Best Tent Camping near Little River, CA

Redwood forests surrounding Little River, California offer several tent camping options within a short drive of the coast. Paul M. Demmick Campground in Navarro River Redwoods State Park provides tent campsites in a shaded redwood setting with creek access. Usal Beach Campground offers primitive tent camping directly on the beach or in wooded areas just inland, though access requires navigating a challenging dirt road. Jackson Demonstration Forest, about 6 miles from Fort Bragg, features tent-only sites along the Noyo River. These campgrounds provide varying levels of seclusion while maintaining proximity to coastal attractions.

Most tent campgrounds in the area operate on a first-come, first-served basis with self-registration. Sites typically include fire rings and picnic tables, but amenities are minimal. Vault toilets are standard, though their cleanliness varies by location and season. Water is generally not available, so tent campers should bring their own supply. Road access ranges from paved highways to rough dirt roads that may require high-clearance vehicles, particularly at Usal Beach where the 45-minute drive in can be challenging after rain. Campground surfaces vary from compacted dirt to forest duff, with some sites offering level tent pads while others require more careful placement.

In early fall, tent campers often find greater site availability and cooler temperatures. According to reviews, Paul Demmick Campground offers good privacy between sites despite being near Highway 128. One camper noted, "We arrived early afternoon in August on a Saturday and found a nice empty spot no problem." At Jackson Demonstration Forest, visitors appreciate the peaceful setting where "the Noyo River meanders through the center" of the campground. Walk-in tent sites at Jughandle Creek Farm provide seclusion with a short walk to facilities. Tent campers frequently observe wildlife including deer, fox, and raccoons at Dunlap Campground, though road noise can be noticeable. Cell service is limited or non-existent at most backcountry tent camping locations, adding to their remote character.

Best Tent Sites Near Little River, California (14)

    1. Paul M. Demmick Campground — Navarro River Redwoods State Park

    6 Reviews
    Navarro, CA
    11 miles
    +1 (707) 937-5804

    $10 - $35 / night

    "Shaded, peaceful and lovely. We arrived early afternoon in August on a Saturday and found a nice empty spot no problem. The remaining spots mostly filled up by Saturday evening."

    "Although Hwy 128 runs parallel to it (and not far away), there isn’t much traffic going by so road noise isn’t a bother."

    2. Jackson Demonstration Forest

    3 Reviews
    Caspar, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 964-5674

    "Jackson State Demonstration forest is about 6 miles from fort Bragg on hwy.20 Campground is about 3 miles down a dirt road down into the forest from the highway.

    Beautiful, clean and peaceful."

    "Each camp has a picnic table, fire pit and a bbq. Dump lap has 17 spots and a vaulted toilet. There was a small creek behind the campground which was nice."

    3. Jughandle Creek Farm

    1 Review
    Caspar, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 745-7302

    $45 / night

    "It was the perfect spot to set up two(or more) tents. There was a great fire ring and picnic table at the site. "

    4. Dunlap Campground

    5 Reviews
    Comptche, CA
    14 miles
    Website

    "3 sites are currently closed due to COVID to encourage social distancing; sites fill up quickly on weekends; no on-site camp host, but Cal Fire does come through to write receipts and pick up trash."

    5. Usal Beach Campground

    10 Reviews
    Leggett, CA
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 247-3318

    "The road itself is rough and could be very unsettling for anyone trying to do this trip in a vehicle without good off-road clearance. The ruts can be big and cause bottoming out of street cars."

    "The road in is a long and windy road but the site is worth the drive. We got there at night but the windy road did not deter us. Camped on the beach with the woods to our backs."

    6. COE Mendocino Lake Bu-Shay Campground

    2 Reviews
    Mendocino Lake, CA
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 467-4200

    7. Red Mountain

    2 Reviews
    Ukiah, CA
    39 miles
    +1 (707) 468-4000

    8. Old Train Caboose

    1 Review
    Upper Lake, CA
    43 miles
    +1 (707) 367-8168

    $39 - $175 / night

    "We're happy to welcome this property to our platform. This property is offering 2 lodging options, a Caboose & Tent camping under the Walnut trees."

    10. Buckhorn Campground

    1 Review
    Lakeport, CA
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 468-4000
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Showing results 1-10 of 14 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Little River, CA

430 Reviews of 14 Little River Campgrounds



Guide to Little River

Tent camping near Little River, California, offers a blend of serene natural beauty and convenient amenities, making it an ideal getaway for outdoor enthusiasts.

Local Attractions and Activities

Tent Camping Prices

  • Tent camping at Dunlap Campground is budget-friendly, with rates around $20 per night, making it accessible for all campers.
  • For a more secluded experience, Jackson Demonstration Forest offers first-come, first-served sites at a similar price point, ideal for spontaneous trips.
  • Enjoy the amenities at Bu-Shay Campground, where you can camp for around $25 per night, complete with spacious sites and family-friendly facilities.

Tent Camper Amenities

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Little River, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Little River, CA is Paul M. Demmick Campground — Navarro River Redwoods State Park with a 3.7-star rating from 6 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Little River, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 14 tent camping locations near Little River, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.