The best camping in Hendy Woods State Park, CA

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98% (60)

An inland wonderland with some of California's most breathtaking redwood groves.  

The best camping in Hendy Woods State Park, CA

Public campgrounds here are often sold out.
98% (60)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Hendy Woods State Park adventure.

Camper favorites near Hendy Woods State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Top-rated campgrounds

Jug Handle Creek Nature Center

96%
(5279)
28mi from Hendy Woods State Park · 20 sites · Tents, RVs · Caspar, CA
Nestled on 33 acres of coastal meadows and forest, Jug Handle Creek Nature Center is a peaceful, nature-centered campground with a rich history and a truly unique landscape. Saved from development in the 1970s, Jug Handle now stands as a thriving nonprofit sanctuary dedicated to education, restoration, and connection with the natural world. Just a five-minute walk from Jug Handle State Reserve, Jug Handle Beach, and the renowned Ecological Staircase Trail - a rare geological formation that reveals 500,000 years of coastal history - you’ll find yourself immersed in one of Mendocino County’s most remarkable environments. We offer 11 spacious campsites, each with two picnic tables, a fire ring, parking for two vehicles, and plenty of room for tents. Spread out across open meadows and forest edges, the sites offer privacy, quiet, and the soothing sounds of nature. Explore on-site nature trails, a native plant nursery, and beautiful woodlands, or simply relax beneath the stars. A few important things to note: Due to the close proximity of neighboring livestock, as well as the bountiful wildlife that call this special place home, PETS ARE NO LONGER PERMITTED on the premises. Firewood is not provided, though there are several roadside stands nearby where it is available for purchase. You'll be pretty independent here. We provide self-check-in for your convenience. Directions and access information (including the bathroom code!) will be messaged to you prior to your stay.
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$45
 / night

Heartwood Mendocino

99%
(497)
23mi from Hendy Woods State Park · 12 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Mendocino, CA
Our property is just minutes from Mendocino's beaches, parks and sweet town, yet private and quiet as it is surrounded by 50,000 acre state forest with world class hiking and biking trails directly accessed from our place. Around the giant redwoods and meadows we have sprinkled in the most amazing little cabins, camp sites and deluxe bath house. We have a great outdoor camp kitchen available for your use. The redwood tree shower must not be missed! This is a very special experience for us to share with you. We are a family of campers. We agree, there's nothing better than a rest in a hammock following a hike or a beach day and a night under the stars without the constant dinging of cell and internet! Guests love staying here: "Such a lovely getaway! Our family of four and little dog thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Heartwood. The cabins are great, with comfortable (warm) beds, very clean and cozy. It’s well worth the visit even in the winter! Really appreciated being outdoors surrounded by Redwoods, hiking the trails around the property, the modern bathrooms with hot showers, and the indoor sitting area to make coffee in the mornings. Our stay was relaxing, memorable and special!" Please remember that we are in the woods and there is wildlife around. We don't want them to get into your food items, and recommend that you place food items in the enclosed common room or in the critter proof cupboards in the outdoor kitchen.
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$76
 / night

Timber Cove Campground

94%
(257)
38mi from Hendy Woods State Park · 18 sites · Tents, RVs · Jenner, CA
Located right off coastal US highway 1, Timber Cove campground sits right at the edge of breathtaking, oceanside cliffs. We are situated on roughly two acres of land, with multiple campsites for tent/car camping or RV’s. Each bluff campsite has a picnic table, fire pit and water. Electricity is available to use for an extra fee. The beach and waterfall campsites do not have picnic tables so you might want to bring one if you’ve booked there. We have separate men’s and women’s flush bathrooms, with coin-operated hot showers. We have firewood with kindling for sale on site, payable with cash or Venmo. Please take note of local fire bans, when in effect. Dog friendly, though be advised a leash is recommended as we are close to the road, but they can run leash-free down at the beach. We are located 30 minutes north of the town of Jenner, with Gualala 30 minutes to the north. Gualala has grocery stores, a post office, and some shops. Fort Ross Store is located one mile down the road, just before Timber Cove, and sells basic food necessities, drinks, sandwiches, ice and gas. Internet cell service can be spotty in our area, depending on your provider, so bring your own Starlink services if you have them. We also have access to the beach below, and offer beach camping as well. Take note that the road down to the beach is steep with uneven terrain. The weather can vary quickly here, so be sure to bring multiple layers of clothing and camp gear for various types of weather, and headlamps are useful for getting around the property at night! We hope you’ll come visit our little slice of heaven on the ocean cliffs, gaze at the stars, marvel at the sunsets, watch the harbor seals dozing on their rocks and the many bird species that inhabit our property. Bring your binoculars and watch out for whales too! We look forward to hosting you at Timber Cove. Please email with any questions about camping with us. Address: 21350 CA-1, Jenner, CA 95450
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$95
 / night

Waterfall Camp

100%
(303)
25mi from Hendy Woods State Park · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Mendocino, CA
Welcome to Waterfall Camp. Fallow us on IG https://www.instagram.com/waterfallcampmendocino/ Come enjoy your stay with us on our beautiful 5-acre property centrally located, its only 10 min to the village of Mendocino, 5 minute drive to Caspar beach and 10 min to the town of Fort Bragg. Nestled on the edge of the Redwoods and Pygmy Forest, adjacent to Russian Gulch State Park. The property has private access into park which consists of many miles of beautiful Redwood trails,the trail to the waterfall, biking trails along with a trail that leads straight to the ocean. Come and relax around your private campfire and cook over the open flames or treat yourself to fine dining in Mendocino or Fort Bragg, the experience is at your fingertips. From camping under the stars to hiking and biking through the redwoods or kayaking up Big River, come let the Mendocino coast show you what it’s all about. Our goal is to make you feel right at home. Each of our three sites has a redwood deck with a sink and food prep space, potable water, remote solar lighting, picnic table, smokeless fire pit and grill, firewood, level parking area and tent pad. One of the three sites can accommodate a 25’ trailer. There is a beautiful redwood bathhouse with two outdoor showers and two flushing toilets. All water onsite is potable so make sure to top off before your day of adventuring. There is a horseshoe pit, cornhole, and badminton set for fun under the sun. All sites are a two min walk to the State Park trails and 5 min ride to Jackson state forest bike trails. It's about a half hour walk to the beautiful waterfall from our property. Large Groups are welcome to book all three sites with two additional RV locations. Also we have a fully stocked westfalia camper van to glamp in if your wanting to pack light for the weekend. We hope to make your stay with us a memorable and fun experience. Shay & Liz -
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$81
 / night

Wildhaven Sonoma Glamping

98%
(100)
44mi from Hendy Woods State Park · 122 sites · Lodging · Healdsburg, CA
Wildhaven Sonoma is the top-rated glamping spot in the Bay Area. Our glamping experience was designed to provide guests with comfort, warmth, and cleanliness, while still maintaining a close connection to Sonoma County’s stunning natural beauty. Guests check in to extra-large, safari-style tents or cozy cabins, both with comfortable beds (with linens and heated mattress pads), electricity and heaters, WiFi, and all the furnishings needed for a memorable night outdoors. Outside, guests have a personal fire pit, a covered porch with patio furniture, and a large picnic table. Those seeking a tent with more comfort and features can book our Riverside tents with 2-person hammocks, festive string lights, and improved nature views, just a few steps from the Russian River. Then there are the amenities, which are not typically found at traditional campgrounds. These include a clean, central bathroom building, hot showers, an outdoor kitchen with dish-washing sinks and gas BBQs, a store with local treats, and summer activities such as yoga classes, wine tastings, and live music. The highlight of the 10-acre property is the private river access for guests. Wildhaven’s section of the Russian River is calm yet clean and perfect for innertubes from May-Oct. Wildhaven is surrounded by vineyards on 3 sides and is in the middle of the famous Alexander Valley wine-growing region. When it's time to venture out, Wildhaven is just 5 miles from the charming small town of Healdsburg, with its picture-perfect town plaza filled with palm and redwood trees and surrounded by 30+ tasting rooms, book and cooking stores, and ice cream shops. We hope you'll consider trying out a unique night of wine country glamping with us on the Russian River. We're dog friendly! There is a limit of 2 dogs per tent. Please be sure to add the dog fee in extras upon check out.
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$99
 / night

Comptche Matrix @ Sunny-land

97%
(58)
11mi from Hendy Woods State Park · 8 sites · Tents, Lodging · Comptche, CA
Over the years, this town has attracted artists, musicians, writers and wine lovers from all over the world in search for inspiration. Here, you can explore Mendocino County's exquisite State Parks such as Montgomery Woods with giant redwoods (20 min drive). Orr Hot Springs (25 min), enjoy restaurants, coastal landscapes (Hwy 1 , 40 min away) , hiking trails along the headlands & beaches (40 min away), wineries (Anderson Valley 30 min) also hike the pygmy forests nearby in Little River. Fishing and whale watching too out of Ft. Bragg. Ca. Sunnyland is a VERY REMOTE AND RURAL location. We are an off grid solar homestead. Beautiful redwood grove campsites and views for miles. Stargazing and no light pollution. Meteor showers are the best here! Hiking trails all over the property, hundreds of different wild mushrooms. Bird watching, hearing ravens and hawks right here at our place making for an extra special vibe. We have two very friendly Great Pyrenees, 2 cats, 5 ducks and 10 chickens. Fresh farm eggs available. These animals are all located near the house, and not near the campsites. Directions: Please contact me for specific instructions on how to get here ahead of your arrival time. Feel free to reach out the day before for directions also. If you are coming from Ukiah, reach out to me there. Or if coming from the coast please reach out to me from Mendocino area since service is very unreliable shortly after both of those towns. Please check in before dark or contact me before for detailed directions. Drive slowly and respectfully for all neighbors and campers. Follow your Bliss.... Kids are absolutely welcome. CELL SERVICE IS SPOTTY. Wifi is available here up at the main house if needed. Water is available at the main house. Campsites are private.
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$27
 / night

Huckleberry Haven

97%
(101)
34mi from Hendy Woods State Park · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Cazadero, CA
Huckleberry Haven currently features TWO sites: FIRST is the Camp Deck for your tents in the forest. Pitch your tent on a dry and flat redwood deck. Surrounded by huckleberries (in season July-Nov), fir, pine and redwood trees and adjacent to Salt Point State Park and Kruse Rhododendron State Preserve. Deck site has basic amenities: potable well water, fire ring (PROPANE only, bring your own fire ring, as we are now in fire season), picnic table, and an outhouse. SECOND is the small RV or teardop/Van camping parking spot. (no tents) This site is near the top of our grassy meadow, with glorious forest views, on dry gravel, and features a picnic table & outhouse. It does not have a campfire facility, nor water. You're welcome to bring your own propane fire & cooking source, but NO open wood fires due to grassy fire hazards. Property is situated at 800' above sea level (usually above the fog) across the road from the Stump Beach trailhead in Salt Point State Park - which, from our driveway, is a 2 mile hike or bike ride down to the beach. Enjoy quiet solitude of one of the most private and quiet places on the Sonoma Coast. Avoid the crowds of Salt Point, with all the basic amenities you expect. Birdwatch, play frisbee golf, hunt for mushrooms, basecamp your hikes, runs or mountain bike rides in Salt Point, or use Huckleberry Haven as the central spot to innumerable road bike rides on empty roads. The choice is yours! Special note: Huckleberry Haven is on the edge of some great wilderness! We have all sorts of wildlife sauntering by, and certainly have for decades. We recommend taking precautions to avoid interacting with curious/hungry wildlife - Don't sleep with your food in the tent, and keep camp tidy! We know there to be black bears, mountain lions, bobcats, foxes, racoons, skunks and so forth. Mountain Lions tend to avoid us, but you'll want to check on best practices to avoid bear interactions. This is one website we've found helpful: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/backpacking-in-bear-country.html
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$40
 / night

South Facing Ridge With Views

97%
(524)
12mi from Hendy Woods State Park · 12 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Comptche, CA
Surrounded by cooperate timberland,  it feels like there are no neighbors!  There is not a house in sight but the the ridge views seem to go on forever!  - There is a simple latrine at each site. A full bath house with a flush toilet and hot shower is available next to the main house. A water spigot is attached to the main house. - Spare camping supplies are available by the bath house if you forget something! Ask ahead if you need to borrow a specific item. More about the property: I built my home high upon a southern ridge. Watching the river of coastal fog flow in and out below me is one of the most wonderful views to behold! I have 30 acres of land to explore and camp upon in the surrounding redwood forest. 10 miles east are Montgomery Woods redwood preserve with GIANT trees, and a little farther, perhaps a mile is the famous Orr Hot Springs Resort. If you drive a half hour west from my land you will be in the coastal Mendocino village. We are marijuana friendly!! Thus, we have created more of an adult oriented atmosphere. one last note: We recently made separate listings for different sites. See campsite #1 for reviews.Guests love staying here "What a fantastic experience. I arrived to Cosmo’s super late after a long day going up the coast. It was a last minute book that morning, if I remember right - my campsite had fallen through. His directions were spot on, and very kindly he stayed up to take me to my site and help me get set up, even going so far as to light me a fire. His property was easily navigable in the dark, and my two wheel drive made it fine. We talked for a while - what a cool guy. He was able to give me recommendations from a friend of what to do during the next legs of my trip, which was great and really did make a difference for the rest of my week. I cooked my dinner and sat stunned looking at some of the best stargazing I’ve had in a long time.When I woke up I realized that I had been sleeping next to a mountainside view - this was site 3. Talk about the best surprise I’ve gotten in a while unzipping a tent. The clouds were gathered in the valley and as I ate breakfast I got to watch the sun slowly clear then out. It was unbelievable.Before I left, Cosmo let me use his indoor solar-heated shower and told me all about his projects to build his own home and roads and move towards a more sustainable future. Overall this is really the best of what I imagine hipcamp has to offer - kind property owners & unique individuals who care about their guests while also allowing them to have their own experience. If I’m ever near Mendocino I will gladly make the trip inland to stay at his property again."
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$40
 / night

Other options near Hendy Woods State Park

The best camping in Hendy Woods State Park, CA guide

Overview

About

Need a respite from the urban bustle of the San Francisco Bay Area? Take a swing through the redwood groves of this inland state park in Mendocino County. The Big Hendy and Little Hendy groves both feature towering redwoods nearly 1,000 years old.

This spot's a bit warmer and less foggy than coastal parks, allowing for better sightlines. The 85-site campground is pretty popular. Reservations are recommended for the busy summer season.

The 1.6 mile Upper Loop Trail is your best overall choice for hiking. You'll see Big Hendy's most impressive trees and some of its more hidden treasures.

If you like oddball history, take a few hours to travel the Hermit Hut Trail. This forthrightly named trek takes you past a (very) reclusive Russian immigrant's abandoned dwellings. He lived in the area (mostly out of a downed redwood) for almost 20 years!

The park's location on the Navarro River also offers options on and in the water. Note there's no fishing allowed in the park itself.

Notable campgrounds

  • Azalea Loop: Offers campsites with varying restroom accessibility amid the redwoods.
  • Wildcat Campground: Home to the accessible Puma Cabin and surrounded by lush forest.
  • Big Hendy Grove: Features the wheelchair-accessible Discovery Trail and nearby camping options.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Book early, as visitors can reserve campsites and lodging six months in advance from the current date.
  • Consider mid-week stays for better availability and a quieter experience.
  • Check for cancellations regularly, especially close to your desired travel date.
  • Explore nearby camping options if Hendy Woods is fully booked.

When to go

The best time to visit Hendy Woods State Park is from April through October, when the weather is warmer and the park is less foggy than coastal redwood parks. However, the park's natural beauty can be enjoyed year-round, with cooler temperatures and fewer visitors in the off-season.

Know before you go

  • Keep dogs on a leash no longer than six feet and only in designated areas; they are not allowed on trails.
  • Firewood is available for purchase; do not gather dead wood as it is vital for the ecosystem.
  • Bicycles are restricted to paved roads within the park.
  • Accessibility is a priority, with features like the All-Access Trail and accessible restrooms.
  • Be prepared for varying weather conditions, with temperatures ranging from the low 30s at night to over 100°F in the daytime.
98%
60 ratings · 19 reviews

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