Portola Redwoods State Park Campground is a hidden gem for nature enthusiasts seeking a convenient escape into the wilderness. Located just a short drive from the South Bay area, this charming campground provides easy access to towering redwood trees and peaceful trails, offering a unique mix of natural beauty and urban convenience.
The campground boasts a variety of amenities designed to make your stay enjoyable, including modern facilities such as showers and dishwashing stations. While soap is not provided, the site offers everything else you need for a comfortable camping experience. The campsites are well-maintained, with many offering flat, shaded areas suitable for tents of various sizes, including larger models.
One of the standout features of Portola Redwoods State Park Campground is its proximity to an abundance of redwood trees, which are typically found much further north. This makes it a rare opportunity to experience these majestic giants without traveling hours from urban areas. The campground also provides excellent access to hiking trails, allowing visitors to explore the surrounding forest and enjoy the serenity of nature.
Guests have praised the campground for its proximity to urban areas while still offering a peaceful retreat into nature. Many highlight the convenience of not having to travel hours to enjoy redwoods, as well as the manageable drive for arrivals and departures. Positive reviews also mention specific sites, such as site number 46, which is spacious, flat, and shaded, making it ideal for larger tents and families.
Picnics
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
RV camping
Hiking
Barbecue grill
Picnic tables
Public restroom
Public shower
Restroom
Running water
Tent sites
Camping fee
Good for kids
Kid-friendly hikes
On-site parking
Dogs allowed
Loved camping here! Super close to south bay with tons of redwood trees. Unlike forest like this require driving 2-3 hrs away from the city, but this one was very convenient for distance. However road is very windy so prepare to arrive/leave when sun is up.
Love this campground, stayed at number 46 (5th photo.) decent size, mostly flat in one area for your tent (able to fit a 5 person tent comfortably in said area) shaded, has 2 trees that you can hang your hammock from that aren't redwoods. The campground has a nice dishwashing station but bring your own soap as it is not provided, also has showers and amazing trails, definitely will be back!
We absolutely loved it here. The redwoods were gorgeous, and our campsite was lovely. We only spent one night here, but we wished we were able to spend longer. The jays really are everywhere so be super mindful about not leaving food out. There was a dishwashing station outside the bathrooms. It even had soap and scrubbers which was nice and thoughtful. The bathrooms had flush toilets which is always a win. The showers were quarter operated. The campsites had picnic tables, bear lockers, and fire rings. Our neighbors felt a little bit close to us but also we had our own space so we were totally fine. We'll definitely be back here. We loved it.
Check in at visitor center and you’ll receive camp rules with marked date/site#. No wifi connection. No redwood trees for hammock. We love our campsite #44 which offers a sense of privacy, although it may see some hikers passing by during the daytime. It is otherwise pleasantly isolated and conveniently located near bathroom and water faucet. We appreciate shady woods, making Portola an ideal spot for us! Showers are quarter-operated as shown in video. Also there’s a dishwashing station with rooftop right outside the bathrooms, be sure to bring your own dish soap and scrubbing supplies. I’m not certain if it’s the off-season but we kind of enjoy the vibe and not overly crowded experience at the site.
Nice camp grounds! Dense redwood trees and great hikes.