How much does camping cost at Portola Campground?

Camping fees at Portola Campground range from $10-$35/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Portola Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Portola Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Portola Campground before I book?

Yes! Portola Campground has 16 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Portola Campground?

Portola Campground is open Camping season runs from late spring through mid-autumn, with closures in winter.. 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 Portola Campground?

Yes, Portola Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Portola Campground have?

Portola Campground has 55 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Portola Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Portola 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 Portola Campground?

Portola Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Portola Campground?

Popular activities at Portola Campground include Hiking, Swimming, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Portola Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Portola Campground?

Fire policies at Portola Campground: Fires are allowed only in designated fire rings. Wood gathering is prohibited. Firewood is available for purchase.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.53

91 reviews

9000 Portola State Park Road, La Honda, CA 94020

Featured in:Forest Camping California Camping Near Redwood National Park

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Book on California State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Book on California State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

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

Hike and Bike Site Fee$35.00

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Reserve California

Provider

650-948-9098null

I manage this campground

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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

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.

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.

Weather at Portola Campground

Current alert: 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.

Best Time to Camp at Portola Campground

Summer brings the easiest access and warmest conditions. Daytime highs reach the mid-60s to low 80s°F, with mornings often foggy and cool in the 50s. Creeks run lower and warmer for swimming, and trails dry out for comfortable hiking and biking. Wildlife activity peaks at dawn and dusk. Expect weekend crowds during summer. Midweek visits are quieter. Winter dumps 40-60 inches of rain across the season, turning trails into mud ribbons and limiting access. Pack rain gear if you visit between November and March.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Late-spring opening with fuller creeks and positive spring review signals (bugs noted too).

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.

About Portola Campground

Portola Campground sits at 1,160 feet in a stream basin carved into the Santa Cruz Mountains, where 55 sites nestle beneath coastal redwoods and mixed evergreen forest. Sites run $10-$35 per night and accommodate tents, RVs, and groups. Cell service is nonexistent. There's a pay phone at the visitor center for emergencies.

Portola Campground offers diverse camping options, including family drive-in sites, walk-in tent sites, hike-and-bike sites, and group campsites.

Historical Significance

The campground takes its name from Spanish explorer Gaspar de Portolá. The Iverson Cabin still stands somewhere in the park, a relic of early settlers. Old logging roads and mill remnants trace through the forest, evidence of the industry that once operated here before the land returned to wilderness.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the easiest access and warmest conditions. Daytime highs reach the mid-60s to low 80s°F, with mornings often foggy and cool in the 50s. Creeks run lower and warmer for swimming, and trails dry out for comfortable hiking and biking. Wildlife activity peaks at dawn and dusk. Expect weekend crowds during summer. Midweek visits are quieter. Winter dumps 40-60 inches of rain across the season, turning trails into mud ribbons and limiting access. Pack rain gear if you visit between November and March.

ElevationPerched at 1,160 feet above sea level, this mountain sanctuary offers a refreshing retreat from valley heat. The elevation creates its own microclimate where summer mornings often greet campers with a mystical blanket of fog that slowly lifts to reveal the sun-dappled forest canopy. Pack layers – the mountain air brings a pleasant chill that makes campfire gatherings all the more inviting.

Natural Features and SceneryAncient redwoods tower above the campground, their canopy filtering light onto a forest floor of ferns and second-growth evergreens. Clear streams cut through the basin, home to steelhead trout that flash silver in the shallows. The stream-carved amphitheater creates natural pockets of biodiversity, with salamanders, deer, and songbirds active in the cooler morning and evening hours. It feels remote, though mosquitoes can be thick depending on the season.

Geological RegionCradled within the rugged embrace of the Santa Cruz Mountains, the campground occupies a natural stream basin that has been carved over millennia. This unique geological setting creates a perfect amphitheater of biodiversity, where ancient redwoods and mixed evergreen forests thrive in the mountain's protective folds, sustained by the life-giving waters that flow through this enchanted landscape.

Scenic ViewsCampers can enjoy serene views of towering redwoods, forested ridges, and creekside landscapes.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo lodge-style accommodations are available. Camping options include group sites, family sites, and hike-in sites.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 15 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 8 people per site for family campsites.

Groups

Group sites include Ravine (25 people limit), Hillside (50 people limit), Point (50 people limit), and Circle (50 people limit). Group camps are tent-only and require a walk of 50 to 200 yards from parking areas.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites are arranged in loops. RV sites are concentrated at 4, 7, 8, 9, and 19. Walk-in sites run from #61 to #64. Privacy varies. Some sites have thick tree screening, others sit more exposed. Spacing is inconsistent, with a few sites oddly shaped or tight against neighbors.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are available at www.reservecalifornia.com or by calling 1-800-444-7275.

Walk-in AvailabilityLimited walk-up availability is offered for unreserved sites. Check at the park office for one-night registrations.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations and changes must be made 48 hours in advance. Fees may apply.

AccessibilityOne wheelchair-accessible campsite is available. The visitor center and restrooms are also wheelchair-accessible, but no trails currently meet accessibility standards.

Site SizeSites vary in size, with standard and tent-specific dimensions. Some sites are noted as small and suitable for only one tent.

PrivacyPrivacy varies by site, with some offering seclusion due to surrounding trees, while others are more exposed. Site #44 is recommended for its privacy.

Total Campsites55 campsites

Recommended SitesSite 44 offers privacy and scenic surroundings with its own small bridge. Site 21 is suitable for single-tent setups.

Best CampsitesSite #44 gets specific mentions for privacy, tucked away with good tree cover. Sites 15, 19, 37, and 46 also stand out. Some sites are small and fit only one tent, so check dimensions if you're bringing larger gear.

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Amenities available

Portola Campground offers a variety of amenities that cater to both family and group campers. There are flush toilets and pay showers in the main campground, picnic tables, and fire rings at campsites. While there is no Wi-Fi or RV hookups, potable water is available throughout the campground. Firewood can be purchased for $10 per bundle at the camp host. Sites are equipped with food lockers, and dishwashing facilities are present near the bathrooms. Cell phone service is limited, but a pay phone is available at the visitor center.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Hiking

Swimming

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include poison oak, ticks, stinging nettles, and yellowjackets. Mosquitos are prevalent during warmer months.

Food Storage RequiredFood lockers are widely available at campsites to protect food from wildlife, specifically jays and ravens.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyFires are allowed only in designated fire rings. Wood gathering is prohibited. Firewood is available for purchase.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are enforced from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM. Generators are restricted to 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services include a payphone within the park and hospitals accessible via a 14-mile drive to Sky Londa. Dial 911 for emergencies.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are provided. Visitors are encouraged to use designated bins to support the park's crumb-clean initiative, which helps protect local wildlife.

Water FeaturesNear creeks like Pescadero Creek, which support steelhead trout and coho salmon. Swimming is permitted but fishing is not.

Camp HostFriendly and helpful park staff and camp hosts provide assistance and recommendations.

Cell CoverageCell service is limited within the park. A pay phone is available at the visitor center for emergencies. Multiple user reviews mention the lack of cell service as both a drawback and a way to 'unplug.'

Trip Planning Tools

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

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

91 reviews

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

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 91 reviews.

Site #44Loved
Site #44 is praised for its privacy and surroundings.
Site #21Mentioned
Site #21 is described as small, suitable for only one tent.

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...

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...

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...

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...

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

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Families or solo hikers who want genuine redwood forest without paying Pfeiffer Big Sur prices. Site #44 earns its reputation for privacy; sites #15, #19, and #37 run larger than average. Pack quarters for showers and bring mosquito repellent.

Skip if

Tight sites will frustrate anyone hauling a big RV or expecting elbow room. Bathrooms get grimy on peak summer weekends, the winding access road has turned stomachs, and if staying connected matters at all, there's no signal and no workaround except the visitor center payphone.

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4.5

(100)

Hike And Bike Campsites

9000 Portola State Park Road, La Honda, CA 94020

Four hike-and-bike campsites sit within Portola Redwoods State Park's Huckleberry Campground, available first-come, first-served throughout the season. The sites occupy a canyon in the Santa Cruz Mountains where old-growth and second-growth redwoods create a mixed evergreen forest at 1,180 feet elevation. Sites cost $35 per night and include 10-by-10-foot tent pads, bear lockers, and access to flush toilets and showers.