Best Tent Camping near Philo, CA

Tent campsites near Philo, California offer a mix of redwood forest and riverside camping experiences with several first-come, first-served options. Paul M. Demmick Campground in Navarro River Redwoods State Park provides shaded tent sites under towering redwoods, while Jackson Demonstration Forest offers more secluded tent camping about 30 minutes northwest. Red Mountain and Buckhorn campgrounds provide primitive tent camping options for those seeking more remote experiences.

Most tent campgrounds in the region have basic amenities including picnic tables, fire pits, and vault toilets, but potable water is limited. Campers should bring their own water supply, particularly at primitive sites like Buckhorn and Red Mountain. Sites typically feature natural dirt or forest duff surfaces with minimal grading. Several campgrounds offer walk-in tent sites that provide more privacy than standard drive-in options. Paul M. Demmick operates on a self-registration system with fees around $35 per night as of recent updates, while some BLM-managed areas like Red Mountain allow free camping for up to 14 days per year.

Tent campers frequently mention the peacefulness of camping beneath redwoods, particularly at sites farther from Highway 128. Creekside tent sites are available at several campgrounds, offering both recreational opportunities and pleasant natural soundscapes. The walk-in tent sites at Jughandle Creek Farm provide exceptional seclusion, with one camper noting it was "perfectly secluded and right next to the beach." At Paul M. Demmick, sites near the river offer the best experience with good privacy, though weekend visitors should arrive early as the limited number of tent sites fill quickly. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, the region experiences minimal wildlife disturbances, with most campers reporting peaceful nights except for occasional road noise at campgrounds situated closer to highways.

Best Tent Sites Near Philo, California (34)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Philo, CA

636 Reviews of 34 Philo Campgrounds



Guide to Philo

Tent camping near Philo, California provides access to the rich Mendocino County landscape where redwood forests meet inland valleys. The region sits at approximately 300 feet elevation with summer temperatures averaging 85°F during day and cooling to 50°F at night. Most campgrounds in this area remain open year-round but experience seasonal closures during heavy winter rainfall events, particularly at riverside locations.

What to do

Creek exploration: Noyo River runs through Jackson Demonstration Forest, offering a natural water feature for summer cooling. As one camper noted, "Nice day use area with tables and creek for playing in," making it ideal for afternoon relaxation between hikes.

Wildlife watching: Early mornings reveal surprising diversity at Dunlap Campground where one camper observed "Tons of wildlife. Fox, deer, raccoon, etc. keep your food locked up at all times." Most wildlife activity occurs around dawn and dusk.

Scenic drives: Highway 128 serves as the main corridor through Anderson Valley's wine country with multiple pullouts for photography. A camper staying at Dunlap mentioned it's "Really convenient to Fort Bragg (30 min away) or Willets (30 min away)" for supply runs or day trips.

Hiking: Self-guided trails extend from several campgrounds into surrounding forests. At Bullfrog Pond Campground, campers can choose between "tough hill hikes through the Oaks or easier hikes through the Redwoods which remind me a lot of Muir Woods (but less crowded than that)."

What campers like

Seclusion and quiet: Many tent campers value the peaceful setting, especially at Red Mountain Campground where one visitor described it as "Ultimate seclusion, with normal camping accommodations." The campground offers "a 'million dollar' view of the mountain range and Clearlake."

Forest canopy: Tent camping under redwoods provides natural temperature regulation. At Paul M. Demmick Campground, a camper described it as "This is a beautiful little spot in the redwoods. Shaded, peaceful and lovely."

Riverside sites: Camps adjacent to water are particularly valued. One camper at Jackson Demonstration Forest noted "The noyo river runs right through the middle of the campground," providing both ambient sound and recreation opportunities.

Minimal development: Basic amenities maintain the natural feel. At Red Mountain, campers appreciate that "You can stay 14 days out of the year for free," with vault toilets but no water sources.

What you should know

Water availability: Most primitive campgrounds require self-supplied water. At Buckhorn Campground, visitors should bring all needed water as there are no potable sources on site.

Seasonal conditions: Summer heat can be intense at exposed sites. One camper at Buckhorn noted it "Can get very hot in the summer with limited shade. Unfortunately a lot of damage was done during the fires."

Self-registration systems: Most campgrounds operate without on-site hosts. At Dunlap Campground, "No on-site camp host, but Cal Fire does come through to write receipts and pick up trash."

Road conditions: Access roads can be challenging for low-clearance vehicles. Red Mountain requires "the 4x4 trek to the campground" while another campsite described "a very winding, bumpy one lane road for about 10 minutes before you reach the campgrounds."

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Philo, CA is Paul M. Demmick Campground — Navarro River Redwoods State Park with a 3.7-star rating from 6 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 34 tent camping locations near Philo, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.