Main Campground
4.5417 reviews15000 Skyline Boulevard, Los Gatos, CA 95030
Main Campground
$15.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
Camping fees are $15 per site, first-come-first-served. Additional fees include $10 vehicle day-use fee.
About this 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.
Historical SignificanceWalk in the footsteps of the Ohlone people, who cherished this sacred landscape for generations, finding both sustenance and spiritual connection among these ancient rocks and forests. Today's visitors can still discover remnants of the area's pioneer past—heritage fruit trees that bloom each spring, their branches heavy with the same varieties that nourished early settlers who carved out lives in these rugged mountains.
Weather and SeasonsExperience 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.
ElevationPerched at 980 feet above the Pacific, Castle Rock offers a refreshing escape from coastal fog and valley heat. This perfect elevation creates a microclimate where mountain breezes cool even the warmest afternoons, while sweeping vistas reward hikers with panoramic views that stretch across the entire Santa Cruz range—a natural balcony overlooking California's diverse landscapes.
Natural Features and SceneryPrepare to be mesmerized by nature's artistry at every turn. Massive sandstone formations rise like ancient castles from the forest floor, their surfaces sculpted by millennia of wind and rain into fantastical shapes that spark the imagination. A tapestry of ecosystems surrounds your campsite—from towering redwood groves that filter sunlight into cathedral-like beams, to gnarled oaks standing sentinel over chaparral-covered slopes, all framing spectacular mountain vistas that change with every shift of light.
Geological RegionCastle Rock State Park showcases the raw beauty of the Santa Cruz Mountains' Mediterranean landscape, where tectonic forces and erosion have collaborated to create a geological masterpiece. The park's signature sandstone formations tell a story millions of years in the making, while the surrounding terrain—a dynamic mix of steep canyons, rolling ridges, and verdant valleys—supports an incredibly diverse ecosystem that thrives in this unique climate where fog meets sun, creating ideal conditions for both redwood forests and drought-adapted chaparral.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground is primarily accessible by hiking trails; accessibility for disabled individuals is limited. The accessible path from the park's parking lot leads to an ADA-compliant picnic table, but this does not extend to the campground.
Sites SizeVaried site sizes; some allow room for multiple small tents, while others are more restrictive.
Sites Privacy"Most of them are concentrated in one large area so don't expect extreme isolation," according to a user review. However, sites 1-5 are noted to be more secluded.
Total Campsites20 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites 1-5 are secluded; avoid unshaded sites during sunny weather.
Best CampsitesSites 3b, 7, 14, 16, 20, 23, 24, and 26 are noted as favorites.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
No consecutive nights restriction explicitly stated.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Sites can accommodate up to a couple of small tents.
Groups
There is no mention of designated group sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSites are clustered into a main area with some secluded options (sites 1-5).
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round, though seasonal restrictions apply for fires and water availability.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations necessary; first-come-first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come-first-served; sites may fill up during peak weekends or holidays.
Cancellation PolicyNot explicitly stated.
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.
Hiking
The 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.'Climbing
Climbing 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.Biking
Biking 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 viewing
The 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
Winter activities are limited to hiking, as access to the campground via trail remains open year-round. Snow and cold weather may impact usability.Water Sports
Water sports are not supported or mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fires allowed only in designated fire rings during rainy season; firewood available for purchase.
- Quiet hours are from 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential 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.
Weather forecast
80
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 42%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 4.2 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
Los Gatos Community Hospital, approximately 22 miles away; Police services available in Los Gatos.
Good to know
Peak season datesNot explicitly stated.
Trash and recyclingTrash bins are available on-site, but recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresThe San Lorenzo River nearby offers spawning habitats for steelhead; Castle Rock Falls is within hiking distance.
Common complaintsUser reviews frequently cite smelly and poorly maintained pit toilets and occasional garbage in campsites.
HostNo host explicitly mentioned.
Campground Map
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.
Camper Reviews
4.5
17 reviews
Main Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% 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 17 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...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own toilet paper and supplies due to unreliable replenishment. Consider choosing sites 1-5 for more privacy.
Based on 17 reviewsSeasonal 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...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
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 17 reviewsSite-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 17 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility is limited; trails leading to the campground require hiking and are not wheelchair-friendly.
Based on 17 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are not allowed, except for service animals.
Based on 17 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025