Portola Campground

Star4.60
91 reviews
9000 Portola State Park Road, La Honda, CA 94020

Quick Facts

1,160 ft

Price

$10 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

55 campsites

Season

Campgrounds are open...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens California State Parks site

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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
Portola Campground
$10.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Family campsites cost $35 per night. Day-use parking is $10 per vehicle. Additional fees apply for extra vehicles and group campsites.
Standard Site Fee$35.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$35.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
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What Campers Say

4.60

Top-Rated

Based on 91 reviews

110 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanhikingstaff

Some mention

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"The campground is generally praised for its stunning redwoods, clean facilities, and peaceful atmosphere. Some visitors appreciated its secluded location and opportunities to unplug, while others noted issues with mosquitoes, small campsites, and limited amenities."

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Campground Map

9000 Portola State Park Road, La Honda, CA 94020

Portola Campground

9000 Portola State Park Road, La Honda, CA 94020

Driving directionsFrom Highway 35, turn west onto Alpine Road, go 3 miles, and turn onto Portola State Park Road. The road dead ends in the park. Use low gear as both these roads are steep and winding. Expect a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from most Bay Area locations.
The last 6 miles of road to Portola State Park are steep, narrow, and winding, requiring careful navigation. Gas stations are not available at or near the park, with the nearest one located 14 miles away in Sky Londa.
Nearby places
Sky Londa (14 miles), La Honda (9 miles)
Nearby supplies
Nearest grocery store is 9 miles away in La Honda along Highway 84. Firewood is available for purchase at the park office or from the camp host. No gas stations or general stores exist within the park area.

Best Time to Camp at Portola Campground

Nature's moods shift dramatically throughout the year in this coastal mountain paradise, where 40-60 inches of annual rainfall nurture the forest's emerald tapestry. Summer mornings often arrive wrapped in mysterious fog that keeps temperatures refreshingly cool, while winter transforms the landscape into a rain-soaked wonderland. Pack your rain gear for the wet season when trails become ribbons of mud, adding an adventurous element to your forest explorations.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season: full facilities and trails, but mosquitoes and yellowjackets more prevalent.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Late-spring to mid-autumn open; fall tends to be scenic and a bit quieter than summer.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring receives positive reviews (noting bugs); park opens in late spring for season start.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed November through March; winter visits are not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Camping season runs from late spring through mid-autumn, with closures in winter.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Campgrounds are open from late spring to mid-autumn and closed November through March.
  • Current Alerts: Seasonal bridges are removed in the fall and replaced by May 15. Trails have periodic closures due to storm damage. Campgrounds close during extreme droughts or severe weather.

About Portola Campground

Escape into a cathedral of ancient giants at Portola Campground, where 55 family-friendly sites and four hike-and-bike spots nestle beneath towering redwoods in the heart of Portola Redwoods State Park. Here, the modern world fades away as you immerse yourself in nature's grandest living monuments.
Portola Campground offers diverse camping options, including family drive-in sites, walk-in tent sites, hike-and-bike sites, and group campsites.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 15 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Portola Campground offers a range of recreational activities, such as hiking, swimming, and wildlife viewing. While fishing is prohibited, creeks provide scenic spots for water play. There are 18 miles of trails catering to different skill levels, and the park is known for its majestic redwood groves.
Hiking18 miles of trails are available, ranging from easy to strenuous. Highlights include the Old Tree Trail, Sequoia Nature Trail, and Peters Creek Loop. User reviews praise the trails' natural beauty and variety.
SwimmingSwimming is allowed in creeks but restricted to areas without diving or jumping. Visitors are asked not to build rock dams to avoid harming aquatic habitats.
BikingBiking is limited to paved roads and the Service Road leading to Old Haul Road. Trails are off-limits to cyclists.
Wildlife viewingVisitors can spot a variety of wildlife, including black-tailed deer, raccoons, and endangered marbled murrelets nesting in old-growth redwoods. User reviews highlight the park's serene environment for wildlife observation.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include poison oak, ticks, stinging nettles, and yellowjackets. Mosquitos are prevalent during warmer months.
Active AlertsSeasonal bridges are removed in the fall and replaced by May 15. Trails have periodic closures due to storm damage. Campgrounds close during extreme droughts or severe weather.
Food Storage RequiredFood lockers are widely available at campsites to protect food from wildlife, specifically jays and ravens.

Weather at Portola Campground

Reviews

4.6
91 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Portola Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground is generally praised for its stunning redwoods, clean facilities, and peaceful atmosphere. Some visitors appreciated its secluded location and opportunities to unplug, while others noted issues with mosquitoes, small campsites, and limited amenities.
Review Summaries
Based on 91 reviews

What Campers Love

Commonly praised aspects include the park's natural beauty, clean restroom facilities, helpful staff, and quiet atmosphere. Many users enjoy the hiking trails and the overall serenity of the redwood...
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Based on 91 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include small campsite sizes, dirty bathrooms during peak times, mosquito infestations, and limited cell phone service. Some users also mentioned the steep, winding road leading...
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Based on 91 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing anti-mosquito gear, quarters for the showers, and notifying family of the lack of cell service. Site #44 is particularly recommended for privacy. Early check-in is advised...
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Based on 91 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews highlight summer as the busiest season, with mosquitoes and yellowjackets being more prevalent. Winter visits are affected by trail closures and muddy conditions, but the park remains serene.
Based on 91 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'This park is a majestic place... You feel like you’re on Endor!' - Serena Petrie 2. 'Great unplugged experience among the trees.' - MJ 3. 'Awesome campground! Amazing experience in the redwood...
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Based on 91 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites #15, #19, #37, and #46 are listed as the best campsites due to their size and location. Site #21 is described as small, suitable for only one tent. Site #44 is praised for its privacy and...
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Based on 91 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground's accessibility features include one wheelchair-accessible campsite and accessible restrooms. However, no trails meet accessibility standards.
Based on 91 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed within campsites, picnic areas, and on paved roads but must be leashed at all times. Several users appreciated these pet-friendly policies but noted restrictions on trails.
Based on 91 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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