Is Paul M. Dimmick Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Paul M. Dimmick Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. All sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, as reservations are not accepted.

What is the best time to visit Paul M. Dimmick Campground?

Paul M. Dimmick Campground is open Late spring through early fall (May 24, 2024, to September 2, 2024).. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Paul M. Dimmick Campground?

Paul M. Dimmick Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Paul M. Dimmick Campground have?

Paul M. Dimmick Campground has 26 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Paul M. Dimmick Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Paul M. Dimmick Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Paul M. Dimmick Campground?

Paul M. Dimmick Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Paul M. Dimmick Campground?

Popular activities at Paul M. Dimmick Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Paul M. Dimmick Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Paul M. Dimmick Campground?

Fire policies at Paul M. Dimmick Campground: Fires are allowed only in designated fire facilities. Gathering wood for campfires is prohibited.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.27

32 reviews

Highway 128, six miles east of Highway 1 and Highway 128 junction, Albion, CA 95410

SwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Tent Camping California Camping Near Redwood National Park

Quick Facts

118 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

First-Come

Sites

26 campsites

Season

Paul M. Dimmick Camp...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on California State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

118 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

First-Come

Sites

26 campsites

Season

Paul M. Dimmick Camp...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on California State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Paul M. Dimmick Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Paul M. Dimmick Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no fees for reservations or camping.

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Provider

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

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Campground Map

Highway 128, six miles east of Highway 1 and Highway 128 junction, Albion, CA 95410

Paul M. Dimmick Campground

Highway 128, six miles east of Highway 1 and Highway 128 junction, Albion, CA 95410

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.

Weather at Paul M. Dimmick Campground

Current alert: The campground is currently closed and will reopen for the season on May 24, 2024.

Best Time to Camp at Paul M. Dimmick Campground

Summer brings the most reliable conditions, with daytime highs between 68 and 78°F and an average around 73°F. Mornings start cool and foggy, afternoons clear. River activities and shaded hikes peak now, as does wildlife viewing. Winter turns the forest misty and wet. Coastal fog can roll in any time of year, so layers matter. Summer weekends and holiday weeks draw moderate crowds to the 26-site loop.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open May 24–Sept 2; summer offers best weather, river swimming, shaded hikes and peak user satisfaction.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Late spring through early fall (May 24, 2024, to September 2, 2024).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Paul M. Dimmick Campground is open from May 24, 2024, through September 2, 2024.

About Paul M. Dimmick Campground

Paul M. Dimmick Campground sits at 118 feet elevation in Navarro River Redwoods State Park, where 26 tent and RV sites spread beneath second-growth redwoods along the river. It's a small, primitive loop near Albion with vault toilets, fire rings, and no drinking water. Cell service doesn't exist here. First-come, first-served sites suit spontaneous trips, though summer weekends fill up.

Paul M. Dimmick offers primitive camping options in a redwood grove, catering to tent campers and smaller RVs.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the most reliable conditions, with daytime highs between 68 and 78°F and an average around 73°F. Mornings start cool and foggy, afternoons clear. River activities and shaded hikes peak now, as does wildlife viewing. Winter turns the forest misty and wet. Coastal fog can roll in any time of year, so layers matter. Summer weekends and holiday weeks draw moderate crowds to the 26-site loop.

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 SceneryThe Navarro River carved a 14-mile corridor through redwood country, creating habitat where second-growth forest meets riparian zones. Sword ferns, salal, huckleberries, and redwood sorrel cover the forest floor. The river supports spawning salmon and river otters. Osprey and songbirds work the corridor. Some sites sit close enough to the road that traffic noise breaks the quiet.

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.

Scenic ViewsCampers can enjoy views of towering redwoods and access to the Navarro River.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available at Paul M. Dimmick Campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are provided.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

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 camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe 26 sites scatter in a loop through the redwood grove near the river. Spacing varies. Sites close to the road get traffic noise. Standard-sized sites fit a tent and vehicle.

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.

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.

Site SizeSites vary in size but are generally standard-sized with room to pitch a tent and park a vehicle.

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 SitesSites closer to the river are generally quieter and offer better scenic views.

Best CampsitesSites #6 and #23 offer accessible options. Some sites sit very close to the road, where traffic noise carries at night. Others set back into the redwoods offer better privacy and quiet.

Amenities available

Paul M. Dimmick Campground is a primitive campground located in Navarro River Redwoods State Park, providing a rustic camping experience in the redwood forest. The campground does not have drinking water or Wi-Fi, and cell phone service is unavailable. Restrooms are cleaned daily and have toilet paper but are unplumbed chemical toilets. Each site is equipped with fire pits, picnic tables, and grills. Trash disposal is available on-site, but recycling information is not specified. The campground is accessible for visitors with disabilities, with two accessible campsites (#6 and #23), as well as accessible parking and routes.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Paul M. Dimmick Campground

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.

Fishing4.0/5

Swimming4.0/5Top 21% in California

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

River supports spawning salmon, river otters; osprey, songbirds, deer and riparian flora present.

Water Sports3.5/5

Kayaking and canoeing mentioned as popular on the calm Navarro River in late winter/spring.

Hiking3.0/5

Boating3.0/5

Kayaking/canoeing noted as popular in the river (late winter/spring), but river boating is seasonal and limited.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife such as mountain lions may be spotted at dusk or dawn. Poison oak is present in the area; visitors should stay on established trails.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; restrooms are chemical toilets that are cleaned daily and stocked with toilet paper.

Fire PolicyFires are allowed only in designated fire facilities. Gathering wood for campfires is prohibited.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services are in Mendocino (13 miles away), which includes hospitals and police stations.

Trash & RecyclingTrash receptacles are available for waste disposal, but recycling facilities are not mentioned.

Water FeaturesThe campground is located adjacent to the Navarro River, offering opportunities for swimming, wading, and steelhead fishing.

Camp HostThere is no camp host at Paul M. Dimmick Campground.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.3

32 reviews

Satisfactory

Paul M. Dimmick Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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 32 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 32 reviews

Common 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 32 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites #6 and #23 are noted for accessibility features. Some sites are close to the road and may be noisy.

Based on 32 reviews

Pro 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 32 reviews

Seasonal 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 32 reviews

Camper 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 32 reviews

Accessibility 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 32 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed and controlled, as per park regulations.

Based on 32 reviews

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Paul M. Dimmick Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Paul M. Dimmick Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no fees for reservations or camping.

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

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

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Reserve California

Provider

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

Go if

Spontaneous campers who can self-supply water and don't need hookups will find this hard to beat at zero dollars a night. Summer river swimming and steelhead fishing (license required) are the draws, and the shaded redwood sites stay cool when the coast gets foggy.

Skip if

No potable water on-site means hauling your own from Mendocino, 13 miles out. Sites near the road get real highway noise after dark, and the first-come setup means summer weekends can leave you without a spot if you roll in late.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

4.8

(11)

Navarro Beach Campground

Highway 128, two miles east of Hwy. 1 Albion, CA 95410

Navarro Beach Campground sits at the Navarro River estuary where freshwater meets the Pacific Ocean, offering 10 primitive sites for tent and RV camping. Part of Navarro River Redwoods State Park near Albion, the campground operates first-come, first-serve at $20-$35 per night. Expect vault toilets and scenic views, but no running water or showers.

Paul M. Dimmick Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Paul M. Dimmick Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Paul M. Dimmick Campground

Best Time to Camp at Paul M. Dimmick Campground

Planning Tips

About Paul M. Dimmick Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Paul M. Dimmick Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

Featured in these camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Paul M. Dimmick Campground

Best Time to Camp at Paul M. Dimmick Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Things to do at Paul M. Dimmick Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews