Oak Flat Campground
Richardson Grove State Park

Richardson Grove State Park, California
Richardson Grove State Park, California

Oak Flat Campground
Richardson Grove State Park


Oak Flat Campground

Oak Flat Campground is spread along the east side of the Eel River in Richardson Grove State Park. Most of its campsites are farther from the highway than in other campgrounds in the park. Campers at Oak Flat Campground are only a short walk from the Visitor Center, the swim beach, and other park features. Fishing for steelhead is popular in the winter. In the summer when water levels are safe, swimming is a favorite activity. A number of self-guided nature trails lead through the park.

Oak Flat Campground has 94 campsites, #77-170. Sixteen sites are reserved for tents only, while the rest can accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents. Campsites are located among scattered oaks which offer mixed sun and shade.

Shop Amazon: Camping Essentials



Oak Flat Campground Basics
Oak Flat Campground Location: Richardson Grove State Park, Highway 101, southern Humboldt County.
Elevation: 490 feet
Camping Season: Open mid-June through mid-September
Number of Sites: 94
Max. People per Site: 8 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 1 vehicle and 1 legally towed vehicle or trailer (fee for additional vehicle)
Pets: On leash, always attended
Operated by California State Parks
Richardson Grove State Park Headquarters: (707) 247-3318

Reservations for Oak Flat Campground
Reservations strongly recommended: Whenever campground is open
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 30 feet
ADA accessible sites: None designated
Fees: $35 plus an $8 reservation fee
Online Reservations at ReserveCalifornia: Oak Flat Campground Reservations
or call (800) 444-PARK (7275) between 8 AM and 6 PM
Check-in, check-out: 2:00 PM, Noon

Oak Flat Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, food locker, fire grill
Campground: Restrooms with flush toilets, tap water, WiFi near the ranger station
Showers: Yes, 25 cents for 2 minutes
Dump Station: Nearby
Campground Map: Richardson Grove Campground Map
Attractions near Oak Flat Campground: The 0.7-mile Settlers Loop Trail leads out of Oak Flat Campground. The Toumey Trail out of the campground leads up to Panorama Point. Fish or swim (when water levels are safe) in the Eel River. Tour the park's Visitor Center. Walk along self-guided nature trails, including The Grove Interpretive Trail.


Eel River at Richardson Grove State Park, CA

Eel River at Richardson Grove State Park

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.




Oak Flat Campground, Richardson Grove State Park, CA

Oak Flat Campground

Richardson Grove State Park Attractions

Richardson Grove State Park is home to some of the most magnificent stands of old-growth coastal redwoods in California. Campers at Oak Flat Campground are across the river and a short distance from the main features of the park.

  • Follow the easy-going Race Track path which passes many unusual redwoods such as the chandelier tree with multiple trunks branching out.
  • Drop in at the Visitor Center and the nature store.
  • Join in Campfire programs, the Junior Rangers program, and guided nature walks.
  • Tour the 1930s Richardson Grove Lodge in the summer.
  • Stroll along the Exhibit Trail, Tourney Trail, and Settler's Trail.
  • In late summer when water levels are safe, swim or wade in the Eel River.
  • In the winter fish for steelhead trout.
  • Hike up to Panorama Point and Lookout Point.
  • Bring your camera as you visit some of the park's tallest redwoods such as Hartsook Giant.
  • Take a stroll through the walk-through tree, visit the bat tree, and learn from the tree-ring study conducted in 1933.


Key Oak Flat Campground Regulations

  1. Wood collecting is not allowed, including twigs and leaves.
  2. Generators may only be operated sparingly from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
  3. Quiet Hours are from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
  4. Bicycles are only allowed on paved roads.
  5. Diving or jumping into the river is not allowed.

    Check Richardson Grove State Park for any campground updates.