How much does camping cost at Madrone Campground?

Camping fees at Madrone Campground range from $8/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

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

Madrone 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 Madrone Campground before I book?

Yes! Madrone Campground has 22 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 Madrone Campground?

Madrone Campground is open Memorial Day to Labor Day is considered peak season.. 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 Madrone Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Madrone Campground?

Fire policies at Madrone Campground: Fires are permitted only in designated fireplaces, no ground fires allowed.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Madrone Campground have?

Madrone Campground has 75 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Madrone Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Madrone 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 Madrone Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Madrone Campground?

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

Madrone Campground

4.38

21 reviews

1600 U.S. Highway 101 Garberville, CA 95542

Top 3% in CASummer

Scenic ViewsSwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Pet-Friendly Campgrounds California

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

646 ft

Price

$8/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

75 campsites

Season

Madrone Campground i...

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

646 ft

Price

$8/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

75 campsites

Season

Madrone Campground i...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on California State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

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...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Reserve California

Provider

707-247-3318NoCoastRedwoodsInfo@parks.ca.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

1600 U.S. Highway 101 Garberville, CA 95542

Madrone Campground

1600 U.S. Highway 101 Garberville, CA 95542

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.

Weather at Madrone Campground

Current alert: Closures may occur during hazardous weather conditions, with wind speeds exceeding 55 mph.

Best Time to Camp at Madrone Campground

Summer brings the best conditions, with daytime highs between 75 and 95°F. Mornings start cool and foggy in the 50s and 60s, then clear to sunny afternoons. The river warms enough for swimming, and all campground services are open from Memorial Day through fall. Reservations fill quickly on weekends and holidays. Winter temperatures drop to 30-50°F with steady rain that keeps the forest green but limits activity options.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 3% in CA

Peak season: warm days, river swimmable, camp programs and active visitor 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.

About Madrone Campground

Madrone Campground sits among coast redwoods in Richardson Grove State Park, near Garberville along the South Fork Eel River. The campground has 75 sites for tents, RVs, and cabin lodging, with nightly fees of $8. Campers return year after year for the well-spaced sites, clean facilities, and peaceful atmosphere under old-growth trees.

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.

Historical Significance

The Sinkyone people lived in this landscape for thousands of years before European contact. The Richardson Grove Historic Lodge and several park trails show the work of the Civilian Conservation Corps from the 1930s. The visitor center has displays on both the indigenous history and Depression-era improvements.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the best conditions, with daytime highs between 75 and 95°F. Mornings start cool and foggy in the 50s and 60s, then clear to sunny afternoons. The river warms enough for swimming, and all campground services are open from Memorial Day through fall. Reservations fill quickly on weekends and holidays. Winter temperatures drop to 30-50°F with steady rain that keeps the forest green but limits activity options.

ElevationWhile specific elevation details await discovery, the campground's position along the river valley creates a perfect microclimate where ancient redwoods thrive in the coastal fog belt.

Natural Features and SceneryCoast redwoods tower over 300 feet above the forest floor, some more than 1,000 years old. The South Fork Eel River runs through the park, offering clear swimming holes and fishing spots. Redwood sorrel, ferns, and moss cover the ground in the shade of the canopy. The campground sits at 646 feet elevation on alluvial soils deposited by ancient rivers. Morning fog from the Pacific drifts through the trees before afternoon sun breaks through.

Geological RegionMadrone Campground sits in a remarkable geological sweet spot where ancient rivers deposited rich alluvial soils, creating the perfect foundation for the world's tallest trees. This unique combination of nutrient-rich earth, coastal fog, and the life-giving waters of the South Fork Eel River has nurtured a primeval forest ecosystem found nowhere else on Earth. The mild maritime climate, shaped by Pacific Ocean influences, maintains the delicate balance that allows these botanical titans to thrive.

Scenic ViewsThe campground offers views of towering redwoods and access to scenic vistas along the South Fork of the Eel River.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground does not offer hotel-style lodging, but users mentioned barebones cabins that may be available in other areas of the park.

Programs & ActivitiesDuring 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.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 15 consecutive nights.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites are spacious and well-separated from each other. The layout takes advantage of natural spacing between the large redwoods.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through www.reservecalifornia.com.

Walk-in AvailabilityDuring off-season (September 2 to May 24), Madrone Campground operates on a walk-in basis with self-registration available at the park entrance (cash/check only).

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policy details not provided.

AccessibilityAccessible features in the park include ADA-compliant trails and restrooms. The Grove Nature Trail and Redwood Exhibit Trail are wheelchair-accessible with compacted soil surfaces and generally flat terrains.

Site SizeUsers describe the campsites as spacious and wide.

PrivacyThe campsites are noted to be well-separated, providing a sense of privacy.

Total Campsites75 campsites

Recommended SitesCampsites with privacy, views, and shade are generally rated highly by users, such as 7, 36, 54, and 132.

Best CampsitesSites 36, 38, 54, 55, 60, 61, 69, 71, 73, 78, 82, 88, 89, 106, 114, 115, 120, 132, 135, 138, 144, 156, 157A, 158, and 175 get mentioned in reviews. Site 7 also has fans. The campground's wide spacing means most sites feel private.

Need help booking Madrone Campground?

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Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Madrone Campground in Richardson Grove State Park offers walk-in camping during the off-season (September 2 to May 24) with self-registration available at the park entrance. The campground is nestled among towering coast redwoods and provides essential facilities, including restrooms, showers, and potable water. According to user reviews, the campsites are spacious, well-maintained, and provide a peaceful camping experience. Fire rings and picnic tables are available for use.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Camp Store

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

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.

Fire PolicyFires are permitted only in designated fireplaces, no ground fires allowed.

Emergency ServicesDistrict Office: 3431 Fort Ave., Eureka, CA 95503 (Open Monday - Friday, 8 AM - 4 PM). Contact: (707) 445-6547. Emergency park contact: (707) 247-3318.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available, but specific details about locations and pickup schedules are not provided.

Water FeaturesThe campground is near the South Fork of the Eel River, a 'wild and scenic' river with swimming holes accessible during peak season.

Camp HostVisitor center staff are available during peak season and offer interpretive programs and assistance. Hosts described as welcoming in user reviews.

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

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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

4.4

21 reviews

Recommended

Madrone Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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...

Based on 21 reviews

Common Concerns

No significant complaints were noted in the provided user reviews.

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

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...

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...

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

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Families and slow-paced campers who want the redwood experience without Humboldt's crowds. Sites 7, 36, and 51 get strong nods from repeat visitors, and June-July swimming in the Eel River is the summer centerpiece. Supplies are 10 minutes away in Garberville.

Skip if

Algae blooms can close the river to kids and pets in late August, which undercuts the main draw. Also, the trail system tops out around 10 miles total, so hikers wanting a multi-day backcountry fix will burn through it in a day.

Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

4.6

(54)

Huckleberry Campground

1600 U.S. Highway 101, Garberville, CA 95542

Huckleberry Campground sits within Richardson Grove State Park's old-growth redwood forest, offering 40 tent and RV sites beneath coast redwoods along the South Fork of the Eel River. Open Memorial Day through Labor Day, the campground runs $35 per night and includes hot showers, flush toilets, and ranger programs. Sites accommodate RVs up to 30 feet.