Manchester State Park Campground

3.29

7 reviews

44500 Kinney Road (Off Highway 1), Manchester, CA 95459

Quick Facts

49 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

40 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

49 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

40 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Manchester State Park Campground

$35.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping costs $35 per night during the operating season. Environmental campsites are permanently closed, and group campsite fees vary depending on...

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$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

Reserve California

Provider

707-937-5804interp@parks.ca.gov

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

3.29

Mixed Reviews

Based on 7 reviews

58 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsprivacyquietpeaceful

"User reviews of Manchester State Park Campground are polarized, with some campers praising its solitude and proximity to nature while others criticize the lack of amenities and poor maintenance."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

44500 Kinney Road (Off Highway 1), Manchester, CA 95459

Manchester State Park Campground

44500 Kinney Road (Off Highway 1), Manchester, CA 95459

Driving directionsThe main park entrance is located on Kinney Lane, half a mile north of Manchester town on Highway 1.

Access to the campground is via paved roads with no notable navigation challenges. However, seasonal closures may occur, especially during winter.

Nearby places

Manchester (0.5 miles north, less than 5 minutes), Point Arena (7 miles south, approximately 15 minutes), Elk (15 miles north, approximately 25 minutes).

Nearby supplies

Groceries and camping supplies can be found in the town of Manchester, less than one mile away. Larger stores are available in Point Arena (7 miles).

Best Time to Camp at Manchester State Park Campground

Embrace the dramatic moods of the Pacific coast, where nature puts on a spectacular show year-round. Morning fog drifts through camp like a gentle ghost, often giving way to brilliant afternoon sunshine. With temperatures hovering between the high 30s on crisp mornings to comfortable 70°F afternoons, the climate stays refreshingly cool even in summer. Pack your windbreaker—the legendary coastal breezes are your constant companion, carrying the salt-tinged air and the rhythmic sound of crashing waves throughout your stay.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Campground open May 24–Sep 2 (peak); good beach access but variable fog and wind noted.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

Not recommended

Campground closed after Sep 2; fall season not available.

Spring(Mar-May)

Not recommended

Campground opens May 24; spring (prior to opening) is closed.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Seasonal closure outside May 24–Sep 2; winter closed.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season is from May 24 to September 2, and camping is on a first-come, first-served basis.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground is open seasonally from May 24 to September 2. Environmental campsites are permanently closed.
Current Alerts: Environmental campsites are permanently closed due to visitor abuse. The main campground is closed from September 2 until May 24 yearly.

About Manchester State Park Campground

Where the rugged Northern California coastline meets endless sandy beaches, Manchester State Park Campground offers an extraordinary escape into pristine coastal wilderness. This hidden gem invites you to discover miles of windswept shores, rolling dunes, and thriving wetlands where solitude reigns supreme. Whether you're scanning the horizon for migrating whales, exploring tidal pools, or simply walking barefoot along seemingly infinite stretches of sand, Manchester delivers an authentic coastal camping experience far from the crowds.

Manchester State Park offers a variety of camping settings including family sites and a group campsite. Environmental sites have been permanently closed.

Historical SignificanceLong before European settlers arrived, the Bokeya Pomo people thrived in this coastal paradise, harvesting the bounty of land and sea. Their deep connection to this landscape echoes through the centuries. Later, hardy dairy farmers transformed the grasslands, leaving behind weathered fence posts and old ranch roads that still trace paths through the park. The treacherous waters off Arena Rock have claimed numerous vessels over the years, and fascinating artifacts from these maritime disasters now rest in the nearby Point Arena Lighthouse museum, telling tales of courage and tragedy along this unforgiving coast.

Weather and SeasonsEmbrace the dramatic moods of the Pacific coast, where nature puts on a spectacular show year-round. Morning fog drifts through camp like a gentle ghost, often giving way to brilliant afternoon sunshine. With temperatures hovering between the high 30s on crisp mornings to comfortable 70°F afternoons, the climate stays refreshingly cool even in summer. Pack your windbreaker—the legendary coastal breezes are your constant companion, carrying the salt-tinged air and the rhythmic sound of crashing waves throughout your stay.

ElevationThe campground rests at sea level, where the continent gently slopes to meet the Pacific's edge.

Natural Features and SceneryThis coastal sanctuary weaves together a tapestry of diverse ecosystems that will captivate nature enthusiasts. Wind-sculpted dunes rise and fall like frozen waves, harboring the delicate nests of threatened snowy plovers. Hidden wetlands provide crucial refuge for the endangered red-legged frog, while dramatic coastal bluffs offer panoramic vistas of the endless Pacific. Come spring, the landscape explodes with color as vibrant sea pinks and golden California poppies paint the meadows, creating a photographer's paradise against the backdrop of azure seas and weathered driftwood.

Geological RegionPerched along California's dramatic northern coastline, Manchester State Park sits at a fascinating geological crossroads. Here, ancient coastal terraces tell the story of rising and falling seas, while nearby, the infamous San Andreas Fault reminds visitors of the powerful forces still shaping this landscape. The campground spreads across flat grasslands that gradually give way to a complex mosaic of sand dunes, seasonal wetlands, and imposing coastal bluffs—each formation revealing millions of years of Earth's restless creativity carved by wind, water, and time.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in times are not explicitly mentioned.

Check-out

Check-out times are not explicitly mentioned.

Stay Limit

The campground operates seasonally from May 24 to September 2. Group sites require reservations.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum occupancy depends on site type. Group sites accommodate up to 40 guests.

Groups

The group campsite accommodates up to 40 people and 12 vehicles. Reservations are recommended for weekends or summer months.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground layout features family sites spread out with brush providing privacy. Group sites and parking for RVs are available.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are available through Reserve California at www.parks.ca.gov or by calling 800-444-7275.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up camping is available during the operating season. The campground tends to fill quickly during weekends and holidays.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies are managed through Reserve California. Specific terms are not provided.

AccessibilityThe campground and day-use areas include accessible vault toilets. For further assistance, visitors with disabilities are advised to contact the park directly.

Site SizeFamily campsites can accommodate tents, trailers up to 22 feet, or RVs up to 30 feet.

PrivacyUser reviews describe the campsites as fairly spread apart with brush growing in between for privacy. One review notes, 'It was a nice campground with campsites spread fairly far apart for a state campground, and brush growing in between them for privacy.

Total Campsites40 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites under the cypress grove for isolation and views of the lagoon. Sites near the lagoon allow ocean sounds to lull you to sleep.

Amenities available

Potable water

Vault toilets

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Guests at Manchester State Park Campground can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, such as hiking along the trails, viewing wildlife, and experiencing the beautiful coastline. Fishing, beachcombing, and geocaching are also popular options.

HikingHiking trails are available at Manchester State Park, but specific trail details such as length or difficulty are not provided.

FishingSteelhead fishing is available in Brush Creek and Alder Creek. Official sources advise checking with the Department of Fish and Wildlife for seasonal closures and restrictions.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is highlighted as a major attraction, with possibilities to see snowy plovers, red-legged frogs, and Point Arena mountain beavers, among others.

Beach activitiesBeach activities include walking along the miles of sandy shoreline and enjoying the driftwood-strewn beaches. Reviews mention the soothing sound of surf and the peaceful atmosphere.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsStrong winds and fog are common, posing challenges for tent camping. The presence of threatened wildlife requires compliance with park regulations.

Active AlertsEnvironmental campsites are permanently closed due to visitor abuse. The main campground is closed from September 2 until May 24 yearly.

Fire PolicyFires are prohibited on beaches and dunes. Campfire rules within sites are not specified.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are not explicitly stated.

Emergency ServicesNearest hospital and emergency services are in Mendocino or Fort Bragg, accessible within approximately 30-45 minutes.

Trash & RecyclingInformation on trash and recycling facilities is not provided in the sources.

Water FeaturesThe campground is close to Brush Creek, Alder Creek, and a lagoon, providing opportunities for fishing and wildlife viewing.

Camp HostCampground hosts are described as friendly in reviews, though on-site services may vary during operational periods.

Weather at Manchester State Park Campground

Reviews

3.3

7 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Manchester State Park Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews of Manchester State Park Campground are polarized, with some campers praising its solitude and proximity to nature while others criticize the lack of amenities and poor maintenance.

Review Summaries

Based on 7 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers appreciated the peaceful atmosphere, scenic views, and privacy between campsites. Quotes include: 'Quiet and isolation save for the distant crashing of the surf,' and 'It's close enough to...

Based on 7 reviews

Common Concerns

Criticisms include the lack of amenities such as electric hookups, dump stations, and camp hosts, as well as unclean vault toilets. One user stated, 'Campground was pretty neat in its prime but now...

Based on 7 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend visiting during calm weather to avoid high winds and taking advantage of the peaceful beach and scenic trails. Some suggest re-opening the campground as it provides a much-needed...

Based on 7 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Weather and seasonal trends are mentioned in reviews, with fog, wind, and cool temperatures being common. Reviewers highlight the charm of the site during calmer weather conditions.

Based on 7 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Mysterious and holy place where the Spirit hovers and dispenses sacred dreams.' - 'Very pleasant beach if you want to get some ocean on you and do as we did, take a nap with the background of...

Based on 7 reviews