Wastahi Campground

For Californians seeking an unforgettable immersion in nature, Wastahi Campground offers a serene and majestic escape within the ancient redwood groves of Big Basin Redwoods State Park. Located in Boulder Creek, CA 95006, USA, this campground provides a unique opportunity to connect with the towering giants of California's oldest state park. It's a destination that promises fresh air, tranquil surroundings, and a chance to truly disconnect from the hustle of everyday life.

Wastahi Campground is renowned for its setting amidst dense forest terrain, where temperatures remain comfortable year-round, ranging from 40°F to 60°F in winter and 50°F to 80°F in summer. This makes it an ideal spot for camping in almost any season. The campground caters to both tent campers and RV enthusiasts, offering a variety of sites designed to suit different preferences, all while being enveloped by the awe-inspiring beauty of the redwoods.

As part of Big Basin Redwoods State Park, Wastahi is more than just a place to pitch your tent; it's a gateway to an expansive natural playground. The park boasts miles of trails, diverse environments from lush canyon bottoms to chaparral-covered slopes, and an abundance of wildlife. While the park has undergone significant recovery and restoration efforts due to past natural events, the essence of its ancient beauty and the commitment to providing a restorative experience remain paramount. Wastahi offers a truly classic California camping adventure, inviting you to create lasting memories under the canopy of giants.

Wastahi Campground is nestled within the sprawling Big Basin Redwoods State Park, located in Boulder Creek, CA 95006, USA. This prime location places it deep within the Santa Cruz Mountains, offering a genuine sense of wilderness while remaining accessible for California locals. Big Basin Redwoods State Park is roughly 25 miles northwest of Santa Cruz and about 65 miles south of San Francisco, making it a manageable drive from many major Northern California population centers.

The drive to Big Basin is part of the experience, winding through scenic redwood forests and offering glimpses of the stunning natural landscape. While the park provides a secluded feel, it is generally accessible via well-maintained roads. However, visitors should always check current park conditions and road advisories before embarking on their journey, especially during adverse weather or recovery periods.

Once at Big Basin, Wastahi is one of the multiple campgrounds, often described as smaller and more secluded compared to larger ones like Huckleberry or Sempervirens. This offers a more intimate camping experience. Popular nearby attractions include the iconic Redwood Loop Trail and Berry Creek Falls, which are easily reachable from the campground. For those looking to explore beyond the immediate park, Coyote Hills Regional Park, Mission San José, and Ardenwood Historic Farm are also within a reasonable driving distance, offering a blend of natural and historical excursions. This combination of serene wilderness and convenient access to regional attractions makes Wastahi Campground a perfectly situated retreat for Californians.

• Tent and RV Sites: Wastahi Campground features a mix of 35 RV sites and 67 tent-only sites. RVs up to 27 feet long can be accommodated.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table for outdoor dining and meal preparation.
• Fire Rings/BBQ Pits: Individual fire rings and BBQ pits are provided at each site, allowing for campfires and outdoor cooking (subject to current fire restrictions, always check before lighting a fire).
• Restrooms: Centralized restrooms are available, providing essential facilities for campers.
• Showers: The campground offers hot showers for campers, typically requiring quarters for use (e.g., 25 cents for two minutes). Shower availability may be impacted during periods of extreme drought, so it's advisable to check current conditions.
• Potable Water: Drinking water spigots are available throughout the campground for guest use.
• Amphitheater: An outdoor amphitheater is present, suggesting possibilities for ranger programs or communal gatherings.
• Pets Allowed: The park generally allows pets, though specific rules and fees may apply (e.g., pets often incur a daily fee, and there may be a limit of one pet per group). Always keep pets leashed.
• Firewood for Sale: Firewood is typically available for purchase on-site, encouraging campers to buy local and protect the forests from pests.
• Outdoor Kitchen/Communal Area: Some reports indicate a communal outdoor kitchen with supplies of cookware, dishes, utensils, pots, pans, coffee mugs, and a sink with hot water, fostering a social environment.
• Board Games & Books: A selection of board games, books, magazines, and drawing supplies (coloring pencils/markers/oil paint) may be available for leisure.

• Ancient Redwood Forest Immersion: The most significant highlight is the opportunity to camp directly among the towering, ancient redwood trees of California's oldest state park, providing an unparalleled natural experience.
• Diverse Camping Options: Offers a mix of primitive tent sites, walk-in sites, and RV sites, catering to various camping styles and preferences.
• Secluded Atmosphere: As one of the smaller campgrounds within Big Basin, Wastahi often provides a more private and serene camping experience compared to larger, busier sections of the park.
• Hiking and Nature Trails: Direct access to numerous trails within Big Basin Redwoods State Park, ranging from easy walks (like the Redwood Loop Trail) to more rigorous hikes, including routes to spectacular features like Berry Creek Falls.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The park is teeming with diverse wildlife, including banana slugs, foxes, deer, raccoons, bobcats, and various bird species like Steller's jays and California woodpeckers, offering excellent opportunities for observation.
• Year-Round Appeal: Comfortable temperatures throughout the year make Wastahi a viable camping destination in all seasons.
• Traditional Camping Experience: Focuses on the core elements of camping with picnic tables, fire rings, and basic amenities, encouraging a disconnect from modern distractions.
• Pet-Friendly Environment: Welcomes well-behaved pets, allowing more Californians to bring their furry companions along on their outdoor adventures.
• Unique Site Features: Some campsites, like those nicknamed "Honeymoon Suites" (e.g., sites 86 and 97), offer enhanced privacy for a more intimate experience.

Address: Boulder Creek, CA 95006, USA (within Big Basin Redwoods State Park)

For general inquiries about Big Basin Redwoods State Park, which includes Wastahi Campground, you can typically use the main park contact number.

Phone: (831) 338-8860 (This number is often associated with Big Basin Redwoods State Park inquiries, which covers Wastahi).

It is always recommended to check the official California State Parks website or services like Hipcamp or RoverPass for the most up-to-date reservation information, park conditions, and any specific contact details for Wastahi Campground itself.

For Californians, Wastahi Campground offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the majestic beauty of Big Basin Redwoods State Park, an iconic natural treasure in their own backyard. Its location in Boulder Creek provides a convenient escape from the urban hustle of the Bay Area and beyond, allowing for easy access to some of the state's most ancient and awe-inspiring forests. This accessibility makes it ideal for weekend getaways or longer vacations, providing a deep connection to nature without extensive travel.

The campground's focus on providing a more secluded and traditional camping experience, complete with picnic tables, fire rings, and basic yet essential amenities like restrooms and hot showers, caters to those who truly want to immerse themselves in the outdoors. The availability of both tent and RV sites ensures that various camping preferences are accommodated. While some visitors may need to plan ahead for essentials like firewood (available for purchase on-site) or be mindful of local wildlife (ants, scorpions, and other creatures are part of the natural habitat), these aspects contribute to the authentic wilderness experience.

The vast network of hiking trails directly accessible from Wastahi, leading to incredible natural features like Berry Creek Falls, provides endless opportunities for exploration and recreation. The moderate climate of the Santa Cruz Mountains also means that Wastahi is a viable camping destination for much of the year, a significant advantage for locals looking to enjoy the outdoors across different seasons. For Californians seeking a true redwood forest adventure, where stunning natural beauty, a peaceful atmosphere, and essential camping amenities converge, Wastahi Campground is an exceptional and highly recommended choice. It's a chance to step back in time and connect with the monumental natural heritage of their home state.

Wastahi Campground

Boulder Creek, CA 95006, USA