Though Mount Tam holds a firm grip on the imaginations of our city dwellers, Bay Area natives have another mountain they can turn to in times of trouble: Mount Diablo. Many aren't aware that in addition to creating a pleasing skyline, this mountain also hosts several campgrounds. This is a great place for novice campers to get started -- the campgrounds boast enormous boulders to climb on, trails to blaze, grassy hills to play on and wildlife to observe. This is an especially good place to bring a group of kids on their first camping trip.