Best Tent Camping near Point Arena, CA

Redwood forests and coastal landscapes surrounding Point Arena, California offer diverse tent camping options for outdoor enthusiasts. Paul M. Demmick Campground in Navarro River Redwoods State Park provides tent campsites nestled among towering redwoods with creek access. Jackson Demonstration Forest, located about 6 miles from Fort Bragg, offers more secluded tent camping with trails to explore and the Noyo River running through the center. Jughandle Creek Farm between Mendocino and Fort Bragg features walk-in tent sites with hiking paths leading to Jughandle Beach and the unique Pygmy Redwood Forest. Bullfrog Pond Campground in Armstrong Woods, though temporarily closed, has traditionally provided both drive-in and walk-in tent sites.

Most tent campgrounds in the region operate on a first-come, first-served basis, requiring early arrival on weekends to secure a spot. Campsites typically include basic amenities such as picnic tables and fire rings, but facilities vary significantly. Paul Demmick Campground offers vault toilets but no drinking water, while Schoolhouse Canyon provides water spigots and paid showers. Road access ranges from paved highways to rough dirt roads requiring careful navigation. Jackson Demonstration Forest requires driving 3 miles down a dirt road, creating a more isolated primitive tent camping experience. Cell service is limited or nonexistent at most locations, with campers at Paul Demmick needing to drive to Mendocino for reception.

In early fall, tent campers often find more availability and cooler temperatures at these campgrounds. According to reviews, Paul Demmick Campground offers excellent shade coverage, with one camper noting, "The whole campground is well shaded in the redwoods and the weather was mild." Sites near rivers or creeks tend to be most popular. A visitor to Jackson Demonstration Forest described it as "beautiful, clean and peaceful" with "plenty of trails to explore." Midweek visits typically offer greater solitude, with one camper reporting being the only one at Dunlap Campground during a weekday stay. Wildlife sightings including fox, deer, and raccoons are common, requiring proper food storage at backcountry tent sites.

Best Tent Sites Near Point Arena, California (20)

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

    6 Reviews
    Navarro, CA
    17 miles
    +1 (707) 937-5804

    $10 - $35 / night

    "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."

    "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."

    2. Dunlap Campground

    5 Reviews
    Comptche, CA
    31 miles
    Website

    "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."

    3. Jackson Demonstration Forest

    3 Reviews
    Caspar, CA
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 964-5674

    "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."

    4. Jughandle Creek Farm

    1 Review
    Caspar, CA
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 745-7302

    $45 / night

    "It was the perfect spot to set up two(or more) tents. There was a great fire ring and picnic table at the site. "

    5. Red Mountain

    2 Reviews
    Ukiah, CA
    34 miles
    +1 (707) 468-4000

    6. Bullfrog Pond Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    7 Reviews
    Guerneville, CA
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 869-2015

    "Right by Armstrong Redwoods State Park there is a steep winding road at the end of which there is literally a pond. "

    "We had spot number 23 but I think 24 or 21 would have been the best for shade and privacy. THERE ARE NO SHOWERS HERE! we did not know this before hand."

    7. COE Mendocino Lake Bu-Shay Campground

    2 Reviews
    Mendocino Lake, CA
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 467-4200

    8. Schoolhouse Canyon Campground

    8 Reviews
    Rio Nido, CA
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 869-2311

    $48 / night

    "He put us in a very level spot that was great for my rooftop tent situation. Can’t say enough good things about him and his staff. Everyone was very friendly."

    "Location location location…. The Schoolhouse Canyon Campground is located about 400 yards off the Russian River / 1/2 mile down the road from the Korbel Winery (amazing deli!!!)"

    9. Buckhorn Campground

    1 Review
    Lakeport, CA
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 468-4000

    10. Old Train Caboose

    1 Review
    Upper Lake, CA
    41 miles
    +1 (707) 367-8168

    $39 - $175 / night

    "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."

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Showing results 1-10 of 20 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Point Arena, CA

533 Reviews of 20 Point Arena Campgrounds



Guide to Point Arena

Tent camping near Point Arena, California, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, perfect for those looking to escape into the wilderness.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • The Paul M. Demmick Campground features picnic tables and vault toilets, providing essential comforts in a serene redwood setting.
  • At Dunlap Campground, campers can enjoy spacious sites with picnic tables and access to a nearby creek, making it a great spot for relaxation.
  • Jackson Demonstration Forest offers a peaceful environment with fire pits and picnic tables, perfect for a cozy evening under the stars.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Enjoy hiking and exploring the beautiful trails in the Jackson Demonstration Forest, where the Noyo River meanders through the area.
  • The Jughandle Creek Farm provides easy access to Jughandle Beach, ideal for a day of sun and sand.
  • Campers at Red Mountain can take advantage of off-road driving and ATV trails, making it a thrilling destination for adventure seekers.

Unique local attractions for tent campers

  • The scenic beauty of the nearby Mendocino Coast is just a short drive from Dunlap Campground, offering stunning ocean views and opportunities for whale watching.
  • Bu-Shay Campground is conveniently located near Lake Mendocino, perfect for fishing, boating, and picnicking by the water.
  • Experience the tranquility of the redwoods at Paul M. Demmick Campground, where you can immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Point Arena, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Point Arena, 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 Point Arena, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 20 tent camping locations near Point Arena, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.