Paul Dimmick Campground

For Californians yearning to escape the everyday and immerse themselves in the majestic tranquility of the redwood forests, Paul Dimmick Campground in Philo offers an authentic and charming experience. Nestled within the beautiful Navarro River Redwoods State Park, this small but captivating campground provides a truly rustic setting where towering redwoods create a breathtaking canopy overhead. If you’re a camper who appreciates simplicity, natural beauty, and the serene quietude of the forest, Paul Dimmick Campground is an ideal spot for your next adventure. It’s a place where the sounds of nature prevail, and the lack of modern distractions allows for a genuine connection with the wilderness.

Paul Dimmick Campground is specifically designed for the camper who values a first-come, first-served approach, offering a spontaneous escape into nature. It’s a fantastic option for those who prefer to avoid the hassle of reservations and enjoy the freedom of finding a spot on arrival. While it boasts limited facilities, this contributes to its charm, ensuring a more primitive and secluded feel. Imagine waking up surrounded by ancient trees, enjoying your morning coffee at a picnic table, and then heading out to explore the myriad of nearby trails. This campground truly caters to those who seek an unplugged experience, embracing the quietude that comes with no cell service and being close to nature. For California locals, it’s a perfect opportunity to access the renowned redwood forests and the Navarro River, providing a peaceful retreat without venturing too far from home.

Paul Dimmick Campground is located on CA-128, Philo, CA 95466, USA, within the expansive Navarro River Redwoods State Park. This location places it along a scenic highway that winds through the beautiful Navarro River corridor, known for its stunning redwood groves. The campground is approximately six miles east of the junction of Highway 1 and Highway 128. While it is directly off CA-128, it’s important to note that the campground is close to the road, meaning some car noise might be heard, especially on weekends or during busier periods. However, for many, this is a minor trade-off for the convenience of direct access and the immersive redwood environment.

Accessibility to Paul Dimmick Campground is straightforward via Highway 128, a well-maintained paved road. This makes it easily reachable for both tent campers and RVs, with sites that can accommodate trailers up to 24 feet and motorhomes up to 30 feet. There are two accessible campsites (#6 and #23), and accessible restrooms, parking, and routes are available, making it welcoming for visitors with mobility needs. The campground's location within Navarro River Redwoods State Park provides excellent access to the Navarro River, which is popular for fishing, swimming, canoeing, and kayaking, particularly in late winter and spring. Additionally, numerous trails nearby lead into the redwoods, offering opportunities for hiking and exploring the diverse ecosystem, although the small canyon leading to the creek can be overgrown. The combination of direct road access, proximity to the river, and immersive redwood scenery makes Paul Dimmick Campground a convenient and appealing destination for a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts across California.

Services Offered:

• Primitive Campsites: Approximately 27 campsites are available, designed for tent and RV camping (up to 24-foot trailers and 30-foot RVs).
• First-Come, First-Served: All campsites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, with no reservations.
• Pit Toilets (Vault Toilets): Clean and well-maintained pit toilets are available for campers.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite includes a picnic table.
• Fire Rings with Grills: Designated fire rings are provided at each site, often with a standing BBQ grill (check for current fire restrictions).
• Accessible Campsites: Two accessible campsites (#6 and #23) are available, along with accessible restrooms and parking.
• Pet-Friendly: Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash.
• Seasonal Operation: The campground is typically open from before Memorial Day and closes by October, though specific dates can vary (e.g., May 27 - Sept 7 in 2022, open during summer in 2025 reviews).

Features / Highlights:

• Redwood Forest Setting: Sleep under towering, large redwood trees, providing ample shade and a majestic atmosphere.
• Close Access to Trails: Numerous nearby trails offer opportunities for hiking and biking within the state park.
• Proximity to Navarro River: Enjoy close access to the Navarro River for fishing, swimming, canoeing, and kayaking.
• Secluded Charm: Despite being near the road, the campground retains a charming, somewhat overgrown feel that offers a sense of privacy in some spots.
• No Cell Service: Promotes a true "unplugged" experience, encouraging campers to disconnect from technology and connect with nature.
• Clean Facilities: Pit toilets are generally reported to be clean.
• Spontaneous Camping: The first-come, first-served policy allows for flexible travel plans.
• Affordable Rate: Camping typically costs $20-$35 per night, offering a good value for a redwood camping experience.

Contact Information:

Address: CA-128, Philo, CA 95466, USA

Phone: (707) 937-5804

Mobile Phone: +1 707-937-5804

Paul Dimmick Campground is an excellent choice for California locals, particularly those in Northern California, seeking an authentic and accessible redwood camping experience. Its first-come, first-served policy is a huge draw for spontaneous weekend trips or mid-week escapes, allowing residents to easily decide on a whim to immerse themselves in nature without the stress of advance reservations often required at other popular parks. While the campground is described as having "limited facilities" and no potable water, these aspects are precisely what appeal to many seasoned California campers who appreciate a more rustic and self-sufficient adventure. Being prepared to bring your own drinking and cooking water is a small trade-off for the unparalleled beauty and tranquility of sleeping under ancient redwoods.

The immediate access to numerous trails and the Navarro River means that outdoor activities are right at your fingertips, catering to the active lifestyle that many Californians enjoy. Whether you're into hiking, biking, fishing, or simply enjoying the peaceful sounds of the stream, Paul Dimmick offers ample opportunities. The consistent praise for its charm, the ample shade provided by the towering trees, and the generally clean pit toilets further enhance its suitability for local visitors. For those looking to truly disconnect, the lack of cell service is a feature, not a bug, allowing for a genuine digital detox.

Despite its proximity to Highway 128, which might bring some road noise, the overall experience at Paul Dimmick Campground remains one of secluded beauty and natural serenity. It represents an accessible, affordable, and incredibly rewarding option for any Californian looking to recharge in one of the state's most iconic and beautiful natural environments. It’s a perfect spot for individuals, couples, or small families to create lasting memories amidst the grandeur of the redwoods, proving that you don't need to travel far to find a truly magical outdoor escape right here in California.

Paul Dimmick Campground

CA-128, Philo, CA 95466, USA