Main Camp Site
Open — Open year-round by reservation or first-come, first-served. Fires are permitted in designated fire rings during rainy season only. Hikers must reach camp by sunset.
Heat Advisory issued March 15 at 9:43PM PDT until March 20 at 8:00PM PDT by NWS San Francisco CA
* WHAT...High temperatures in the low to mid 90s across the interior and 80s along the coastline. * WHERE...The Bay Area and Central Coast. * WHEN...From 10 AM Monday to 8 PM PDT Friday. * IMPACTS...This level of heat affects most individuals sensitive to heat, especially those without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration. Impacts possible in some health systems and in heat-sensitive industries. Hot conditions can cause heat illnesses. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Much above normal temperatures in the upper 80s to mid 90s are expected this week across the Bay Area and Central Coast. Portions of the interior Central Coast may reach the upper 90s starting mid to late week. Overnight lows in the upper 50s to low 60s will offer some relief to the lower elevations but will offer minimal relief within the higher elevations. Conditions will be much above normal along the coast this week but coastal residents may experience more relief overnight than those across the interior. The risk of heat related illnesses will increase with each additional day of heating from this event.
About
Castle Rock Trail Camp is the largest backcountry trail camp in the Santa Cruz Mountains, offering 20 primitive campsites on a wooded ridge within Castle Rock State Park. Accessible via a 2.5-mile hike from the Robert C. Kirkwood Parking Lot on Highway 35, the camp provides a wilderness experience just outside the San Francisco Bay Area. Each site accommodates up to 6 people and includes a picnic table and fire ring. The camp has piped water, pit toilets, and trash receptacles. Fifteen sites are available through the park's reservation system, which can be made up to 60 days in advance via an online request form. Five sites remain available on a first-come, first-served basis by registering at the Kirkwood Parking Lot. Campfires are permitted in the metal fire rings during the rainy season only; firewood must be purchased on-site for $15 per bundle. Backpacking stoves may be used year-round except during extreme fire danger. The camp is part of an extensive trail network connecting to Big Basin Redwoods State Park and the Pacific Coast.
Directions
Park at the Robert C. Kirkwood Parking Lot on Highway 35, 2.5 miles southeast of the junction with Highway 9. Hike 2.5 miles via the Saratoga Gap Trail or Ridge Trail to reach the camp.
Nearby Campgrounds
- Frog Flat 0.4mi
- Waterman Gap Trail 2.2mi
- Portola Redwoods Sp Redwoods Group Camping Area 4.9mi
- Portola Campground 5.0mi
- Big Basin Redwoods Sp Sky Meadow Group Campground 5.7mi
- Big Basin Redwoods Sp Huckleberry Tent Cabins 5.9mi
- Big Basin Redwoods Sp Huckleberry Campground 6.0mi
- Big Basin Redwoods Sp Wastahi Campground 6.1mi
- Little Basin State Park Campground 6.2mi
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | No |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $15 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (408) 868-9540 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
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