Rock Creek Campground
Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area

Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area, California
Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area, California

Rock Creek Campground
Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area


Rock Creek Campground

Rock Creek Campground is in Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area off Highway 101 in northern Mendocino County. Standish-Hickey marks the southern edge of what is called the Redwood Empire, which stretches north to the Oregon border. Visitors to Rock Creek Campground find well-spaced campsites among the trees on the bluff above the South Fork Eel River. By mid-summer the river is usually low enough for wading. Across the river, trails lead through groves of redwoods.

Rock Creek Campground has 35 campsites in a single loop. Fences protect campers from the edge of the steep bluff overlooking the river. Eight campsites are designated as tent-only. The rest of the campsites can accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents. A Hike & Bike campsite, for those arriving on foot to bicyle, is included in the campground loop. Some campsites are kept as first-come, first-served sites or may be reserved directly through the park.

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Rock Creek Campground Basics
Rock Creek Campground Location: Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area, Highway 101, 1½ miles north of Leggett
Elevation: 885 feet
Camping Season: At least one campground loop in the park is open year-round (usually in Rock Creek Campground).
Other campgrounds are open during the peak season (generally Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day), depending on weather. Check the reservation website listed below.
Number of Sites: 35
Max. People per Site: 8 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 1 vehicle and 1 legally towed vehicle or trailer (fee per night for additional vehicle)
Pets: On leash, always attended
Operated by California State Parks
Standish-Hickey SRA Headquarters: (707) -925-6482

Reservations for Rock Creek Campground
Reservations recommended: for camping dates from mid-May to mid-October. At other times campsites are first-come, first-served.
Booking Window: Reservations can be made from 2 days up to 6 months in advance of arrival date.
Maximum Vehicle Length: Trailer 24 feet, RV 27 feet
Wheelchair accessible sites: #7, 25, 33
Fees: Primitive campsites $25 per night
Standard campsites $35
Premium campsites $40
Hike & Bike site - $25
plus an $8 reservation fee
Online Reservations at ReserveCalifornia: Rock Creek Campground Reservations
or call (800) 444-PARK (7275) between 8 AM and 6 PM
Check-in, check-out: 2:00 PM, Noon

Rock Creek Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, food locker, fire grill
Campground: Restrooms with flush toilets, tap water
Showers: Yes, 25 cents for 2 minutes
Dump Station: No
Campground Map: Standish-Hickey Campground Map
Attractions near Rock Creek Campground: Try fishing in the river. Swim in Eel River when water level is safe. Try fishing in the river. Enjoy hiking trails and redwood groves. Drive to the nearby Smithe Redwood Grove. Stop in at the Drive-Thru Tree Park. Visit a tourist favorite, Confusion Hill.


South Fork Eel River, Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area, CA

South Fork Eel River

General Camping Information

Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. If using a reservation site, check to be sure your vehicle will fit your campsite.

Accessible Sites

Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate.




Rock Creek Campground, Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area, CA

Rock Creek Campground

Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area Attractions

Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area in northern Mendocino County offers a range of recreation activities and natural wonders. Visitors to Rock Creek Campground are near many of the attractions in the park.

  • Swim in the South Fork of the Eel River when water levels are safe.
  • Stroll along the Grove Trail and enjoy the virgin redwood stands. Visit the 225-foot Miles Standish Tree.
  • Hike along the Taber Nature Trail and the Mill Creek Loop Trail.
  • Watch for black-tailed deer, gray foxes, and river otters.
  • Overhead watch for osprey, woodpeckers, owls, eagles, and hawks.
  • Enjoy a picnic in the day-use area.
  • In the fall and winter fish for salmon and steelhead.
  • Attend a summer interpretive program at the campfire center.


Key Rock Creek Campground Regulations

  1. Diving or jumping into the river is not allowed.
  2. Dogs must be kept on a leash and must be confined to a tent or vehicle at night.
  3. Wood collecting is not allowed, including twigs and leaves.
  4. Generators may only be operated sparingly from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
  5. Bicycles are only allowed on paved roads.

    Check Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area for any campground updates.