Rules & Regulations

The main rules at Big Basin Redwoods State Park: the park is open 8 a.m. to sunset and all trails close at sunset; dogs are allowed only on paved areas on a 6-foot leash; bikes and horses may use fire roads but never trails; drones are banned throughout the park; and feeding wildlife is against the law. Closed trails and areas, including the Berry Creek Falls trails, are off limits while the forest recovers from the 2020 fire.

Hours and Closures

The day-use areas are open from 8 a.m. to sunset, and every trail closes at sunset. California State Parks asks hikers to check with staff at the entrance kiosk that their route is safe and passable, and to turn back at any downed tree they cannot cross safely. Please respect all park and trail closures; they let the forest heal and keep visitors away from hazards. Current closures are on the trail map.

Dogs

Dogs are allowed on 6-foot leashes in paved areas only, such as the parking lot area and the paved North Escape Road. They are prohibited from all trails and unpaved roads, from all of Rancho del Oso and from Waddell State Beach. Details on dogs.

Bicycles and E-Bikes

Bicycles are allowed on all open fire roads and never on trails. California State Parks names Gazos Creek Road and Chalks Road as good rides, and the paved North Escape Road is an easy option. Highway 236 through the park is open to cyclists. The agency lists E-bike locations on its statewide pages; check them before riding an e-bike.

Horses

Horses are allowed on fire roads and not on any trail. Horse trailer parking must be reserved ahead through the day-use parking reservation system, which offers two bus spaces when available. At Rancho del Oso there are currently no horse-accessible trails.

Drones

Drones are not allowed. Big Basin Redwoods State Park is closed to model aircraft, unmanned aircraft systems and gliders in flight, to protect wildlife and cultural resources and for the safety of visitors and staff.

Food and Wildlife: Crumb Clean

Big Basin is a Crumb Clean park. Feeding wildlife is prohibited by law. Dispose of all food and trash properly, leave nothing where animals can reach it, and recycle glass, plastic and aluminum. The rule protects the endangered marbled murrelet, a seabird that nests in the park.

Camping and Fires

Camping is allowed only at the Rancho del Oso walk-in campground, by reservation or at the shared bike-in site. Fires are allowed only in the provided rings and grills there, beach fires are prohibited, and no wood may be gathered. See camping for the full campground rules.

Photography and Filming

Professional or commercial photography and filming need a permit through the California Film Commission.

Getting Around Safely

• There is no cell service near the entrance and no electricity in the park.
• Confirm any ride-share will pick you up; many cannot.
• Carry water, since the park has none, plus a map, warm clothes and a flashlight.

These rules are a summary. California State Parks' posted rules and the official park page govern, and rangers' instructions apply on site.