Best Campgrounds near Philo, CA

Campgrounds near Philo, California range from developed state parks to secluded forest sites, with Hendy Woods State Park Campground serving as a centerpiece of the region. Located in the Anderson Valley along the Navarro River watershed, this area features old-growth redwood groves and camping options for tents, RVs, and cabins. The surrounding Mendocino County landscape includes several established campgrounds within a 30-mile radius, including Navarro River Redwoods State Park to the west and Manchester State Park Campground along the coast.

Road access to many campgrounds requires navigating winding routes like Highway 128, which presents challenges for larger vehicles and trailers. Most developed campgrounds in the region provide basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and vault or flush toilets, though hookups are limited. The coastal campgrounds experience cooler temperatures year-round compared to inland sites, with fog common during summer mornings. Reservations are strongly recommended during peak season (May through September), particularly for weekend stays. According to one visitor, "Hendy Woods is a gem, and will always occupy a fond place in my memories. It's a magical place... the most beautiful Redwood grove closest to the Bay Area."

The Anderson Valley camping experience centers around redwood forests, vineyards, and coastal access points. Campers frequently mention the tranquility of sites nestled among towering trees, with several noting the contrast between forest camping and nearby wine country amenities. The Paul M. Demmick Campground in Navarro River Redwoods State Park provides year-round access with drinking water and toilets, while coastal options like Manchester State Park offer beach proximity. Winter camping brings fewer crowds but cooler, damper conditions. Several campgrounds feature hiking trails directly from campsites, though many restrict dogs on trails. The region's campgrounds typically maintain good separation between sites, with visitors noting the "secluded camping" feel despite relatively close proximity to Highway 128 and local communities.

Best Camping Sites Near Philo, California (153)

    1. Mackerricher State Park Campground

    1463 Reviews
    Fort Bragg, CA
    34 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
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 895-3141

    $45 - $70 / night

    "This California State Park is located in the Anderson Valley, a historic agricultural area located in the Navarro river watershed.  While only 120-ish miles from San Francisco, this area is remote. "

    "The sites are situated among towering redwoods. Which blocks the amazing clear night skies, but offer there own beauty.
    It was great! The nearby towns or phill and boonville are super cute."

    3. Manchester Beach / Mendocino Coast KOA

    17 Reviews
    Manchester, CA
    15 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."

    4. Gualala Point Regional Park

    22 Reviews
    Gualala, CA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 785-2377

    $35 - $45 / night

    "Water spigot right next to the site. You can park near the campsite to unload, but need to go and park at the front of the entrance to the campground."

    "Surrounded by thick redwoods, trails run off every campsite."

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

    7 Reviews
    Navarro, CA
    12 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. 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."

    7. Anchor Bay Campground

    15 Reviews
    Gualala, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 884-4222

    $45 - $60 / night

    "Beautiful scenery around the campground as it lays right in the edge of the ocean, instant walk to the beach."

    "We found this campsite tucked away near Gualala during the lockdown in January. Almost every campground was closed after CA hospitalizations peaked, so this private campground saved our trip!"

    8. Van Damme State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    Little River, CA
    23 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."

    9. Gualala River Redwood Park

    12 Reviews
    Gualala, CA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 884-3533

    "Surrounded by thick redwoods, trails run off every campsite."

    "Nice campsite situated amongst beautiful trees with a great kids play area. River was running low but was very pretty - fun for the kids to paddle in. Our site was spacious and pretty."

    10. Navarro Beach Campground — Navarro River Redwoods State Park

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

    "It is right off of the highway, yet it feels so secluded. The beach is beautiful and the campsites are roomy."

    "We got there at around 2pm and there were only 2 other campers. By the end of the night most of the spots had filled up. The beach was very quiet with few other visitors."

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Recent Reviews near Philo, CA

692 Reviews of 153 Philo Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • Leafe Z.
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Johnson's Beach

    Perfext location for river

    Russian River is right out front of the campground. They offer kayaks canoes, and whatever else you want to rent however, if you have a dog, they don’t allow the dog on the beach or in the boat with you and they’re not allowed to stay behind in the tent, so you’re kind of stuck if you have a dog

  • 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.

  • Michi P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Casini Ranch Family Campground

    Nice Clean Quiet Campground

    We had a big site, it was quiet. The bathrooms are clean, showers are $1.00, they have something for every type of camper here, from tents, covered wagons to rv sites. This is a large campground located on the Russian River. They have a well stocked store, laundry facilities.

    Edit: Tuesday and Wednesday were as described above. Thursday a very loud rambunctious crowd showed up. Casini Campground has a ton of rules, one of which is you shouldn’t play your music loud enough for your neighbors to hear, we were able to hear the music and the people who were trying to talk over their music. If you going to have rules, please enforce them. Edited to change from 5 stars to 4.

  • 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.


Guide to Philo

The Anderson Valley area surrounding Philo maintains temperatures between 50-85°F throughout camping season, with inland sites averaging 10-15 degrees warmer than coastal campgrounds. Situated at approximately 300 feet elevation, the valley floor creates a distinct microclimate that supports both redwood groves and vineyards. Most campsites near Philo, California require advance booking during summer weekends, when occupancy regularly exceeds 90%.

What to do

River swimming access: 10-minute walk from Paul M. Demmick Campground offers refreshing summer options. "There's a path down to the river near the Day Use area; the river was pretty tame, which is surprising for a campground that routinely floods in the wintertime," notes one visitor.

Tide pool exploration: Manchester State Park Campground provides beach proximity with abundant marine life. "You can walk the river bank and then the beach! This campground/state park is right at the mouth of the Navarro river," reports a camper who found the location ideal for exploring both environments.

Photography opportunities: Visit Hendy Woods State Park Campground for fungi and plant photography, especially in early spring. "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 an enthusiast.

Wine tasting: Multiple Anderson Valley wineries within 15 minutes of camping areas showcase local Pinot Noir. "Anderson Valley is a Pinot Noir region so wineries surround the campground. Booneville is a cute nearby town with kid friendly Anderson Valley Brewery and Pennyroyal Cheese Farm," explains a visitor.

What campers like

Midweek privacy: Many campgrounds near Philo remain largely empty Monday through Thursday. "We came for two nights in late November. The days are short and the canopy of the redwoods created a pitch black surrounding," reports a camper at Gualala Point Regional Park, who enjoyed the solitude.

Forest insulation: Most campsites feature thick tree cover that moderates temperatures. "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 a visitor to Mackerricher State Park Campground.

Dark sky stargazing: Limited light pollution creates outstanding astronomical viewing opportunities. "No city lights to speak of = incredible stargazing. Oceanside = fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves," shares a Manchester State Park camper who appreciated the clear night skies.

Variety of campsite layouts: Some campgrounds offer diverse site configurations. "Inner sites on a meadow have lots of space! Outer sites are in a more wooded landscape," notes a visitor to Van Damme State Park Campground who enjoyed the campsite options.

What you should know

Seasonal river changes: The Navarro River fluctuates dramatically between seasons. "The river was also the lowest it had been in a really long time apparently," reports a summer visitor to Gualala River Redwood Park, highlighting how conditions change throughout the year.

Limited cell service: Coverage varies significantly by carrier and campground. "No cell service with Verizon, you'll have to drive into Mendocino for that," notes a Paul Demmick camper, while another mentions, "I managed to get enough cell signal to work from my trailer. Even a video Zoom conference on at&t hotspot!"

Wildlife considerations: Raccoons can be problematic at some campgrounds. "Raccoons were extremely aggressive and even ate its way into a tent at 2AM. It would have been nice if the host had warned of them," warns a Gualala Point visitor.

Bathroom facilities vary widely: From flush toilets to vault options with limited maintenance. "Bathrooms are vault toilets, and they are often lacking toilet paper, and at times the garbage cans are overflowing and the toilets are a health hazard," reports a Navarro Beach camper, noting the $35 nightly fee despite basic facilities.

Tips for camping with families

Junior Ranger programs: Hendy Woods State Park offers engaging educational activities. "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 a family visitor.

Bike-friendly campgrounds: Many sites offer safe cycling routes for children. "It's a huge campground with lots of people, but it doesn't feel like it! Kids absolutely love it. People are riding bikes everywhere, but again it doesn't feel overly crowded," reports a Gualala River Redwood Park visitor.

Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds provide ranger-led activities. "The rangers are helpful, the beaches are clean and accessible. The campsites are also clean with plenty of room for wetsuits, kayaks, and abalone cleaning," explains a visitor to Mackerricher State Park, highlighting the marine education focus.

Close beach access: Some campgrounds offer quick access to protected beach areas. "This KOA has large tent sites and a HUGE kitchen with 3 electric stoves and several sinks and microwaves for camper use. They have movies each night and have lots of trees for shade," reports a visitor to Manchester Beach/Mendocino Coast KOA.

Tips from RVers

Limited hookup options: Most campgrounds offer partial or no hookups. "Some sites overlook the river and it is a wonderful walk to the ocean. The campsites were spacious and very clean. Around 30 sites overlook the river," notes a visitor to Anchor Bay Campground, one of the few with electrical service.

Water pressure challenges: Even campgrounds with hookups may have infrastructure limitations. "Electric power was low - our microwave typically took 25-50% longer to heat, and water pressure was very low, so much that using kitchen faucet took a long time to fill items," reports a Gualala River Redwood Park RVer.

Dump station availability: Plan accordingly as not all campgrounds offer this service. "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," explains a visitor to Mackerricher State Park.

Site leveling considerations: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain. "The parking spaces are not as flat as we were hoping for as we have a rooftop tent, but a minor complaint," shares a Van Damme visitor, while another notes, "Numerous dips and slopes made leveling difficult" at Gualala River Redwood Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Philo campgrounds?

Campgrounds near Philo offer a range of amenities to enhance your stay. Navarro Beach Campground — Navarro River Redwoods State Park provides toilets and accommodates various access types including boat-in, drive-in, and walk-in camping. For those seeking more facilities, Mendocino Redwoods RV Resort offers full RV hookups in a forested setting. Most campgrounds in the area provide picnic tables, fire pits with grates, food storage lockers, and access to potable water. Bathroom facilities vary by location, with some offering flush toilets and others providing vault toilets.

Where can I find camping spots in Philo?

Philo and the surrounding Anderson Valley offer several excellent camping options. Hendy Woods State Park Campground is a local gem featuring beautiful old-growth redwood groves and is considered one of the most beautiful spots between Big Sur and Humboldt County. Another option near Philo is Paul M. Demmick Campground — Navarro River Redwoods State Park, which offers drive-in and walk-in sites with water and toilet facilities. These campgrounds provide a perfect base for exploring Philo's renowned wineries and the natural beauty of Anderson Valley.

When is the best time of year to go camping in Philo?

The ideal time to camp in Philo is late spring through early fall (May through October). Russian Gulch State Park Campground is particularly pleasant in early October, offering quiet, secluded sites with moderate temperatures. Summer brings warm days perfect for exploring the region's natural beauty, while Salt Point State Park Campground provides a cooler coastal option during hot summer months. Fall offers fewer crowds and beautiful foliage, but prepare for cooler nights. Winter camping is possible but less advisable due to increased rainfall and colder temperatures in the Anderson Valley.