Waterman Gap Trail Campground
03 reviewsnull
Quick Facts
Price
$10/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
6 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
No Service
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
$10/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
6 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
No Service
Pets
Not Allowed
Waterman Gap Trail Campground
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Day-use fees for accessing Castle Rock State Park are $10 per vehicle. There is no specific information provided for reservations at Waterman Gap...
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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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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Reserve California
Provider408-867-2952access@parks.ca.gov
What Campers Say
N/A
Limited Reviews
Based on 3 reviews
20 Google reviews
Some mention
mosquitoes
"User reviews emphasize the campground's rugged appeal and its suitability for backpackers. Positive mentions include the serene hiking experience and the privacy of certain sites."
Fees & Passes at Waterman Gap Trail Campground
$10/night
Campsite fees
Stay Limit: Reservations are required for overnight stays at Waterman Gap Trail Campground.
Cancellation: null
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official California State Parks website.
Best Time to Camp at Waterman Gap Trail Campground
Summer transforms the mountains into a sun-drenched paradise where golden light filters through the canopy, though temperatures can soar during midday hikes. When winter arrives, it brings a completely different character—crisp air that bites at exposed skin and occasional dustings of snow that transform the peaks into a wonderland. Be prepared for temperatures that can plunge below freezing, especially during those magical January weeks when frost paints delicate patterns on tent walls and breath forms clouds in the morning air.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open year-round.
- Current Alerts: Trail camps require registration or reservations; climbing and other off-trail activities are temporarily restricted due to weather conditions.
About Waterman Gap Trail Campground
Tucked away along the legendary Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail, Waterman Gap Trail Campground beckons adventurous souls seeking an authentic backcountry experience in Castle Rock State Park. This secluded haven offers six intimate primitive sites where the only sounds are rustling leaves and distant bird calls. While modern conveniences are limited to vault toilets and on-site water access, the simplicity is part of the charm. Pack your gas camp stove for warm meals under the stars, but leave the matches behind—open fires aren't permitted in this pristine wilderness sanctuary.
Waterman Gap Trail Campground is suited for primitive camping. Accessible only by hiking, it serves as a stop along the Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail for backpackers.
Historical SignificanceThese ancient mountains hold stories that stretch back millennia. Long before trails were carved and campsites designated, the Ohlone people walked these ridges and valleys, gathering acorns beneath mighty oaks and finding spiritual connection in the towering redwoods. Their deep knowledge of the land's rhythms and resources shaped a sustainable way of life here for countless generations. Later chapters brought loggers and farmers who left their own marks—weathered stumps and forgotten fence lines that nature is slowly reclaiming, adding layers to the land's rich tapestry of human history.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms the mountains into a sun-drenched paradise where golden light filters through the canopy, though temperatures can soar during midday hikes. When winter arrives, it brings a completely different character—crisp air that bites at exposed skin and occasional dustings of snow that transform the peaks into a wonderland. Be prepared for temperatures that can plunge below freezing, especially during those magical January weeks when frost paints delicate patterns on tent walls and breath forms clouds in the morning air.
Elevationnull
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to filtered sunlight dancing through a cathedral of mixed hardwood and towering redwoods, where the forest floor is carpeted with ferns and moss. The Santa Cruz Mountains reveal their rugged personality here, with trails that wind through dramatic terrain offering surprise glimpses of Monterey Bay shimmering in the distance. Each turn presents a new perspective—from intimate forest groves where silence feels sacred to windswept ridges where the entire coastline spreads before you like a painted canvas.
Geological RegionBeneath your hiking boots lies a geological drama millions of years in the making. The Santa Cruz Mountains owe their existence to the relentless grinding of the San Andreas Fault, which continues to shape this dynamic landscape. The park's signature Vaqueros sandstone tells an even older story—these rocks began life as sediments on an ancient ocean floor, accumulating in underwater avalanches before tectonic forces thrust them skyward. Wind and water have since carved the exposed sandstone into fantastical honeycomb patterns called tafoni, creating natural sculptures that seem almost too intricate to be real.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityDue to its primitive nature, this site may not offer features for campers with disabilities. No specific accessibility details or accommodations are mentioned.
Sites SizeSites are small and designed for hikers and backpackers. Specific measurements or capacities are not mentioned.
Sites PrivacySite 1 is highlighted as the most private in a user review, with natural barriers like trees offering seclusion. Other sites have varying levels of privacy, but specific descriptions are lacking.
Total Campsites6 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite 1 is noted for its privacy and peaceful setting, though it lacks benches. Makeshift seating is available using tree trunks.
Best Campsites
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
Reservations are required for overnight stays at Waterman Gap Trail Campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Groups
There is no explicit mention of group camping facilities.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of six primitive sites and includes a vault toilet.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made by calling the trail camp reservation line at Big Basin Redwoods State Park (831-338-8861).
Walk-in Availabilitynull
Cancellation Policynull
Amenities available
Potable water
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground supports hiking activities along the Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail. Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant, with diverse habitats surrounding the area. Primitive camping aligns with the park's rugged and natural aesthetic.
Hiking
"You can also backpack and stay overnight at the Waterman Gap Trail Camp (reservations required)." The Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail passes through this site, providing access to various scenic overlooks and natural features.Wildlife viewing
The park hosts diverse wildlife, including black-tailed deer, gray foxes, mountain lions, turkey vultures, and peregrine falcons. Wildlife viewing is encouraged, but specific viewing areas near the campground are not detailed.Winter Activities
Winter camping is possible but may be subject to extreme cold and snow conditions, as indicated by weather data with temperatures dropping below freezing.Water Sports
No water sports are supported due to the lack of water access near the campground.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No fires are permitted at Waterman Gap Trail Campground. Gas camp stoves are allowed.
- Quiet hours are Daily quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsBeware of wildlife such as mountain lions, coyotes, and rattlesnakes. Poison oak and ticks are common in the area.
Active alertsTrail camps require registration or reservations; climbing and other off-trail activities are temporarily restricted due to weather conditions.
Weather at Waterman Gap Trail Campground
64
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 51%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 3.7 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
Weather History
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Emergency Services
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Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingNo trash or recycling facilities are explicitly mentioned. Visitors are expected to pack out all trash to minimize environmental impact.
Proximity to water featuresWater is available at the campground, though the surrounding areas in the Santa Cruz Mountains have limited access to water resources.
Common complaintsLimited privacy at some sites; mosquitoes are prevalent during summer months (July specifically noted).
Hostnull
Campground Map
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Driving directionsWaterman Gap Trail Campground is located within Castle Rock State Park, along the Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail. It is situated 6.3 miles from the north end of Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail at Saratoga Gap. The majority of backpackers choose to access the camp by trekking approximately 9.3 miles from the park's main entrance located off Highway 35.
The campground can be accessed by hiking trails, primarily the Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail. The nearest parking area is approximately 9.3 miles away, requiring visitors to pack in their supplies. The roads leading to Castle Rock State Park, including Highway 35, are paved and accessible year-round.Nearby places
Saratoga Gap is approximately 6.3 miles from the campground.
Nearby supplies
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Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
3 reviews
Waterman Gap Trail Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews emphasize the campground's rugged appeal and its suitability for backpackers. Positive mentions include the serene hiking experience and the privacy of certain sites.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews
What Campers Love
"I camped in site 1 which I think is the most private one," mentions one user. Additionally, "Another beautiful trail camp on the Skyline to the Sea Trail," is praised for its natural beauty.
Based on 3 reviewsCommon Concerns
Some complaints include "Lot of mosquitoes in July," which may make camping less comfortable during that time.
Based on 3 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring mosquito repellent if camping in July. Prepare for primitive conditions as there are no benches, only makeshift sittable areas like tree trunks.
Based on 3 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is better suited for spring and fall when mosquito activity is reduced and temperatures are moderate.
Based on 3 reviewsCamper Quotes
"This campsite was awesome, highly recommended." - Mike Ashmore. "I camped in site 1 which I think is the most private one." - Sundal Nandal. "Another beautiful trail camp on the Skyline to the Sea...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 1 is favored for its privacy, while other sites lack detailed reviews. Best campsites mentioned: 3b, 7, 14, 16, 20, 23, 24, 26.
Based on 3 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 3 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Not applicable, as pets are prohibited.
Based on 3 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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0 review
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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