Redwood Valley camping offers diverse lodging options from tent sites to yurt accommodations, with elevations ranging from near sea level to over 1,000 feet in surrounding forested areas. The Mediterranean climate features warm, dry summers with temperatures averaging 85-95°F and mild, wet winters dropping to 30-45°F. Fall camping provides colorful foliage with fewer crowds at most campgrounds.
What to do
Water activities at Clear Lake: The Aurora RV Park & Marina offers convenient lake access with complimentary equipment. "They offer FREE canoe/paddle boating. Bathrooms are kept clean and mike, the owner is amazing. Real nice guy and very helpful," notes Melissa C. about this family-friendly destination.
Beach exploration: Westport Beach RV Park provides direct beach access with relative privacy. As visitor Stephen R. explains, "We were lucky to get a site right next to the beach for our class B RV. This is a beautiful site along Highway 1." The beach area remains uncrowded because there's no public access point.
Wildlife observation: Jackson Demonstration Forest (Camp One) offers secluded riverside camping with abundant wildlife viewing. "Beautiful, clean and peaceful. Plenty of trails to explore and Noyo River meanders through the center," shares Danielle F. The forest setting creates natural habitat for numerous bird species and riverine wildlife.
What campers like
Secluded forest settings: Middle Creek Campground offers quiet camping away from crowds. "Middle creek campground was as close as we could find to free camping in Upper Lake CA... it is quiet and peaceful. You can hear the creek running along the camp, as well as the wild turkeys," writes Donna M., noting the area's biodiversity.
Family-focused amenities: Beyond standard facilities, Manchester Beach/Mendocino Coast KOA provides structured entertainment. "We enjoyed having a full kitchen available and the community entertainment like s'mores around the campfire," notes Mary L., highlighting the campground's social activities that don't require additional planning.
Diverse accommodation options: Near Redwood Valley, yurt camping offers comfortable alternatives to traditional tents. At Narrows Lodge Resort, "We rented a camping yurt and we were so surprised how big it is! We received a key to our own bathroom and shower!" explains Jessica R., describing the unexpected privacy benefits of these structured accommodations.
What you should know
Weather preparation: Manchester State Park experiences significant coastal weather patterns. "Some spots are more exposed to the wind so if you have a tent or tent trailer you may want to check in with the host to find a spot that is more sheltered," advises Erik M., emphasizing the importance of proper site selection.
Road conditions: Access to some campgrounds requires careful driving. Raven P. warns about Narrows Lodge Resort: "The road is a little tight to get into this resort (1 lane road with traffic going both ways with few pull offs)." Similarly, the drive to Jackson Demonstration Forest involves 3 miles of dirt road, requiring vehicles with adequate clearance.
Reservation requirements: While many state parks require advance booking, Manchester State Park operates first-come, first-served. "Plenty of sites to pick from on a Tuesday in June, about 5% occupancy," shares Kenneth L., contrasting with nearby reservation-only campgrounds that book months ahead.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Fuller Grove Group Campground offers beach access perfect for children. "The campground beach is beautiful, definitely recommend some late-night stargazing," suggests Marc A., highlighting activities beyond daytime swimming that engage children after dark.
Space for multiple tents: When yurt camping isn't available near Redwood Valley, Fuller Grove provides alternatives. "It's a small loop with great options for multi-tent camping. Some of the sites far from the entrance and along the water are very nice with multiple pads and tables," notes Marc A., describing ideal setup for family groups.
Off-peak visits: Manchester State Park offers quieter family experiences during weekdays. "Went up the coast in June knowing it would be hard to find a spot. Just as I thought our chances were running thin we stumbled across this place. Mostly open sites, all were fairly secluded," reports Kyle H., mentioning the excellent bicycle riding opportunities for children.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: At The Aurora RV Park & Marina, location affects experience quality. "Decided to splurge and opted for a lakeside spot. Had neighbor on one side and grass on the other," shares Julie T., adding that waterfront spots provide better views but less privacy.
Seasonal flexibility: Westport Beach RV Park offers different experiences throughout the year. "Quiet in the off season. Fires on the beach are great. Rediscovered this place in February and have reservations for November," explains Outdoordude D., highlighting the benefits of camping outside peak summer months.
Connectivity challenges: For those needing occasional internet access, prepare for limitations. "Cell service only on the beach and no working Wi-Fi which worked for me cuz I needed a break," notes Brenda M. about Westport Beach RV Park, while other campgrounds like Mendocino Redwoods RV Resort offer more reliable connectivity options.
