Main Campground

Star4.49
68 reviews
15000 Skyline Boulevard, Los Gatos, CA 95030
Scenic ViewsGreat Hiking

Quick Facts

980 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Main Campground
$15.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping fees are $15 per site, first-come-first-served. Additional fees include $10 vehicle day-use fee.
Standard Site Fee$15.00
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

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Reserve California
Provider
(408) 867-2952mtnspecevent@parks.ca.gov
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What Campers Say

4.49

Recommended

Based on 68 reviews

56 Google reviews

Most mentioned

water

"User reviews are mixed, with positive highlights including scenic trails, potable water, and the inclement weather shelter. Negative feedback frequently pertains to poor toilet conditions and lack of privacy."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

15000 Skyline Boulevard, Los Gatos, CA 95030

Main Campground

15000 Skyline Boulevard, Los Gatos, CA 95030

Driving directionsThe park is located on Highway 35, just 2.5 miles southeast of the junction with Highway 9.
Highway 35 provides direct access to the park, with a mix of paved and unpaved roads. Seasonal closures can occur due to rain or weather conditions.
Nearby places
San Jose - 22 miles, approximately 40 minutes drive
Santa Cruz - 30 miles, approximately 1 hour drive
Boulder Creek - 12 miles, approximately 20 minutes drive.
Nearby supplies
Groceries and camping supplies available in Los Gatos, approximately 22 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Main Campground

Experience the dramatic seasonal shifts that define mountain camping at its finest. Summer transforms the landscape into a sun-drenched haven where warm, dry days invite endless exploration. As winter approaches, the campground reveals its wilder side—temperatures can plunge below freezing, and if you're lucky, you might wake to find a delicate dusting of snow gracing the higher peaks, turning familiar trails into a wonderland.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer is described as sun-drenched and dry, ideal for hiking and exploration.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Seasonal shifts noted; fall likely offers comfortable mountain conditions and scenic trails.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring features waterfalls (Castle Rock Falls) and thriving trails; good season for hikes and scenery.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open year-round; winters can be cold with occasional snow but an inclement-weather shelter is available.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Not explicitly stated.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round, though seasonal restrictions apply for fires and water availability.
  • Current Alerts: Fires currently prohibited due to fire danger. Climbing restricted after rain to protect fragile sandstone.

About Main Campground

Nestled deep within the enchanting Santa Cruz Mountains, Castle Rock Trail Camp beckons adventurous souls seeking an authentic wilderness experience. This rustic retreat combines the essentials of primitive camping—fresh piped drinking water, sturdy picnic tables, warming fire rings, and basic pit toilets—with the unexpected comfort of a weather shelter that stands ready when mountain storms roll through. Here, simplicity meets natural splendor in perfect harmony.
Castle Rock Main Campground primarily caters to primitive camping and backpacking. It does not offer RV or glamping accommodations.
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Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 30 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors to the Main Campground have access to a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, rock climbing, wildlife viewing, and limited biking. The park's trails offer scenic views and connect to larger regional trails.
HikingThe campground is accessed via hiking trails, including the Saratoga Gap Trail. Nearby trails such as the Ridge Trail Loop offer challenging hikes with scenic vistas. A user review states: 'Did the Castle Rock trail up to Saratoga campground. Good mix of light climbing and flat parts.'
ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.
BikingBiking is limited to certain trails, and users note accessibility to the camp via the Campground Service Road Trail. Review by Keith Dart: 'Excellent camp for bike camping since you can ride to it on the maintenance road.'
Wildlife viewingThe park features diverse wildlife such as black-tailed deer, mountain lions, and peregrine falcons. User review by Michael Parido: 'Beautiful scenery and a fair amount of wildlife.'
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include poison oak, ticks, rattlesnakes, and mountain lions. Trails may be steep and narrow.
Active AlertsFires currently prohibited due to fire danger. Climbing restricted after rain to protect fragile sandstone.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Main Campground

Reviews

4.5
68 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Main Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are mixed, with positive highlights including scenic trails, potable water, and the inclement weather shelter. Negative feedback frequently pertains to poor toilet conditions and lack of privacy.
Review Summaries
Based on 68 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praise the scenic trails leading to the campground and its accessibility for hikers and bikers. Review by Jason Willebeek-LeMair: 'Nice trail camp. You have to backpack in--but it is not a...
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Based on 68 reviews

Common Concerns

Pit toilets are heavily criticized for bad smells, insects, and lack of toilet paper. Lack of privacy within clustered sites is mentioned. Review by lok yu: 'Only half of the site is habitable: some...
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Based on 68 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own toilet paper and supplies due to unreliable replenishment. Consider choosing sites 1-5 for more privacy.
Based on 68 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer weather is hot and dry, while winter can be cold with occasional snow. Review by Drew: 'Inclement weather shelter is available, good because this is one of the few trail camps that's open all...
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Based on 68 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Extremely bad and smelly outhouses.' - Subala J K 2. 'The camp also features a shelter for inclement weather.' - Drew 3. 'Nice trail camp...not a difficult hike.' - Jason Willebeek-LeMair
Based on 68 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Best sites include: 3b, 7, 14, 16, 20, 23, 24, 26. User reviews suggest avoiding sites with poor upkeep or missing amenities.
Based on 68 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is limited; trails leading to the campground require hiking and are not wheelchair-friendly.
Based on 68 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not allowed, except for service animals.
Based on 68 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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