Waterman Gap Trail Camp

On the far northeastern tip of Big Basin Redwoods State Park you will find Waterman Gap Trail Camp. This primitive six-space campsite is only accessible by hiking 6.5 miles via the Skyline to Sea Trail from Saratoga Gap or 9.5 miles from Big Basin Headquarters. Potable water and restrooms are the only amenities you can expect to find here.

The parks promote the Leave No Trace ethic, so you must pack out everything you pack in. There are no fires allowed here, but camp stoves are okay. Each camp space can hold up to six people, and you are allowed to reserve two spaces. This campsite is closed from December 1 to April 30. 

While camp spaces 2, 3, and 4 are marked, they are not well defined, so use your best judgment when setting up camp. Sites 1, 5, and 6 are a little more private. You must reserve any of the trail camps in Big Basin or Castle Rock State Parks ahead of time. There is an $8 reservation fee for each trail camp location, and the site fee is $15 per night.