Morgan Territory Regional Preserve

4.45

11 reviews

9401 Morgan Territory Road, Eastern Contra Costa County, California, United States

Quick Facts

2,047 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

No explicit opening ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens East Bay Regional Park District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

2,047 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

No explicit opening ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens East Bay Regional Park District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Morgan Territory Regional Preserve

$20.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

There is a fee of $20 for reserving the backpacking site.

Standard Site Fee$20.00

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

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Provider

1-888-327-2757

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What Campers Say

4.45

Recommended

Based on 11 reviews

284 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewswell-maintained

"User reviews highlight Morgan Territory Regional Preserve as a rugged and scenic park with a primitive backpacking campsite. The site is accessible via a 2.5-mile hike and is well-suited for experienced hikers and nature enthusiasts."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

9401 Morgan Territory Road, Eastern Contra Costa County, California, United States

Morgan Territory Regional Preserve

9401 Morgan Territory Road, Eastern Contra Costa County, California, United States

Driving directionsFrom I-580 in Livermore, exit onto N. Livermore Ave. and turn north. Shortly after N. Livermore curves left (west), turn right onto Morgan Territory Road and follow it for about 5.5 miles to the staging area. From Walnut Creek/Concord, take Clayton Road to Marsh Creek Road, then turn right onto Morgan Territory Road. The staging area is 9.4 miles from Marsh Creek Road.

Accessing Morgan Territory requires navigating narrow, curvy, and, at times, steeply inclined roads. User reviews note: 'Be aware that it is a narrow one-way road you have to share with opposite direction travelers including cyclists' and 'Not for faint-hearted or new drivers, as it is a one-lane road.'

Nearby places

Livermore (approximately 9.1 miles), Walnut Creek (approximately 9.4 miles), Concord (approximately 9.4 miles)

Nearby supplies

null

Best Time to Camp at Morgan Territory Regional Preserve

Experience the preserve's dramatic seasonal transformations throughout the year. Winter brings crisp, clear days perfect for hiking under brilliant blue skies. As spring awakens the landscape, gentle streams flow through the valleys while vibrant wildflowers carpet the hillsides in a spectacular natural display. Summer's warm, dry days invite early morning adventures and sunset photography sessions. When autumn arrives, refreshing temperatures return alongside occasional showers that bring new life to the golden hills.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Summer likely hotter and drier; trails open but wildflowers absent and water limited.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Crisp, clear days praised in reviews; good hiking and views in cooler weather.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 7% in CA

Spring wildflower displays (90+ species) and Diablo sunflower make it the standout season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Top 12% in CA

Winter offers crisp clear hiking days and occasional snow; no winter facilities noted.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: No explicit opening or closing seasons are mentioned.
Current Alerts: Stricter fire restrictions may apply during certain periods. Check https://www.ebparks.org/alerts-closures for updates.

About Morgan Territory Regional Preserve

Escape to the untamed beauty of Morgan Territory Regional Preserve, where adventure begins at a secluded hike-in backpacking site nestled among rolling hills. This primitive camping experience offers the perfect blend of wilderness solitude and essential comforts, including sturdy picnic tables for evening meals under the stars, a clean vault toilet, and convenient hitching rails with water troughs for equestrian adventurers. The thoughtfully fenced site provides multiple level areas ideal for pitching your tent, ensuring a comfortable night's rest after a day of exploration.

The Morgan Territory backpacking site is a primitive, hike-in only location. It is designed for those seeking a minimalistic and natural camping experience.

Historical SignificanceStep onto sacred ground that has witnessed thousands of years of human history. This land serves as the ancestral homeland of the Volvon people, one of five Native American nations who flourished in the Diablo region and shared the rich linguistic heritage of the Bay Miwuk language. Their deep connection to these hills and valleys continues to resonate through the landscape, reminding visitors of the enduring relationship between people and place.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the preserve's dramatic seasonal transformations throughout the year. Winter brings crisp, clear days perfect for hiking under brilliant blue skies. As spring awakens the landscape, gentle streams flow through the valleys while vibrant wildflowers carpet the hillsides in a spectacular natural display. Summer's warm, dry days invite early morning adventures and sunset photography sessions. When autumn arrives, refreshing temperatures return alongside occasional showers that bring new life to the golden hills.

ElevationThe preserve's varied topography creates an ever-changing landscape of peaks and valleys, offering hikers diverse terrain to explore and stunning vantage points throughout their journey.

Natural Features and SceneryDiscover a photographer's paradise where golden sandstone hills burst with color from over 90 species of wildflowers, including the rare and endemic Diablo sunflower. From windswept ridgetops, marvel at panoramic vistas stretching from the iconic Mount Diablo to distant Mount St. Helena and the snow-capped Sierra Nevada. Venture into hidden treasures like the moss-draped canyon, where massive boulders create natural sculptures and sheer cliffs drop dramatically into verdant valleys. Keep your camera ready for encounters with the preserve's diverse wildlife—graceful deer browsing in meadows, elusive coyotes at dawn, majestic mountain lions ruling their territory, and soaring raptors riding thermal currents high above.

Geological RegionEncompassing 5,323 acres of Eastern Contra Costa County's most dramatic terrain, Morgan Territory Regional Preserve showcases the region's distinctive sandstone geology in spectacular fashion. These ancient hills support an incredible botanical diversity, with over 90 wildflower species painting the landscape in seasonal colors, including the precious Diablo sunflower found nowhere else on Earth. This vast wilderness sanctuary provides critical habitat for an impressive array of wildlife, from browsing deer and prowling coyotes to secretive mountain lions and circling birds of prey, making every visit an opportunity for unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Null

Check-out

Null

Stay Limit

Campsites are intended for overnight use only. Maximum consecutive nights are not explicitly stated but subject to park rules and regulations.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 20 people allowed at the backpacking site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe backpacking campsite is fenced in and includes flat spots for tents.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made by calling the EBRPD Reservations Department at 1-888-327-2757, option 2.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is not explicitly mentioned; reservations are required for the backpacking site.

Cancellation PolicyTo cancel or change a reservation, call the EBRPD Reservations Department at 1-888-327-2757, option 2, during office hours (9:00 am to 4:00 pm Pacific Time, Monday-Friday; closed weekends and holidays).

Site SizeThe campsite is described as having flat spots suitable for pitching tents, but no size measurements are provided.

PrivacyThe backpacking camp is fenced in, likely to prevent access by cows, but there is no further indication of site privacy from other campers.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesUse open space for camping and avoid pitching tents under trees. Bring water purification methods for the non-potable water supply.

Amenities available

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Recreational opportunities at Morgan Territory Regional Preserve include hiking, horseback riding, and picnicking. The area features trails with varying levels of difficulty, expansive ridgetop views, and opportunities for wildlife observation.

HikingThe preserve offers a range of trails from easy, flat loops to challenging paths with significant elevation changes. The Clyma Trail is a notable route, with a 2.5-mile hike to the backpacking camp. "Moderate to challenging terrain" was noted by a reviewer, and the trails are recommended for hiking enthusiasts.

Biking"Nice loops for mountain biking, trails in good shape and very well marked," according to one review. Specific terrain descriptions were not provided.

Wildlife viewingThe park is home to deer, coyotes, and occasionally mountain lions. Raptors are also frequently seen soaring overhead, and wildflowers, including the endemic Diablo sunflower, are abundant in spring.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include narrow, curvy roads; spotty cell phone reception; and the presence of wildlife such as mountain lions. Campers must treat non-potable water at the site.

Active AlertsStricter fire restrictions may apply during certain periods. Check https://www.ebparks.org/alerts-closures for updates.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyNo campfires allowed at backpack sites. Fires permitted only in designated areas under strict regulations.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are null

Emergency ServicesIn case of emergency, call 911 or (510) 881-1121 from a cell phone. Cell phone reception may be spotty or unavailable inside the park.

Trash & RecyclingCampers are advised to "BE GREEN AND CLEAN UP YOUR SITE BEFORE DEPARTING." There is no mention of on-site trash or recycling facilities.

Water FeaturesThe site includes a water trough for horses but lacks potable water.

Camp HostInformation about campground hosts is not provided.

Weather at Morgan Territory Regional Preserve

Reviews

4.5

11 reviews

Recommended

Morgan Territory Regional Preserve is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight Morgan Territory Regional Preserve as a rugged and scenic park with a primitive backpacking campsite. The site is accessible via a 2.5-mile hike and is well-suited for experienced hikers and nature enthusiasts.

Review Summaries

Based on 11 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praised the scenic views, the flat spots for pitching tents, and the well-maintained trails. They noted the park's biodiversity, including large manzanita trees and various wildlife.

Based on 11 reviews

Common Concerns

Several users expressed concerns about the narrow and steep access road to the preserve. Others noted the lack of potable water, limited facilities, and no cell service.

Based on 11 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring water purification equipment or potable water due to the non-potable water source. Prepare for a steep hike back to the staging area. Avoid driving on the narrow road at night.

Based on 11 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring is highly praised for wildflowers, including the unique Diablo sunflower. Trails can be challenging but are more manageable during cooler weather.

Based on 11 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The backpacking camp is fenced in (probably for cows) but had some nice flat spots for pitching tents," - Benjamin Grover. "Beautiful, rugged hiking trails through a ranching property still complete...

Based on 11 reviews