State Park · California

Castle Rock State Park

Location: Santa Cruz County, California
Nearest town: 4.6 miles southwest of Saratoga
Type: State Park

About Castle Rock State Park

5,242 acres span the crest of the Santa Cruz Mountains, covering redwood, Douglas fir, and madrone forest left largely untouched. Steep canyons hold sandstone formations, including the Castle Rock formation that gives the park its name, drawing rock climbers to the area. Thirty-two miles of trails wind through the mossy forest, connecting to a wider network that includes the Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail toward Waddell Beach, with two walk-in campgrounds available for backpackers.

Hours, fees, camping, reservations and closures are set by the park and change often. Check the official park site before you go.

Getting there

Castle Rock State Park is in Santa Cruz County, California, 4.6 miles southwest of Saratoga. The Directions button takes you to the park's mapped location; the entrance may be elsewhere, so check the official site for the address to use.

State parks near Castle Rock State Park

Within 60 miles, closest first, straight-line. All 213 in California →

Towns near Castle Rock State Park

State parks near San Jose, State parks near Santa Cruz, State parks near Fremont, State parks near Morgan Hill, State parks near San Mateo, State parks near Watsonville

Facts from Wikidata, checked September 25, 2026. Distances are straight-line.