Star Mine Group Camp

For organized groups in California looking for a unique and immersive outdoor experience, Star Mine Group Camp offers an unparalleled opportunity. Situated within the historically rich and scenically diverse Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve in Contra Costa County, this designated group campsite provides a primitive yet rewarding overnight stay. It's not a typical individual tent or RV campground, but rather a specialized, hike-in site reserved specifically for "organized, educational groups," making it an ideal destination for scout troops, school groups, and other youth or adult educational excursions.

Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve itself is a sprawling 6,000-acre park known for its extensive trail system, rolling foothills, and fascinating mining history. Star Mine Group Camp allows groups to truly immerse themselves in this environment, offering a tranquil base from which to explore the preserve's natural beauty and historical landmarks. If your group is seeking a rustic, educational, and memorable outdoor adventure right here in California, Star Mine Group Camp provides the perfect setting for a "good for 2 days training" type of experience.

Star Mine Group Camp is located within the vast Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve in Contra Costa County, CA 94513, USA. While the specific address points to the county, the preserve's main entrance is typically accessed via Somersville Road in Antioch, California. This makes it a relatively accessible destination for groups coming from various parts of the Bay Area and Central Valley.

It's crucial to understand that Star Mine Group Camp is a "hike-in" site. This means that groups will need to park at a designated trailhead parking lot and then hike to the campsite. According to park information, the campsite is approximately 3.2 miles from the Preserve headquarters parking lot (the upper parking lot at the end of Somersville Road). While this adds an element of adventure, groups should plan accordingly for carrying all necessary gear and supplies. The trails leading to the camp traverse varied terrain, including grassland and oak woodlands, offering scenic views along the way. Overnight parking is generally in the lot next to the entrance kiosk. Given the "rugged single track to wide-open, flat multiuse trails" within the preserve, groups should be prepared for a moderate hike.

Star Mine Group Camp provides essential, primitive services designed to facilitate an authentic outdoor experience for groups. It is explicitly stated that this is a "primitive" group campsite, so expectations should align with that designation:

• Group Capacity: The campsite can accommodate up to 35 people, making it suitable for a variety of educational or organizational group sizes.
• Overnight Stays: Limited to a maximum of two nights per reservation, ideal for focused training or short educational trips.
• Picnic Tables: Provided at the campsite for meal preparation and group gatherings.
• Pit Toilet: An outhouse (pit toilet) is available at the site, providing basic sanitation.
• Parking: A maximum of eight cars are permitted for parking at the trailhead access point for the group.
• No Potable Water: Crucially, "No water is available at the site." Groups "must bring in their own water" for all needs, including drinking, cooking, and washing.
• No Campfires: Campfires are generally not allowed at primitive camps in this region to prevent wildfires, though camp stoves are typically permitted for cooking.
• Pack In, Pack Out: Campers "must haul out their own garbage," adhering to Leave No Trace principles.
• Reservation Only: Access is strictly by reservation, which must be made at least three business days in advance. Bookings are handled by phone only through the East Bay Regional Park District Reservations Department.

Star Mine Group Camp offers several unique features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for specific types of groups within California:

• Exclusive for Organized, Educational Groups: This is a key distinguishing feature. The camp is specifically reserved for "organized, educational groups only," ensuring a focused and tailored experience without public interruptions. This makes it ideal for scout troops, school field trips, and environmental education programs.
• Immersive Historic Setting: The camp is situated within Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve, which is rich in California's coal and sand mining history. Groups can explore former mining towns, visit historic cemeteries (like Rose Hill Cemetery), and even take guided tours of a former sand mine (Hazel-Atlas Silica Sand Mine, check availability). The Star Mine itself, though barred for public access, is a historical landmark in the vicinity.
• Extensive Trail Access: The preserve boasts over 60 miles of trails, ranging from "rugged single track to wide-open, flat multiuse trails." Groups have direct access to these trails for hiking, nature observation, and exploring the preserve's diverse ecosystems (grassland, oak woodland, chaparral).
• Scenic Views: The preserve offers "stunning valley vistas" and views towards Mount Diablo, providing a beautiful natural backdrop for group activities.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The diverse habitats support a variety of wildlife, including deer, mountain lions, coyotes, foxes, bobcats, and golden eagles, offering opportunities for observation.
• Quiet and Secluded: Being a hike-in, reserved group camp, Star Mine offers a wonderfully quiet and peaceful environment with "no traffic noise and no signs of suburban development anywhere nearby." Since there's only one group site, "there won't be any other groups staying in the campground," ensuring exclusivity.
• Dark Skies for Stargazing: Its relatively remote location away from significant light pollution can offer excellent opportunities for stargazing on clear nights.

To reserve Star Mine Group Camp or for inquiries about Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve and its group camping policies, use the following contact information for the East Bay Regional Park District:

Address: Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve, Contra Costa County, CA 94513, USA (Physical entrance at 5175 Somersville Road, Antioch, CA 94509)

Phone: 1-888-EBPARKS (1-888-327-2757), option 2 (for Reservations Department)

Office Hours for Reservations: Monday-Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM, Pacific Standard Time.

Reservations for group campsites can only be made over the phone. It is recommended to check availability at ReserveAmerica.com (searching by park name "Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve") before calling, as "C" will indicate a date is available to book by phone. A refundable security/damage deposit is required, and reservations must be made a minimum of three business days in advance.

For California-based "organized, educational groups," Star Mine Group Camp offers an exceptional local resource. Its prime location within Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve, easily accessible from many parts of the Bay Area and Central Valley, means less travel time and more time spent engaged in meaningful outdoor activities. This convenience makes it ideal for scout troops, school groups, and environmental clubs looking for a focused and impactful multi-day experience without the logistical complexities of a far-flung destination.

The camp's primitive nature fosters self-reliance and teaches valuable outdoor skills, perfectly aligning with the objectives of many educational programs. The rich historical context of the Black Diamond Mines provides a unique learning environment, allowing groups to connect with California's past while enjoying its natural present. Furthermore, the exclusivity of a dedicated group site ensures privacy and a strong sense of cohesion for the participating individuals. It's a place where young Californians can learn, grow, and build character in a safe, secluded, and historically fascinating setting, making it a truly valuable asset for local educational and youth development initiatives.

Star Mine Group Camp

Contra Costa County, CA 94513, USA