Mount Diablo State Park sits about five miles from downtown Walnut Creek, and one outdoor guide says that proximity makes it an ideal first campsite for residents who have never spent a night outdoors.
Kirk McLaughlin, UCSF's outdoor program manager, singled out the park in a KQED guide published Tuesday, July 21. "It's right in our backyard, and some of the campsites have the most amazing views on the planet," McLaughlin told KQED. "Our activity is to get up and watch sunrise from the summit, and then poof, 45 minutes later, you're home."
On clear mornings, the 3,849-foot summit offers views stretching from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Sierra Nevada.
The guide, written by Sarah Wright, tackles common fears that keep first-timers from camping, including wildlife encounters, heavy packs and unfamiliar gear, with practical advice from experienced guides. Richard Bothwell, who has owned San Francisco-based Outdoor Adventure Club since 1996, tells beginners: "Start small and give yourself the grace to be a beginner."
On wildlife, Bothwell told KQED that California bears are not very dangerous and can be scared off by getting big and yelling. McLaughlin added that raccoons, squirrels and ravens are more likely to raid a campsite than any large animal.
What's available near Walnut Creek
Mount Diablo State Park covers 20,000 acres and offers three family campgrounds. Juniper Campground has 36 sites about two miles from the summit, with a one-mile trail to the top. Live Oak Campground has 22 sites near the Southgate entrance. Junction Campground offers six first-come, first-served sites at the ranger station. All sites include a picnic table and fire ring; Juniper and Live Oak have showers. Campsites start at $30 per night, and reservations open on a rolling basis six months in advance at ReserveCalifornia.com. Slots fill quickly for spring and fall weekends.
Beyond the park, EBMUD manages over 80 miles of trails through 27,000 acres of East Bay watershed land. A trail permit is required; annual permits cost $10 and cover the holder's immediate family plus up to three guests. Income-qualified households pay nothing. Trails near Briones Reservoir and Lafayette Reservoir are accessible from the Walnut Creek area.
Save Mount Diablo's Discover Diablo program offered 40 guided outings in its most recent fiscal year, drawing more than 400 participants, according to the nonprofit's 2025-2026 impact report. The organization has opened over seven miles of new trails and is adding two miles at Magee Preserve in Danville.
How to get started
Residents looking for guided help can check Outdoor Adventure Club's trip calendar at outdooradventureclub.com. OAC membership is not required to join a trip; annual membership runs $199. Save Mount Diablo posts its Discover Diablo outing schedule at savemountdiablo.org. EBMUD trail permits are available at ebmud.com/recreation/buy-trail-permit.
