Hours and Seasons of Operation

Park Hours: The park is always open, however some areas are day use only and some campgrounds are open seasonally.
Park Headquarters hours: Park headquarters is generally open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Visitor Center hours:
  • Summer hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (as of April 1, 2002)
  • Winter hours: 10a.m. to 4p.m. daily
Visitation season: The primary visitation season is summer, however there are reasons to visit in any season. Winter rains (65 inches or more a year) keep visitation low. In the spring, wildflowers are an especially beautiful attraction. The colorful leaf displays make fall a nice time to visit as well.
Campgrounds:
  • Burlington: Open year-round. Register at Park Headquarters or self-register at the campground during the off-season.
  • Albee Creek: Open mid-May through mid-October.
  • Hidden Springs: Open mid-May through mid-October.
  • Environmental Camps: Open year-round. Register at Park Headquarters during the off-season.
  • Williams Grove Group Camp: Open year-round. Register at Park Headquarters during the off-season.
  • Cuneo Creek Group Horse Camp: Open year-round. Register at Park Headquarters or self-register at the campground during the off-season.
  • Trail Camps: Open year-round. Register at Park Headquarters during the off-season. In winter, ask about trail conditions before departure. No water is available at Grasshopper Trail Camp during winter. In summer, water is available at Grasshopper Trail Camp only when the fire lookout is staffed (generally July 1 to October 1.) Plan to bring water with you.
  • Hike and Bike Camp: Open year-round. Register at Park Headquarters or self-register at the campground during the off-season.
  • Note: Campground entrance stations are staffed during the summer season only. Off-season is generally mid-October through mid-May.
Day Use areas: Day use areas are open from dawn until dusk all year. There is a $2 day use parking fee to use Williams Grove or Federation Grove. No overnight camping is allowed in day use areas.
Trails: All trails are open year-round. Some backcountry trails may be difficult to access in the winter. Seasonal bridges over the Eel River are removed in winter. Although the trails on the opposite side of the river are open, the hike in is much longer. Winter access is available at the Big Tree Area or Grasshopper Fire Road from the Mattole Road.
Seasonal Bridges: Seasonal bridges over the Eel River and Bull Creek are usually removed by mid-September. The bridges generally are installed by Memorial Day. These temporary bridges cannot be left in year-round due to seasonal water level changes in the Eel River and its tributaries.

Home

California State Parks logo

Page updated: January 3, 2001.