Camping in Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area

87% (20 reviews)

An arboreal Eden straddles Highway 101 in Northern California.  

Top public campgrounds in the park

Public campgrounds here are often sold out.
87% (20 reviews)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area adventure.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area

96%
(5139)

Jug Handle Creek Farm

20 sites · RVs, Tents33 acres · Caspar, CA
Jug Handle Creek Farm and Nature Center is a nonprofit with a five minute walk to Jug Handle State Reserve, Jug Handle beach and the Ecological Staircase trail. We offer 11 unique campsites with plenty of space and privacy. Each site has two picnic tables, a fire ring, parking for two cars and plenty of space for your tents. Our 33 acres include a native plant nursery, community gardens, forests, meadows, and nature trails. Our site has lots of nature trails, is peaceful and beautiful and just a 5-minute walk to Jug Handle Beach and the Jug Handle Preserve. Our Mission: We offer a welcoming and supportive environment for people of all backgrounds to explore nature and connect with the natural word. Nature stewardship is central to our non-profit mission and as an organization we are engaged in many nature restoration projects throughout Mendocino County. We also provide a supportive learning environment for nature education for disadvantaged youth during the school year. If you teach k-12 and would like to bring your classroom to Jug Handle contact us about special rates and our immersive nature education programs.
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$45
 / night
95%
(20)

The Hideaway at Hole In The Wall

8 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Leggett, CA
1.) To get here stay on 101, don't take bell springs road. 2.) Yes there is a parking lot for extra vehicles! Just enough room for one vehicle AT each site but plenty of parking just across the bridge. 3.) Welcome to The Hideaway at The World Famous Hole in The Wall, a truly one-of-a-kind escape in rainforest like setting nestled in the heart of Northern California’s redwood country just up the road from the iconic Drive Through tree, The Grandfather Tree, and Confusion Hill. Tucked deep within a peaceful forest just off Highway 101 in Leggett, this hidden gem offers an unforgettable mix of natural beauty, relaxation, and creativity. Giant chimes or a game of horse shoes. At the heart of the property is our namesake attraction—a stunning swimming hole carved into the rock wall by dynamite decades ago, ( Google hole in the wall Leggett) now transformed into a crystal-clear, refreshing oasis complete with cascading waterfalls. Lounge on redwood decks, picnic under the trees, play on the worlds biggest home made giant cylinder chimes in the sound garden or explore the surrounding fruit trees and lush forest paths, tire swings, or a game of horse shoes. Learn the local plants and their uses with signs that you can find describing each one around the property. That have been tended to with regenerative permaculture practices. The Hideaway isn't just a place to camp—it's a place to learn, create, and connect. We host educational permaculture workshops, music events, and hands-on learning experiences. Whether you're into fixing, building, or tinkering, you'll have access to all the tools you could ever need. Amenities include, invigorating outdoor hot showers, new picnic tables, and easy access right off the 101. Whether you're seeking solitude, a community vibe, or a bit of both, this is your chance to experience Northern California in a truly unique way. Come for the waterfall, stay for the magic. P.s. to get here type in "Hole in The Wall, Leggett, California." On Google maps or "Tan Oak Park" we're directly across the street from Tan Oak Park, there is a big blue water barrel by the mailbox. DO NOT TAKE BELL SPRINGS ROAD, JUST STAY ON THE 101 WE ARE LOCATED SO CONVENIENTLY ON THE 101 Follow blue arrows once you cross the big bridge.
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$75
 / night
76%
(29)

Bigfoot’s Coastal Hideaway

14 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Fort Bragg, CA
Retreat to the redwoods, and relax to the sounds of birds and chipmunks and the babbling of a year round creek. Just 5 minutes from highway 1 on the gorgeous Mendocino coast and less than 10 minutes to Fort Bragg or the village of Mendocino. Enjoy 10 acres of Family, pet and horse friendly redwoods, Pygmy and transitional land, abundant with wildlife, huckleberries, redwoods, and sunshine. Find a tire swing in the trees, or bring your chairs to the creek and splash around in the cool water with the kids and pups. Toilet and hot shower available. WiFi , water, and electricity available in some areas and campfires allowed in fire pits. Nearby you’ll find countless miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails, ancient redwoods and Pygmy forests, secluded beaches, gorgeous state parks, and quaint towns. Kayaking, SUP, fishing, surfing, whale watching, wine tasting and tours, shopping, dining, galleries, restaurants, breweries, and bars are all minutes away. Whether it’s just you and your dog, or the whole family and all the kids, we have the perfect hideaway for you to set up camp and make yourself at home.
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$45
 / night
98%
(673)

Baby Banana Slug Farm

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Albion, CA
Once an ancient Redwood grove full of mature redwood trees towering 250 feet in the air, This is a beautiful piece of property, very private, with an old growth Redwood snag still remaining and 30 foot diameter re-sprouted Redwood fairy rings. it has its own private entrance.In the redwood forest, lots of trees and other vegetation. Good wildlife watching area. 4 miles from the ocean. Campsites have own access point. Pack it in, pack it out. Please be respectful of neighbors and land around you.2 sites available - both with potable water, and area for campfires (outside of any burn ban), and toilet access. Firewood available for fee. Pets allowed.Guests love staying here: "This was such a treat. Nathan was a responsive, present host--made sure we had all of the wood we wanted. We were tucked away in the woods with great amenities... bathroom included. There is a beautiful tree on the campsite that made the whole experience magical. And my pup was free to run and around and bring me sticks. I will definitely come back again!"
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$60
 / night
93%
(168)

Shelter Cove Campground

90 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Whitethorn, CA
Welcome to Shelter Cove Campground, your gateway to California’s breathtaking Lost Coast! Nestled in the seaside village of Shelter Cove, our campground offers the perfect blend of rugged coastal adventure and laid-back comfort. Settle into one of our spacious RV sites and wake up to salty sea breezes and the sound of waves just steps away. Our campground is ideally located for nature lovers and explorers. We’re directly across from public access to the cove and just a short stroll from dramatic tide pools, picnic areas overlooking the ocean, and the iconic Cape Mendocino Lighthouse. Surfing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding are popular pastimes here, and for land-based adventure, the nearby hiking trails and scenic overlooks are sure to impress. On-site, you’ll find everything you need for a convenient and relaxing stay. Our full deli and store keep you fueled with tasty meals, snacks, local wines, microbrews, and essential supplies. Join us on select weekend evenings for movie nights and lively karaoke on the patio! We even welcome traveling musicians to share their tunes with fellow campers. Whether you’re here for a quiet getaway, an outdoor adventure, or a bit of both, Shelter Cove RV Campground invites you to unwind and experience the natural beauty of the Northern California coast. Breathe in the ocean air, soak in the sunsets, and make yourself at home.
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$25
 / night
99%
(435)

Heartwood Mendocino

12 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Mendocino, CA
Our property is just minutes from Mendocino's beaches, parks and sweet town, yet private and quiet as it is surrounded by 50,000 acre state forest with world class hiking and biking trails directly accessed from our place. Around the giant redwoods and meadows we have sprinkled in the most amazing little cabins, camp sites and deluxe bath house. We have a great outdoor camp kitchen available for your use. The redwood tree shower must not be missed! This is a very special experience for us to share with you. We are a family of campers. We agree, there's nothing better than a rest in a hammock following a hike or a beach day and a night under the stars without the constant dinging of cell and internet! Guests love staying here: "Such a lovely getaway! Our family of four and little dog thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Heartwood. The cabins are great, with comfortable (warm) beds, very clean and cozy. It’s well worth the visit even in the winter! Really appreciated being outdoors surrounded by Redwoods, hiking the trails around the property, the modern bathrooms with hot showers, and the indoor sitting area to make coffee in the mornings. Our stay was relaxing, memorable and special!"
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$76
 / night
100%
(213)

Waterfall Camp

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Mendocino, CA
Welcome to Waterfall Camp. Come enjoy your stay with us on our beautiful 5-acre property centrally located, its only 10 min to the village of Mendocino, 5 minute drive to Caspar beach and 10 min to the town of Fort Bragg. Nestled on the edge of the Redwoods and Pygmy Forest, adjacent to Russian Gulch State Park. The property has private access into park which consists of many miles of beautiful Redwood trails,the trail to the waterfall, biking trails along with a trail that leads straight to the ocean. Come and relax around your private campfire and cook over the open flames or treat yourself to fine dining in Mendocino or Fort Bragg, the experience is at your fingertips. From camping under the stars to hiking and biking through the redwoods or kayaking up Big River, come let the Mendocino coast show you what it’s all about. Our goal is to make you feel right at home. Each of our three sites has a redwood deck with a sink and food prep space, potable water, remote solar lighting, picnic table, smokeless fire pit and grill, firewood, level parking area and tent pad. One of the three sites can accommodate a 25’ trailer. There is a beautiful redwood bathhouse with two outdoor showers and two flushing toilets. All water onsite is potable so make sure to top off before your day of adventuring. There is a horseshoe pit, cornhole, and badminton set for fun under the sun. All sites are a two min walk to the State Park trails and 5 min ride to Jackson state forest bike trails. It's about a half hour walk to the beautiful waterfall from our property. Large Groups are welcome to book all three sites with two additional RV locations. Also we have a fully stocked westfalia camper van to glamp in if your wanting to pack light for the weekend. We hope to make your stay with us a memorable and fun experience. Shay & Liz
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$90
 / night
98%
(179)

Meadow Farm & Forest

9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents28 acres · Fort Bragg, CA
Meadow Farm is a quiet and creative sanctuary surrounded by the forest. The ocean breezes freshen the air and the pulse of the planet is heard as the surf sounds travel to put us to rest at night.. We are a place for people experimenting with the new old ways to live with low impact and conservation of our precious resources. We offer affordable accommodations, organic gardening, and education on plants and living simply. We welcome your interest in veganic garden and diet, orchards, and forest trails. Our organic vegetables and fruit may be available if you wish to bring some of our farm to your table. We can offer you a quiet and peaceful place without social pressures if you wish to "decompress" from city life, jobs or any stressful times. Or come to the communal fire near the bathhouse for sharing some time with family and the few other campers that may be there. Bringing your own wood is welcome. The coastal bike and hike trails are many. From South of Ft Bragg to the Sand Dunes near Ward Ave. you can travel over 7 miles one way and go down to quiet little beach coves along the way. Meadow Farm is a nonprofit 501c3 with goals of coastal food security, disaster preparation and sheltering, carbon sequestering and forest restoration. We offer native plant tours on or off site with advance notice. We like our dog companions! Two McNab collies, Moxie and Shama live here and may bark at first...still very friendly and social with people and other dogs.. There are several dog friendly off-leash areas such as, Noyo North Harbor Beach, Seaside Beach and dog parks in both Ft Bragg and Mendocino. Our farm is dog friendly tho we wish pets to be kept close, must be neutered and friendly to other dogs and people. Please be sure to bury or bag the waste. Speaking of waste, Meadow Farm strives to reduce waste by avoiding plastic as much as possible, recycling what we can and composting our veggie scraps. Please bring your own waste receptacles and take them along when you go. We take ours to the Caspar Transfer Station which is open Saturday through Wednesday... the location and hours can be found online. Our water is from a deep well and we periodically test it for bacteria. It is cold and delicious. Our irrigation pipes that have spigots and hoses at each camp are safe for drinking, cooking and cleaning. Our solar pump moves water into storage tanks that provide all the water to the farm. It is very important that the water valves on your camp spigot is turned off (gently please) to avoid losing 2500 gallons of water in a short time. If you see a leak or break in a line please contact us immediately. There are also water shut offs for the camps on the west side of the Farm House if you are unable to reach us right away.. When doing dishes we request that you use the strainer to catch food particles from the dish water and toss them in your trash or compost bucket. If you have vegetable waste let us know and we can pick them up for adding to the worm bins or composting piles. We make worm "tea" fertilizer and rich soil from these offerings. No animal products or oil please... a few egg shells are okay. We do have the usual wildlife though we haven't had problems with them. Ravens will raid your camp if food or bags are left out while you are away. From dusk to dawn keep children and pets close. We coexist well here with the critters...and glad to have them. Wishing you a very peaceful and soul refreshing stay at Meadow Farm. Come and allow this natural setting to heal and restore your sense of well-being.
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$65
 / night
97%
(494)

Shangri-La

8 sites · Lodging, Tents100 acres · Upper Lake, CA
For 21 years, we have worked on keeping this property as a Sacred Space. There's a meadow with an Indian artifact and amazing views. We are a team, husband and wife, this is off-the-grid and we raise our children here. At the same time, we grow organic food and work on our crafts and spiritual practice, never using chemical fertilizers, and keeping all of the groundwater clear and clean with an abundance of spring water for drinking. This is a magical forest retreat and we love to share it with others who are like-minded. Right out of the Mendocino National Forest, 100-Acre Forest and Meadow Retreat is just minutes to the Eel River out of the small town of Potter Valley and 15 minutes to Lake Pillsbury. Private views, fresh spring water and endless possibilities. *******We also recommend that you have AWD or 4x4 vehicle, as the road is dirt coming in and the campsite are up the mountain off of a dirt road*******We have 2 campsites currently with fresh spring water, and fire pits. Private and in the woods. Lots of hiking on the land, with stunning views. Bring your own tent, hammock, food whatever you need to be a happy camper!! In the spring of 2019 we added in 2 new yurt sites, with soaking tubs, filled with hot spring water. We have 2 campsites to book for regular camping tents and we just added a community bathroom . Nestled away in the forest very private queen size bed natural spring water for soaking in the tub on your porch. In addition for comfort and convenience we have a nice bathroom with hand-washing station. Each yurt can come with propane heat in winter time you need to request it, in the Extras. making it cozy all year long. *******We also recommend that you have AWD or 4x4 vehicle, as the road is dirt coming in and the campsite are up the mountain off of a dirt road*******.
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$67.50
 / night

The best camping near Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area guide

Overview

About

Enjoy hiking, fishing, and swimming on the scenic South Fork of the Eel River. An inland river canyon, with steep sides and giant trees, shelters you from highway noise. The ancient trees here are truly a sight to behold as the gateway to tall trees country.

The pride of this forest is the Captain Miles Standish Tree. This massive redwood towers 225 feet above the forest floor. It's more than 1,200 years old. The tree was just a sapling when the Europeans were still in the Dark Ages.

Deep holes, shallow pools, and riffles make this spot popular for kayaking, swimming, and fishing. The canyon offers scenic overlooks thanks to the hiking trails. Give a shout and listen to your echo as it bounces from one side of the canyon to the other. The Grove Trail heads into a virgin redwood stand.

At least one campsite stays open year-round. Be careful of high water in winter time.

Notable campgrounds

  • Family Campsites: Nestled among the redwoods, these sites offer a classic camping experience for all ages.
  • Hike or Bike Campsites: Ideal for the more adventurous, these sites are accessible by trail and promise a secluded retreat.
  • RV Access: Spacious sites accommodate RVs up to 27 feet, providing a comfortable and convenient stay amid nature.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Book early, as sites can be reserved up to six months in advance and fill up quickly, especially during peak season.
  • Be flexible with your dates to increase your chances of finding an available spot.
  • Check for cancellations regularly, as plans change and previously booked sites may become available.
  • Explore nearby camping options if Standish-Hickey is fully booked, as the surrounding area offers additional opportunities.

When to go

The best time to visit Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area is from late spring to early fall when the weather is warm and the park's full splendor is on display. Winter brings high water levels, making some areas inaccessible, but the park's beauty endures year-round for those prepared for the conditions.

Know before you go

  • Always check for any park closures or alerts before planning your visit, especially during the off-season.
  • While dogs are allowed in the park, they are not permitted on trails, so plan accordingly if bringing a pet.
  • Day use areas are open from sunrise to sunset, perfect for picnics and short hikes.
  • Accessible features are available; check the park's website or contact the park directly for more information.
  • Remember to pack out all trash and follow Leave No Trace principles to preserve the park's natural beauty.
87%
20 ratings · 12 reviews

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  1. Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area