Redwood forests surrounding Navarro, California offer several tent camping options within a 30-minute drive of the coast. Paul M. Demmick Campground in Navarro River Redwoods State Park provides tent-only camping in a shaded redwood setting with approximately 27 sites. Jackson Demonstration Forest, located about 6 miles from Fort Bragg, offers secluded tent campsites along the Noyo River. For more primitive tent camping experiences, Usal Beach Campground provides walk-in tent sites with both beach and forest options, though access requires navigating rough roads.
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 limited additional amenities. Vault toilets are standard, with no showers available at most locations. Campers should bring their own water, as potable sources are rare. Paul Demmick sites cost approximately $35 per night as of recent reports. Weekends fill quickly, particularly in summer months, while midweek camping offers greater site selection. Road access varies significantly, with some backcountry tent camping areas requiring high-clearance vehicles. Cell service is generally unavailable at these primitive tent sites.
Sites near rivers or creeks provide additional recreational opportunities for tent campers. According to reviews, Paul Demmick Campground offers "plenty of privacy" at riverside sites, though pit toilets can be "stinky." Tent campers at Jackson Demonstration Forest appreciate the "beautiful, clean and peaceful" environment with "plenty of trails to explore." Fall visitors to Usal Beach report fewer crowds than summer months. Wildlife sightings are common at several locations, with one Dunlap Campground visitor noting "tons of wildlife - fox, deer, raccoon" during midweek stays. Road noise affects some campgrounds, particularly those near Highway 128, though traffic volume is generally low. For tent campers seeking maximum seclusion, walk-in sites at several locations offer greater distance from neighboring campsites.
"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."
"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."
from $10 - $35 / night
"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."
"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."
"Upside: almost no one here, including security and onsite host (private and undisturbed), no road noise, great playground, bathrooms, showers and water views."
"Set up tent from my cars headlights. Woke up to absolutely beautiful views. The dirt road up to this site is rough."
"It’s a 6-mile 4x4 drive to get to the beach, but the beach itself is glorious, mystical, magical, and everything I could hope for."
"6 miles of potholes, rough dirt road and some deep puddles and you'll find a beautiful sandy beach with camping spots above the tide and some in the trees for privacy. Fire pits built all over."
"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."
Available this weekend
from $39 - $175 / night
"No hookups. Campground is on a cliff overlooking the ocean."
"There’s a park right next to it and a store across the street for supplies. We went in June so it was a bit cold. Pack layers."
GuideRough getting here but worth the struggle! Had it to ourselves during the week left Friday. Very windy at night but great sunny in the day. No cell service (Verizon) for me but starlink was fine. Headed out now because we heard it might rain but and that one way dirt road will be a nightmare!
ScoutBeautiful. Not too many people. I would only take a 4x4x
RangerTired from the drive over the mountains rolled in here for a secure night of sleep. Plenty of spots. Electric water, flushers, but bring your quarters for the shower.
RangerHeck of a drive getting here, but worth the trek. I absolutely would not recommend hauling a camper up here. One way, winding road off of highway 1 that was actually pretty well marked. No service or amentities. Pack in and pack out! Both wide open spots near the beach or you can tuck your vehicle in by the trees with about a 1/4 mile walk to the beach. There was some group event going on and individuals who brought dirt bikes, so it was not quiet/peaceful, but the scenery made up for that. No marked sites, but plenty of fire pits to show where others have camped in the past. Lots of beautiful birds.
TravelerThese camp spots have the most epic view of the ocean and a massive rock arch. The spots are close to each other (I’d recommend grabbing spot #1 as it’s the most private). The porta potties were clean and the beach was nice.
This spot reminds me more of dispersed camping than a traditional campground. No fee tube and people saw some people camping on the beach in tents. Great spot, would definitely come back.
ScoutThere’s no campground sign at the turnoff, no envelopes to pay, and no ranger. So beach front camping for free. Nothing fancy, no running water, but clean portos. 8 sites
RangerClean bathrooms. First come first serve. Fire pits. Water available. Was full when we woke up in the morning. Ranger going around fixing the reserved signs. Loved this place.
GuideI was hesitant about booking this campground because the reviews said it was overgrown, unkempt, and dirty in spots. However, I had been driving all day and saw other reviews of the gorgeous lakeside campsites and did it. I stayed at 93 right next to the restrooms and a weird overgrown amphitheater. I'll add the photo 😀 When it says lake side- I am sure at one point it was when the water could fill the lake to the top! But it was still amazing. You can walk down to the beach below. And enjoy the lake. I was on a deadline and had to head out early the next morning. Many sites were overgrown so they should state that when booking- or have them unavailable.
RangerBathrooms were terrible but views were awesome. Right off the US1 with picnic tables, bear boxes, and fire rings.
Tent campsites near Navarro, California range from basic forest settings to coastal locations within a 45-minute drive radius. The region sits at the edge of Jackson Demonstration Forest where coastal redwoods meet the Pacific Ocean, creating distinct camping microclimates with summer temperatures typically 10-15 degrees warmer inland than at coastal sites. Fall camping offers fewer crowds and more moderate temperatures across all camping areas.
River exploration: 20-minute access from Paul M. Demmick Campground where "there's a path down to the river near the Day Use area; the river was pretty tame," according to camper reviews, making it suitable for casual wading during summer months.
Beach activities: 45-minute drive to Usal Beach Campground offers coastal camping options. One visitor shared, "Camped on the beach with the woods to our backs. Saw some coyotes when setting up camp, but they didn't mind us. Most beautiful sunrise in the morning."
Hiking trails: Multiple distance options at Jackson Demonstration Forest where campers report "plenty of trails to explore and Noyo River meanders through the center," with most trails under 5 miles round-trip and suitable for beginners to intermediate hikers.
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk opportunities throughout campgrounds in the area. Campers at Dunlap Campground report "tons of wildlife - fox, deer, raccoon" when staying midweek when human activity is reduced.
Privacy between sites: Dunlap Campground offers "decent sized sites well spaced apart" making it popular for campers seeking some solitude without complete isolation.
River access for cooling off: Summer visitors appreciate the water proximity at several sites. One camper at Camp One noted, "Noyo River meanders through the center. It was self pay upon arrival and the whole place was welcoming. Nice day use area with tables and creek for playing in."
Fall camping weather: Several campgrounds remain open into autumn. A visitor to Usal Beach Campground shared, "I've heard that this place can get crowded during the summer months I'm glad we waited until fall," noting reduced crowds and pleasant temperatures.
Self-registration convenience: Most sites operate on an honor system. At Paul Demmick Campground, "This is a self check in first come first serve campground. There are plenty of vaulted toilets available... extremely clean no flies and didn't have a strong odor."
Road conditions vary significantly: The drive to Usal Beach requires preparation. A camper warned, "The road coming into Usal is a pretty messed up mountain road thanks to the fact that it's also used by logging trucks. I would really only recommend this road if you have AWD or 4WD."
Seasonal closures affect planning: Several campgrounds close during winter months. One review for Paul M. Demmick noted, "They were closed!" after arriving in September, as the campground typically closes September 2 until May.
Limited amenities are standard: Pack accordingly for primitive conditions. A Jackson Demonstration Forest visitor advised, "No water but fire pits and grills, and picnic tables in campsites. Trash and pit toilet areas seemed cleaned regularly."
Cell service limitations: Most forest campsites have no connectivity. One camper at Paul M. Demmick reported, "No cell service with Verizon, you'll have to drive into Mendocino for that."
Playground access: COE Mendocino Lake Bu-Shay Campground offers "spacious and there are a mix of shady and sunny sites. The flush bathrooms are fine, and there are free showers. Our young kids had a great time playing on the playground which was an unexpected bonus."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children often enjoy animal sightings. At Dunlap Campground, midweek stays increase chances for wildlife encounters with one camper reporting, "Went mid week and was the only one there. Tons of wildlife. Fox, deer, raccoon, etc."
Water play options: River access provides natural entertainment. At Jughandle Creek Farm, "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."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience road noise. A Paul M. Demmick visitor noted, "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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Navarro, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Navarro, CA is Paul M. Dimmick Campground — Navarro River Redwoods State Park with a 3.4-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Navarro, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 30 tent camping locations near Navarro, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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