Navarro Beach Campground — Navarro River Redwoods State Park

We stayed one night in July 2023. Had a nice time, our dogs enjoyed the beach too. Kind of windy in the afternoon but the wind calmed down in the early evening. Once all the day use visitors left, the campground was both relaxing and peaceful. Had a good nights sleep. This campground doesn’t take reservations, it’s on a first come basis but I like that about it. Unfortunately, this campground is not loved at all by State Parks. It is rather expensive for zero amenities and you can’t count porta-potties as an amenity if they’re unusable due to being disgustingly full. I wondered if the bathrooms were ever cleaned out because it certainly didn’t look like it. Not exactly sure what the park host/ranger does except take your cash to camp. This campground could be so nice with a little more TLC from State Parks. Not sure I would stay again but an okay one night stop over.

The campground has roughly 10 sites that are bunched up in parallel with one another, except for 1 site that is separated by some brush. If you don’t mind camping within 15 feet of another group potentially, this place is incredible. The beach is naturally enclosed and has some climbable rocks towards the left as well as some makeshift structures made of driftwood. The river follows the road to the campsite and connects to the ocean right on the beach. If you’re looking to hike, we drove about 5-10 minutes down into the redwoods and found a fire trail and a grove to wander around, otherwise there is a cliffside overlooking the campground to the north that has a beautiful short trail. First come first serve, bathrooms, and fire pits at each site. Overall, had an amazing time here.

Got there on a Monday morning. The grounds were mostly empty So it was very easy to claim a spot. We stayed until Wednesday afternoon. A few people came, a few people left in that time but, Everyone we ran into was very friendly. It’s dry camping so no running water or flushing toilets but if what you came for was the ocean and a beautiful beach to play at, you’re in the right spot! And a fire on the beach😃 that’s almost unheard of nowadays. I will definitely be back!!

So this is a beach.  And you are camping on the beach.  This is barebones and I am a tent camper.  So maneuvering the car to make a wind break was key.  It is a beach that gets wind.  There are a few sites, little privacy and bare bone accomodations.

BUT you are on this great beach where the Navarro River reaches the sea.  Lots of wildlife.  Lots of beach walking and great sunsets. Worth the cold and wind.

Beach is gorgeous! Navarro River flows right into the ocean so you can take kayak up that. Beach is dangerous surf with a pretty strong under current so not for kids to be playing too much deeper than ankles... 

so much driftwood huge old whole driftwood redwood trees. Fun for making makeshift forts and there are plenty of crafted playful driftwood structures to explore.

Campground is very exposed , there is only 1 site that has any seclusion. We were lucky to arrive at 11am and take the spot that someone was just leaving from. 

Bathrooms are gross. They were not cleaned when we went . 

Price is steep $35 for not having water or regularly cleaned toilets. 

Albion store is right up the road about 5 minutes and they have EVERYTHING you could possibly need.

There are approximately 10 campsite with a few that will accommodate RV’s, it is a dry campground with portable toilets and one enclosed bathroom for wheelchair accessibility, there is no running water (dry camping) if you are looking for privacy this campground is not for you, each spot except maybe 3-4 spots, is about 20x20 side by side, but on the positive note it is very beautiful with the ocean and river within a stones throws distance

I just reviewed the campground and the posting indicated that dogs are not allowed! I couldn't find a way to edit it so listen up - if you've got a well behaved pup, this is an awesome place to camp with your furry pal.. Dogs are supposed to be on a 6 foot leash, but I see lots of dogs enjoying the beach sans leash every time I go.

There is no source of fresh drinking water. There are portable toilets, but they are often lacking toilet paper, and at times the garbage cans are overflowing and the toilets are a health hazard. The 10 campsites are small, and except for #1, there is no privacy or space between sites. The picnic tables are rotting away. It's ridiculous that the camping fee is $35. And yet, this is one of my favorite places to camp. The Navarro River flows into the Pacific here, and this is a great site to watch seals in the ocean and otters in the river. People build incredible driftwood structures on the beach.

This is one of my favorite places to escape to when the weather heats up inland. Wether just for the day or a few overnights Navarro beach never disappoints. It is right off of the highway, yet it feels so secluded. The beach is beautiful and the campsites are roomy. The only reason for 4 stars is because the campsites cannot be reserved ahead of time, so it is a first come first serve situation.