Richardson Grove State Park (Piercy Sector)
Established in 1922 and named after Friend W. Richardson, the 25th
governor of California, the park is bisected by Hwy. 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 9th 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 summer 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 1930s 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 up to 24 trailers and 30 motor
homes. There are no hook-ups. Reservations can be made Memorial Day - Labor Day by calling
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
: 7 miles south of Garberville on Hwy. 101.
- Address
: 1600 U.S. Highway 101, Garberville, CA 95542
- Telephone
: (707) 247-3318 (recorded message).
- Operating Hours/Seasons
: Huckleberry/Madrone Family Campground & the group
campground are open year-round. Oak Flat Campground is open mid-June through
mid-September.
- Climate/recommended clothing
: Summer 75°-95°. Morning & evening fog is common.
Winter 30°-50°. Dress for rain.
- Travel Directions
: 7 miles south of Garberville on Hwy. 101.
- Fees/costs/rates
: **All fees subject to change as of January 2001** Campsites
- off-season $12., on season $16. Showers need quarters. Cabins - $55. Day-use $2/car.
Senior citizens receive $2 discount on camping.
- Facilities
: 9+ miles of hiking trails, picnic area with ample parking, water access,
fishing, nature store, camp store, visitor center with exhibits.
- Reservations/permits
: Recommend reservations for car camps Memorial Day-Labor Day.
Call (800) 444-7275. For Cabin rental call (707) 247-3415.
- Basic visit recommendations
: Family camping in the Redwoods.
- Special events/programs
: Redwood Run, Reggae on the River, 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 S.P., Avenue of the Giants, &
Shelter Cove.
