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.