Madrone Campground

Star4.83
21 reviews
1600 U.S. Highway 101 Garberville, CA 95542
Family FriendlySwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

646 ft

Price

$8/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

75 campsites

Season

Madrone Campground i...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website
Get Directions

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
Madrone Campground
$8.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Day-use parking fee is $8 per vehicle per day. Self-registration available at park entrance during off-season for Madrone Campground (cash/check...
Show more
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$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
707-247-3318NoCoastRedwoodsInfo@parks.ca.gov
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.83

Top-Rated

Based on 21 reviews

22 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefulcleanshowers

"Users generally praise Madrone Campground for its peaceful atmosphere, beautiful location among redwoods, and well-maintained facilities. Positive highlights include clean restrooms and showers, spacious campsites, and friendly staff."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

1600 U.S. Highway 101 Garberville, CA 95542

Madrone Campground

1600 U.S. Highway 101 Garberville, CA 95542

Driving directionsThe park is located 7 miles south of Garberville on Highway 101. Access is easy off Highway 101.
Highway 101 bisects the park, offering paved road access. Seasonal closures can occur due to hazardous weather with wind speeds over 55 mph.
Nearby places
Garberville (7 miles, approximately 10 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Garberville, located 7 miles from the park.

Best Time to Camp at Madrone Campground

Experience the magic of California's redwood coast through dramatically different seasons. Summer days bring warm temperatures between 75-95°F, with mystical morning fog weaving through the giant trees before giving way to golden afternoon sunshine. Winter transforms the campground into a moody wonderland, with temperatures settling between 30-50°F as gentle rains nourish the verdant forest floor and create a symphony of droplets on fern fronds.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
5.0 / 5
Top 2% in CA

Peak season: warm temps, swimming holes open, campfire programs and busiest time.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fewer crowds and pleasant forest conditions; redwoods remain scenic year-round.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Reopens before Memorial Day; spring growth and milder weather before peak season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.5 / 5
Top 23% in CA

Quieter season with fishing and salmon spawning; campground open off-season.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Memorial Day to Labor Day is considered peak season.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Madrone Campground is open between September 2 and May 24 (off-season). Fully reopens for reservations a week before Memorial Day weekend.
  • Current Alerts: Closures may occur during hazardous weather conditions, with wind speeds exceeding 55 mph.

About Madrone Campground

Nestled within the enchanting Richardson Grove State Park, Madrone Campground offers an intimate escape beneath towering coast redwoods that have stood sentinel for millennia. This seasonal sanctuary invites campers to disconnect from the modern world and immerse themselves in the timeless beauty of ancient forests, where the gentle murmur of the South Fork Eel River provides nature's perfect soundtrack for your rustic camping adventure.
Madrone Campground primarily offers walk-in campsites during the off-season. Tent camping, RV camping, and group camping are available at Richardson Grove State Park, but specific options for this campground may vary.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 15 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Camp Store

Activities you can enjoy

The Madrone Campground at Richardson Grove State Park offers a variety of activities, including hiking, swimming, and fishing. The park features old-growth redwoods and the scenic Eel River, providing opportunities for nature exploration and relaxation.
HikingThe park offers approximately 10 miles of hiking trails. Notable trails include the Grove Nature Trail and Redwood Exhibit Trail, both accessible and less than 1 mile long. Longer, moderate trails such as the Woodland Trail and Lookout Point Trail are available for adventurous hikers.
FishingCatch-and-release fishing is permitted on the South Fork Eel River during the winter months. Visitors can fish for salmon and steelhead.
SwimmingSwimming is popular in June and July, with two main swimming holes located near the Dawn Redwood Group Campground. The Eel River provides a scenic and refreshing environment for water activities.
BikingBiking is permitted only on paved roadways within the park.
Wildlife viewingWildlife in the park includes black-tailed deer, river otters, and bald eagles. Visitors can also spot salmon and steelhead in the Eel River during winter months. The park is home to the Bat Tree, where Yuma myotis bats reside.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsDuring the summer, the park hosts campfire programs, Junior Ranger activities, and guided nature walks. Educational opportunities such as guided field trips and virtual programs are available during the school year.
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPossible encounters with bears and mountain lions. Poison oak is prevalent in the undergrowth. Harmful algae blooms in the river during late summer may pose risks to children and pets.
Active AlertsClosures may occur during hazardous weather conditions, with wind speeds exceeding 55 mph.

Weather at Madrone Campground

Reviews

4.8
21 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Madrone Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Users generally praise Madrone Campground for its peaceful atmosphere, beautiful location among redwoods, and well-maintained facilities. Positive highlights include clean restrooms and showers, spacious campsites, and friendly staff.
Review Summaries
Based on 21 reviews

What Campers Love

Highlights from user reviews include comments about the 'beautifully kept campsites,' 'huge and very clean bathrooms and showers,' and the 'peaceful place for camping.' Families have expressed their...
Show more
Based on 21 reviews

Common Concerns

No significant complaints were noted in the provided user reviews.
Based on 21 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Recommendations include trying the barebones cabins, enjoying the hiking trails, and visiting the charming visitor center.
Based on 21 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the peak season, with campfire programs and Junior Ranger activities enhancing the camping experience. Winter camping is quieter, with opportunities for fishing and observing spawning...
Show more
Based on 21 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Beautiful campground set among the redwoods along the Eel River. Facilities are well maintained, bathrooms and showers are clean and well kept.' - Daryl Shook 2. 'Bathrooms and showers were huge...
Show more
Based on 21 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Best campsites include sites 7, 36, 38, 51, and others listed as particularly desirable. Specific reviews for these sites are not provided.
Based on 21 reviews

Accessibility Features

Reviews highlight accessible trails and facilities, such as the Grove Nature Trail and Redwood Exhibit Trail, which offer compacted soil surfaces and flat terrains.
Based on 21 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are allowed but must remain on a leash no longer than six feet during the day and be kept in vehicles or tents at night. Pets are not permitted on hiking trails.
Based on 21 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Madrone Campground? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in California

Campgrounds
Richardson Grove SP
Madrone Campground