grills, toilets, drinking water
Fairpark RV
Located at the Alameda County Fairgrounds, Fairpark RV is a large campground that can accommodate all RV sizes. This spot is a gated and secure park that is close to the Mount Diablo area. Fairpark also features two on-site restaurants, and it is near a station for the Bay Area Rapid Transit. The park offers 176 sites to rent starting at $65 per night.
• Water hookup: Yes
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: Yes
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Full hookups, showers
Tradewinds RV Park of Vallejo
This campground is only 20 minutes from Concord, and it is just off I-80. With its location close to Napa Valley, you will want to visit some wineries in the area. Tradewinds RV Park of Vallejo is a great spot to park those large RVs. This family-operated park is well-maintained, and it features many amenities for visitors, like plenty of open spaces and picnic benches. Tradewinds offers daily rates starting at $42 as well as weekly and monthly rates.
• Water hookup: Yes
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: Yes
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Bathrooms, laundry facilities and cable television
Contra Costa County Fair RV Park
The Contra Costa County Fair RV Park is a 15-minute drive from Concord. This spot is smaller than other parks, but it does have space for rigs up to 50 feet long. For those wanting to visit Mount Diablo, this is a great place to set up camp for the night. There are plenty of restaurants and shops located near this park. Contra Costa County Fair only has 18 sites, but you can grab one for $30 per night.
• Water hookup: Yes
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: Yes
• Wi-Fi: N/A
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Cell reception
What to Do at
Mount Diablo State Park
Along with hiking, stargazing, and mountain biking, the park's extensive network of trails provides the perfect setting for horseback riding. For the more adventurous, hang gliding is also popular at Mount Diablo State Park. You can also Explore the Visitor Center to learn more about the geology and cultural history of the area, check out the stunning views from the Diablo Valley Overlook, or check out the second smaller Visitor Center at the Mitchell Canyon Staging Area. In the Rock City part of the park, you can view the wind caves and rocks Native Americans used to grind corn. In addition, guided nature walks are available in the summertime.
Mount Diablo State Park has excellent activities to enjoy California's great outdoors.
Inside Mount Diablo State Park
If you are looking to hike throughout Mount Diablo State Park, there are many hiking trails and fire roads that interconnect in the park. The path to the summit can be crowded, but there is an alternate hike to Mitchell Canyon. Some people even bring their dogs and horses on the trails for a hike in the valley. For those wanting to see some wildlife, the annual tarantula migration takes place from September to October, and you can even sign up for a guided tour to see these creatures.
Nature Watching
While exploring the park's 20,000 acres, you'll find a variety of ecosystems and landscapes, including rolling hills, open grasslands, lots of chaparral, and shady oak woodlands. On a clear day, you can even see the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range from the summit of Mount Diablo. The higher ranges of the mountain are made up of volcanic and sedimentary deposits, so keep an eye out for fossilized sea shells in the sandstone near the summit. In the springtime, head to the Mitchell Canyon Staging Area to find the best wildflower blooms. In addition, be sure to check out the observation deck, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding bay area and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.
Stargazing
Stargazing is excellent at Mount Diablo. The Mount Diablo Astronomical Society holds regular stargazing events and star parties that you can join in on during your visit.
Flora and Fauna
The endemic red-hued Mount Diablo manzanita trees are of particular interest, and the native Mount Diablo sunflower is also worth trying to find during your visit. When exploring the area, you'll want to watch out for the red and green leaves of the western poison oak plants that dot the area. As for wildlife, the park is home to many mammals, including opossums, foxes, and coyotes. Bird watchers will be thrilled to spot the occasional bald eagle or the Golden Eagles that make their home at higher elevations. The best time for eagle-watching is between November and February.
Hiking
Mount Diablo State Park has dozens of trails to choose from, totaling over 150 miles. You can summit Mount Diablo via the Summit Trail. Other popular trails include the North Peak Trail and the Falls Trail. With flat, leisurely walks and challenging climbs, there's a trail suitable for hikers of all levels at the park.
Climbing
Head to the Rock City area or Castel Rock to find boulders and limestone formations suitable for beginner and expert climbers.
Biking
Mount Diablo State Park is a haven for mountain bikers. It even hosts an annual uphill race, the Mount Diablo Challenge, which climbs more than 3,200 feet over the course of just under 11 miles.
How to Get to
Mount Diablo State Park
There are four different entrance points to the park. To access the South Gate Entrance, take Highway 680 to Danville. Then, take the exit for El Cerro Road, which will turn into Diablo Road. Then turn on Alameda Diablo and follow this until you reach South Gate Road and the park's entrance.
By Car
Entering Mount Diablo State Park
Day-use and parking fees vary depending on which part of the park you want to access. At the Macedo Ranch Staging Area and the Mitchell Canyon Staging Area, parking costs $6 per vehicle. At the South Gate Road Entrance and the North Gate Road Entrance, parking costs $10 per vehicle. There is parking available at all four entrances.
Mount Diablo State Park Mitchell Canyon Staging Area and Macedo Ranch Staging Area : $6.0
Includes parking without access to Mount Diablo's summit
Mount Diablo State Park North Gate Road and South Gate Road : $10.0
Per vehicle for summit access
Mount Diablo State Park Those on Bikes or on Foot : $0.0
If you want to view the diverse wildlife and landscape of the Bay Area, you will want to take a trip to Mount Diablo State Park. This area encompasses several different habitats with various species of mammals, plants, birds and reptiles. If you want to see the beauty of this Bay Area mountain range, then you need to visit this park on your next trip. With an RV rental from RVshare, you have the freedom to explore on your schedule without worrying about hotel reservations. While on your vacation, be sure to tag the site on your social media channels and send your pictures and stories to [email protected]. RVshare might even feature your vacation on its social media pages or blog.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mount Diablo State Park
The weather is excellent year-round in Mount Diablo State Park, though winters can sometimes be rainy and chilly at night. The summit of the mountain isn't that high, but conditions can still change rapidly, so you should be prepared for all kinds of weather if you are staying at the higher-elevation campgrounds, no matter what time of year you visit.
A myriad of wildlife species can be found in the park. Some, like tarantulas and the Northern Pacific Rattlesnakes, are best left alone. The population of mountain lions has also been increasing in recent years. Visitors to the park are likely to spot opossums, foxes, coyotes, and several varieties of songbirds and raptors.
RVs are permitted at the campgrounds within Mount Diablo State Park. Due to the winding mountain roads that lead to the campgrounds, however, trailers are not permitted, and there is a maximum RV length of 20 feet.
The online and telephone reservation system used by the California State Parks charges a reservation fee of $7.99. You can make reservations up to six months in advance of your trip, but you cannot reserve specific sites within the campground.
Yes, your pets are allowed to join you in certain areas of the park. As long as they are kept on a leash, your dogs can join you on the paved roads, in the campgrounds, and within the developed areas of the park. Dogs are not allowed on any of the unpaved trails or the fire roads.
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