Policies & Guidelines


At Little Basin, we share and respect one another's rights. Because we also belong to a larger society, we extend these principles to include Mother Nature's rights as well.

Little Basin is available for DAY USE light recreational enjoyment by HP, POST and Sempervirens Fund employees, donors and their families and guests. To ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience, we ask your cooperation in adhering to the following policies and guidelines. Please contact the caretaker if you observe any violations.

Reservations are not required for DAY USE...but PLEASE contact staff at least 24 hrs in advance of arriving at Little Basin to arrange parking, by calling either Lilian Ventocilla at Sempervirens Fund: (650) 949-1453; or Catherine Waterston at POST: (650) 854-7696, x308.

CONDUCT:

  1. Camping is NOT permitted. as of 3/15/10
  2. NO PETS of any kind are allowed at Little Basin.
  3. An employee can bring a total of seven guests to Little Basin (this includes family).
  4. Be considerate of other visitors.
  5. The behavior of family members and guests is the responsibility of the HP, POST or Sempervirens Fund employee or donor.
  6. Family members or guests visiting Little Basin must be accompanied by an HP, POST or Sempervirens Fund employee or donor. If the employee or donor leaves, guests are to accompany him/her. Guests will not be permitted to enter Little Basin prior to the employee's arrival.
  7. No more than two vehicles may be parked in a campsite (except for loading and unloading). This includes motor homes, RV's, fifth wheels, tent trailers, etc. Additional vehicles MUST be parked on the parking terrace outside the camping area. All vehicles must remain on the pavement at all times.
  8. DO NOT cut or burn tables, food lockers, signs, living trees, or other campground items! Violation will result in immediate expulsion and revocation of future use privileges. Also, the employee or donor will be billed for replacement costs. Unsafe fire practices will result in the immediate expulsion from Little Basin.
  9. Fishing is allowed in the reservoir (no license required). Do not use minnow bait! Use of barbless hooks for "catch and release" is encouraged.
  10. Do not harass deer or other wildlife.
  11. The possession and use of illegal drugs is prohibited.
  12. Firearms, BB guns, bows and arrows and fireworks are not permitted on the property.
  13. NO swimming or boating is allowed at the reservoir.
  14. Climbing on roofs of buildings or any other structure is prohibited.
  15. Bicycles are permitted on paved roads only. No mountain bikes on trails or dirt roads.
SAFETY:
  1. Fires are allowed only in the campsite BBQ grills and fire pits. Please be careful with fire! Put only firewood in the fire pits and charcoal in the grills, and allow fires to die down before you leave. All firewood materials must fit inside the fire pit. Extremely dry seasons may force a ban on all open fires.
  2. Open flame appliances are NOT PERMITTED inside any cabin or building (i.e. camp stoves, propane lanterns). Warning: Gas-powered lanterns produce carbon monoxide, an odorless and colorless toxic gas, and are not to be used indoors. We strongly recommend the use of battery-powered lanterns.
  3. Vehicles must remain on the roads at all times and observe Little Basin speed limits (15 mph on incoming road, 5 mph in campsite area). Please drive carefully; watch for children and wildlife.
  4. Motorcycles are permitted only as a means of transportation to/and from Little Basin. Do not drive them on Little Basin roads except when arriving at and departing from the Little Basin property.

HEALTH & CLEANLINESS:

  1. Open-flame appliances are NOT PERMITTED inside any cabin or building (i.e. camp stoves, propane lanterns). Warning: Gas-powered lanterns produce carbon monoxide, an odorless and colorless toxic gas, and are not to be used indoors. We strongly recommend the use of battery-powered lanterns.
  2. Restroom facilities are provided in the campsite area and near the cook shack. Do not empty trailer or camping holding tanks on the property. Please do not use the woods as a restroom.
  3. Drink water ONLY FROM THE FAUCETS! Water in creeks, ponds or the Little Basin reservoir may be contaminated by wildlife and can cause serious illness. Be sure to caution your children of this potential hazard. (Side note: Fish caught in the reservoir are safe to eat when properly cooked.)
  4. Water is available at faucet areas in the campground area. Please bring your own containers. Water is a precious commodity at Little Basin; please don't waste it!
  5. Leave campsite and restrooms clean.
  6. Keep Little Basin free of litter.
  7. If you or a member of your party becomes ill or injured, the caretaker will provide medical assistance, including calling for outside help if needed.

THE LITTLE BASIN MANAGER HAS THE AUTHORITY TO ASK PEOPLE TO LEAVE THE RECREATION AREA IF RULES ARE BROKEN BY A VISITOR OR HIS/HER GUESTS.