Notice: Big Basin has been closed due to damage caused by the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fires. The park is now open for day use, but reservations are required. "Camping reservations are not available as all campgrounds are currently closed." (04/25/2023) Check Big Basin Redwoods State Park for updated information.
Wastahi Walk-in Campground is tucked away about 1½ miles from Big Basin Redwoods State Park headquarters. This quiet, forested campground for tents only offers more of a backcountry feel than the other campgrounds in the park. Big Basin is one of the premier family camping destinations in California. Easy to explore trails lead in many directions along gurgling creeks and among giant redwoods, wildlife abounds, and a host of interpretive programs are available for all ages.
Wastahi Walk-in Campground sites are numbers 76 -102. They are only open during the summer from about May 22 to the end of Labor Day weekend. Campers park at a lot off Sky Meadow Road and carry their gear to their sites.
| Wastahi Walk-in Campground Basics | |
|---|---|
| Wastahi Walk-in Campground Location: | 25 miles northwest of Santa Cruz via Highways 9 and 236 |
| Elevation: | 1,000 feet |
| Camping season: | Open daily from mid-May through early September |
| Number of Sites: | 26 (#76 - #102) |
| Max. People per Site: | 8 (including children) |
| Vehicles per Site: | 2 in parking lot |
| Pets: | On leash, always attended |
| Reservations at Wastahi Walk-in Campground | |
|---|---|
| Reservations Available: | Memorial Day weekend -Labor Day |
| Booking Window: | from 2 days up to 6 months in advance of your arrival date. |
| Wheelchair Accessible Sites: | None designated |
| Fees: | $35 plus an $8 reservation fee |
| Online Reservations at ReserveCalifornia: | Big Basin Redwoods SP - Wastahi Walk-in Campground Reservations
or call (800) 444-PARK (7275) between 8 AM and 6 PM |
| Check-in, check-out: | 2:00 PM, Noon |
| Park Headquarters: | (831) 338-8860 |
| Wastahi Walk-in Campground Amenities | |
|---|---|
| Campsites: | Picnic table, food locker, fire ring |
| Campground: | restrooms with flush toilets, tap water |
| Showers: | Yes, 25 cents for 2 minutes |
| Campground Map: | Big Basin Campgrounds Map |
| Attractions near Wastahi Walk-in Campground: | Hike the Sequoia Trail to Slippery Rock. Visit towering redwood groves. Hike to Sempervirens Waterfall and others. Enjoy the exhibits in the visitor center and nature museum. |
| Common Wildlife: | Deer, raccoons, quail, woodpeckers |
Big Basin Headquarters and Visitor Center
Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. Check carefully on the reservation site when you make your reservation to be sure your vehicle will fit your campsite.
Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate.
Wastahi Walk-in Campground
Various trails lead out from the center of the park to interesting areas of the park. Some of the most popular trails are listed here:
Check Big Basin Redwoods State Park for any park and campground updates.