Wastahi Walk-in Campground
Big Basin Redwoods State Park

Big Basin Redwoods State Park, CA
Big Basin Redwoods State Park, CA

Wastahi Walk-in Campground
Big Basin Redwoods State Park


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." (11/2024) 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.

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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


Headwuarters at Big Basin Redwoods State Park, CA

Big Basin Headquarters and Visitor Center

General Camping Information

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.

Accessible Sites

Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate.



Wastahi Campground, Big Basin Redwoods State Park, CA

Wastahi Walk-in Campground

Big Basin Attractions

Hiking among the Redwoods

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:

  • Berry Creek Falls is a 10.5 miles round-trip to the four cascades on Berry Creek, passing many of the largest redwoods.
  • Redwood Trail is a ½-mile loop, self-guided nature trail, passing some of the tallest trees in the park, including Mother of the Forest.
  • Sequoia Trail is a 4-mile loop connecting with Skyline to the Sea Trail, passing Sempervirens Falls, Founders Monument, and Slippery Rock.
  • Maddocks Cabin Site is 4-mile trail beginning on Skyline to the Sea Trail and returning on connecting trails, passing Maddocks Cabin Site, Opal Creek, and old-growth redwoods.

Activities and Programs

  • Join a guided Nature Walk through scenic areas of the park.
  • Attend interesting campfire talks.
  • Junior Rangers is available for children ages 7-12.
  • The Big Basin Nature Club is offered for kids ages 3-6 and their families.

Key Wastahi Campground Regulations

  1. Quiet Hours extend from 10 PM to 6 AM.
  2. Wood collecting is not allowed, including twigs and leaves.
  3. Generators are not allowed in Wastahi Campground.
  4. To keep provisions away from raccoons, secure your food in lockers or vehicles. There are no bears.

    Check Big Basin Redwoods State Park for any park and campground updates.