Family Walk In Campground

Star4.40
77 reviews
9000 Portola State Park Road, La Honda, CA 94020

Quick Facts

640 ft

Price

$165 - $335/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

55 campsites

Season

Open late spring thr...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Showers

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
Family Walk In Campground
$165.00 - $335.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping fees range from $165 for smaller group sites to $335 for larger group sites. Additional reservation fees apply ($8.25).
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$335.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Reserve California
Provider
(800) 444-7275interp@parks.ca.gov
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What Campers Say

4.40

Recommended

Based on 77 reviews

615 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanhiking

"Users frequently describe the Family Walk-in Campground as a serene, secluded escape surrounded by towering redwoods. Many appreciate the clean facilities, friendly staff, and well-maintained trails."

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Campground Map

9000 Portola State Park Road, La Honda, CA 94020

Family Walk In 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. Due to mountain roads, expect a 1 1/2 to 2 hour drive from most Bay Area locations.
The road leading to the park is narrow and steep, requiring careful driving. "Use extreme care during the last few miles of the drive to the park; the road downhill is narrow and steep."
Nearby places
Sky Londa (14 miles), La Honda (9 miles)
Nearby supplies
The nearest gas station is 14 miles away in Sky Londa at the intersection of Highways 84 and 35. Grocery stores are located 9 miles away in La Honda on Highway 84.

Best Time to Camp at Family Walk In Campground

Nature's rhythms paint distinct seasons across this redwood sanctuary, where 40 to 60 inches of annual rainfall nurture the forest's lush understory. Summer mornings arrive wrapped in mystical fog, keeping temperatures refreshingly cool even as the rest of California swelters. When winter storms roll through the Santa Cruz Mountains, the forest transforms into a symphony of pattering rain and rushing streams, creating the perfect backdrop for cozy tent conversations and the sweet scent of damp earth.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open and peak season late spring–mid-autumn; summer mornings fog-wrapped but popular for camping.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Fall favored for quiet hiking but park closes mid-autumn; wetter conditions noted.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring is favored for camping and trail access; lush understory and huckleberries in season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Park is closed November through March; winter camping not available.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Late spring through mid-autumn.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open late spring through mid-autumn. Closed November through March.
  • Current Alerts: Campgrounds are closed October 7 until Spring 2025 due to a major infrastructure project.

About Family Walk In Campground

Deep within Portola Redwoods State Park, the Family Walk-In Campground beckons visitors into a cathedral of ancient giants. This cherished retreat, nestled among towering old-growth redwoods, serves as a gateway to one of California's most pristine forest sanctuaries. Whether you're seeking a family adventure, planning a group gathering, or embarking on a solo hiking journey, this natural basin of evergreen splendor offers that rare gift—a secret escape where city stress dissolves into the whisper of wind through ancient branches.
The Family Walk-in Campground specializes in tent camping and walk-in sites, with no RV hookups. Group sites accommodate larger parties, but all require a short walk from parking.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in starts at 2 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is at 12 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 7 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Flush toilets
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

The campground provides access to a range of recreational activities, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and creek swimming. Several trails, such as the Old Tree Trail and Iverson Trail, are accessible from the campground.
HikingThe park features 18 miles of hiking trails ranging from easy to strenuous. Popular trails near the campground include the Old Tree Trail and Sequoia Nature Trail. Seasonal bridges may influence accessibility.
SwimmingSwimming is permitted in creeks but diving and jumping are prohibited. Campers should avoid building rock dams or disturbing creek banks.
BikingBiking is restricted to paved roads and the Old Haul Service Road, which connects to Memorial County Park. This scenic route is ideal for beginners.
Wildlife viewingCampers may observe species like banana slugs, black-tailed deer, and endangered marbled murrelets. Poison oak and ticks are also present, requiring caution.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe visitor center provides interpretive exhibits year-round. Guided hikes and junior ranger programs are available during camping season.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBe aware of poison oak, yellow jackets, ticks, and stinging nettle. "Ticks are common in this area; some may be infected with Lyme disease."
Active AlertsCampgrounds are closed October 7 until Spring 2025 due to a major infrastructure project.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.
Food Storage RequiredBear boxes are available at campsites for food storage.

Weather at Family Walk In Campground

Reviews

4.4
77 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Family Walk In Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Users frequently describe the Family Walk-in Campground as a serene, secluded escape surrounded by towering redwoods. Many appreciate the clean facilities, friendly staff, and well-maintained trails.
Review Summaries
Based on 77 reviews

What Campers Love

Highlights include the peaceful atmosphere, clean facilities, and immersive redwood forest environment. Campers also enjoy the range of hiking trails and the unique wildlife.
Based on 77 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users have noted issues such as mosquito prevalence, difficult drives due to narrow winding roads, and the lack of nearby stores for supplies.
Based on 77 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reviewers suggest bringing bug spray, arriving with sufficient supplies, and wearing long clothing to avoid poison oak. Campers also recommend specific trails like the Heritage Grove Trail.
Based on 77 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and summer are favored for camping, while fall and winter are preferred for quiet hiking amid rainy conditions. Seasonal bridges influence creek accessibility.
Based on 77 reviews

Camper Quotes

"A perfect getaway from our busy everyday life. The campsites and restrooms were very clean." "It's honestly worth the extra drive. It's beauty is comparable to Julia Pfeffier but without all of the...
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Based on 77 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Users favor campsites such as #2, #17, and #33 for their privacy and natural surroundings. Campsite #38 is noted as sloped and less ideal.
Based on 77 reviews

Accessibility Features

The wheelchair-accessible site and facilities receive positive remarks for ease of use.
Based on 77 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are allowed in campsites and on paved roads, but not on hiking trails. Visitors appreciate the pet-friendly policies.
Based on 77 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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