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.