Campgrounds near Navarro, California include rustic sites nestled within the Navarro River corridor as well as coastal options where the river meets the ocean. Situated at approximately 300 feet elevation in Anderson Valley, inland campgrounds remain relatively protected from coastal fog while offering easy water access. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-85°F, with coastal sites experiencing cooler conditions than inland locations.
What to do
River recreation access points: The Navarro River provides excellent kayaking opportunities, particularly at Navarro Beach Campground where "the river follows the road to the campsite and connects to the ocean right on the beach." The river mouth creates a natural protected area for paddling, and "you can take kayak up that" at the point where the Navarro meets the ocean.
Tide pool exploration: Several campgrounds offer access to marine ecosystems. One visitor at Van Damme State Park Campground notes it's "very close to the beach where ocean kayaking is common." At Navarro Beach, you can find "climbable rocks towards the left" of the beach area with shallow tide pools visible during low tide.
Hiking through various ecosystems: Many campgrounds feature trail networks through diverse terrain. At Russian Gulch State Park, one camper highlights the "Fern Canyon trail and waterfall trail back in the gorge." Another visitor mentions that Hendy Woods offers "great hiking trails and river access for swimming."
What campers like
Private sites with natural buffers: Many campers value privacy between sites. At Russian Gulch State Park Campground, campers appreciate that "sites are on the small side, and most don't have two trees large enough to string a hammock or a run line for a dog." Another visitor notes that "the sites are well spaced and protected."
Beach access with fewer crowds: Access to less-trafficked beaches stands out in reviews. At Navarro River Redwoods State Park, one visitor appreciates that "the beach was very quiet with few other visitors" and another notes you can "relax by the Sea" without the typical coastal crowds.
Evening campground programs: Organized activities enhance the camping experience. At Manchester Beach / Mendocino Coast KOA, they offer "movie night for the kids and 'no kids' hot tub hours for the adults." Another camper described "setting up to the soundtrack of Beetlejuice showing nearby" during their stay.
What you should know
Variable weather conditions: Coastal fog and temperature fluctuations affect campsite comfort. At Manchester State Park, one visitor cautions: "Being so close to the beach though, it gets COLD at night." At Russian Gulch, a camper notes "the sites on that side of the creek get almost no sun during the day, so everything was a little damp all the time."
Limited services and utilities: Many campgrounds have minimal facilities. At Paul M. Demmick Campground, be prepared for "self check in first come first serve campground" with only "vaulted toilets available." As one camper summarizes: "this campgrounds is excellent if you like quiet beautiful scenery with no amenities."
Seasonal availability: Campground operations vary throughout the year. One visitor attempted to visit Paul M. Demmick only to find it "Closes sept 2 until May." Navarro Beach sometimes closes after heavy rainfall when the access road floods, as one camper mentioned: "it was closed for a time when heavy rains inundated the road in."
Tips for camping with families
Safety considerations for beach areas: Beaches in the region require careful supervision. At Navarro Beach, a camper warns the "beach is dangerous surf with a pretty strong under current so not for kids to be playing too much deeper than ankles." Parents should remain vigilant near water.
Family-focused programs: Some campgrounds offer specialized programming for children. At Hendy Woods State Park Campground, "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."
Bicycle-friendly campgrounds: Several campgrounds provide safe cycling opportunities. At Manchester State Park, one camper appreciated that it was "a decent space for wetsuits, kayaks, and abalone cleaning" while another mentioned it was "nice for our family" with "low stress environment" and good for "kids to ride their bikes around" with minimal vehicle traffic.
Tips from RVers
Dump station fees: Several campgrounds charge for waste disposal. At MacKerricher State Park, "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."
Site approach planning: Loop road configuration affects parking ease. At Hendy Woods, "the campground loop roads are not one way. Make sure to figure which direction to approach for the easiest backup."
Wind protection considerations: Coastal sites often experience strong winds. One RVer at Manchester KOA appreciated that their campground "is protected by a buffer of coastal trees. It's not nearly as windy at the campground as it is on the beach."
