The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App
Map showing campgrounds near Manchester, CaliforniaExplore the Map

Best Tent Camping near Manchester, CA

574 Reviews

Tent campsites dot the coastal forests and hillsides near Manchester, California, offering varied terrain and natural settings. Paul M. Demmick Campground in Navarro River Redwoods State Park provides tent camping within a redwood forest setting with creek access. Jackson Demonstration Forest, about 6 miles from Fort Bragg on Highway 20, offers secluded tent sites where the Noyo River runs through the middle of the campground, creating peaceful riverside camping opportunities.

Most tent campgrounds in the region feature basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. Potable water is limited, with Paul M. Demmick and Jackson Demonstration Forest lacking water sources, making it essential for campers to bring their own supplies. Sites typically have dirt or forest duff surfaces under tree cover. First-come, first-served is common at these locations, with no reservations accepted at Paul M. Demmick Campground. Fees range from $15-35 per night depending on the campground. A camper noted, "This 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." Road access varies, with some campgrounds like Jackson Demonstration Forest requiring a 3-mile drive down dirt roads.

The coastal proximity creates unique tent camping experiences with moderate temperatures year-round. Shaded sites beneath redwoods provide natural cooling, while coastal breezes help keep insects minimal compared to inland locations. One recent review highlighted that "Paul Dimmick is a nice little campground in the redwoods. Although Hwy 128 runs parallel to it, there isn't much traffic going by so road noise isn't a bother." Tent campers frequently use these areas as bases to explore nearby beaches, with Jughandle Beach accessible via hiking trails from some camping areas. Wildlife sightings are common, with deer, fox, and various birds frequently observed. During peak summer weekends, campgrounds typically fill by Friday afternoon, making midweek visits ideal for securing preferred tent sites.

Best Tent Sites Near Manchester, California (19)

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

    7 Reviews
    Navarro, CA
    13 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. Dunlap Campground

    5 Reviews
    Comptche, CA
    27 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."

    3. Jackson Demonstration Forest

    4 Reviews
    Caspar, CA
    30 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."

    4. COE Mendocino Lake Bu-Shay Campground

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

    5. Red Mountain

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

    6. Bullfrog Pond Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    7 Reviews
    Guerneville, CA
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 869-2015

    "Right by Armstrong Redwoods State Park there is a steep winding road at the end of which there is literally a pond. "

    "We had spot number 23 but I think 24 or 21 would have been the best for shade and privacy. THERE ARE NO SHOWERS HERE! we did not know this before hand."

    7. Buckhorn Campground

    1 Review
    Lakeport, CA
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 468-4000

    8. Old Train Caboose

    1 Review
    Upper Lake, CA
    39 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."

    9. Highlands Resort

    2 Reviews
    Guerneville, CA
    50 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 869-0333

    $30 - $50 / night

    "Outdoor kitchen with grill and gas stove. ice machine, Camp among beautiful redwoods in Guerneville just off the Russian River. Many bars and restaurants in walking distance. Nearby supermarket."

    "Tucked away from the world, cozy little camp under a bridge and looking out of a crack to see huge waves coming in n! Almost like it will swallow us hole. Will be back for sure!"

    10. Cole Creek Campground — Clear Lake State Park

    1 Review
    Kelseyville, CA
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 279-4293

    $30 / night

    "We had just bought a motor home and wanted to go somewhere close to home to try it out. Nice clean camp sites close to restrooms and showers. Lots of places to fish, hike and bike."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 19 campgrounds

2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Manchester Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Tent Camping Photos near Manchester, CA

8 Photos of 19 Manchester Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Manchester, CA

574 Reviews of 19 Manchester Campgrounds

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 13, 2023

    Gualala Point Regional Park

    Small but beautiful county campground

    General: 19 general and six walk-in campsites among giant redwood and Bay Laurel trees on the Gualala River. Sites 17 & 18 are a double site. 

    Site Quality: Level sites with bear box, picnic table, and fire ring. Site One’s camper pad fit our 18-foot camper van, but it would not accommodate anything much larger. Several other camper pads looked short as well. No hookups. 

    Bath/Shower house: Three individual units with toilet, sink, soap, and paper towels. One shower that takes quarters – three minutes for $2.00. 

    Activities: There is a trail that leads through the walk-in sites, under Highway One, and to the beach, approximately 1.5 miles. You can also drive to the day-use area for a shorter walk. We were there on a weekday but there were many activities scheduled for the upcoming weekend including kayaking on Bodega Bay, outside yoga, and healthy hustle circuit training – I was sad to miss all of these options. 

    This campground is beautiful and peaceful. But note that although we did not encounter any, several other campers experienced over-eager raccoons while eating dinner. There was also a sign warning of mountain lions but we did not encounter any. Shout-out to the ranger who shared a lot of good information about the area.

  • Michi P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 24, 2025

    Middle Creek Campground

    Great place for dry camping

    Beautiful location, campground was easily accessible going up Elk Mountain Road. Camped in Site 11, pull through, no hook ups, nice picnic table, grill and fire pit. Vault toilets, no showers. There is potable water close to the campsites. Very quiet during the week, it did get noisier on the weekends, but everyone settled down for the evening.

  • A
    Aug. 1, 2016

    Manchester State Park Campground

    Stars!

    Second time I've been here. Five years ago, I thought it was pretty bare-bones but just what I wanted: first-come, first-serve tent spot within 3 hours of San Francisco and within a walk of the ocean. No city lights to speak of = incredible stargazing. Oceanside = fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves. Did I mention first-come, first-serve? Nearly all the other campgrounds on the CA coast require a reservation 6 months in advance for weekends, with weekday availability not much better. This small campground had a number of empty spots available at 8pm on a Saturday.

    This year, it was nearly the same story. Park funding cut back, so no host = no firewood (KOA up the road sells bundles for $8). And it's only open on weekends until further notice. The vault toilets had plenty of TP, and the sites were well maintained so clearly someone is looking after the place. In fact, the overgrown grass and coastal scrub that previously lent some extra privacy to sites was cut down, a bit of a bummer. Go for the spots on the northern loop. The trees there offer some wind protection and the views over the valley toward Alder Creek are worthwhile. I wanted to set up my hammock, but tree-less sites closer to the road render that a non-option. For site variety, spaciousness, privacy, and amenities, I'd say Manchester is more like 2-2.5 stars. But last-minute availability bumps it up to 3.

    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. Salt Point and Gualala campgrounds are warmer and woodsier. Mackerricher and Russian Gulch offer much more to do. But in a pinch, Manchester will continue to be my impromptu coastal road trip stopover.

  • MarinMaverick
    Aug. 14, 2020

    Russian Gulch State Park Campground

    Great Spot

    I like this a little better than Van Damm down the road because of the small private beach which never appears crowded. You do have road noise but it really is not bad.

    Great little tent camping spots and a fabulous group tent camping spot.  From the small beach you can play in the waves and launch protected kayaks into the small bay.  On the right day there are some tidepools (not a lot).  A stream runs through camp and empties on to the beach.

    Great Fern Canyon trail and waterfall trail back in the gorge.

    You can explore all the Mendoconio Coast from here.

    Sites are well spaced and protected. Tables, fire rings and food storage.  Nice rest rooms with showers.  I like the lower loop along the creek and thes sites at the end, near the beginning of the fern canyon trail are choice.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 2, 2023

    Van Damme State Park Campground

    Close to the ocean but dark and damp

    General& Site Quality: 74 campsites; 1-13 in the lower loop and the remainder in the upper loop. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring, and bear box. No hookups. Camper pads are dirt. 

    Bath/Shower house: Self-contained units, some with toilet and sink, and some with just a toilet. NO soap but paper towels and a hook for toiletries. Showers take tokens; each $1.00 token gives you a five-minute shower. Didn’t use the shower. 

    Activities & Amenities: The day-use area and the Fern Canyon Trail accessed from the campground are currently closed due to storm damage. You can drive a short distance south to walk on the Pygmy Forest boardwalk (about a quarter of a mile) but there is very limited parking (about 8-9 spaces). You can extend the hike on the Fern Canyon trail but cannot hike to/from the campground. There is a dump station, but it costs $10 to use. There is a Visitor Center but it had limited hours during our stay. There is easy access to the ocean just across Highway One (you can even camp in the parking lot for the same rate as long as you are out by 9 a.m.)  The park is close to the town of Mendocino with great restaurants and shopping if that appeals to you.

    We arrived around dusk and left fairly early the next morning to walk on the Pygmy Forest boardwalk. I didn’t explore too much (including the upper loop) as there was a black bear sighting the day we were there. Even though it was a sunny day, the campground felt dark and damp.

  • Lindsay The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2020

    Hendy Woods State Park Campground

    Convenient, clean, chill

    Location • state park located north of Sonoma and an hour south of Mendocino • in the Virgina redwood forest • closest town: about 6 miles away

    Facilities • Bathrooms & showers easily accesible for all sites - cleaned regularly • some bathrooms updated very recently • Spigots every few sites with good draining • campfire theatre • firewood sold on premises • about 70 campsites • some cabins • day use picnic area • wheelchair accesible trails

    Ambiance • quiet hours 10pm - 8am • mostly families • dogs allowed on leash

    Sites • Small to medium, close together • More open than private; good for groups who need multiple sites • Most hace at least part shade throughout the day • ring fire pits with grill • wooden food locker at each site • wooden picnic table at each site • enough space for 3-4 cars

    Things to do • Variety of easy hikes/walks • drive to Mendocino • wine tasting in town

    Beware • Poison oak

  • Norma Y.
    Jun. 13, 2018

    Navarro Beach Campground — Navarro River Redwoods State Park

    Primitive and great!

    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.

  • MarinMaverick
    Aug. 12, 2020

    Navarro Beach - Navarro River Redwoods State Park

    Closed For A While - Sweet Spot

    So this has been closed for a while, but hope with funding it will re open.

    It is sweet spot just before you reach the coastline.

    A little stretch of redwoods on the Navaro River.  Sites are along the river. Defnse redwoods and ferns.  SHaded. Good swimming holes and good fishing.  Great access for kayaks and canoes.

    Sites have tables, fire rings and some have food storage. Primitve rest rooms.

  • Maddy S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 1, 2022

    Bushay Recreation Area

    Exceeded all expectations

    Since my friend and I decided to plan a last minute camping trip, reservations were hard to find anywhere. I'm from Santa Cruz and hardly ever make it north of San Francisco so Bushay Campground sounded like a nice getaway. However I was a little hesitant since there were so many open sites here and no reviews anywhere but it really was just too perfect.

    We stayed Sat-Mon and it was pretty much empty by Sun (workweek + predicted rain). Everyone else staying the weekend was very friendly and helpful. The rain only made the campsite so much more lush and beautiful and luckily we were prepared for the rain. The sound of frogs and turkeys added a nice touch and we also saw tons of fascinating birds (including a bald eagle!!). I'm used to camping on hard dirt so the cushion of the grassy campsites was really nice, plus the dead grass served as decent tinder. 

    Also, I accidentally left my camping chairs behind :( and an employee reached out to me to let me know! I wish it wasn't a 3+ hour drive for me because I would love to already head back lol.

    Anyway, here are the takeaways:

    • Easy to access, right off the 101
    • Free firewood all around the campgrounds
    • Free showers (no need for quarters)
    • Super clean and well lit bathrooms
    • Ranger patrolling often (we are 2 young women, this helped us feel a little safer)
    • Standard campsite setup (bench + fire ring) but also included a pole with a hook - perfect for hanging lights, a tarp, drying dishware, etc.
    • Heads up! Advanced reservation is required

Guide to Manchester

Tent camping near Manchester, California ranges from coastal bluffs to inland redwood forests, with elevations varying from sea level to around 1,000 feet in nearby forest areas. Summer fog frequently blankets the coastal campgrounds in mornings, burning off by midday to reveal mild 60-70°F temperatures. Winter camping sees temperatures dropping to the 40s with increased rainfall between November and March.

What to do

River exploration: 3-mile access to the Noyo River at Jackson Demonstration Forest provides calm water recreation. "The Noyo River runs right through the middle of the campground," notes camper Rich D., making it ideal for wading and swimming during summer months when water levels are lower.

Pygmy forest hiking: 1-2 hour trails from Jughandle Creek Farm lead to unique ecological areas. "There is a hiking path that takes you down to Jughandle Beach where you will find all kinds of tourists, animals, and great sand to play in or up to the pygmy redwood forest," according to Hayley K.

Wildlife observation: Dawn/dusk optimal viewing times at secluded campgrounds. At Dunlap Campground, Carter B. reports: "Went mid week and was the only one there. Tons of wildlife. Fox, deer, raccoon, etc. keep your food locked up at all times."

What campers like

Weekday solitude: Monday-Thursday offers significantly less crowded experiences at most Manchester area campgrounds. According to Linda Y. at Dunlap Campground, sites are "a great option if needing first come first serve sites since all of the state parks are reservation-only currently."

River access: Multiple points available for water activities during summer months. Cary A. notes that at Paul M. Demmick Campground "there is creek access in the camp with a small day use area by the creek. The camp is right next to the road, but traffic was minimal."

Clean facilities: Regularly maintained despite remote locations. Susan W. observed at Paul M. Demmick that "the vaulted ones were extremely clean no flies and didn't have a strong odor" and "rangers and cleaning staff drove through many times in a day and were friendly."

What you should know

Road access challenges: Allow extra travel time when accessing forest campgrounds. At Bullfrog Pond Campground, Corey O. warns of a "one lane road access that would be intimidating at night," while Cyrel T. adds it's "a very winding, bumpy one lane road for about 10 minutes before you reach the campgrounds."

Campsite availability: Plan accordingly for first-come-first-served locations. Bobby J. advises that Paul M. Demmick has "around 27 ish spots. First come first serve at $35 as of 2025," noting tent campers can "probably bring in a small RV."

Water availability: Pack sufficient supplies as many campgrounds lack potable water. Susan W. mentions, "There are plenty of vaulted toilets available. There are flush bathrooms but they were closed," indicating facilities can vary seasonally.

Tips for camping with families

River play areas: Shallow sections ideal for supervised children at specific sites. Angela G. from Paul M. Demmick Campground says, "Great river and fun for kids," referring to accessible water play areas with gentle current.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Manchester, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Manchester, CA is Paul M. Demmick Campground — Navarro River Redwoods State Park with a 3.6-star rating from 7 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 19 tent camping locations near Manchester, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

Keep Exploring

  2. View all California cities for camping