Waterman Gap Trail Camp is located near Santa Cruz in Castle Rock State Park. The area features forested terrain with trails winding through redwoods and mixed woodlands. Temperatures range from 40°F to 70°F, and nearby attractions include the scenic Castle Rock and the expansive Big Basin Redwoods State Park.

Waterman Gap Trail Camp —  Located 6.3 miles from the north end of Skyline-to-the- Sea Trail at Saratoga Gap (no overnight parking at this location), or 9.3 miles from the Castle Rock State Park main parking lot on Hwy. 35 (2.5 miles south of Hwy. 9), this camp, in a mixed hardwood and redwood forest, has 6 primitive sites and a vault toilet. Reservations are required and may be made by calling the trail camp reservation line at Big Basin Redwoods State Park at (831) 338-8861.  Fires and smoking are not permitted. However, gas camp stoves are allowed. There is very limited drinking water so carry water with you. 

Castle Rock has two backpacking trail camps: Waterman Gap Trail Camp and Castle Rock Trail Camp.  All trails are closed at sunset.  Campers are required to remain in the campground from sunset to 6 a.m. Plan to be in your campsite at least 1/2-hour before sunset to have enough light for camp setup and check-in with the ranger. Dogs and smoking are not permitted in either campground.

Waterman Gap Trail Camp — Castle Rock State Park

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This is a great backcountry campground in the Castle Rock Park area. The reason for only giving it 3 stars is that there are so many incredible campgrounds in the area and this one is nothing special. However, the hikes that get you to the site are really amazing and worth the trek. The campground itself is very minimal in terms of amenities but it is definitely a nice stop if you are just looking for a place to get away for the weekend. There is even a pay phone at the site! Make sure to bring $15 cash cause you will need to pay when you get to the site and rangers will come by and check. Also make sure to read the signs about wild animals so that you stay safe. There are so many great trails in the area to check out as well.

Photos of Waterman Gap Trail Camp — Castle Rock State Park

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