Wastahi Campground
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Wastahi Campground
$6.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Day-Use parking fee ranges from $6 per vehicle plus $2 reservation fee, or $10 per vehicle without a reservation.
About this campground
Nestled within California's legendary Big Basin Redwoods State Park, Wastahi Campground offers an intimate encounter with some of Earth's most magnificent living giants. Here, ancient coast redwoods stretch skyward, their massive trunks bearing witness to centuries of Pacific storms and sunshine. Though the landscape still shows signs of renewal from the dramatic 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire, nature's resilience shines through as the forest regenerates, creating a unique opportunity to witness the rebirth of this primordial ecosystem.
Wastahi Campground is described in general terms as part of Big Basin Redwoods State Park, providing traditional camping experiences before closure. Explicit details regarding the types of camping accommodations are not provided.
Historical SignificanceAs California's first state park, established in 1902, Big Basin holds a special place in conservation history. The towering redwoods here have stood sentinel since before the Roman Empire rose and fell, their rings recording millennia of storms, droughts, and sunshine. The 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire added a profound new chapter to this storied landscape, transforming sections of the park while demonstrating nature's incredible capacity for renewal and the enduring spirit of these ancient forests.
Weather and SeasonsThe campground enjoys a Mediterranean climate kissed by coastal influences, where morning fog often drifts through the towering redwoods before giving way to dappled sunlight. Summer brings warm, golden days perfect for exploration, while winter transforms the forest into a misty wonderland with gentle rains that nourish the ancient groves. Spring and fall offer ideal camping conditions with crisp air and comfortable temperatures that invite long hikes through the recovering forest.
ElevationFrom sea level to dramatic ridgelines soaring above 2,000 feet, the park's varied topography creates distinct microclimates and diverse ecosystems. This elevation range rewards visitors with everything from creek-side strolls to ridge-top vistas, where on clear days you can glimpse the Pacific Ocean through gaps in the forest canopy.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a world where time moves differently, surrounded by cathedral-like groves of ancient coast redwoods whose canopies disappear into the mist. Crystal-clear brooks tumble over moss-covered stones, creating a natural soundtrack that mingles with bird songs and rustling leaves. Beyond the redwood groves, the landscape transforms into sun-drenched chaparral slopes and mixed conifer forests, offering a tapestry of ecosystems that support diverse wildlife and endless discovery.
Geological RegionWastahi Campground sits within the rugged Santa Cruz Mountains, where tectonic forces have sculpted a dramatic landscape over millions of years. This geological wonderland supports an extraordinary diversity of life zones - from the iconic coast redwood groves and Douglas fir forests to oak woodlands and chaparral-covered ridges. Riparian corridors thread through the terrain, creating lush ribbons of greenery that provide critical habitat for wildlife and serene spots for contemplation.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility information was highlighted for the park in general but not specific to Wastahi Campground. It includes trails and basic facilities under recovery efforts.
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Sites Privacynull
Total Campsites0 campsites
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
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Check-out
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Stay Limit
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Guests Allowed Per Site
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Groups
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Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutnull
Open and Closed Seasonnull
Reservation PlatformsReservations not applicable currently due to closure.
Walk-in Availabilitynull
Cancellation Policynull
Activities you can enjoy
Activities in Big Basin Redwoods State Park include hiking, biking, nature observation, and guided tours. Wastahi Campground historically provided access to these activities, but closures have limited availability.
Hiking
Big Basin offers several trails such as the Redwood Loop Trail, Creeping Forest Trail, and Sunset Trail, among others. Hiking ranges from short loops to full-day adventures through old-growth redwood forests and fire-impacted areas. Some routes are cleared and open, while others remain closed during recovery.Biking
Bicycles are allowed on all fire roads within Big Basin. Specific details about bike trails near Wastahi Campground are not provided.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant in Big Basin Redwoods State Park, with species such as deer, raccoons, bobcats, acorn woodpeckers, and marbled murrelets present.Cultural and Educational Programs
Programs such as guided tours and events like the 'Redwood Grove Guided Walk' are offered in Big Basin Redwoods State Park, providing educational insights into the redwoods and the park's history.Winter Activities
The authoritative sources do not mention any specific winter activities related to Wastahi Campground or Big Basin Redwoods State Park.Water Sports
Water sports are not listed as activities available at Wastahi Campground.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
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- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsThe campground is recovering from wildfire damage. Wildlife hazards include deer, raccoons, bobcats, and fire-following birds.
Active alertsThe campground is currently closed due to recovery efforts from wildfire damage.
Weather forecast
63
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 70%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 4.6 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
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Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingThe authoritative content advises maintaining a 'Crumb Clean' park environment, which entails properly disposing of trash and recycling glass, plastic, and aluminum to protect wildlife.
Proximity to water featuresFeatures babbling brooks.
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Campground Map
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Driving directionsFrom Hwy 9 in the town of Boulder Creek, turn north onto Hwy 236 and the park entrance kiosk is 9 miles down the highway.
All roads into Big Basin are curvy. Ride sharing and car sharing apps are not recommended due to lack of cell phone signal.Nearby places
Santa Cruz - 25 miles northwest, San Francisco - 65 miles south.
Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
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Wastahi Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are not available specifically for Wastahi Campground due to its closure after the CZU Lightning Complex Fire. General feedback suggests Big Basin is recovering well with restored trails and wildlife returning.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
The park features ancient coast redwoods, scenic hiking trails, and diverse wildlife. Reviewers often praise its beauty and the preservation efforts post-fire.
Common Concerns
Visitors struggle with limited parking, lack of cell phone service, and closures of certain trails and facilities due to ongoing recovery.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors are often advised to plan parking reservations in advance and bring offline maps due to lack of cell service.
Seasonal Insights
Reviewers note the park's appeal during dry and moderately cool seasons. Winter storms and high winds make certain weeks less desirable for visits.
Camper Quotes
"Big Basin's ancient redwoods are unlike anything else - truly majestic." "The trails are recovering beautifully after the fire, but closures remain frustrating." "Plan ahead for parking; the...
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Site-Specific Reviews
There are no site-specific reviews available for Wastahi Campground.
Accessibility Features
Accessibility features are highlighted in general for Big Basin but not specifically for Wastahi Campground.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are not allowed within the campground or on trails, as per official sources.
Last updated August 10, 2025