The best camping near Castle Rock State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Castle Rock State Park adventure.

97% (19 reviews)
97% (19 reviews)

Hikers and climbers love Castle Rock State Park.  

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Community favorites near Castle Rock State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Castle Rock State Park

96%
(156)

Peace, Love and Sunset Ranch

11 sites · Lodging, Tents5 acres · Watsonville, CA
This is camping made easy. No need to bring your cooking supplies, stoves, barbeque and dinnerwares ! We have them all. If you like to be social and have bonfire and have a nice chat with fellow campers from somewhere else, this is the place for you. We are committed to provide good beds and beddings because we know how important good sleep is (even when you camp!) so we just spent time, money and energy to replace all of our camping mattresses with memory foam mattresses!!! We had people swear that this is the best bed they ever slept in. The campground is located in a serene oakwood grove area of the property. Its a peaceful getaway with an abundance of bird varieties and occasional wild turkeys passing through. Take a stroll around our 5-acre property and catch a breathtaking sunset from the hillside. We're only 11 minutes away from Mount Madonna State Park and just 10 minutes from a local healthy grocery store and yoga studio. The beautiful Pajaro Dunes coastal area is just a 15-minute drive away, and the Santa Cruz Fairground is only two minutes away. Our location is surrounded by family friendly farms such as Gizdich ranch and nurseries, hence why it's considered the salad bowl of the United States. The Santa Cruz beaches are only 15-25 minutes away, while Monterey Bay Aquarium is just 30 minutes away and Gilroy Gardens is about 25 minutes away. The wine trail is also nearby. There are plenty of activities to enjoy nearby, including horseback riding at Mount Madonna Stable, Mount Madonna Retreat Center, hiking at Mount Madonna State Park, wine tastings at various wineries with stunning views, kayaking at Elkhorn Slough or any beaches, yoga at Watsonville Yoga or onsite, swimming, scuba diving in Monterey, visiting the Hanoman temple at Mount Madonna retreat center, and attending any events at the Santa Cruz Fairground. Julie, our campground manager offers horse lessons for anyone starting at age 8 + but not heavier than 180 lbs. The property has 3 stalls for hot showers, 1 hand washing sink, 3 flushable toilettes, 1 communal outdoor kitchen with supplies of cookwares, dishes, mugs, glasses, utensils, pots and pans, coffee mugs, and 1 sink with hot water, 3 fire pits (2 of them is fire burning and 1 of them is propane), camping stoves, 1 gas barbeque and there is an electricity in the communal kitchen area. Propane for fireplace is included and Firewoods are available for sale. Board games, Books, Magazines, Lawn games are available as well as drawing papers and coloring pencils/markers/oil paint for our little artists. Your parking spot is within a very short walking distance and there is a wagon for you to use to haul your belongings to your camp site.
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$62.10
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97%
(524)

Redwood Retreat: Camping & Cooking

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents16 acres · Watsonville, CA
Located on 16 acres, Redwood Retreat is nestled among majestic redwood trees. Don't let weather worries keep you from booking-we give a 100% refund in the case of inclement weather! We have a cottage, a tent cabin with a queen air mattress, and two camping sites for up to 4. Sites 1 & 2 combine nicely for a group of up to 8 and site 3 can accommodate a group of 6 (w/ host approval). Enjoy the owls, ravens, doves, hummingbirds, and salamanders and NO WIFI. Harken back to the days of yore cooking in the outdoor kitchen, playing darts, cornhole, ring toss, or ask to use the telescope & binoculars to star gaze. (Learn about Redwood Trees by copying and pasting this URL into your web browser- https://www.giantsrising.com/discover/#mytreestory) When you book you will receive an extensive list of recommendations of things to do in the area with web links, links to camping recipes, as well as seasonal menus for food that you can order from Chef Mima. Our common area includes bbq's, propane burners, picnic tables, propane griddle, cooking supplies, dish-washing area as well as outdoor games. Other amenities such as shower, fridge, microwave, toaster oven, more cooking supplies and books are also available to you in another common area. The terrain on our property is NOT hikeable and you may NOT WALK OFF THE PROPERTY but we provide you with links to many trails as well as recommendations for lots to see and do in the area. We are equi-distant between Monterey and Santa Cruz (also approximately 30 minutes but depends on traffic) for all of your more "touristy" desires. Under 2 hours to San Francisco. Imagine a peaceful, serene neck of the woods with NO WIFI. Feel the restorative power of nature building resilience and buffering tomorrow’s stress. Welcome to Redwood Retreat in the mountains above the sweet town of Corralitos, approximately a half hour to either Santa Cruz or Monterey and 20 minutes to nearest beach. If you are the type of camper that likes to play music or be loud, this is not the camp for you. This is a refuge from that. When multiple sites are reserved, this spot is perfect for family vacations, company retreats, small celebrations etc. It is strongly recommended that you book all three sites if you wish to entertain. No amplified noise. A noise curfew is in effect from 10:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. for anything but talking. Sound carries and we must respect neighbors and other campers.THX!
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$72.25
 / night
100%
(50)

Charcoal Springs Camp & Cabin

4 sites · Lodging, Tents40 acres · Watsonville, CA
Welcome to our serene retreat at Charcoal Springs, overlooking the Monterey Bay! Nestled amidst the picturesque Santa Cruz mountains of California, our property offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday urban life, with beautiful views of the ocean, redwood forest, and stunning sunrise/sunsets. Our property is above the redwoods, and more often than not, above the fog line! We've spent the last year pouring our love into this mountaintop retreat and we are happy to share it with you! Our spacious camping area provides ample room for you to set up your tent or camper van (no RVs, trailers or 5th wheels) ensuring a comfortable and memorable stay. Outdoor activities: leisurely stroll along our scenic little trail + surrounding wilderness: we are right next to the north entrance of the Soquel Demonstration Forest for world class mountain biking. If you are interested in hosting a larger group, in organizing a retreat, and in booking out all our sites, please get in touch! ATTENTION: MAY-OCTOBER - FIRE BAN PENDING WEATHER/WIND DAY-OF KITCHEN/BBQ AT PANORAMA CONTAINER CAMP: Propane is $25/tank, WE DO NOT PROVIDE PLATES, CUPS, UTENSILS, OR COOKING SUPPLIES AT CONTAINER CAMP! Container Camp Kitchen has a BBQ, tongs and brush for the BBQ, a 3 burner camp stove, sink, covered trash/recycling cans, miscellaneous pots/pans (see picture with utensils on site). There is NO REFRIGERATOR at Container Camp, so bring your coolers! KITCHEN AT THE COOP (NO BBQ): The Coop is equipped with most kitchenware that one would need (4 cu ft refrigerator, pots, pans, 4 x plates, bowls, and cups, mugs, knives, silverware, salad bowl, french-press coffee pot, kettle…) with a two burner electric hot plate and the woodstove with a cooktop on it. The Coop does NOT have a BBQ. PLEASE KEEP FOOD IN SEALED CONTAINERS OR COOLERS! Also, remember to keep the volume down, as most people come here precisely for the piece and quiet:) Grocery shopping: We are 25 minutes from the Summit store, and Corralitos meat market down Eureka Canyon. All sites have access to: -electricity, -hot showers, -composting toilet (Sun-Mar Excel), -industrial sink (also with hot water), -partially equipped kitchen (with mini fridge and electric hot plates in 'The Coop' / propane stove/BBQ at the container camp in covered kitchen area), -Fire places: wood stove in The Coop, and seasonal fire-pits (bring your own wood - or buy $15 a bundle from us) (Please bring your own SHEETS, TOWELS and BIODEGRADABLE soap - Dr. Bronner's. If you're camping, for an extra comfy night's sleep, we can provide 2 custom double bed sized camping mattresses - for $25 a mattress per night). After a day of exploration, you can use our designated fire pits (seasonally/weather permitting) and share stories under the stars with your fellow travelers. At Charcoal Springs, you can expect a peaceful retreat far from the city, and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature as you traverse the rugged terrain and enjoy the view. Whether you're seeking adventure or simply craving a moment of calm, our property offers the perfect escape for your next outdoor getaway. We look forward to welcoming you to our slice of paradise! Johnny and Jeanne (Profile pic from artist Pedro Gomes: https://pedrogo.com/)
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$95
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98%
(108)

Strawberry Fields Forever

5 sites · RVs5 acres · Watsonville, CA
Welcome to southern Santa Cruz County, home of some of the longest and most beautiful beaches in central California. We are located in La Selva Beach, a five-minute walk to Manresa State Beach. We are a small, working farm with vegetable and flower gardens, chickens and bees. There are many excellent places to hike, walk, surf, swim, tide pool or just sit and enjoy the view. SELF CONTAINED UNITS ONLY We offer quiet campsites with fantastic views of the three hundred acres of strawberry fields that back up to our property. Our campsites provide water and electric hookups and only appropriate for self-contained recreational vehicles and trailers. One of the sites has no size constraints on RVs or trailers. Our Valley View site is limited to rigs 26 feet long or less. We do not offer personal hygiene services e.g. porta potty, sinks or showers). We do not accommodate tent camping. We love to host guests and will provide information about things to do and see in our area. We often loan our State Parks pass so that you can venture out to Point Lobos, Wilder Ranch, Sunset Beach, Natural Bridges and more. Our property is peaceful and restorative. Our sites are about 30 yards apart. Each camp site includes a fire pit and a bundle of wood. Surf boards, Boogey boards and wetsuits are available for rent from the surf shop on site. We are 15 minutes from the village of Capitola, 30 minutes from downtown Santa Cruz and 45 minutes to Monterey. There is a Dump station 5 minutes down the road at the KOA (for a fee).
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$68
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100%
(11)

Kings Mountain Camp w/ ocean views

4 sites · Lodging10 acres · Woodside, CA
Breathe deep in nature on our 10-acre property on a hillside in Kings Mountain, California. Our generously sized Safari-style tents offer a unique blend of comfort and adventure. Each tent has beds, down comforters, crisp cotton linens, lights, and more. Outdoor and indoor furniture and lots of little touches will make your stay unique. Each tent is perched on a sturdy wooden platform and features a fully furnished deck, providing a cozy space to relax and soak in the breathtaking ocean (Half Moon Bay views) and forest views (Kings Mountain). All tents include a mini fridge and a stove, which are ideal for light cooking, intimate fireside storytelling, and warmth during cool mornings and evenings. We suggest you bring easy-to-prep food, drinks, warm clothes, hiking shoes, and a beanie, as it can get chilly without notice. Your designated parking space is a 6-minute walk from the campsite (downhill on arrival, then back uphill (steep) in the forest), so we recommend traveling light. Our campsite is nestled within the same property as our charming little farm. If you're interested in meeting our friendly farm animals, get in touch, and we'll be delighted to arrange a visit at a time that works best for you and them. While our animals rest peacefully at night, our vigilant dog Messy stands guard, ensuring the safety of our chickens and goats from any potential predators. Her bark is a reassuring sign that our farm is well-protected. You may also hear our chickens starting their day with the early morning egg-laying routine! Our goats roam the land all day and may visit you for pets and nuzzles. They are gentle, but please do not feed or let them inside the tent. Recharge from the day with a hot shower. Grab your fresh towels from your tent and go to your allocated bathhouses, where you’ll find an indoor shower and well-appointed restrooms. They are nicely lit and stocked with bath products. Additionally, a sink area is available for dish clean-up. Kings Mountain is famous for its hiking and biking trails nested amongst the redwoods. The closest is a 15-minute walk from our campsite, and dozens of others are within a 15-minute car ride. Tent 01 (180sqft) accommodates two people in a queen-size bed, and an additional cot can be rented. Tent 02 (210sqft) accommodates four people: two in a queen-size bed and two in a bunk bed Tent 03 (210sqft) accommodates four people: two in a queen-size bed and two in a twin bed + daybed Shower/bathroom (Distance from tent 1 40 feet). Shower and bathroom (Distance from tent 02 30 feet, tent 03 25 feet) List of complimentary amenities PER TENT: -Board games (uno / chess / playing cards / monopoly / scrable) -Books -Binoculars -Radio -Harmonica -Hand fans -Hot water bottle -First aid kit -Fresh eggs from our farm (you can purchase more at our farm stand) -Tea (Shangri LA tea) -Coffee (Grand Coffee SF) -Wifi (starlink) -Indoor and outdoor furniture (ie: chairs, beds, closet, containers) -Hot water kettle -Coffee maker -Mini fridge -Camping stove: one extra gas canister -Bedding: Comforters (1 per person) -Pillows (1 per person) -Wool blanket (1 per tent) -Cotton linens -Food utensils: Plates -Bowls -Cups -Mugs -Salt -Pepper and Minimal cookware -Tap water (drinkable) -Electricity (solar / limited use mindfully) -Wood Stove: Firewood for stove (heating and cooking) -Fire starter -Lighter - One parking spot per tent (inquire about additional parking when necessary) Outdoor Bath house: -Towels: hand towel (1 per stay per person), bath towel (1 per stay per person) -Hot water (limited, use mindfully), -Amenities: body wash, shower gel, hand soap, shampoo, and conditioner -Toilet - Evening campfire upon demand (in the common area), otherwise called “The Lookout”. Please note in the event of “high fire danger,” fires are not permitted. Fires are managed by us; guests are not allowed to light the fire in the lookout area by themselves. Children: Kids under the age of 10 are not allowed. An adult must accompany minors under 21 YO. Quiet Hours: For the enjoyment of all guests, we ask for quiet time all day and do not allow loud music at any time of day, and the same goes for loud discussions and partying. Think of it as a whispering experience. Please remember that our tents are made of canvas, and sound travels through the canyon. If we receive any noise complaints, you will be asked to leave.
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$127.50
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85%
(62)

Hilltop Vineyard Dome Glamping

6 sites · Lodging, RVs32 acres · Felton, CA
Welcome to Hill Top Vineyard, nestled in the mountains of Santa Cruz; this breathtaking 30+ acre retreat is the ideal getaway. We offer 3 RV/tent sites and 2 glamping domes. The glamping domes share a full bathroom equipped with a hot water shower and flushing toilet. There is no toilet available for the RV/tent sites so campers are required to bring their own. Featuring four acres of vineyard, two acres of seasonal pond, winding trails, and sweeping vistas of the surrounding mountains. Just imagine waking up slowly with a cup of coffee from one of the local coffee shops while you watch the wildlife come to life. Evenings are best spent enjoying the stunning sunsets in front of the 2 acre pond. Located just 15 miles from the world-famous beaches of Santa Cruz that have some of the most sought-after surf breaks, and if beaches aren't your thing, Henry Cowell State park is less than ten miles away and has some of the gorgeous hikes in all of Santa Cruz County. Big Basin State Park is a few towns over and is one of the few places in the world where you can see coastal redwoods. The location also offers easy access to silicon valley and the greater bay area if you're interested in a day trip to the city. Amenities include RV/oversized vehicle parking, private trails, and more! Book your stay today at Hill Top Vineyard to experience the ultimate getaway, where you'll find peace in nature's embrace.
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$72
 / night
99%
(90)

Audrey Edna Cabin at Alpine Ranch

1 site · Lodging350 acres · Loma Mar, CA
Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) protects open space on the Peninsula and in the South Bay for the benefit of all. Situated on top of a ridge with expansive redwood forest and coastal views, the Audrey Edna Cabin provides a completely private gathering place and destination for visitors with reservations. The cabin has spectacular views of forest, sky, ocean and the Butano ridgeline. It's a short hike to 8000+ acres of county parkland where you can hike, bike and ride horses (though please note, there are no facilities for horse boarding at the cabin.) The cabin is located at Alpine Ranch, a property adjacent to Sam McDonald County Park that was protected by Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST).  Whether you are looking for an active experience or just want to relax in a peaceful, remote setting, there's something here for everyone. This is a rustic hike-in cabin designed for a introductory pack-in experience. Bedding is not provided. It is about a 1.7-mile hike on a rolling dirt road from the Sam McDonald County Park parking lot, with about 650 feet of elevation gain. Most hikers can reach the cabin in an hour or less. Guests should plan to arrive at least 2 hours before sunset, and pack water and flashlights or headlamps. Guests with limited mobility, please contact us for information regarding accommodations that will allow you to access this shared resource. *A note about reservation availability: On the weekends, POST offers priority reservations for the cabin to our partners at the San Mateo County Health Department and Park Rx to provide patients with equitable access to the benefits of nature. Occasionally, we have last-minute public weekend reservation availability due to cancellations. The cabin is reservable up to 3 months in advance, on a rolling basis. Love the idea of a hike-in cabin, but unable to visit us Sunday-Thursday? Check out the nearby Sierra Club Hiker's Hut in Sam McDonald County Park.  Property History: At one time, the ridge of the Santa Cruz Mountains was a thriving center for trade between tribes of the coast and the bay, which we still find evidence of today in cultural sites and artifacts throughout the region. Native people have cared for this land since time immemorial, including the local Muwekma and Ramaytush Ohlone who are still active in the area today. This property specifically is host to a tributary to one of just a handful of waterways that support salmonids in this region, which are a species of tremendous importance to native people. Over 1000 acres here were eventually purchased by entrepreneur Ridgeway Rowley, who built a home on the ranch in the 1880s as part of an unsuccessful wedding proposal to Fannie Page, daughter of a local mill owner (ever heard of Page Mill Road?) After being rejected by Fannie, Rowley operated the ranch for a decade in conjunction with his work as District Attorney and publisher of the Palo Alto Weekly, before eventually returning to his hometown of Cortland, NY, where he lived as a bachelor until his death. Over the course of the 20th century, the ranch was divided, some parts of which became Pescadero Creek County Park. POST purchased the 350 acre home property, now called Alpine Ranch, in 2012 through our Heart of the Redwoods campaign, an initiative to protect 20,000 acres of Redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Alpine Ranch borders Pescadero Creek County Park and Sam McDonald County Park, adding to the area’s protected open space and containing more than a mile of tributaries to Pescadero Creek, which flows year-round and is a major spawning stream for steelhead trout. The Audrey Edna Cabin at Alpine Ranch is situated at one of the property's most scenic overlooks. The cabin was built in the early 1900's, and completely reconstructed up to modern building codes by POST in 2018 so that all could enjoy this special place.
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$100
 / night

The best camping near Castle Rock State Park 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.

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