River Campground

Star4.08
52 reviews
16949 Highway 36, Carlotta, CA 95528

Quick Facts

420 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

28 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowersWiFi

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
River Campground
$35.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard campsites are $35 per night. Group campsites are $90 per night. Reservation fees are $8.25 per booking.
Standard Site Fee$35.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$90.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Reserve California
Provider
707-777-3683NoCoastRedwoodsInfo@parks.ca.gov
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What Campers Say

4.08

Satisfactory

Based on 52 reviews

238 Google reviews

Most mentioned

showerssites

Some mention

noiseroad noise

"User reviews reveal a mix of positive assessments of the beautiful setting, proximity to the Van Duzen River, and well-maintained facilities, contrasted with complaints about road noise and crowded campsites. The campground is noted for its family-friendly atmosphere and seasonal educational programs."

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Campground Map

16949 Highway 36, Carlotta, CA 95528

River Campground

16949 Highway 36, Carlotta, CA 95528

Driving directionsThe park is located 20 miles southeast of Eureka on U.S. Highway 101, then 17 miles east on Highway 36.
The campground is accessible via Highway 36, which is paved but close to the campground. Seasonal restrictions may apply, with increased logging truck traffic during peak logging periods.
Nearby places
Eureka (20 miles, ~30 minutes), Fortuna (15 miles, ~20 minutes), Ferndale (20 miles, ~30 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Carlotta (~5 miles) has a small convenience store for ice, drinks, and firewood. Larger stores and fuel can be found in Fortuna (~15 miles).

Best Time to Camp at River Campground

Each season paints the campground with its own palette of experiences. Summer days bring warmth that can reach a pleasant 79°F, though the sun's rays feel more intense filtering through the canopy—perfect for afternoon swims in the river's cool pools. As darkness falls, the temperature drops noticeably, reminding campers to pack that extra layer. Winter transforms the landscape into a moody wonderland where rain and occasional snow create a dramatic backdrop, though visitors should note that river currents run swift and strong during these months, demanding extra caution around the water.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open Memorial–Labor Day; summer features swimming hole, interpretive programs and warm days.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
Not recommended

Campground listed as seasonally open Memorial–Labor Day; fall camping not supported.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Park lists seasonal opening after Memorial Day; spring camping not supported per description.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Seasonal closure indicated; winter stays not available though winter fishing is mentioned.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open seasonally from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
  • Current Alerts: The campground is closed during fall/winter seasons or due to flooding risks.

About River Campground

Tucked beneath towering giants of the ancient forest, River Campground at Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park offers an intimate escape where families can reconnect with nature's grandeur. Here, where crystalline waters of the Van Duzen River wind through groves of old-growth redwoods, adventurers find the perfect basecamp for unforgettable outdoor experiences. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, exploring hidden trails, or simply listening to the river's gentle song from your campsite, this rustic haven delivers the authentic redwood experience that draws visitors from around the world.
River Campground accommodates various camping styles, including tent and RV camping. Sites are arranged in a loop bordering the river, with group camping available for larger parties.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 30 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
WiFi
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Food storage lockers

Activities you can enjoy

River Campground provides a rich variety of activities. Guests can enjoy hiking through scenic redwood trails, fishing in the nearby Van Duzen River, swimming in its crystal-clear waters, and participating in seasonal interpretive programs. The visitor center adds an educational dimension with nature displays and scheduled events.
HikingHiking opportunities abound, including the Cheatham Grove 0.7-mile loop and the Memorial Trail Loop spanning 1.25 miles. Trails offer varying difficulty levels and showcase stately redwoods, lush forest, and historic plaques. Most trails start near the visitor center or campground.
FishingFishing is available seasonally, with opportunities to catch migrating steelhead and salmon in the Van Duzen River during late fall and winter. A California fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older.
SwimmingSwimming is possible in a calm swimming hole near the campground during summer. Use caution as strong currents can occur, especially during high flow seasons. Guests recommend swim shoes due to rocky riverbanks.
BoatingKayaking and rafting are available in the Van Duzen River. The depth and currents vary by season, with Class III rapids in winter and spring.
Wildlife viewingVisitors frequently report sightings of black-tailed deer, river otters, mountain lions, and California black bears. Birds such as pileated woodpeckers and great blue herons are notable. Educational programs at the visitor center offer taxidermy displays of local wildlife.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsSeasonal educational programs include nature walks, Junior Ranger activities for children aged 7–12, and campfire talks focusing on local wildlife and ecology. The visitor center provides self-guided tour materials and interactive exhibits.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRoad noise from Highway 36 can be disruptive; wildlife such as bears and mountain lions are present.
Active AlertsThe campground is closed during fall/winter seasons or due to flooding risks.
Food Storage RequiredFood storage lockers are provided at each campsite to protect food from wildlife.

Weather at River Campground

Reviews

4.1
52 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
River Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews reveal a mix of positive assessments of the beautiful setting, proximity to the Van Duzen River, and well-maintained facilities, contrasted with complaints about road noise and crowded campsites. The campground is noted for its family-friendly atmosphere and seasonal educational programs.
Review Summaries
Based on 52 reviews

What Campers Love

1. "Showers are warm...the kids who work there are very nice and good workers." 2. "Pete the State Park ranger led an awesome fireside talk in the evening about the local wildlife." 3. "Sites are...
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Based on 52 reviews

Common Concerns

1. "VERY close to a busy road AND no gate or keeper after evening...random folks drive in." 2. "Logging trucks screamed by in the night...sleep was near impossible." 3. "Spaces are close...
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Based on 52 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

1. Reserve sites closer to the river to minimize highway noise. 2. Bring quarters for the showers and swim shoes for rocky riverbanks. 3. Avoid sites closer to Highway 36 for quieter experiences.
Based on 52 reviews

Seasonal Insights

In summer, guests appreciate the swimming hole and interpretive programs but find road noise from Highway 36 more disruptive. Winter reviews focus on calm surroundings and wildlife viewing...
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Based on 52 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "The bathroom facilities were good and clean; my grandbaby loved the Junior Ranger activities." 2. "Cheatham Grove is close by, an amazingly scenic hiking opportunity." 3. "The visitor center...
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Based on 52 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites on the river side (e.g., Site 14) are praised for scenic views and quieter surroundings. Sites near Highway 36 (e.g., Site 29) receive frequent complaints about traffic noise.
Based on 52 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible campsites and restrooms are a highlight for users with mobility concerns. Reviews note the helpful placement of larger sites near facilities.
Based on 52 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must remain leashed at night and are prohibited on trails. Dog-friendly river access is limited.
Based on 52 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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