Navarro River Redwoods State Park

Introduction of Navarro River Redwoods State Park

Navarro River Redwoods State Park is an excellent choice for RVers looking for giant redwood trees, a sandy beach area, and 36 campsites nestled among the giant trees. Navarro River Redwoods State Park, located 11 miles southeast of Albion, California, is home to a second-growth redwood forest with trees towering over 150 feet in the air. For 14 miles, the park follows the North Fork Navarro River as well as the Navarro River through numerous tunnels formed by the incredible redwoods. The park was known as the Paul M. Dimmick State Park when it was established in 1928 with the purchase of 12 acres.

The surrounding area of Navarro River Redwood State Park was once home to the Mitom Pomo Indian Tribe, which thrived in the area. The tribe was eventually relocated to the Fort Bragg Reservation, and the land was made available for logging. During the 1850s, the landscape featured 300-foot-tall redwood trees. Logging decimated the old growth forest, and a new forest sprouted from the trunks of the old growth forest. Captain Charles Fletcher built a hotel for sailors and loggers in the 1860s. Captain Fletcher’s Inn was purchased by the state of California in 1996 and renovated.

Swimming in the river and the Pacific Ocean, fishing, hiking, and kayakers and canoeists take advantage of the higher water levels in the Navarro River during the springtime. Other fantastic RV recreation options include whale and wildlife watching, which is excellent in the second growth forest and at the river’s mouth.

Navarro River Redwood State Park has beautiful weather in the summer, with highs in the mid-70s to low-80s and little rain. Winter temperatures in the 60s are common, with up to seven inches of rain per month.

Navarro River Redwoods State Park Camping

The Paul M. Dimmick Campground is located within Navarro River Redwoods State Park and is connected by a single road. Within the campground, there are 26 campsites. The campground is located at the confluence of the North Fork Navarro River and the Navarro River, and there is plenty of shade under the canopy of towering redwoods. The campground does not provide any RV or trailer hookup services. RVs are limited to 30 feet in length, and not all campsites can accommodate them.

Campsites include a fire ring, picnic table, and a paved parking pad that may need to be levelled. The nearest dump station is eight miles east of the park on Highway 128 at Henry Woods State Park. There are flush toilets in the summer and vault toilets in the winter, as well as drinking water spigots located throughout the campground. Generators are permitted to be used from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Pets must be restrained at all times by a six-foot leash.

The Navarro River Redwoods State Park’s Navarro Beach Campground is located along the mouth of the Navarro River and the Navarro River Estuary. The campground has ten camping areas, each with a fire ring and a picnic table. The campground is not suitable for rigs longer than 30 feet. Along Navarro Beach, there is little to no shade. Although there are vault toilets, there is no running water. Campers may believe the campground is merely a parking lot. Generators are permitted to be used from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Pets must be restrained at all times by a six-foot leash.

Navarro River Redwoods State Park Activities

Fishing

Back up your rod and reel whenever you leave your RV. Steelhead, ocean run cutthroat trout, and salmon can all be caught at Navarro River Redwoods State Park. The park follows the river along Highway 128 and provides numerous opportunities to pull over and get your line wet in the water. Barbless hooks are required for most fishing, and it is always a good idea to check the state of California fishing regulations for closures as well as bag and size limits.

Biking

Many cyclists arrive at the park with their bikes already loaded onto their vehicles. Highway 128’s 14-mile length is ideal for cycling. Paddling through the natural redwood tunnels is an unforgettable adventure. The ride is enchanting and filled with nature all around, no matter where you start on the road from the campground or entrance. Be cautious of traffic and follow all bicycling rules in the area.

Swimming

Most RVers bring their swimsuits, and the Navarro River is a great place to swim. In the summer, there are numerous swimming holes along the river to keep you cool. With lower water levels present from June to August, the water is ideal for swimming. Wading along the river is also great for families. Bringing an inner tube is also a good idea. The Navarro River is a long, lazy river that stretches all the way to the Pacific Ocean.

Beachcombing

Navarro River Redwoods State Park may not have a long stretch of beach to walk on, but there is plenty of driftwood to be found. A spectacular collection of driftwood can be found along the river’s mouth and within the Navarro River Estuary State Marine Reserve. Looking for unique driftwood and sea shells is best done at low tide, and you should always check the tidal times before venturing out in search of that perfect piece of driftwood.

Navarro River Redwoods State Park Location

Navarro River Redwood State Park is accessible via California State Highways 128 and 1, also known as the Shoreline Highway. Highway 128 will be difficult to navigate for RVers in large rigs. The highway runs alongside the Navarro River, following the river’s meandering path. When travelling east to west from Navarro, there are numerous curves to negotiate. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to pull over along one of the many curves to allow traffic to flow smoothly. You will also encounter difficult driving conditions while travelling along the Shoreline Highway.

It is easier to drive south from Albion until you enter the park. Driving north on the Shoreline Highway is more difficult because the road follows the uneven coastline of the Pacific Ocean. Congestion will be present at the Navarro Beach campground as well as near Captain Fletcher’s Inn.

Driving on Highway 128 once inside the park can be tricky. Congestion is to be expected as you drive through the redwood tunnels due to the numerous day use areas along the road. When entering the campground area, driving is made easier by a single road that connects the Paul M. Dimmick campground loop to Highway 128. Please obey all posted speed limits while driving in the park and campground. Share the road with pedestrians, bicyclists, and children playing.

Parking

Parking is available

Public Transport

Public Transport is not available