Richardson Grove State Park

How to get there: The park is located seven miles south of Garberville on Highway 101. For information call (707) 247-3318 or 247-3319.

Established in 1922 and named after Friend W. Richardson, the 25th governor of California, the park is bisected by Highway 101 and the south fork of the Eel River. Camping, hiking, swimming, and just relaxing are popular activities throughout much of the year. Fishing for salmon and steelhead is popular during the winter.

Richardson Grove State Park is where you first encounter significant old growth redwood forest when coming north. The ninth tallest coast redwood, a fallen tree ring study conducted in 1933, and a walk-through tree are immediately available.

The park offers a variety of nature programs during the summer including evening campfire programs, Junior Rangers, and guided nature walks. A visitor center and nature store are located in the historic 1930's Richardson Grove lodge and are also open in the summer.

The park has family campgrounds and a group camp totaling 159 campsites. Campsites can accommodate tents and up to 24 foot trailers and 30 foot motor homes. There are no hookups. Reservations can be made Memorial Day - Labor Day by calling Destinet at (800) 444-7275. Several cabins are available for rent and can be reserved by calling the lodge (707) 247-3415.

Richardson Grove State Park in a nutshell:

Visitation: 250,000/year
Location/Directions: Seven miles south of Garberville on Highway 101.
Address: 1600 US Highway 101, Garberville, CA 95440-3318.
Telephone: (707) 247-3318 (recorded message).
Operating Hours/Seasons: Huckleberry/Madrone Family Campground and the group campground are open year round. The Oak Flat Campground is open mid-June through mid-September.
Climate/recommended clothing: Summer 75-95. Morning and evening fog is common. Winter 30-50. Dress for rain.
Travel Directions: Seven miles south of Garberville on Highway 101.
Fees/costs/rates: Campsites - off season $12, on season $16. Showers need quarters. Cabins - $55. Day-use $5/car. Senior citizens receive $2 discount on camping and $1 discount on day use.
Facilities: 9+ miles of hiking trails, picnic area with ample parking, water access, fishing, nature store, camp store, visitor center with exhibits.
Reservations/permits: Recommended for summer season. Not available rest of year.
Basic visit recommendations: Family camping in the redwoods.
Special events/programs: Reggae music concert first weekend in August. Nature walks, campfire and Junior Ranger programs during the summer season.
Visitor impacts: Park campground full on most weekends during the summer.
Adjacent visitor attractions: Humboldt Redwoods State Park, Avenue of the Giants, and Shelter Cove.

Additional North Coast Redwoods District State Parks links:

[Azalea State Reserve]
[Benbow Lake State Recreation Area]
[Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park]
[Fort Humboldt State Historic Park]
[Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park]
[Standish - Hickey State Recreation Area]
[Humboldt Redwoods State Park]
[Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park]
[Humboldt Lagoons State Park]
[Lake Earl State Park]
[Patrick's Point State Park]
[Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park]
[Richardson Grove State Park]
[Sinkyone Wilderness State Park]
[Trinidad State Beach]

Back to North Coast Redwoods District page.
Back to Humboldt Redwoods State Park home page.