Hillside Group Campground

Welcome, fellow Californians, to an in-depth look at Hillside Group Campground, a premier destination for group camping nestled within the majestic Portola Redwoods State Park in La Honda, California. For those living in the Golden State, particularly in the Bay Area and beyond, finding a serene yet well-equipped location for a group outdoor adventure can be a treasure. This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and factual overview of Hillside Group Campground, helping local users in California learn more about this remarkable place. We’ll explore its unique setting, the services and features tailored for group enjoyment, and why it stands out as an excellent choice for your next collective outdoor escape among the towering redwoods.

California's diverse landscape offers an unparalleled array of camping experiences, from coastal bluffs to mountain peaks. Group campgrounds, like Hillside, cater to a specific need: providing ample space and facilities for larger gatherings of friends, families, or organizations to enjoy nature together. Unlike individual campsites, group sites are designed to accommodate a greater number of people and vehicles, fostering a communal atmosphere. Hillside Group Campground exemplifies this, offering a dedicated space where groups can come together to connect with nature and each other, surrounded by the iconic beauty of the redwood forest. It’s an ideal spot for scout troops, family reunions, school trips, or any large gathering seeking an immersive outdoor experience.

Hillside Group Campground is located at 7 Portola Campground Loop, La Honda, CA 94020, USA. This address places it squarely within Portola Redwoods State Park, a less-visited gem in the Santa Cruz Mountains. For Californians, its location offers a fantastic escape from urban hustle without requiring an excessively long drive, particularly for those coming from the San Francisco Bay Area or Silicon Valley. La Honda is a charming, rural community, and the park itself provides a deep immersion into the redwood forest environment.

Accessibility to Hillside Group Campground is key for planning a successful group trip. The park is accessed via winding, scenic roads characteristic of the Santa Cruz Mountains, such as Alpine Road and Portola State Park Road. While these roads are well-maintained, visitors should be prepared for curves and a more leisurely pace of travel. From major metropolitan areas like San Francisco or San Jose, the drive typically takes under two hours, making it an ideal weekend getaway or a convenient destination for longer stays. Given its natural setting, public transportation directly to the campground is not readily available, so personal vehicles are necessary for access. The campground itself is noted to be a "short walk from the parking area," meaning campers should be prepared to pack in their supplies a short distance. This walk-in nature helps preserve the tranquility and natural feel of the group site. While Portola Redwoods State Park offers a feeling of remote wilderness, it's still accessible enough for various groups to enjoy its natural beauty. Local towns provide essential services and supplies, ensuring that campers can find what they need before or during their stay.

Hillside Group Campground is specifically designed to accommodate large groups, and its services are tailored to meet the needs of such gatherings. While it is a tent-only campground, it provides essential amenities to ensure a comfortable stay. Key services offered include:

• Dedicated Group Site: A spacious area reserved exclusively for large groups, ensuring privacy and ample room for activities.

• Drinking Water: Access to potable drinking water is available nearby, which is crucial for group hydration.

• Restrooms: Shared restroom facilities are conveniently located close to the campground, ensuring basic sanitation needs are met. Some information indicates the availability of flush toilets within the main campground, and hot showers are also available in the main campground area, which is a significant convenience.

• Firewood for Sale: The convenience of purchasing firewood directly at the camp office (or main campground office) means campers don't have to transport it from afar, and it helps prevent the spread of invasive species.

• Assigned Parking Lot: A designated parking area is provided for the group, with twelve vehicles typically included in the group campground price, accommodating the needs of larger parties. Additional vehicles may incur an extra charge.

• Reservations: As a popular group campground, reservations are required and can be made well in advance, typically up to one year, through the California State Parks reservation system. This ensures availability for planned group events.

Hillside Group Campground offers specific features and highlights that make it particularly suitable for large gatherings seeking a memorable outdoor experience. The design and natural surroundings enhance its appeal:

• Large Open Central Area: Reviews highlight that the campground has a "large open central area." This feature is ideal for group activities, games, or simply gathering together, providing ample space for everyone without feeling cramped.

• Multiple Picnic Tables: The presence of "a few picnic tables" (though other sources suggest "many picnic tables") provides designated spaces for dining, meal preparation, and group discussions, making shared meals convenient and comfortable.

• Group Fire Ring: A significant highlight is the "very nice group fire rings surrounded by brick or stone." This communal fire pit serves as a central point for evening gatherings, storytelling, and marshmallow roasting, enhancing the traditional camping experience for a large group.

• Tent-Only Environment: Being a tent-only campground helps maintain a classic camping atmosphere and ensures that the focus remains on natural immersion without the presence of large RVs or motorhomes within the group site itself.

• Redwood Forest Setting: The campground is situated within Portola Redwoods State Park, offering the awe-inspiring beauty of towering redwood trees. Camping among these majestic giants provides a truly unique and memorable natural backdrop.

• Proximity to Restrooms and Parking: Reviewers note the convenience of being "close to the restroom and the assigned parking lot," which simplifies logistics for groups with varying needs and ensures easy access to facilities.

• Adjacent to Ravine Group Campground: Hillside Group Campground is adjacent to Ravine Group Campground, which accommodates smaller groups (25 people). This proximity might offer flexibility for extremely large gatherings that require multiple group sites.

One aspect noted in reviews is the presence of "too many mosquitoes." While this is a common challenge in many natural settings, especially near water sources or during certain seasons, it's a factual point that visitors should be prepared for by bringing appropriate insect repellent and protective clothing.

For those interested in booking or learning more about Hillside Group Campground within Portola Redwoods State Park, here is the contact information:

• Address: 7 Portola Campground Loop, La Honda, CA 94020, USA (within Portola Redwoods State Park)

• General Park Phone: (650) 948-9098 (Portola Redwoods State Park)

• Reservations: Reservations for California State Parks, including group campsites, are typically made through a centralized system. You can generally call (800) 444-7275 or visit the California State Parks website (www.parks.ca.gov) for reservation details.

It is always recommended to check the official California State Parks website or call the park directly for the most current information on operating hours, reservation policies, fees, and any seasonal alerts or conditions.

In conclusion, Hillside Group Campground in Portola Redwoods State Park offers a distinctly suitable and appealing camping experience for local Californians seeking to host a large group in a beautiful natural setting. Its strategic location in La Honda provides a convenient escape into the iconic redwood forest, accessible from major Californian population centers. The campground's design, with its spacious central area, numerous picnic tables, and well-outfitted group fire ring, is perfectly tailored for communal activities and comfortable living for large parties. While being mindful of natural elements like mosquitoes, the core offerings of easy access to water, restrooms, and on-site firewood sales significantly enhance the camping experience. For Californian families, friends, or organizations looking for an immersive outdoor adventure that fosters connection and shared memories amidst the grandeur of the redwoods, Hillside Group Campground stands out as an exceptional choice. It promises a serene, well-equipped environment where the focus remains on enjoying the natural beauty of California and the camaraderie of your group.

Hillside Group Campground

7 Portola Campground Loop, La Honda, CA 94020, USA