Point Group Camp, Portola Redwoods State Park

Hello, fellow Californians! When it comes to enjoying the natural splendor of our state with a larger gathering of family or friends, finding the perfect spot can sometimes be a challenge. But tucked away in the serene embrace of Portola Redwoods State Park, you’ll discover Point Group Camp – an exceptional destination designed specifically for groups seeking a tranquil and immersive experience beneath the majestic redwood canopy. As locals, we know the allure of these towering giants, and Point Group Camp offers an ideal setting to create unforgettable memories in a truly spectacular environment.

Point Group Camp is a tent-only campground, thoughtfully laid out to accommodate groups of up to 50 people, including children. It’s located along Pescadero Creek, providing a peaceful soundtrack to your wilderness retreat. One of its standout features, as noted by visitors, is the thoughtful design that allows for "a little privacy for individual parties within your group" even while being part of a larger gathering. This is a crucial element for group camping, ensuring that everyone can enjoy both communal activities and personal space. Adjacent to Point is the "Circle site," which, as its name suggests, is ideal for congregating everyone around a central common area for cooking and socializing, offering flexibility in how your group can utilize the space.

The beauty of Portola Redwoods State Park lies in its relatively undeveloped nature compared to some of its more famous redwood park counterparts. This means the trails are often "uninterrupted by other people," allowing for a deeper connection with the ancient forest. The park staff and local office are "well staffed" and dedicated to maintaining the trails and facilities, ensuring a pleasant and safe experience for all visitors. Point Group Camp, along with its sister group site, offers a blend of natural immersion and essential conveniences, including shared restrooms and a dishwashing station, which are invaluable for group logistics. It truly provides a serene and well-equipped base for your redwood adventure.

Point Group Camp is situated on Point Group Camp Rd, La Honda, CA 94020, USA, deep within the heart of Portola Redwoods State Park. This location places it in the stunning, rugged terrain of the Santa Cruz Mountains, offering a genuine sense of escape into nature. The drive to Portola Redwoods State Park is part of the adventure; the last six miles of road leading to the park are known to be steep, narrow, and winding, carving a path through deeply shaded redwood forests. While this adds to the park's secluded charm, it's important to be prepared for the drive and ensure your vehicle has enough gas, as the nearest gas station is about 14 miles away in Sky Londa.

Despite its secluded feel, Portola Redwoods State Park is remarkably accessible for Bay Area locals. It's a manageable drive from major metropolitan areas like San Francisco, San Jose, and Santa Cruz, making it an ideal destination for weekend group getaways without requiring excessive travel time. The park headquarters and visitor center, conveniently located near the group camps, provide a central point for information, maps, and often a small store for essentials like firewood (when fires are permitted).

Once at Point Group Camp, you'll find that it's just a short walk from the parking area, so be ready to pack in all your supplies. The ease of access to the camp from the designated parking area, coupled with the immediate immersion into the redwood forest, creates a seamless transition from daily life to wilderness adventure. A delightful feature is a short trail at the end of the Point site that leads to "a lovely spot at the convergence of two streams," offering a picturesque setting for relaxation or quiet contemplation. This strategic location provides both a sense of deep wilderness and practical convenience for group logistics.

Services Offered:

• Tent-only group campsites for up to 50 people.
• Shared restrooms conveniently located near the campsites.
• Shared dishwashing station for group cooking needs.
• Potable drinking water available.
• Picnic tables at each site.
• Campfire rings with grill grates at each site.
• Proximity to an amphitheater for group gatherings or interpretive programs.
• On-site park office/visitor center, often well-staffed, for information and assistance.
• Hot showers are located in the main campground area, accessible from the group camp.
• Twelve vehicles are typically included in the group campground price; additional vehicles may incur extra charges.

Features / Highlights:

• Secluded group camping experience under majestic redwood trees.
• Offers "a little privacy for individual parties within your group."
• "Circle site" adjacent for centralized communal activities.
• Access to "beautiful" and "well-maintained" hiking trails, often less crowded than other parks.
• Opportunity for tranquil moments in "secluded groves" along the trails.
• Convergence of two streams easily accessible from the Point site.
• Abundant natural beauty, including towering redwoods, diverse flora, and peaceful creeks.
• Wildlife viewing opportunities in a quiet forest setting.
• Managed by California State Parks, ensuring well-maintained facilities and natural preservation.
• Seasonal operation (typically closes in winter months).

Contact Information:

Address: Point Group Camp Rd, La Honda, CA 94020, USA (within Portola Redwoods State Park)

Phone: (650) 948-9098 (Portola Redwoods State Park Visitor Center/Main Office)

Reservations: Group campsites like Point Group Camp generally require advance reservations, often through the California State Parks reservation system (ReserveCalifornia.com or by calling their reservation line). It is highly recommended to book well in advance, especially for popular weekends and during peak season.

For us Californians, Point Group Camp at Portola Redwoods State Park is an absolute treasure for group outdoor adventures. We're blessed with incredible natural landscapes, and the redwoods hold a special place in our hearts. This campground offers the unique opportunity to share the magic of these ancient forests with a larger group, making it perfect for family reunions, scout trips, outdoor club gatherings, or just a large friends' getaway. The fact that it provides privacy within the group sites is a thoughtful touch that truly enhances the communal experience.

The park's well-maintained trails, which are known for their relative solitude, are a huge draw. As locals, we often seek out trails where we can truly feel immersed in nature without the constant distraction of crowds, and Portola Redwoods delivers. The opportunity to "eat a wonderful lunch in a secluded grove where no one bothered us for a full hour" speaks volumes about the peace you can find here. While remembering to "bring a lot of water" for hikes is key, the presence of neatly spaced outhouses and a dishwashing station back at camp showcases the practical amenities that make group camping much more comfortable.

Point Group Camp balances accessibility from the Bay Area with a deeply immersive wilderness experience. It allows us to introduce new generations to the wonders of the redwoods in a supportive and well-managed environment. If you're planning your next group outdoor adventure in California, look no further than Point Group Camp. It’s a place where shared laughter, towering trees, and the tranquility of nature combine to create truly unforgettable local memories.

Point Group Camp, Portola Redwoods State Park

Point Group Camp Rd, La Honda, CA 94020, USA