Located at the foothills of Mt. Diablo in Walnut Creek, Castle Rock Pool offers a peaceful, rural setting for a swim. Kids will enjoy splashing in the rectangular-shaped pool, ranging from 3 to 6 feet in depth, while adults can relax on the lounge chairs. The pool is managed by East Bay Regional Park District and opened Memorial Day Weekend for the 2025 season.
Located in Castle Rock Regional Recreation Area adjacent to Diablo Foothills Regional Park, the Castle Rock pool is a unique attraction. Getting there involves driving past horse stables and a short nature walk. Park your car at the end of Castle Rock Road, then walk about 10 minutes to the swimming pool—located among several picnic table sites. The path from the parking lot is mostly shaded and made of crushed gravel; it’s relatively smooth for a study stroller. Be sure to wear close-toed shoes if your little ones don’t enjoy getting wayward pebbles in their shoes. If the lot at the end of the road is full, turn around and find alternative parking on Castle Rock Road near the horse stables and cow pastures. Parking is free, but bring cash, because that’s how you pay for admission.
Families can drop into the pool during open hours, 11 am to 6 pm (last entry 30 minutes before closing). Fees range from $4 for teens and adults to $2 for children and seniors. Children under 1 year are free. The pool is chlorinated and has a lifeguard on duty. Families can borrow a flotation device for free from a lifeguard; choose from a traditional life vest or a Puddle Jumper style.
The fenced-in pool deck is large and includes lounge chairs—a nice luxury! Large oak trees surround the pool and offer the right amount of shade. The water temperature is cold (not a frigid as the Berkeley pools we frequent), but the Walnut Creek air is much warmer so things balance out. Since the setting is more natural than other swimming areas in the East Bay, swimmers may find a few more leaves or bugs in the water. It didn’t bother my daughter, who told me “I’ll just close my mouth more underwater.” Easy peasy!
Just up the hill is a spacious building with restrooms and changing stalls. It’s very clean and well maintained. A basketball court, volleyball net, and playing field are next to this building too. Adjacent to the pool entrance are handful of picnic tables for a picnic lunch.
The Bottom Line on Castle Rock Pool
The setting of this pool makes it worth a visit, especially if you know going in that there will be a bit of a wandering drive and short walk from the parking lot. We visited on a weekday afternoon and were among just a handful of families in the water. My kids enjoyed the warm air and sizable swimming area; Mama enjoyed sitting in the shade on a lounge chair.
Plan Your Visit to Castle Rock Pool
🍔 Food/Drinks: No concessions. Bring your own.
⏰ Hours 11 am to 6 pm (water closes at 5:30 pm)
🗓 Schedule: Weekends and Holidays: May 24th – September 14th, plus Thursdays and Fridays from June 12th – August 15th
11 am – 6 pm
💵 Entry Fees: $5 age 16-61, $3 age 1-15, $3 seniors 62+ or disabled, FREE under 1 year; No Parking Fee.
🛑 Important: Cash only!
📍 Location: 1700 Castle Rock Road, Walnut Creek
📞 Contact: (510) 544-3085
🔗 Website >
