Richardson Grove State Park wilderness guide
State Park · CA

Richardson Grove State Park

Richardson Grove State Park is a peaceful forested coastal park in Northern California known for its towering old-growth redwoods and scenic roadside access near the Eel River.

State Park2,0004+ Trails

Designation

State Park

Total Wilderness Area

2,000

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Richardson Grove State Park

Richardson Grove State Park is a peaceful forested coastal park in Northern California known for its towering old-growth redwoods and scenic roadside access near the Eel River.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Located in Humboldt County, California, Richardson Grove State Park encompasses a lush stretch along Highway 101 where visitors can experience some of the tallest and oldest coast redwoods in the region. The park covers terrain along the Eel River, offering a combination of river access, shaded forest groves, and picnic areas. It was established in 1922 to protect the remarkable redwoods and provide public recreational opportunities. The park is a popular stop for travelers heading along the scenic Highway 101 corridor, offering trail hiking, camping, and opportunities to observe native wildlife including deer, various bird species, and salmon in the river. The forest is dominated by ancient coast redwoods that can reach heights exceeding 300 feet, along with Douglas fir, tanoak, and madrone trees. Richardson Grove’s trails range from easy river strolls to moderate hikes through the redwood canopy, with interpretive displays highlighting the natural and cultural history of the area. The grove also represents traditional lands of the Wiyot people, adding cultural significance to the natural setting. Visitors frequently enjoy fishing, picnicking, and photography around the river and forest edges. The park’s proximity to Humboldt Redwoods State Park makes it a convenient starting point for exploring California’s iconic redwood ecosystem. Overall, Richardson Grove State Park offers accessible outdoor experiences with spectacular old-growth trees and river landscapes that attract nature lovers and road trippers alike.

Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Richardson Grove State Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

Ancient coast redwoods towering over 300 feet tallScenic Eel River running through the park offering fishing and wildlife viewingHistoric highway 101 passing directly through the grove providing roadside accessQuiet picnic areas shaded by old-growth forest canopy
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Richardson Grove State Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Richardson Grove State Park
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Richardson Grove State Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Richardson Grove State Park
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Richardson Grove State Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Richardson Grove State Park
Park Recreation

Picnicking

Available in Richardson Grove State Park
Park Recreation

Bird Watching

Available in Richardson Grove State Park
Park Recreation

Scenic Drives

Available in Richardson Grove State Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Richardson Grove State Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Day use fees apply seasonally; camping requires reservation. No entrance permit required for day visits.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Richardson Grove State Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Richardson Grove Campground

Located within the park among the old-growth forest, offering shaded campsites with access to restrooms and picnic tables.

Group Campground

Designed for larger groups, this site is near the river and provides a rustic setting for gatherings and events.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Richardson Grove State Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Whitethorn, California
3.50 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Whitethorn, California

Whitethorn offers access to the isolated beauty of California's Lost Coast. Ideal for hikers, surfers, and anyone seeking an adventurous escape, it provides incredible views and a peaceful retreat from urban life.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Shelter Cove, California
5.60 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Shelter Cove, California

Shelter Cove, California, is a quiet coastal town on the Lost Coast offering rugged hiking, ocean kayaking, whale watching, and remote camping. Ideal for travelers seeking solitude and wild Pacific coastline adventures.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Redway, California
9.05 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Redway, California

Redway is a quiet Northern California town centered among towering redwoods and wild rivers. Hike, bike, paddle, or fish in peaceful forests with minimal crowds, making it perfect for travelers seeking authentic nature escapes.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Garberville, California
10.03 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Garberville, California

Garberville is a quiet Northern California town surrounded by giant redwood forests and rivers, offering excellent hiking, paddling, and camping opportunities. It’s a peaceful basecamp for exploring the famed Avenue of the Giants and nearby protected natural areas.

Late spring through early fall
Explore Town
Piercy, California
12.01 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Piercy, California

Piercy offers peaceful access to towering redwoods and the scenic Eel River, perfect for hiking, paddling, fishing, and camping. This quiet Northern California town is your base for exploring vast forestlands and wildlife-rich river canyons.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Phillipsville, California
14.15 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Phillipsville, California

Phillipsville is a tranquil spot on the northern California coast where river paddling, redwood hiking, and quiet camping offer a low-key outdoor escape amid ancient forests and scenic waterways.

Spring through early Fall
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Richardson Grove State Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

A Gentle Half-Day Float Through Del Loma’s Upper Trinity
ADVEXPEDITION
Del Loma, California
RaftingADV Bookable

A Gentle Half-Day Float Through Del Loma’s Upper Trinity

A four-hour scenic raft trip on the Trinity River that emphasizes calm floats, sandy beaches, mild Class II rapids and wildlife viewing—this guide explains what to expect and how to pack.

RaftingPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip