We tent camped in this state campground for two nights. The campground is well shaded (good luck with solar).  It's small with only 23 sites. Perfect weekend getaway for Northern California families, about 3 hours from Bay Area.

Next to a beautiful state operated historical park with lots of open space, tall ancient oak trees and two easy trails. Open space great for games, frisbee, soccer, or setup a volleyball net. Grass is mowed. Many shaded picnic tables. We enjoyed hiking the South trail, which is about 1/2 a mile with nature markers matching to an information guide. Kids will enjoy going inside the roundhouses (teepee like structures). Stop by the free museum. The ranger was very knowledgeable and engaged the kids well covering the history of artifacts.

Pros

- Very clean bathrooms. They were cleaned and sterilized twice a day according to the ranger. Flush toilets. Hot water showers, requiring coins (change machine).  

- Campsite host on site. There are also rangers nearby at the park. 

- Sites reservable

- Very close to Black Chasm Cavern, which is a paid guided tour cavern. Kids can search for fossils and minerals in the water trough next to gift shop. Just buy a bag of dirt. 

- Two trails: a short South trail near the campsite and a longer North trail.

- ADA site and many accessible areas & bathroom 

- Campfire rings and tables at campsites. Each site appeared to have a flat tent spot available. 

Cons

- You can hear cars and trucks going by at night on nearby Pine Grove Volcano Rd. Not too bad, but does take away the ambiance of being in the outdoors. This is why I give it 4 out of 5 stars.

- Some of the sites are close together. They are closer than appear on camp map.  Another reason for 4 out of 5 stars. 

- Dogs cannot go on trails. They can only go to open fields at historical park and campground, which is plenty for dog walking. 

- Water spigots are shared among multiple sites (not one per site). No hookups. 

Our family would definitely go again.

This is a first come, first served campground owned by the national forest. Other options nearby in case it’s filled up upon arrival. Has two loops, one is tent only. Close driving distance to Columns of the Giants (search this for details). Camp host on-site. We enjoyed it and would return. Only con: the Dardanelles Resort across the street runs a large electric generator to power their camp facility, store, bar, etc. until midnight. Although at a distance, the valley murmur was a little annoying.