Main Camp Site

About

Castle Rock Trail Camp is the largest backcountry trail camp in the Santa Cruz Mountains, situated on a wooded ridge within Castle Rock State Park. Reaching the camp requires a moderate 2.5-mile hike from the Robert C. Kirkwood Parking Lot on Highway 35, passing through landscapes of sculpted sandstone outcrops, Douglas fir, and oak woodlands with sweeping ridgeline vistas. The campground offers 20 individual sites, each equipped with a picnic table and fire ring. Shared amenities include vault toilets, piped drinking water, and trash receptacles. A camp shelter is available for use during inclement weather, making this an all-season destination. Food storage lockers are provided and required for proper food storage. Reservations are available up to 60 days in advance through the California State Parks backcountry request form, with 5 sites held for first-come-first-served walk-ins. Check in with staff at the parking lot for FCFS sites. Dogs are prohibited throughout the park and trail camps. Cell reception is unavailable in the park and surrounding area.

Directions

From Highway 9 and Highway 35 (Skyline Boulevard) junction, drive southeast on Highway 35 for 2.5 miles to the Robert C. Kirkwood Parking Lot on the right. The campground is a 2.5-mile hike from the parking lot via Saratoga Gap Trail.