Paul M. Dimmick Campground
4.476 reviewsHighway 128, six miles east of Highway 1 and Highway 128 junction, Albion, CA 95410
Paul M. Dimmick Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Paul M. Dimmick Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no fees for reservations or camping.
About this campground
Escape to Paul M. Dimmick Campground, where 26 intimate campsites nestle beneath towering second-growth redwoods along the meandering Navarro River. This hidden gem beckons adventurers who crave an authentic wilderness experience, offering primitive camping that reconnects you with nature's raw beauty. Here, the modern world fades away as you immerse yourself in the cathedral-like groves and the gentle sounds of the river flowing nearby.
Paul M. Dimmick offers primitive camping options in a redwood grove, catering to tent campers and smaller RVs.
Historical SignificanceWalk in the footsteps of the Pomo people, who thrived in this abundant landscape for countless generations, gathering materials for their renowned basketry and sustaining themselves with the river's bounty. Later, the thunderous echo of sawmills and the determined spirit of loggers shaped these forests during California's timber boom. Today's peaceful groves stand as living monuments to both the Indigenous heritage and the industrial past that defined this region.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the campground's distinct seasonal personalities: balmy summer days averaging 73°F invite leisurely river exploration and shaded forest hikes, while winter transforms the landscape into a misty wonderland of rain-kissed redwoods. The coastal climate's mercurial nature means morning fog can give way to brilliant afternoon sunshine, so savvy campers pack layers to adapt to Mother Nature's whims throughout the day.
ElevationWhile the precise elevation remains one of the campground's gentle mysteries, visitors find themselves in the sweet spot where river valley meets redwood slopes, creating a microclimate perfect for both aquatic adventures and forest exploration.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into an emerald sanctuary where colossal second-growth redwoods create a natural cathedral overhead, their ancient presence complemented by a lush understory tapestry of western sword ferns unfurling like green scrolls. The forest floor bursts with native treasures: glossy salal leaves, sweet huckleberries waiting to be discovered, and carpets of delicate redwood sorrel. The Navarro River weaves through it all, its crystalline waters providing a liquid lifeline that nurtures this thriving ecosystem.
Geological RegionDiscover a remarkable 14-mile ecological corridor where the Navarro River has carved its path through redwood country, creating a seamless blend of aquatic wonderland and terrestrial paradise. This dynamic landscape showcases nature's interconnected design, where second-growth forest meets riparian habitat, forming a biodiversity hotspot that supports everything from spawning salmon to soaring osprey.
Campsite details
AccessibilityTwo accessible campsites (#6 and #23) are available. Restrooms, parking, and routes are accessible. For additional accessibility needs, visitors can contact the park at (707) 937-5804.
Sites SizeSites vary in size but are generally standard-sized with room to pitch a tent and park a vehicle.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies by site; some are close to the road, making them less private. "Some of the sites are very close to the road, which is loud and a bit undesirable at night." - User review by Lisa Elley.
Total Campsites26 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites closer to the river are generally quieter and offer better scenic views.
Best CampsitesAccessible campsites #6 and #23 are noted in official sources.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
- Camping is first-come, first-served
- no specific check-in time is provided.
Check-out
No specific check-out time is provided.
Stay Limit
There is no explicit stay limit mentioned in the sources.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Guests per site are not specified.
Groups
Group camping is not explicitly mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground features 26 individual sites scattered within a redwood grove near the river.
Open and Closed SeasonPaul M. Dimmick Campground is open from May 24, 2024, through September 2, 2024.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations are required or available. Camping is strictly first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, as reservations are not accepted.
Cancellation PolicyCamping is strictly first-come, first-served with no reservation cancellations or penalties.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers recreational opportunities such as camping, swimming, fishing, wildlife viewing, and hiking. Activities are mostly rustic and nature-oriented, providing a peaceful retreat in the redwoods.
Hiking
The campground is described by users as being near "many nearby trails". Specific trail details or maps are not provided, but the area offers hiking opportunities amidst the redwoods and along the Navarro River.Fishing
"Steelhead fishing along the Navarro River is excellent during the months when fishing is allowed." - Authoritative source. Catch-and-release rules apply for much of the year, and a valid California fishing license with a steelhead card is required for anglers aged 16 and over.Swimming
Swimming and wading are popular in the Navarro River during summer, providing refreshing opportunities in the warm weather.Boating
Kayaking and canoeing are popular late winter and spring activities in the Navarro River's calm waters.Wildlife viewing
The redwoods and river provide habitats for wildlife such as raccoons, black-tailed deer, belted kingfishers, and occasionally mountain lions. "Belted kingfishers, grebes, mergansers, buffleheads, egrets and herons feed in and along the river." - Authoritative source.Winter Activities
Kayaking and canoeing are noted as peaceful winter activities along the river in colder months.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking and canoeing are available during winter and spring.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires are allowed only in designated fire facilities. Gathering wood for campfires is prohibited.
- Quiet hours are Between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife such as mountain lions may be spotted at dusk or dawn. Poison oak is present in the area; visitors should stay on established trails.
Active alertsThe campground is currently closed and will reopen for the season on May 24, 2024.
Weather forecast
63
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 69%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services are in Mendocino (13 miles away), which includes hospitals and police stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesLate spring through early fall (May 24, 2024, to September 2, 2024).
Trash and recyclingTrash receptacles are available for waste disposal, but recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located adjacent to the Navarro River, offering opportunities for swimming, wading, and steelhead fishing.
Common complaintsUser reviews mention that some campsites are close to the road, making traffic noise a concern.
HostThere is no camp host at Paul M. Dimmick Campground.
Campground Map
Highway 128, six miles east of Highway 1 and Highway 128 junction, Albion, CA 95410
Driving directionsFrom the junction of Highway 1 and Highway 128, travel six miles east along Highway 128. The campground is located directly off the highway and is accessible via a narrow, curving road.
The road to the campground is narrow and curving. Large RVs and trailers over 28 feet are not recommended. The campground is directly accessible from Highway 128.Nearby places
Albion (6 miles, approximately 10 minutes), Mendocino (13 miles, approximately 20 minutes), Fort Bragg (25 miles, approximately 40 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be found in Mendocino, 13 miles west of the campground.
Camper Reviews
4.5
6 reviews
Paul M. Dimmick Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews consistently praise the campground's location in the redwoods and its peaceful atmosphere. Complaints include proximity to the road for some sites, lack of cell service, and absence of amenities such as drinking water.
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews
What Campers Love
"Small but charming campground. Sleep under large redwoods and enjoy close access to many nearby trails." "Camping amongst the redwoods with easy access and close to the coast."
Based on 6 reviewsCommon Concerns
"Some of the sites are very close to the road, which is loud and a bit undesirable at night." "There is no cell service in this spot." "No plumbing or tap water."
Based on 6 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Prepare for primitive camping with no access to drinking water or cell service. First-come, first-serve sites are best suited for spontaneous campers.
Based on 6 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is open seasonally from May 24 to September 2, and reviewers note it provides an excellent summer option, especially during peak fire season when other areas are closed.
Based on 6 reviewsCamper Quotes
"There is a little creek with tadpoles and small crawfish for the kids to see." - Lisa Elley. "This place is best for the camper who did not reserve a spot." - bartellj.
Based on 6 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Sites #6 and #23 are noted for accessibility features. Some sites are close to the road and may be noisy.
Based on 6 reviewsAccessibility Features
"Two accessible campsites are available in the Paul M. Dimmick Campground (#6 and #23). Restrooms, parking, and routes are accessible." - Authoritative source.
Based on 6 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be leashed and controlled, as per park regulations.
Based on 6 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025