Camp One, Jackson State Demonstration Forest

This is the most popular campground in Jackson Demonstration State Forest, where there are about 26 primitive campsites spread around in different campgrounds in the Camp 1 area. All sites are near a river. There are pit toilets, NO potable water, table, fire ring, and maybe a standing BBQ grill. It is 3.5 miles north of Hwy 20 @ 5.90 MPM. Most RV's can find a site to fit in. Plenty of trees for shade. Weekdays are quiet, holidays & weekends not. Campground opens before Memorial Day and closes by October. Lots of hiking/biking trails and roads to explore. Cost is $25/night. There is no cell phone coverage here.

Showed up to Camp One of Jackson Demonstration State Forest on a Saturday at around noon. Not much was open in terms of campsites. Ended up at Redtail Campsite #3 and it was beautiful. Located of 300, it dips down into the redwoods off the road. R.T. #3 was in the corner of the campground. It had a firepit, standing grill, and was a good size. The whole campsite/campground/surrounding area was immaculate. There was no trash anywhere. The site was spread out, and campground very very secluded, there was no noise at night other than nature the stream amd fires and whispers from the few others fore pits. Redtail 3 was huge and we set up the tent about 30' - 40' away from the main part of the site, and got a nice spot on the stream. Dusk was awsome with the sun trickling in through the trees. And Nightime was georguous, pitch black with the stars showing through the trees. Only the sounds of mother nature to be heard. 300 going to the campsite is a long windy dirtroad going along the river. So it would be a good place to bring mountain bikes. I walked up 300 for a couple miles and found some cool spots. Even a cool swimming spot. So know, there are not hiking trails per se in the immediate area. Also, the river is not a river, it's a stream now, so your gonna have to look hard for swim spots, I found one so you can too. If you want space, beauty and seclusion, this is a great spot in Jackson State Forest.

It's a long drive down a dirt road to get to the campgrounds. The board said it was full, but we found a campsite full of trash and the tag was expired-- so make sure to check the tag and ask other campers if a spot is vacant. Our neighbor left but didn't remove the tag. After about 5 people drove by looking for a camp it dawned on me that they thought the site was taken. I was able to flag one down and let them know the spot was available. It would be perfect if there was water available.

Great place to camp. Very well taken care of, clean compared to most California campgrounds. Spots were big.

Beautiful, Quiet, camping area. Definitely going back real soon. Dogs loved it..Creek is real close by.