Campers looking for outdoor experiences near Comptche, California will find diverse camping spots ranging from 900 feet elevation to sea level across various ecosystems. The area's microclimate creates unique camping conditions, with inland temperatures often 15-20 degrees warmer than coastal sites just miles away. Many campsites throughout the region require advance planning due to limited availability, especially during summer weekends.
What to do
River swimming: 20 minutes from Hendy Woods State Park, where the Navarro River provides a perfect swimming spot during summer months. "The swimming hole is nice but can get packed at times. There is a rope under the bridge. The water hole is also deep enough in where you could jump from the bridge!" notes a camper at Hendy Woods State Park Campground.
Tidepooling: Available at multiple beaches near camping spots around Comptche. A visitor at Caspar Beach notes, "The beach is very quiet with few other visitors. This campground/state park is right at the mouth of the Navarro river so you can walk the river bank and then the beach!" Many coastal sites offer access to tidepools during low tide.
Driftwood exploration: Popular at Navarro Beach, where river meets ocean. "People build incredible driftwood structures on the beach," reports one camper at Navarro Beach Campground. The beach features massive driftwood redwood trees perfect for creative exploration.
Redwood hiking: Trails accessible from several campgrounds. A visitor to Paul Demmick Campground notes, "The campground is incredibly beautiful, wooded, cool and fresh. The whole campground is well shaded in the redwoods and the weather was mild." Most trails are under 3 miles and suitable for moderate fitness levels.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The coastal and forest environments support diverse wildlife. At Russian Gulch State Park Campground, a camper reported, "A stream runs through camp and empties on to the beach. From the small beach you can play in the waves and launch protected kayaks into the small bay." Marine wildlife sightings are common.
River access: Many camping spots near Comptche offer river access. "The camp is right next to the road, but traffic was minimal. There is creek access in the camp with a small day use area by the creek," notes a visitor to Paul M. Demmick Campground.
Site privacy: Some campgrounds offer secluded spaces. As one camper at Russian Gulch described, "Been here a couple of times.. the campsites are so beautiful and surrounded by trees. We couldn't even see our neighbor, it was private and secluded." Privacy levels vary significantly between campgrounds.
Temperature relief: Coastal campgrounds provide escape from summer heat. "We enjoy primitive sites like this. Self pay station was easy, several open spots when we arrived late afternoon," mentioned a visitor to Dunlap Campground, noting the 15-20 degree temperature difference from inland locations.
What you should know
Campsite sizing varies considerably: Some campgrounds have limitations for larger vehicles. At Pomo RV Park & Campground, a camper noted, "Spots have tons of trees/greenery in between so it feels very secluded." However, other campgrounds have tighter spacing.
Seasonal availability fluctuations: Many campgrounds operate seasonally. "They were closed!" reported a disappointed camper attempting to visit Paul M. Demmick Campground in September, discovering it closes September 2 until May.
Payment systems differ: Several campgrounds operate on self-registration systems. "This is a self check in first come first serve campground. There are plenty of vaulted toilets available," explains a visitor to Paul M. Demmick Campground, where payment is handled through an honor system.
Shower costs: Token-operated showers are common at state parks. One camper at Hendy Woods mentioned, "Expect little services in the park area. No convenience store. We had Verizon and were able to stream Hulu without a problem." Token costs typically run $1 for 4-5 minutes.
Tips for camping with families
Junior ranger programs: Available at select state parks during summer. A visitor to Hendy Woods State Park shared, "The junior ranger program and nightly events for families helped keep the kids engaged in the camping experience. Park rangers hosted guided hikes, nighttime stargazing (with telescopes), and nightly campfires."
Beach safety considerations: Ocean conditions require supervision. "Beach is dangerous surf with a pretty strong under current so not for kids to be playing too much deeper than ankles," warns a camper at Navarro Beach Campground, emphasizing the need for careful monitoring.
Seasonal activity options: Programs vary by season and campground. A visitor to Mendocino Redwoods RV Resort noted, "We were there for movie night. They had a big screen and showed a film for the kiddos. Good stopover." Verify available activities before booking, especially during shoulder seasons.
Wildlife education opportunities: Many campgrounds offer wildlife learning experiences. "Great time spending the weekend in this beautiful park. Got there Saturday after some beach time," mentioned a camper at Hendy Woods who appreciated the natural setting for teaching children about local ecosystems.
Tips from RVers
Access challenges: Many roads leading to camping spots near Comptche present difficulties. A visitor to Caspar Beach RV Park & Campground noted, "Its a super cramped campground for big rigs. Much nicer and more privacy if tenting." Consider vehicle size when selecting sites.
Alternative parking options: Some areas offer unique arrangements. "Since there's a temporary bridge in place, they are allowing self contained vehicles (potty in your vehicle) to stay at the beach parking lot instead of a camp site. That means you can wake up to a view of the beach," shares a camper at Van Damme State Park.
Dump station availability: Limited dump stations exist in the region. "The dump station has a mandatory fee of $10. You pay with a credit card. When payment is approved, the cap to the dump hole unlocks," explains a visitor to Mackerricher State Park, highlighting the need to plan for waste management.
Site selection importance: Campground loops vary significantly in quality. "For tent camping, there is a large, open line of grass near the front of the campground, which doesn't really offer much protection from the sun. BUT...there is a loop at the back of the campground that has at least 10 grassy tent sites under a thick cover of pine trees," advises a Pomo RV Park visitor.
