Best Campgrounds near Navarro, CA

Camping areas near Navarro, California include several state parks and established campgrounds nestled among redwood forests and along the Navarro River. Hendy Woods State Park Campground provides tent, RV, and cabin camping opportunities surrounded by ancient redwoods, while Paul M. Demmick Campground in Navarro River Redwoods State Park offers a more rustic experience. Mixed-use campgrounds like Navarro Beach Campground provide coastal access at the mouth of the Navarro River. The region features a blend of inland forest camping with coastal options just 20 minutes west, creating diverse camping environments within a relatively small geographic area.

Access to many campgrounds varies seasonally, with Paul M. Demmick occasionally closing due to flooding during winter months. Most developed campgrounds in the area maintain year-round operations, though reservations are strongly recommended during summer and fall weekends. First-come, first-served sites fill quickly, particularly at Paul M. Demmick, which doesn't accept reservations. Cell service is limited throughout the region, with spotty coverage reported at Hendy Woods and virtually none along the Navarro River corridor. Campgrounds along Highway 128 provide convenient access to both Anderson Valley wineries and coastal attractions. As one camper noted, "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."

Campers consistently praise the redwood forest settings, particularly at Hendy Woods State Park, where ancient trees create a serene atmosphere. The park features hiking trails through old-growth redwood groves and access to the Navarro River for swimming in summer months. Mixed-use campgrounds cater to different preferences, with some sites offering more privacy than others. Several visitors mentioned that despite being family-friendly destinations that can become crowded during peak season, most campgrounds maintain quiet hours effectively. A visitor described Hendy Woods as "a sacred place I will always come back to. The old growth redwoods and rich diversity of plants and fungi really make this place stand out." Poison oak is prevalent throughout the area, requiring caution when exploring off established paths, especially with children or pets.

Best Camping Sites Near Navarro, California (133)

    1. Mackerricher State Park Campground

    1463 Reviews
    Fort Bragg, CA
    27 miles

    $45 - $260 / night

    "There are many sites next to the ocean."

    "PROS

    → Campground is adjacent to the beach. You can hear the ocean and sometimes catch peeks of the ocean from the campground.

    → Campsites have bear lockers."

    2. Hendy Woods State Park Campground

    27 Reviews
    Philo, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 895-3141

    $45 - $70 / night

    "centrally located in within Anderson valley,so one can go for a hike and (cool off in the Navarro river), go next door and eat organic apple, and Saunders down 128 (<1/4 mile) and sip some wine at the"

    "It is a short drive to Fort Bragg and other coastal attractions as well as a multitude of wineries."

    3. Van Damme State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    Little River, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 937-5804

    $45 - $160 / night

    "Simple campground just outside of Mendocino/Ft Bragg. Steps from a beautiful sandy beach."

    "My family and I stayed here once on a road trip to California."

    4. Manchester Beach / Mendocino Coast KOA

    17 Reviews
    Manchester, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 882-2375

    "We've spent most of our twenty years of camping together off the beaten path, avoiding the likes of anything KOA, but for our RV's maiden voyage we thought we'd start with the Machester Beach KOA, and"

    "The location is surrounded by a lot of fun things to do. The site has 2 parks, trails, pool/hot tub, and so much more."

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

    7 Reviews
    Navarro, CA
    5 miles
    +1 (707) 937-5804

    $10 - $35 / night

    "The camp is right next to the road, but traffic was minimal. There is some hiking in the area, but no trails from the campground, you will need to drive to a trailhead."

    "Nice campsite with around 27 ish spots. First come first serve at $35 as of 2025. I went tent camping but you can probably bring in a small RV."

    6. Navarro Beach Campground — Navarro River Redwoods State Park

    10 Reviews
    Albion, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 937-5804

    "Wether just for the day or a few overnights Navarro beach never disappoints. It is right off of the highway, yet it feels so secluded. The beach is beautiful and the campsites are roomy."

    "BUT you are on this great beach where the Navarro River reaches the sea.  Lots of wildlife.  Lots of beach walking and great sunsets. Worth the cold and wind."

    7. Manchester State Park Campground

    8 Reviews
    Manchester, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 882-2463

    $35 / night

    "Next to koa. Just a power plant between you and the ocean via a long walk."

    "The campground is just above the driftwood beach offering walks in solitude with the breaking waves in the background."

    8. Russian Gulch State Park Campground

    11 Reviews
    Mendocino, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 937-5804

    $45 - $140 / night

    "Clean bathrooms, drinking water was right next to our site."

    "While this campground is set off from the highway it is very busy on weekends from tourists out for the day.  Lush setting with the hike and bike area located near showers and restrooms."

    9. Caspar Beach RV Park & Campground

    19 Reviews
    Caspar, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 964-3306

    $47 - $72 / night

    "The walk in sites are secluded and this park has all the amenities including free showers. Dog friendly. I hear it gets very busy in the summertime."

    "Our spot was nice and clean and next to the creek. Large enough for our three cars three tents and extra table and plenty of room to set up chairs around the fire for us."

    10. Navarro Beach - Navarro River Redwoods State Park

    5 Reviews
    Albion, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 937-5804

    "This campground is at the end of the Navarro River, where hiway 128 meets 1 just north of Point Arena. The only real "service" available here is port-a-potties. There are no hookups of any kind."

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Recent Reviews near Navarro, CA

629 Reviews of 133 Navarro Campgrounds


  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Usal Beach Campground

    Usal Beach

    Pretty remote but great if that’s what you’re looking for. 30 minute drive up rocky dirt road in forest to get down there. Not many rules. Don’t get stuck in sand. Pick up trash please lots of firework junk and stuff

  • Jake M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Salt Point State Park Campground

    Very secluded excellent trail to the ocean with scenic rock views

    Very clean and unkept campground low price for tents($35) . Site 30 was my favorite pick. Lots of nice lots and far spacing!

  • andrew The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Thousand Trails Russian River

    Tough sites

    I am reasonably ok at backing in my travel trailer but this place is a mess. I parked in wrong spot, moved to the right one, the power pedestal did not work. Had to walk to office because phone number on check-in sheet did not work. Camp worker in golf cart picked me up and checked pedestal. No good. Drove me around looking for another site but the camp side on most is terrible. My wife has mobility issues so I would not stay here again. Staff was great, area looks nice, but the sites I saw leave something to be desired.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Kyen Campground

    A convenient and good campground

    I liked this tree shaded campground. Some Lakeside campsites for RVs and tents with many other campsites, stretching up a gentle hill. Potable water is available. Bathrooms were clean but showers not so much but plenty of hot water and does not require quarters. Campground can be very crowded prior to Labor Day, especially weekends. When I was there on 9/10/25 there were very few campers. Register on recreation.gov. Use your federal discount pass to get half price on the $35 or $65 electrical sites.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Oak Flat Campground

    Beautiful and peaceful *on weekdays*

    Quiet and peaceful, watch elk, birds, lizards, toads/frogs on weekdays. All but the hardiest of wildlife and people should avoid the weekends. We finally learned our lesson after every Friday and/or Saturday over the years has been disrupted by people yelling and/or blasting music, running dogs off leash, and then (last trip) racing dirt bikes through the campground until 1 am.

  • g
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Salt Point State Park Campground

    Lovely wild site

    I stayed in the Gerstle cove campground midweek in August. id say it was about 3/4 full, but the sites are so widely spaced it feels very private. Compared to other CA campgrounds in summer, it was desolate (in a good way)

    The ocean is a ways off, but you can hear it. Short drive down to the beach for stunning bluff trails. Very few people around.

    My site wasn’t perfectly level, but good enough. Just keep a hand on that pot of boiling water.

    I was tempted to move to the overflow lot for its panoramic views of the ocean but opted for my forest-side spot. There were only two campers in the lot when I was there.

    The whole site felt strangely apart from other more crowded coastal sites - felt like northern Mendocino. Although apparently it can fill up so maybe I just got lucky.

    Either way, seems like a bit of a hidden gem.

  • Karmen V.
    Aug. 15, 2025

    High Valley Rd Dispersed

    Absolutely not

    The road to this pin is completely impassable in any regular vehicle, this would require an ATV. We took a regular AWD midsize SUV, after seeing the review with photos of a regular car. The road is EXTREMELY narrow and windy on the edge of a cliff. There is no way to turn around once you start up it. It has deep ruts in the road. We got to a large trench in the road that we couldn't go around because we would fall off the cliff. We tried to put the trench between the wheels, but our tire went in it and we bottomed out very badly and almost got stuck. We ended up having to spend 30 minutes backing slowly down the road. Long story short, just don't even try.


Guide to Navarro

Camping near Navarro, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and cozy campgrounds. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options that cater to different needs.

What to do:

  • Explore the Redwoods: The towering trees at Hendy Woods State Park Campground provide a stunning backdrop for hiking. One visitor mentioned, "The sites are situated among towering redwoods," making it a great spot for nature lovers.
  • Visit Local Wineries: Many campgrounds are close to charming towns like Philo and Boonville, where you can enjoy wine tasting. A camper shared, "The nearby towns are super cute," highlighting the local charm.
  • Beach Access: Van Damme State Park Campground is just a short drive from the ocean, perfect for beach walks. One reviewer noted, "Easy access to the ocean just across Highway One."

What campers like:

  • Privacy and Space: Campers at Gualala Point Regional Park appreciate the spacious sites. One visitor said, "The campsite we got was pretty big as well," making it a great choice for those who value personal space.
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds, like Pomo RV Park & Campground, are known for their cleanliness. A camper remarked, "Bathrooms are very nice and lots of grass area for kids to play."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of campground hosts. At Anchor Bay Campground, one reviewer said, "People are very friendly and staff go out of their way to help."

What you should know:

  • Limited Hookups: Some campgrounds, like Russian Gulch State Park Campground, do not offer electric hookups. A visitor noted, "Location is great but $45 for no hookups is a bit much."
  • Crowded During Peak Season: Campgrounds can get busy, especially during holidays. One camper at Caspar Beach RV Park & Campground mentioned, "We were here for 3 nights and enjoyed the summer concert series... The spaces for RVs are tight."
  • Road Noise: Some campgrounds are near busy roads, which can be noisy. A reviewer at Van Damme State Park Campground said, "Even though it was a sunny day, the campground felt dark and damp."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Spacious Sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites, like Gualala Point Regional Park. One camper noted, "The tent area in the back of the campground... Great location! Nice fire pits."
  • Activities for Kids: Many campgrounds have play areas. A visitor at Pomo RV Park & Campground mentioned, "Lots of grass area for kids to play."
  • Plan for Showers: Some campgrounds charge for showers, so be prepared. A camper at Van Damme State Park Campground noted, "Showers take tokens; each $1.00 token gives you a five-minute shower."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Caspar Beach RV Park & Campground said, "The RV area is packed. I highly recommend the tent area in the back of the campground."
  • Be Ready for Tight Turns: Some campgrounds have narrow roads. A camper at Anchor Bay Campground warned, "It is very tight drive in, and they often have to turn large RVs/Trailers away."
  • Bring Long Hoses: If you need water or electric hookups, be prepared with long hoses. A visitor at Gualala River Redwood Park mentioned, "Electric hookups and water spigots were at odd locations."

Camping near Navarro, California, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just be sure to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful surroundings!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need permits for camping in Navarro?

For camping in Navarro, permits are generally required but the process varies by location. At Paul M. Demmick Campground — Navarro River Redwoods State Park, you'll need to obtain a camping permit through California State Parks, either online or at the entrance station. This system helps manage visitor numbers in this beautiful redwood setting. In contrast, Navarro Beach - Navarro River Redwoods State Park operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservations, so you simply pay the camping fee upon arrival. Always check current regulations before your trip as permit requirements and fees can change seasonally.

What amenities are available at Navarro camping areas?

Amenities at Navarro camping areas vary significantly by location. Manchester Beach / Mendocino Coast KOA offers full services including water, toilets, and big-rig-friendly spaces for those seeking more comfort. In contrast, Navarro Beach Campground provides more basic facilities with portable toilets (sometimes lacking maintenance), no fresh drinking water, picnic tables, and fire rings. The campground has approximately 10 small sites with limited privacy between them. While amenities are minimal, the beautiful beach setting with driftwood and river access for kayaking compensates for the rustic conditions. Be prepared to bring your own drinking water and supplies when camping at Navarro Beach.

Where are the best camping spots in Navarro?

Navarro offers stunning camping locations with Hendy Woods State Park Campground being one of the most popular. This campground features beautiful old-growth redwoods, well-maintained sites, and is centrally located in Anderson Valley with easy access to wineries and the Navarro River. It's family-friendly with hiking trails and organized activities. Another excellent option is Navarro Beach Campground — Navarro River Redwoods State Park, located where the Navarro River meets the ocean. This secluded beach camping spot offers a unique coastal experience with beautiful views, though it can be windy. Sites here are first-come, first-served and fill up by evening on busy days.