How to Get a Rancho del Oso Permit
Five walk-in campsites across Highway 1 from Waddell Beach, the furthest about 200 feet from the car — a horse camp operating as a walk-in camp until the trails come back.
Check Rancho del Oso permit availability0.04 miles
Distance
easy
Difficulty
About Rancho del Oso
Rancho del Oso is the coastal subunit of Big Basin Redwoods State Park, and currently the only place to camp in that park. There are five walk-in campsites by reservation and one shared non-reserved bike-in site, available temporarily at the Rancho del Oso Horse Camp. The five reservable campsites are walk-in only and the furthest is approximately 200 feet from the parking area — this is a walk-in camp in name more than in effort. Campsites #2 and #4 are generally accessible for people with limited mobility. The horse camp became a walk-in camp because the trails burned. Trails from Rancho del Oso are closed and were severely damaged in the CZU Lightning Complex Fire in 2020, and trail access north into Big Basin along the Skyline to the Sea Trail is not expected to be restored for several years. It will be reinstated for equestrian camping when that access reopens. Booking is not through ReserveCalifornia — the walk-in campground is by reservation only via a Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks form, with the shared bike-in site first come, first served and payable on site via iron ranger envelope. There are no fees or reservations required for day-use visits at Rancho del Oso. Unusually for this region, fires are permitted in provided rings and BBQ grills — but beach fires are strictly prohibited and firewood is not available for sale, so bring your own locally sourced or heat-treated wood.
This is the only place you can currently sleep in Big Basin Redwoods State Park. Every campground and trail camp in the main park is closed, and Rancho del Oso Horse Camp is operating as an interim walk-in and bike-in campground until trail access from Rancho del Oso is reopened for equestrian use.
The Experience
Coastal flat at the mouth of Waddell Creek, with a world-famous windsurfing beach directly across the highway and a marsh full of birds behind you.
There are currently five walk-in campsites by reservation and one shared non-reserved bike-in site available temporarily at the Rancho del Oso Horse Camp. The five reservable campsites are walk-in only, and the furthest campsite is approximately 200 feet from the parking area. Campsites #2 and #4 are generally accessible for people with limited mobility.
Why it is a walk-in camp at all: trails from Rancho del Oso are closed and were severely damaged in the CZU Lightning Complex Fire in 2020, and trail access north into Big Basin along the Skyline to the Sea Trail is not expected to be restored for several years, making equestrian camping impractical in the interim. There is no horse camping available at this time.
The walking that remains is short and coastal. The Skyline to the Sea Trail here runs 0.4 miles before ending at a gate by the walk-in campground. The 0.4-mile Marsh Trail explores the marsh and Waddell Creek, though from approximately October to late April it ends at Waddell Creek due to seasonal bridge removal.
What to Expect
Five reservable walk-in sites, the furthest about 200 feet from the car
One shared bike-in site, first come, first served, paid by iron ranger
Fires permitted in provided rings and BBQ grills, unlike most camps in this region
A food storage locker at the campground, which is run crumb clean
Waddell Beach and its windsurfing directly across Highway 1
No trail access north into Big Basin for several years
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Permit Requirements
Check-in time is 2 pm and check-out time is noon.
6 people per site and 2 cars per site maximum. Switching sites is not permitted.
No dogs permitted. Dogs are not allowed in any portion of Rancho del Oso nor on Waddell State Beach.
No generators permitted. No smoking.
Beach fires are strictly prohibited. Fires are permitted in provided rings and BBQ grills only. Do not gather wood for fires.
Firewood is not available for sale at this time — bring your own locally sourced or heat treated firewood.
Ropes, lines, swings and hammocks may not be fastened to any tree.
Games that are disruptive to other campers or to the environment are prohibited. Drones are prohibited.
Radios and other sound-producing devices must not be audible beyond the campers' immediate campsite. Quiet hours are 10 pm to 6 am.
Speed limit on the campground entry road is 10 MPH.
Campground is crumb clean — place all food-related items in the food storage locker and all trash securely in the trash bin.
Place registration confirmation on the dashboard so it is visible.
Gear & Preparation
Required Gear
- •Your own firewood, locally sourced or heat treated — none is sold here
- •Warm layers for a windy coastal flat
- •Rain gear outside high summer
- •Cash for the iron ranger if using the bike-in site or paying for an extra vehicle
- •A printed registration confirmation for the dashboard
Recommended Gear
- •Extra stakes and guylines for coastal wind
- •A wetsuit if you intend to use the beach
- •Long sleeves and long pants for marsh-edge trail
- •Binoculars for birding along the Marsh Trail
- •A check of the park page for current conditions before you go
Hazards & Safety
Coastal wind and exposure on an open flat.
Waddell Beach is a serious windsurfing and kite surfing break with strong winds and occasionally heavy surf.
Beach fires are strictly prohibited.
Trails from Rancho del Oso are closed and were severely damaged in the 2020 CZU fire.
The Marsh Trail's seasonal bridge is removed from approximately October to late April.
No dogs anywhere in the Rancho del Oso area or on Waddell State Beach.
Best Time to Visit
Spring through autumn, when the seasonal marsh bridge is in and the coastal weather is workable. Winter brings storms and a shortened Marsh Trail, though the surf is at its most dramatic.
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This guide is based on personal experience obtaining wilderness permits and is regularly updated to reflect current policies and strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a Rancho del Oso permit?
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Rancho del Oso permits require advance reservations. Book online as soon as reservations open for your desired dates.
When is the best time to visit Rancho del Oso?
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Spring through autumn, when the seasonal marsh bridge is in and the coastal weather is workable. Winter brings storms and a shortened Marsh Trail, though the surf is at its most dramatic.
How difficult is Rancho del Oso?
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Anyone who wants a coastal night with almost no carry — 200 feet at the furthest — and a beach across the road. Two sites are generally accessible for people with limited mobility.
What gear do I need for Rancho del Oso?
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Essential gear includes: Your own firewood, locally sourced or heat treated — none is sold here, Warm layers for a windy coastal flat, Rain gear outside high summer, Cash for the iron ranger if using the bike-in site or paying for an extra vehicle, A printed registration confirmation for the dashboard.
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