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Northern California Region
Richardson Grove State Park
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RICHARDSON GROVE STATE PARK
RICHARDSON GROVE STATE PARK
1600 US Highway 101 #8
Garberville, California   95440

Phone: 707-247-3318
Reservations: 800-444-7275
Email: park email button icon
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.

Over nine miles of hiking trails, picnic area with ample parking, river access, and seasonal fishing.

The park offers a variety of Interpretive/Educational 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 1930?s Richardson Grove lodge and are also open May - September.
History of the Area
The park was established in 1922. It is named after Friend W. Richardson, a former state governor.

The area covers approximately 2000 acres and features ancient redwood trees that are over three centuries old.

In its early years, it served as an important transportation route for people traveling to northern parts of California.

It became popular among tourists due to its natural beauty and recreational activities like camping, hiking trails and swimming spots along South Fork Eel River.

Over time conservation efforts have been implemented by authorities to protect this unique ecosystem from logging operations or other potential threats.

Camping
- Family Campsites: 170 campsites available, equipped with picnic tables and fire rings.
- Group Camps: Two group campgrounds accommodating up to 50 people each.
- Huckleberry Campground: Offers secluded sites for a more private camping experience.
- Madrone Grove Camping Area: A smaller area suitable for tent-only camping.
- Oak Flat Camping Area: Ideal location near the South Fork Eel River; RV-friendly site but no hookups provided.



Trails
Lookout Point, Tanoak Spring, Durphy Creek Trails

4 miles round tripYou can?t miss viewing the redwoods in Richardson Grove State Park; the highway lobby had Highway 101 built right through the heart of the park. But if you really want to experience the magic and majesty of ?The Grove,? as it?s affectionately known, you must get off the highway and hit the trail.

Fortunately, Richardson Grove has some fine footpaths that visit quiet redwood groves and Eel River beaches.

The park, acquired in the 1920s, is named for California?s 25th governor, William Friend Richardson, though it?s any park lover?s guess why. The ultra-conservative Richardson was completely unsympathetic to the state park system, then in its infancy, and vetoed all expenditure bills.

Start your visit to Richardson Grove with a look at the natural history exhibits and history displays at the visitor center. Check out the arboreal curiosities: a walk-through tree, and a dawn redwood, the coastal redwood?s Chinese cousin, located in the group camp. The park features a full schedule of interpretive programs during the summer months.

This loop trip offers an enjoyable jaunt through the redwoods growing above the South Fork of the Eel River. The Eel?s frequent floods in years past have deposited thick layers of rich soil? ideal for growing especially tall redwoods.

Directions to trailhead: From Highway 101, eight miles south of Garberville, take the Richardson Grove State Park exit.

Once inside the park, getting to either of the trailheads is a bit tricky, unless you happened to have reserved a site in Madrone Campground. If you?re not camping, best bet is to park at the picnic ground near the visitor center, follow the short path to the Highway 101 underpass, emerging on the other side and picking up the path leading to and through Madrone Campground.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
August 11 Spectacular
park review stars; one to five An amazing are for looking at the tallest trees in the world.
July 25 Awesome redwoods and the eel river too!
park review stars; one to five
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Area Campgrounds
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Shelter Cove RV Park
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Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
Seven miles south of Garberville on Highway 101. Latitude/Longitude: 40.0172 / -123.7917

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California
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California State Parks

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