Juniper Gear Checklist
Juniper Campground is the high camp on Mount Diablo, a steady drive up from the park gates and about 1.5 miles by trail from the summit. Campers write about wind and sun at the view sites, pads that are far from level, firewood they carried in because the park sells none, and water that can be off in a dry year. Sources disagree on whether you can choose a site, what the camp costs, and whether a fire is allowed outside the park's barbecues.
What shapes your gear on Juniper Campground
- Elevation
- One camper puts the campground at about 3,000 feet and the summit at 3,848. Another logged a 2,900 foot start and a 3,840 foot top. A Campendium listing shows 2,526 feet, and a third camper says the camp sits above 2,500 feet.
From The Outbound: Camp at Juniper Campground in Mount Diablo SP, Backpackers, Campendium and The Outbound: Catch sunset at Juniper Campground and summit Mount Diablo
- Getting up
- A 2018 camper checked in at the ranger booth and then drove 20 to 25 minutes up the mountain. A 2024 camper allows 30 minutes or more from the entrance and warns of slow, steep roads with more hikers and cyclists than cars. State Parks sets a maximum of 20 feet for a camper or motorhome.
From Backpackers, Campendium and California State Parks
- Fee and sites
- Three sources put a site at $30 a night, and a 2023 camper paid $34. A 2018 camper says you cannot reserve a specific site and chooses on arrival, and another writer says arrival is first come regardless of the emailed permit. Another writer still recommends site 17 by number.
From The Outbound: Catch sunset at Juniper Campground and summit Mount Diablo, Backpackers, Campendium and The Outbound: Camp at Juniper Campground in Mount Diablo SP
- Views, wind and shade
- Sites 11, 13, 15, 16 and 17 have the best views, and they are also the most exposed to sun and wind. Some other sites sit under trees. Site 3 had a view only if you stood on the picnic table, and it got very windy that evening. The sunset spot at the west end of the loop suits anyone without a view site.
From Backpackers and The Outbound: Catch sunset at Juniper Campground and summit Mount Diablo
- Slope
- A 2023 camper says most Juniper sites are not level apart from the accessible ones. Some are too steep for an RV. A 2024 camper calls the pull-in sites small.
From Campendium
- Water and showers
- Campers report potable water and flush toilets. A 2024 camper warns that water may be off in late summer or fall in dry years and says to confirm with staff when booking. A 2023 camper found the showers filthy, while a 2024 camper found the bathrooms and showers clean.
From Backpackers, The Outbound: Catch sunset at Juniper Campground and summit Mount Diablo and Campendium
- Summit hike
- One writer puts the summit 1.5 miles from the campground, with just under 1,000 feet of climbing. A 2018 camper logged 3.3 miles round trip. A 2024 camper calls the Juniper Trail the way to the top.
From The Outbound: Catch sunset at Juniper Campground and summit Mount Diablo, Backpackers and Campendium
- Gate
- The park gates open at 8 am and close at sunset. A visitor who is not camping must be out by then, which is why one writer says camping is the only way to see the sunset from the mountain.
From California State Parks and The Outbound: Camp at Juniper Campground in Mount Diablo SP
What the agency requires on Juniper Campground
Fires only in barbecues or a portable stove
The park's fire precautions say fires are allowed only in the park's barbecues or in a portable camp stove. Collecting firewood is prohibited, and weather can restrict smoking or ban fires.
Dogs stay in developed areas and sleep in a tent or vehicle
Trails, fire roads and park buildings are off limits to dogs. By day they stay on a leash, and overnight they stay inside a tent or closed vehicle.
Rigs no longer than 20 feet
State Parks lists the maximum camper or motorhome length at 20 feet.
What hikers carry on Juniper Campground
Firewood bought before you enter the park
Two writers say the park does not sell firewood, and one says each site has a fire pit. One tells campers to buy locally and not bring wood from far away, to avoid moving invasive species.
The agency page allows fires only in barbecues or a portable stove, so confirm what your site allows before you load wood.
From The Outbound: Camp at Juniper Campground in Mount Diablo SP, The Outbound: Catch sunset at Juniper Campground and summit Mount Diablo, Backpackers and California State Parks
Sun cover and a big water supply
A 2018 camper says much of the park is exposed and packed sunscreen, a bandana, a trucker hat, and a 3 liter hydration bladder for long hikes. State Parks tells hikers to carry at least a quart every two hours.
From Backpackers and California State Parks
Warm camp layers
The 2018 camper expects chilly temperatures near the summit in winter and spring. The camper packed a wool base layer, an overshirt and a lightweight down jacket for camp, and a 20 degree sleeping bag.
From Backpackers and California State Parks
A sturdy tent with a rain fly
The same camper listed a strong tent with a fly, and the camp at site 3 got very windy in the evening. The list also includes an inflatable sleeping pad.
From Backpackers
Leveling blocks if you tow or drive a rig
A 2023 camper warns that most Juniper pads are not level and some are too steep for an RV, so bring leveling gear and read the site notes before booking.
From Campendium
Food stored out of reach of raccoons
The 2018 camper says raccoons frequent all the sites and tells campers to store food properly.
From Backpackers
A stove, lighter and headlamp
The 2018 camper's list for the trip includes a lightweight stove with a lighter and pot, plus a headlamp and a lantern, for cooking and camp light in the evening.
From Backpackers
Going as a group? Split this list between you so nobody carries two stoves.
Plan a trip hereWhat hikers regret or leave behind on Juniper Campground
Not asking about water before a late-season trip
A 2024 camper says water at this elevation can be unavailable in late summer or early fall in dry years, and campsites turn dusty. A 2023 camper also found the showers dirty.
From Campendium
Booking a trailer or RV without checking the pad
A 2023 camper says some sites are unusable for an RV because of the grade, and a 2024 camper says the pull-in sites are small and suggests asking staff about Live Oak instead.
From Campendium
Counting on a view site
A 2018 camper could not get one of the view sites and ended up at site 3, where the view needed a picnic table and the evening wind was strong.
From Backpackers
Expecting alcohol to be allowed
Two writers say the park bans alcohol. The 2018 camper saw nearly everyone drinking but says it is still technically banned.
From The Outbound: Camp at Juniper Campground in Mount Diablo SP, The Outbound: Catch sunset at Juniper Campground and summit Mount Diablo and Backpackers
Gear questions for Juniper Campground
Can you have a campfire at Juniper Campground?
State Parks says fires are allowed only in the park's barbecues or a portable stove, and it bans collecting firewood. Campers describe a fire pit at each site and bring their own wood, since the park sells none. Weather can also ban fires. Confirm with the park before you load wood.
From California State Parks, Backpackers and The Outbound: Camp at Juniper Campground in Mount Diablo SP
Is there water at Juniper Campground?
Campers report potable water and restrooms, and one calls the water ample. A 2024 camper warns that water can be off in late summer or fall in drought years, so confirm with staff when booking.
From Backpackers, The Outbound: Catch sunset at Juniper Campground and summit Mount Diablo and Campendium
Which sites at Juniper Campground have the best views?
Campers name sites 11, 13, 15, 16 and 17, and one says site 17 sits in the open on the edge. All of these are more exposed to sun and wind. Another writer says sites 11, 13 and 15 have the best views with some privacy.
From Backpackers, The Outbound: Camp at Juniper Campground in Mount Diablo SP and The Outbound: Catch sunset at Juniper Campground and summit Mount Diablo
Are dogs allowed at Juniper Campground?
Yes in developed areas, on a leash by day. They must be in a tent or enclosed vehicle at night, and they are banned from trails and fire roads.
How far is the summit from Juniper Campground?
One writer says 1.5 miles on the trail, with just under 1,000 feet of climbing. A 2018 camper logged 3.3 miles round trip on the same Juniper Trail.
From The Outbound: Catch sunset at Juniper Campground and summit Mount Diablo and Backpackers
Sources
- Mount Diablo State Park · California State Parks · Agency
- Mount Diablo State Park: Hiking and Camping · Backpackers · Trip report
- Camp at Juniper Campground in Mount Diablo SP · The Outbound, Skyler Hardy · Trip report
- Catch sunset at Juniper Campground and summit Mount Diablo · The Outbound, Jack Trotter · Trip report
- Mount Diablo State Park (camper comments on Juniper) · Campendium · Forum thread