How to Get a Live Oak Permit
Twenty-two sites a mile above the South Gate entrance, with showers included and Rock City's wind caves nearby.
Check Live Oak permit availability1-7 nights
Duration
1 miles
Distance
easy
Difficulty
About Live Oak
Live Oak Campground sits one mile above the South Gate Entrance Station off South Gate Road, near Rock City. It has 22 sites at 1,450 feet — the lower and warmer of Mount Diablo's two reservable campgrounds. All campsites are provided with picnic tables, fire pits or stoves, water, and restrooms, and showers are available at Live Oak and Juniper campgrounds at no additional cost. Reservations for the Live Oak and Juniper campgrounds go through ReserveCalifornia, six months in advance from the current date. The nightly rate is $30 all seasons, with a $2 senior discount and $10 for one additional vehicle. Junction Campground, the park's third, is first-come only. Two things shape a stay here. Campers are locked in the park overnight from sunset to 8:00 am, and are not allowed to drive in the park at night unless there is an emergency or a scheduled Public Astronomy Program at the Summit. And during the fire season, generally May to October, the park is subject to closure due to extreme fire danger — campers must call the park one day prior to arrival to confirm park status.
Live Oak is the lower and warmer of Mount Diablo's two reservable campgrounds, and the one closest to Rock City. Campers get the mountain after the gates close at sunset.
The Experience
Oak woodland and sandstone at 1,450 feet, with the East Bay spread out below. Summer is genuinely hot; spring and fall are why people come.
Live Oak Campground is located one mile above the South Gate Entrance Station, off South Gate Road, near Rock City where one can explore rock formations. The Mount Diablo Interpretive Association, the park's partner association, lists it as 22 sites at an elevation of 1,450 feet.
All campsites are provided with picnic tables, fire pits or stoves, water, and restrooms. Showers are available at Live Oak and Juniper campgrounds at no additional cost.
Rock City is approximately one mile north of the South Gate kiosk and features the Wind Caves, Elephant Rock, Sentinel Rock, Artist Point and Fossil Ridge, with Native American grinding rocks near Grotto. The summit is 3,849 feet.
What to Expect
22 sites at 1,450 feet, a mile above the South Gate entrance
Picnic tables, fire pits or stoves, water and restrooms at every site
Showers at no additional cost
Being locked into the park from sunset to 8:00 am
Fire restrictions that tighten with the weather — the park can close entirely in fire season
$30 a night all seasons
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Permit Requirements
Check-in time is 2:00 pm. Check-out time is 12:00 noon. The entrance and exit gates are closed from sunset to 8:00 am.
Maximum length of stay 15 consecutive days, 30 days in a calendar year.
Maximum trailer, camper and motorhome length 20 feet.
Quiet hours are from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am. No electric generators from 8:00 pm to 10:00 am.
Collection of firewood is prohibited in the park, and weather conditions may restrict smoking or prohibit fires entirely.
Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in the park.
Dogs are NOT permitted on trails, fire roads, or in park buildings; only in developed areas, on leash during the day and in an enclosed vehicle or tent at night.
Campers are not allowed to drive in the park at night unless there is an emergency or a scheduled Public Astronomy Program at the Summit.
During fire season, generally May to October, call the park one day prior to arrival to confirm park status.
Gear & Preparation
Required Gear
- •Extra water beyond what you expect — the park's water source is dependent on spring production and drought has affected availability
- •Camp stove, since fires can be restricted or prohibited when fire danger is high
- •Sun protection for an exposed mountain
- •Firewood bought off the mountain; collection is prohibited
- •Layers for extreme heat, wind, cold, rain and snow, all of which the park warns about
Recommended Gear
- •A phone call to 925-837-2525 or 925-837-0904 the day before arrival during fire season
- •Long sleeves and long pants for ticks and poison oak
- •A minimum of one quart of water every two hours for hiking
- •Headlamp, since you cannot drive out after sunset
- •Binoculars for a viewshed the park puts at almost 200 miles
Hazards & Safety
Mount Diablo State Park can have extreme heat, wind, cold, rain, snow.
Although the park normally has potable water at the campgrounds, the water source is dependent on spring production and several years of drought has affected availability — bring extra water.
Ticks are found on Mt. Diablo; check yourself and your children frequently.
Rattlesnakes are common in warmer months; maintain a distance of at least 6 feet and know what to do in case of a snake bite.
Learn to identify the shiny, three-leaf pattern of poison oak and stay on trail.
Many trails have limited cell service and can be very remote; airlifting injured individuals can cost over $50,000.
The park is subject to closure during fire season due to extreme fire danger.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and autumn. Spring brings wildflowers, especially at Mitchell Canyon, and green hillsides; autumn brings stable weather without the summer heat. Summer is hot and often hazy, with the highest fire-closure risk. Winter is mild and, the day after a storm, gives the clearest views on the mountain.
100+ wilderness permits, extensive backcountry experience
This guide is based on personal experience obtaining wilderness permits and is regularly updated to reflect current policies and strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a Live Oak permit?
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Live Oak permits require advance reservations. Book online as soon as reservations open for your desired dates.
When is the best time to visit Live Oak?
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Spring and autumn. Spring brings wildflowers, especially at Mitchell Canyon, and green hillsides; autumn brings stable weather without the summer heat. Summer is hot and often hazy, with the highest fire-closure risk. Winter is mild and, the day after a storm, gives the clearest views on the mountain.
How difficult is Live Oak?
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East Bay families and anyone who wants a drive-in base with showers, close to Rock City and the summit road. Good for a first camping trip with children.
What gear do I need for Live Oak?
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Essential gear includes: Extra water beyond what you expect — the park's water source is dependent on spring production and drought has affected availability, Camp stove, since fires can be restricted or prohibited when fire danger is high, Sun protection for an exposed mountain, Firewood bought off the mountain; collection is prohibited, Layers for extreme heat, wind, cold, rain and snow, all of which the park warns about.
Don't Miss Your Live Oak Permit
Cancellations happen every day. PermitSnag monitors Live Oak availability 24/7 and alerts you the moment a spot opens up.
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