november_moon

I am planning a late season camping trip in the Fort Bragg area in the next few weeks and am looking for opinions about campgrounds. Based on the info on the state parks web site, the campgrounds at Van Damme, MacKerricher and Hendy Woods are open or partially open this month. I haven't been to this area in ages, so I don't really remember the pluses and minuses of the campground in these parks. I am looking for some opinions from anyone familiar with the area.

We'll have a small group of adults and will be staying in a camping trailer and a tent. We are hoping for decent weather - the early storms to pass and then have some clear weather for awhile - but if it rains we can crowd into the camping trailer. Basically we just want to get together and hang out before the holidays, unplug, and enjoy some scenery. If the weather is good, we'll do some hiking, beachcombing, and photography. If the weather is bad, we'll hang out in the trailer and play cards and go into Fort Bragg and Mendocino to poke around and hang out.

Thanks.

november_moon

Topping so that the Californians who surf Fodors in the evennings will see this.

elnap29

We've really enjoyed Van Damme in the past but never have camped in November. These parks can be a bit "damp" due to their location near the ocean (fog, etc) but still beautiful. Lots of nice walking in Van Damme. It's in a canyon along a river so more protected from the wind.

We've never camped in Hendy Woods but always stop there to rest, hike, picnic. Always imagined camping there one day. It's the park I would pick, especially if I have all my supplies. Love its location on the creek in the redwoods. Easy to get to. Inland, so better weather. But if your goal is beachcombing, you should consider the other two parks.

november_moon

Thanks elnap. Van Damme sounds like a good choice - close to the ocean, but with the campground in a canyon in case of inclement weather. I don't mind if it is damp, I am just hoping that it won't be pouring down rain. I do enjoy the coast during a storm, but it isn't quite so fun when camping.

Michael

Hendy Woods has small cabins (just a platform for the bed) in case the weather is bad. It is closer to the wineries of the Anderson Valley and there is a good apple farm just before the entrance to the park (honor system payment of goods).

I believe that most of the camp sites in Van Damme are above the river valley, hence not as damp as along the stream.