- Castle Rock State Park
The best camping in Castle Rock State Park, CA
93% (22)
Hikers and climbers love Castle Rock State Park.
The best camping in Castle Rock State Park, CA
93% (22)
Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Castle Rock State Park adventure.
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A
Ahmad
2 weeks ago
Tent
We had a wonderful time at Oak Grove, the scenery was beautiful and Art was super helpful and welcoming!
Will be visiting again!
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Raghavendra
2 weeks ago
Weekend Trip to Happy Valley Haven
Came here to de stress from work. The peaceful environment surrounded with lush greenery and the sound of rain definitely helped. Highly recommend this retreat, especially with a short commute from South Bay.
The host, Naomi, is very kind and welcoming and left a parting gift of pineapple guavas for my trip back home.
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John
2 weeks ago
Tent
roomy campsite under trees, perfect for tent camping, on the end so more private, very short walk to wine tasting and restroom
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Jane
2 weeks ago
Tent
It is quiet, safe, easy to find, and you can tell the land welcomes nature minded. Even in the waning sunlight, the photos really helped me know I was in the right place.
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Taurie
3 weeks ago
1 night at Santa Cruz Mountains Staycation
My mom and I absolutely loved it! Quiet neighborhood surrounded by all of the trees it was beautiful.
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Sarah
3 weeks ago
16 ft car
This is our second time to this beautiful property and we will return again. Doug and Denise are both very warm and welcoming. They are the perfect combination of offering help if needed but also giving us our space. The property is just beautiful with a river you can walk to and so many varieties of mushrooms. Don’t forget to look out for the banana slugs!
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David
3 weeks ago
16 ft travel trailer
With kids
Lovely spot! We had a wonderful time. Great host!!
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Lellani
3 weeks ago
Tent
With kids
Another great stay at John’s place! Great location, close to shops and restaurants but also peaceful and serene. Everything is as described and I appreciate John’s friendly demeanor and flexibility. Will stay there again for sure!
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China
3 weeks ago
Tent
With pets
Camping was a breeze in the meadow. It was easy to find and we got there just before sunset which was beautiful from our little spot on the hill.
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G
3 weeks ago
Tent
With kids
Great, secluded spot with a nice view! Easy in-and-out. Would definitely go again.
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Lisa
3 weeks ago
Tent
This is our 2nd stay, and it was amazing again. John is a great host and so communicative and welcoming. We will definitely be back!
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Jay
3 weeks ago
Tent
The area was beautiful and Art was a very nice and responsive host! We met him on our way out and he was very nice!
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Molly
3 weeks ago
21 ft campervan
With pets
My husband and I were testing out a camper van and driving down the coast and we enjoyed this spot! It’s peaceful and quiet with pretty views of the sea in the distance. Art was very friendly and communicative about accessing the spot, etc. It was very easy to find - even in the dark and in the fog - because of Art’s instructions. As others have noted the porta potty is a little ways away and down a hill so just be aware of that when you book. We would definitely stay here again!
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Barry
November 2025
Tent
An awesome spot to pitch your tent! John was great about sharing all the important details, so there were no surprises…location was ideal for my trip, and to wake up in a beautiful, oak-studded meadow with birds singing all around? Perfection…don’t forget to visit the Felton Baba temple to meditate, stretch, or just BREATHE.
Excellent hosts and a beautiful spot, highly recommended!
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Chase
November 2025
Tent
Group trip
We really love the idea that this space was in a lot of nature, but also had just enough amenities to keep our big group from having to work too hard on our relaxing weekend away
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Subin
November 2025
16 ft car
With kids
I strongly recommend Art's place. He was so kind and the stay at his ranch was wonderful experience.
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melanie
November 2025
16 ft car
The views are breathtaking. It is quiet and relaxing! Expect to bring your own toilet so you don't have to leave the ridge when you need to go and refill your water jug at the water station he has at the top (Not for drinking). Very convenient. There's a lot of shade but bring your own awning or EZ up for extra flexibility. He added a picnic table and there's a small bench. If you have a HOWL (portable propane campfire), approve it with him at the time but that's probably the only kind of fire that would be accepted. Definitely bring layers of clothing as it could get either windy and cold during different times of the day. But expect to be relaxed and ready for the week after you are done camping!!!!
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Stella
November 2025
20 ft campervan
Perfect location! Clean, private, and quiet. Close to trails, restaurants, grocery store. Beautiful surroundings.
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Christopher
November 2025
Tent
Great spot. Definitely need a 4x4 to access but quite and beautiful
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Amy
October 2025
3 nights at May's Luxury Farmstays
Everything at the yurt was so wonderful! We loved our spot under the trees (the other one was more out in the open so we chose well!). While we had initially thought about taking some day trips, we literally stayed all 3 days at the yurt and the grounds--feeding the fish and chickens and geese, walking around, sitting in the tub, etc. John was friendly and kind and would check in on if we needed anything restocked. (The Peppermint Bark liqueur was a favorite!) A fully stocked bar was really special, as was the view, and the feeling that we could wander and explore. A great sister trip to be sure and we will definitely, definitely be returning.
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Other options near Castle Rock State Park
The best camping in Castle Rock State Park, CA guide
Overview
About
Tucked into the Santa Cruz mountains lies a sandstone paradise full of dramatic views, excellent hiking, and coastal redwoods. Bonus: it's just an hour's drive from the Bay Area.
Hikers will love the endless trail options. There are 34 miles of trails in the park itself. These trails also connect to a wider network in the adjoining Big Basin Redwoods State Park and Portola Redwoods State Parks. It’s way more than you can see in a day. Fortunately, there are two walk-in campsites where you can spend the night.
Just 2.6 miles from the parking lot on the Saratoga Gap trail, Castle Rock Trail Camp offers 20 sites perched on a ridge. If you camp here, be sure to walk around a bit to find an epic sunset view after you set up camp. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you want a guaranteed spot, head to Waterman Gap Trail Camp. It’s a lot further (nine miles) but the sites are reservable. Waterman Gap is also the first stop on the Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail. A three-day trek that takes you from Castle Rock all the way to the sea at Waddell Beach (highly recommended).
Rock climbers will find plenty to do here. The area’s sandstone is riddled with honeycomb-like features called tafoni. These unique features make for some interesting climbing. The climbing here is mostly sport and bouldering but there are a few trad climbs. A lot of routes can also be top roped, making this an excellent area for beginners. If you’re looking for a challenge, try the runout but classic waterfall route. It’s 100 feet of heady leading.
There is no cell service in the park so plan ahead. Dogs are also not allowed. If you want to bring doggo climbing, try nearby Indian Rock, it’s right outside the park boundaries.
The Bay Area’s temperate climate makes any time a great time to visit. It never really gets too hot during the summer. It’s often gorgeously sunny during the winter. Escape those winter doldrums and soak up some vitamin D. Your body will thank you.
Tips for snagging a campsite
- Book early, as reservations can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons.
- Check the park's reservation system regularly for cancellations to snag a spot.
- Consider visiting during the off-season for better availability and a quieter experience.
- Explore nearby camping options if Castle Rock is fully booked.
When to go
The best time to visit Castle Rock State Park is during spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural beauty is at its peak. Summer offers longer days for exploration, though it can be warm. Winter may bring closures due to weather, so always check ahead.
Know before you go
- Prepare for no cell reception; plan your visit and communications accordingly.
- Trail conditions can vary; check with park staff upon arrival for the latest updates.
- Bring cash for the $10 vehicle day-use fee, as card facilities may not be available.
- Remember, dogs are not allowed in the park, ensuring the preservation of local wildlife.
- Electric vehicle charging stations are available, so eco-friendly travel is welcome.
93%
22 ratings · 20 reviews
Recommends
· June 2022
This was a fun backpacking weekend. Awesome views on the way in, either way you take the trail from the parking lot. Decent amount of rock scrambles that were a little nerve wracking with the pack. But manageable. Campsites were okay - no potable water right now so you need to pack your own and/or bring a filter. We hiked down to a nearby stream to get extra water for filtering. Lots to do and explore in the park from camp. One big downside was that mosquitoes were everywhere, constantly. Not sure if it’s just the time of year (June and very hot) or what. Another downside is the nearby gun range which we heard all day, each day.
Meaghan W.
3 years on Hipcamp
September 2019
Camped here August 2019 and there is NO potable water in the campground. They may be fixing that but definitely check with the staff at the parking lot BEFORE you hike in. They have water at the overnight parking lot.
The hike is fairly easy and quick.
Campgrounds can fit multiple tents easily.
Lots of mosquitos in the evening - bring bug spray! A campfire might have helped but it was fire season so no fires allowed.
Overall a good trail and spot for first-time backpackers.
Liv L.
6 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2019
My friend and I hiked the Skyline to the Sea trail starting at Castle Rock State Park and ending at Waddell Beach. This took us 32 miles over 3 days and 2 nights. We camped at Waterman Gap Trail Camp on our first night there. It was peaceful and quiet. We actually went in January so the forest was wet and happy. On the third day of the hike we passed the waterfalls known as Berry Creek Falls. I would do again in a heartbeat :)
Renee W.
5 reviews
August 2016
any clue the cost of a fine if you don't have a backpacking permit in CA state parks?
Trina M.
9 years on Hipcamp
June 2016
V chill spot. good privacy and water availability, as mentioned in other comments. FYI to people on bikes - you must ride in through the service entrance, which is juuust to the left of the gun range along 35. Its about... maybe a half mile before the parking lot. You don't need to go to the parking lot at all, you can pay down at the campsite. Its a sick dirt descent down, and steep climb out in the AM. enjoy.
Chris C.
9 years on Hipcamp
February 2016
Definitely doesn't fill up and gorgeous views. Recommend sites 4, 5, 13 or 15. The wind REALLY howls depending on where you are and the shooting range is going off until around 6pm.
Suzanne C.
10 years on Hipcamp
November 2015
Great campsite with a very easy hike in. Open year-round. Very pretty views - overall a great place for a overnighter to escape the nearby suburbia.
There are often a number of scouting groups here, so it's not the quietest campsite. The hike in is short but there are some areas that require small rock scrambles. Be aware that during heavy rain, some of the campsites will partially flood - take care in tent location selection.
The main Castle Rock parking lot is very small and can fill up. As this is the only lot that permits overnight parking, you'll just have to wait a bit for somebody to leave and a spot to open up.
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Randy M.
10 years on Hipcamp
September 2015
You can feel comfortable rolling the dice going here even if you can't look up it's availability -- it apparently almost never fills up.
We asked a ranger around the 4th of July, and it sounds like they've only filled up a few times over the past few years, only on holiday weekends.
Especially given the burn ban this July, the campsites were more empty than filled when we went, even on the 4th.
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Patrick C.
10 years on Hipcamp
August 2015
This was an easy hike-in campsite. It had firewood, picnic tables, potable water, and restrooms. Our campsite was also fairly large and fit multiple tents comfortably.
If bringing a large pack, I recommend bringing trekking poles, as there are some parts of the hike where you have to scale some rocks and could benefit from extra balance.
Abby W.
10 years on Hipcamp
May 2015
If you bring cash- assuming there is no burn ban there is usually firewood available for purchase at the campsite (pretty rare for a hike-in spot).
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Hipcamper
10 years on Hipcamp
May 2015
The higher numbered sites are all heavily wooded, you can see into one other site from some place in your campsite if you try, but otherwise there is a good amount of privacy. Bathrooms and water access are also evenly distributed between the campground.
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Hipcamper
10 years on Hipcamp
May 2015
You'll probably notice on your way into camp- but the best sunset vista by far is about .3 miles before arriving at the campground. Return to the ledge after you setup camp for stunning views and a killer sunset
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Hipcamper
10 years on Hipcamp
May 2015
Sites 1 and 2 are in an open space with an outhouse and faucet- definitely avoid if possible. Sites 3, 4, and 5 are all fairly secluded closer to the skyline (though trees hide the actual view)
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Hipcamper
10 years on Hipcamp
March 2015
Bring sunblock for when you get to the summits, you get way more sun than you expect when you’re shaded by redwoods.
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Hipcamper L.
10 years on Hipcamp
March 2015
If you’re coming Southbound, take Hwy. 9 to 35 which is safer and easier (avoid Hwy. 17 to Black Rd. to 35)
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Hipcamper L.
10 years on Hipcamp
March 2015
If you bring kids, stick with Castle Rock trails, which are a bit more doable and have great boulders to play on along the way.
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Hipcamper L.
10 years on Hipcamp
March 2015
Don’t take the old-fashioned envelope deposit fee for granted, you don’t want to have a $70 fine awaiting you after such a beautiful getaway.
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Hipcamper L.
10 years on Hipcamp
March 2015
Trails close at sunset, so plan ahead and allow enough time to hike in or back to your camp.
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Hipcamper
10 years on Hipcamp
March 2015
Fill up on gas before the journey.
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Hipcamper
10 years on Hipcamp
March 2015
Don’t forget your camera, these views are truly breathtaking!
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Hipcamper
10 years on Hipcamp