Camping sites near Manchester, California offer direct coastal access with average temperatures ranging from 45-65°F year-round. Wind conditions can change rapidly along this stretch of coastline, with afternoon gusts regularly reaching 15-25 mph. Most campers find protective windbreaks essential, particularly for tent camping in the exposed coastal sites.
What to do
Beach hiking: 1.5-mile trail access. At Navarro Beach Campground, where the Navarro River meets the Pacific, visitors can explore both environments. "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," notes Kealan B.
Driftwood exploration: No permit needed. The beaches along this coastline accumulate massive driftwood pieces. "Beach is gorgeous! Navarro River flows right into the ocean so you can take kayak up that... 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," reports Danielle F.
Redwood hiking: Year-round access. Hendy Woods State Park Campground offers old-growth redwood trails just 30 minutes inland. "The two redwood groves are easily accessible from the campsite... I always come to Hendy Woods with my camera, especially in the late winter, early spring to do some mushroom photography. So much to see here!" shares Sophia B.
What campers like
Protection from coastal winds: Inland campgrounds offer relief from constant ocean breezes. "This campground is protected by a buffer of coastal trees. It's not nearly as windy at the campground as it is on the beach," explains Mea H. about MacKerricher State Park.
Night sky viewing: Limited light pollution. The rural setting creates ideal stargazing conditions. "This small campground had a number of empty spots available at 8pm on a Saturday... There is still a pasture full of cows across the street and the Pt. Arena lighthouse just beyond to greet you in the morning, and the ocean still crashes within earshot," shares Adam at Manchester State Park Campground.
Beach access: Multiple entry points. Gualala Point Regional Park provides river and ocean options. "This spot was a great little find. There is a trail from the campground to the park and beach area which is nice for a stroll. The campground is amongst the trees along the river," notes Alixandra S.
What you should know
First-come sites: Limited availability. Manchester State Park operates without reservations. "Paul Dimmick is a nice little campground in the redwoods... The campground doesn't have a lot of sites, which I prefer, and is first come, first served so get there early if you're going for the weekend (mid-week is wide open). Sites near the river are best," advises L.
Cell service: Spotty coverage. Most campgrounds have limited connectivity. "This campground has roughly 10 sites that are bunched up in parallel with one another, except for 1 site that is separated by some brush... First come first serve, bathrooms, and fire pits at each site," reports Kealan B. about Navarro Beach.
Bathroom facilities: Varies by campground. Van Damme State Park Campground offers more amenities than others. "The bathrooms are good and clean. There's an amphitheater where we were able to see a ranger/scientist presentation on sea birds of California," notes Jessica R.
Tips for camping with families
River swimming spots: Check conditions first. The Navarro River offers gentler water options. "The river was pretty tame, which is surprising for a campground that routinely floods in the wintertime," mentions L. about Paul Demmick Campground.
Junior Ranger programs: Scheduled activities. Hendy Woods State Park Campground offers structured programming. "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," shares beercore.
Playground options: Limited but available. Campgrounds with dedicated play areas reduce setup time. "There's a store with bathrooms and showers as well as a play area for kids. Pretty loud considering everyone's close proximity to one another," notes Andrea M. about Gualala River Redwood Park.
Tips from RVers
Dump station fees: Budget accordingly. Some parks charge additional fees for services. "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," warns Mea H. about MacKerricher State Park.
Site leveling challenges: Bring blocks. Gualala River Redwood Park requires preparation. "Campsites are dirt and gravel, and it was very dry and dusty. Numerous dips and slopes made leveling difficult. Electric hookups and water spigots were at odd locations, and if you plan to use these, have long hoses/cables," advises Dave T.
Big rig accessibility: Limited options. The Manchester Beach/Mendocino Coast KOA accommodates larger vehicles. "It's a KOA. It's pretty much exactly what you might expect... Some sites are harder to back into and there are only a few 'pull thru' sites so make sure you call to reserve if you're afraid of backing up!" notes Katie B.
