BIG BASIN REIMAGINING
REDWOODS STATE PARK
FACILITIES MANAGEMENT
Project Summary
Introduction
The Big Basin Redwoods State Park Facilities Management Plan (BBFMP) describes design strategies, site plans, and phasing to rebuild the park after all park facilities were lost in the 2020 CZU Fire. This document summarizes the BBFMP (to be released in Fall 2025) and describes the plans to rebuild the park based on the multi-year engagement and planning process and including feedback from the public on the Design Alternatives in 2024.
The BBFMP focuses on five planning areas:
• Saddle Mountain
• Old Growth Core
• Overnight Areas
• Upper Sky Meadow Area
• Little Basin
This project summary includes site plans and some of the key design and planning considerations that informed decision-making. Key
Parkwide Design Considerations
A primary goal for rebuilding is to once again provide types of visitor experiences that were available to park visitors prior to the 2020 CZU Fire, including day-use and camping. While circulation and the locations of some buildings, campgrounds and parking areas will change, the capacity of amenities such as camping, dayuse hiking and picnicking, interpretive programming, and concessions are anticipated to be similar to pre-CZU Fire levels. Similarly, staff facilities such as housing, offices, storage, and operational yards will remain at similar capacity.
PRIMARY OVERNIGHT AREA
Consolidate visitor facilities for overnight stays.
Main campgrounds for car camping, cabins, and RVs will be relocated out of Former Headquarters and Old Growth forest to Huckleberry, Lower Sky Meadow, and Little Basin. Walk-in and bike-in camping will be expanded to new areas on Lodge Road, collectively referred to as the Upper Sky Meadow Area.
RESTORATION IN THE OLD GROWTH AREA
Restore critical habitat and watershed health in the Old Growth Area.
The overall footprint of development within the Former HQ will be reduced by approximately 50% allowing for enhancement of redwood habitat and restoration of natural water flow,
BUILDING STYLE AND PERFORMANCE
Construct safe, efficient, and high-functioning buildings.
All buildings will be constructed with fire resiliency, energy efficiency, sustainability, and reverence for place and history of the park.
STAFF HOUSING
Empower parks staff with quality housing options that meet different needs.
The plan will provide space and amenities that allow the park community to be supported while balancing the need for temporary workers and residences near key operation hubs. Staff housing will be developed in two consolidated communities, with a mix of co-housing and single-family units.
MIXED TRIBAL USE SPACE AT LITTLE BASIN
Create partnership opportunities to highlight Indigenous culture and stewardship
A Mixed Tribal Use Space for shared use and cultural awareness of Indigenous people will be a prominent feature of Little Basin.
A NEW VISITOR HUB
Create an iconic and memorable hub of visitor activity worthy of California’s oldest State Park.
Most facilities for park operations and visitor contact will be located at Saddle Mountain.
PARK CONNECTIVITY AND SHUTTLE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM
Reduce visitor miles traveled and offer car-free options for exploring Big Basin.
Parking will be limited in the Main Day Use Area. On weekends, most visitors will park at Saddle Mountain or Scotts Valley and get to the Main Day Use area on internal park shuttles, buses, and hiking or riding on enhanced trail connections.
Three park shuttle programs will provide full park access including a Saddle Mountain shuttle, a campground shuttle, and enhanced bus service from Scotts Valley into the park.
Saddle Mountain Gateway
The Saddle Mountain Hub, collectively made of the Saddle Mountain, Norabella, and Gatehouse sites, will be the site of the primary visitor center, the primary concessionaire facility, and the primary operations and administrative hub. Furthermore, Saddle Mountain will serve as a key connective site, with frequent shuttle service bringing visitors to and from the area.
The proposed Saddle Mountain welcome center will provide an entry to the park, welcome center and shuttle parking to access the park on weekends.
The proposed Saddle Mountain Hub will overlook a restored meadow and include a new visitor center, park store, and bistro.
The proposed Saddle Mountain Hub will include a shuttle stop that will connect visitors to other areas of the park, including the Old Growth Core and Overnight Areas.
Saddle Mountain Hub
Shuttle Parking - Approximately 150 longterm shuttle parking spots will allow visitors to park at Saddle Mountain and explore the rest of the park via Shuttle, bike, or on foot. During the peak seasons, reservations may be required to park in one of these spots.
Main Visitor Center - The Main Visitor Center will be a state-of-the-art facility with nearly 3,000 sq ft of exhibition space. The visitor center, which will be in a multi-use building along with administrative spaces, will face a large meadow and feature a large ‘front porch’ to enhance visitor circulation and provide visitors a space to gather.
Operations and Maintenance Hub - Staff facility for storage and use by park staff.
Park Store, Gear Lending Library, and Big Basin Bistro - Multi-use structure with concessions, gear lending library, and park store.
Meadow Restoration - Restored meadow adjacent to the visitor center and park store with interpretive panels.
Shuttle and Bus Boarding - Passenger loading zone for park shuttles and Metro busses.
Off Highway Queuing for Parking Check-In - Staffed kiosk for checking in visitors and controlling parking reservations.
Shuttle Charging - Designated area for park shuttle charging and storage.
Short-Term Parking - Approximately 15 short-term parking spaces to allow for brief or spontaneous exploration of Saddle Mountain.
Left-Turn Lane - West-bound traffic along Highway 236 enters Saddle Mountain via left-turn lane, allowing for through traffic to continue with minimal interruption
Old Growth Area
The Old Growth Area is made up of the North Escape Road, Blooms Creek Campground, Jay Camp, Sempervirens Campground, Sequoia Group Camp, Redwood Loop Trail, and Main Day-Use Area (MDU). Extensive camping facilities were located here prior to the 2020 CZU fire and most will be relocated to the Overnight Area to protect sensitive ecosystems in the Old Growth. Group camping will continue at Sequoia campground and there will be a new trail camp on North Escape Road. The MDU Area will continue to be a hub of activity near the Redwood Loop Trail with interpretation of former facilities there.
Blooms Creek + Jay Campgrounds
Restoration
Sempervirens Walk-in Picnic Areas
~2 Group Campsites
Sequoia
Main Day Use Area
Hydrological ReconnectionReconnection of previously diverted streams to enhance and retain water flow.
Trails Camps and Reservable Group
Picnic - Walk-in only trail campsites and reservable group picnic sites along North Escape Road, adjacent to several restoration projects.
Auto Tree Viewing Platform -
Accessible platform for visitors to view iconic ‘Auto-Tree’.
Former Headquarters Steps
Interpretive Site - The only surviving component of the Civilian Conservation Corps built former headquarters building, the stone steps and chimney are both a monument to the parks past and a reminder of the importance of protecting the park’s future.
Reservable Day Use Parking -
Approximately 75 reservable parking spots for day-users, conveniently adjacent to dozens of hiking trails and visitor facilities.
Expanded Meadow and Boardwalk
- Elevated boardwalk improves accessibility and connectivity from Redwood Ecology Interpretive Center to day-use parking while simultaneously protecting restored meadow.
Additional Restrooms - Restrooms with flushing toilets adjacent to dayuse parking for accommodating larger crowds.
Redwood Ecology Interpretive Center - Covered and staffed outdoor exhibit and interpretive space with rotating art exhibits, serving also as a visitor-staff touchpoint for park information.
Shuttle Arrival - Loading zone for park shuttle Shuttle service connects the Old Growth Core to Saddle Mountain, Little Basin, and the Overnight Areas.
Former Lodge Reflection AreaDestroyed in the CZU Fire, the site of the former Big Basin lodge remains with little but the stone chimney to echo memories from the past. A quiet place for reflection and contemplation, the reflection area invites visitors to contemplate Big Basin’s past and the continuing fight for its future.
Picnic Area - Day use picnic area with tables for visitors to relax, eat, and hydrate.
Old Growth Amphitheater - Updated amphitheater with redwood seating, that survived the CZU fire, reimagined with fire-proofing materials, continues to serve as an area for programs, events, and gatherings.
Hydrological Restoration -
Restoration of streams to improve water flow and increase flood resilience, contributing to the overall health of Old Growth ecosystem.
The proposed Redwood Ecology Center features outdoor exhibits under a covered pavilion and serves as a primary interpretive touchpoint upon arrival to the Old Growth Area.
The proposed plans include rebuilding a small amphitheater for park programs and events at site of the former campfire center.
The proposed plans to rebuild in the old growth will provide a more natural experience for visitors and allow for restoration of old growth habitat.
Overnight Area
The Overnight Area includes Lower Sky Meadow, Huckleberry Campground, and Wastahi Campground. The area’s visitor experience will be anchored by its two large overnight campground sites: Lower Sky Meadow and Huckleberry Campground. Together, the two sites will accommodate a wide variety of user experiences, including 140 car camping sites, almost two miles of new trails, and several new interpretive facilities. Wastahi Campground, once hosting 26 walk-in campsites, will be converted into a trailcamp parking area.
Overnight Area
~20 Trail Camp Parking Spaces
Lower Sky Meadow
~52 Car Camping Sites
~32 Cabins
~72 Car Camping Sites Campfire Center
~35 Parking Spaces Restoration
~8 Tent Camp Sites
~ 6 Small Group Sites
~12 RV Sites
Visitor Contact Building Restoration
Satellite Operations & Maintenance Facility
Wastahi
Huckleberry
Sky Meadow Landing
Tent Cabins - Canvas tent cabins.
Campfire Center - Newly constructed venue for programs and events.
Roadway to Lower Sky MeadowImproved two-way road connecting Sky Meadow Landing to the Lower Sky Meadow campground, allowing for vehicular connectivity to and from the largest campground at the park.
Program Gathering Space for Junior Rangers - Gathering space for Junior Ranger programs to begin and end Junior Ranger activities, adjacent to the parking lot and shuttle stop for easy drop off and pick up.
Shuttle Stop - Passenger loading zone and shuttle stop for Sky Meadow landing, connecting visitors to other areas of the park.
Camp Store and Cabin Check-In - Camp store selling food and camp essentials, serving also as a check-in area for guests with cabin reservations.
Hard-Sided Cabins - Hard-sided cabins offering a more comfortable outdoor experience.
Campground Maintenance Building - Staff facility for storage and use by park staff for maintenance.
The proposed Sky Meadow campgrounds will be connected to other areas of the park via a shuttle system, offering convenient access to and from the park’s main campgrounds.
In addition to overnight facilities, Sky Meadow Landing will include a new campfire center that can host a wide range of programs and events.
Upper Sky Meadow Area
The Upper Sky Meadow Area of BBRSP encompasses a significant portion of the project area and will include a new group campsite with event cabins and ramada at the Rogers Road Site, and walk-in camping at the Upper Sky Meadow and Lodge Road sites. Compared to other areas of the park, development and construction within this area will be less intense.
Upper Sky Meadow Area
The proposed Upper Sky Meadow Area offers a scenic, quiet, and isolated setting, allowing visitors to escape the busier areas of the park. Upon arriving at the trailhead, visitors will hike along Upper Lodge Road to rustic walk-in campsites.
The proposed Rogers Road campground will include facilities to accomodate larger groups.
2 Group Picnic Areas
Walk/ bike-in Campsites 5 Walk/ bike-in Campsites Parking Stalls (54)
Emergency and Operations Access Only, No Public Vehicles; Lodge Rd to be improved where feasible for emergency secondary egress 6 Walk/ bike-in Campsites 2 Walk/ bike-in Campsites
Paved Roadway
Paved Roadway
Unpaved Roadway
Intermittent Stream
Picnic Area
Little Basin
Little Basin was a popular campground for firsttime and long-time visitors alike. Though outside of the park’s old growth core, the site was attractive for large groups, families, and special events. The rebuilding effort at Little Basin will seek to return Little Basin back to its pre-fire capacity levels with additional group campsites and visitor facilities while restoring the ecological integrity of the landscape. In addition to facilities for the public, the rebuilding effort at Little Basin will center the ongoing presence and legacy of Indigenous people who’ve stewarded the land now known as Big Basin since time immemorial. A number of Tribal facilities, some accessible to the public and some for Tribal use only, will help restore Native presence and practice on ancestral lands.
A cultural center and mixed Tribal use area is proposed at Little Basin for Indigenous groups to highlight culture, complete restoration work and practice cultural activities.
Little Basin
Ramada and Communal Kitchen - A structure for hosting Tribal and public events and gatherings.
Tribal interpretive Landscape - Little Basin will host a mixed Tribal use area that will highlight the connection that the Tribes have with the lands of Big Basin Redwoods State Park. An interpretive trail will overlook a restored wetland and a cultural burn zone with interpretation panels sharing the importance of Tribal ecological knowledge and stewardship practices.
Shared Use Cabins - Six shared-use cabins will provide a comfortable overnight experience. The cabins will be used by Tribal members and will sometimes be available to the public. Along with the other buildings in Little Basin and the park, will incorporate wildfire resistant strategies.
Tribal Cultural Stewardship Center - A Tribal and cultural stewardship center will be a space to highlight Tribal cultural stewardship of the Little Basin landscape and throughout the park. The center will also provide workspace and shared lodging for conservation corps work crews completing stewardship work in the park.
Check-in and Camp Store - A dual-purpose building, this building will host both a camp store and campground check-in services.
Wetland Restoration - The restoration will include nearly 15 acres of wetland and hydrological restoration.
Hydrological Restoration ProjectsHydrological restoration efforts including the removal of an existing dam and the restoration of a former reservoir will improve hydrology at the site.
Tribal Use Only Group Camp - Group campground for Tribal use only.
