Castle Rock Park

About The Park

The Castle Rock Recreation Area is situated in a scenic canyon along Pine Creek within Diablo Foothills Regional Park. Oak forests and prominent sandstone formations dominate the area.

Historically, Castle Rock has specialized in planning picnic activities for large groups of 300 or more people, but in 2007 the East Bay Regional Park District started renovating the park for both drop-in and picnic use. Note that from the front gate there is no shuttle service to the park. Take your heavy or bulky things with a wagon. The trip to the pool area from the front gate is one-quarter mile, a six-minute walk on average. The walk to the pool area from the Orchard Staging Area is half a mile. Diablo Foothills Regional Park and Castle Rock Park are bordered by Mt. Diablo State Park and Walnut Creek Open Space, providing access to more than 18,000 acres of public lands.

Annual Closure Notice

The annual closure area for the protection of the peregrine falcons is in effect from February 1 through July 31. This covers the entire rock formation area that is east of Stage Road trail. All the trails leading up to that area are unofficial trails and are not on the park map. Watch for signs showing which areas are closed. All officially named trails throughout the park are open and not affected by this protected area.

Park Activities

Basketball courts, horseshoe pits, a volleyball court, softball field, and regular picnic areas are now open to the general public. There are 4 places that can be reserved with a capacity of 100 and 3 with a capacity of 50. Other picnic sites are available on a first-come, first serve basis.

Swimming

The swimming pool complex has a swimming pool and deck areas of 30 feet by 70 feet. The complex is also fully accessible to disabled people, including the bathhouse and an accessible lift into the pool. (Swimming pool access fee.) Swimming is permitted only if lifeguards are in service.

Swim Facilities Capacity Notice

Once the capacity of the swimming pool has been exceeded, no new entries will be allowed for the remainder of the day (or at the discretion of the Park Supervisor) for public safety.

Park Accessibility

The park’s sidewalks are available for wheelchairs. Certain open wheelchair services in the park include showers, changing rooms and drinking fountains. PWD can call the park staff at the park entrance gate for transportation assistance.