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Established in 1922, Richardson Grove State Park was one of California’s first redwood parks. It began with 120 acres—only 1/4 the size of Muir Woods National Monument today. With the help of Save the Redwoods League and other generous donors, the park has grown to 1,800 acres.
A four-hour drive from San Francisco, the park features stunning coast redwoods more than three hundred feet tall and a national “wild and scenic” river (the South Fork of the Eel). Visitors can swim or wade in the river in summer and try catch-and-release fishing for salmon or steelhead in the winter. Check out the walk-through tree and the bat tree; learn from the tree-ring study conducted in 1933. You can camp, picnic, and hike on nine miles of trails. Don’t miss the gentle “racetrack” path, which passes many unusual redwoods, including a chandelier tree with multiple trunks branching several feet above the ground.
Camping — Richardson Grove has more than 160 family sites in three campgrounds. Huckleberry has one site for hikers and bicyclists. Oak Flat Campground is open only during summer. The Dawn Redwood Group, The campground can accommodate from 9 to 40
people.
Located 7 miles south of Garberville on Hwy 101.
Visitors will be able to reserve campsites and lodging six months in advance from the current date. Bookings may extend from the arrival date to the desired departure date – based on availability and the park’s maximum stay rules.
Most beautiful part of our drive. Absolutely gorgeous among the big canopy of huge trees and thick green moss and ferns everywhere. So fresh and clean.
If magic and fairys exist they exist here. It is beautiful and has wonderful hikes to go on and a great swimming hole. The visitor center is cozy and informative with a few snacks and cute gifts and a lovely backgammon set in front of a fire place that we enjoyed. I've been taking my kids there for 20 years and they love it every year. From babies just staring up at the trees to kids zipping along the campground on their bikes to jumping off the big rocks at the swimming hole as teenagers/ young adults. It's great for all ages! They are serious about the 10pm quiet time so if you are looking to party it isn't the place. Great for families and those looking for a quiet camping trip (although there is some freeway noise)
Tania, the Ranger, was very friendly and attentive, and even showed my kids some bats in a tree!
Beautiful State Park.
Definitely will come back.
It's like being in an enchanted forest.... Surreal, ethereal and unique experience. We went here during low tourist traffic season and it's the time to visit as a Californian. It's an escape from the hustle bustle of city life and was quite and peaceful. You could hear your rushing thoughts in the beautiful silence surrounded by giant redwoods... Gorgeous day spent!!!!
Worth every penny of the day use fee, would have been great to see the lodge open but we enjoyed a walk through the trees and a picnic. If you pass by stop in and spend some time with these magnificent trees, you will feel renewed for your onward journey.
