🌤 Weather at Richardson Grove State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 44–85 °F | 59–98 °F | 41–92 °F | 36–63 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Corcoran Irrig Dist, 2 mi away, elevation 200 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Official Guide: Richardson Grove State Park — A beloved old-growth redwood park in southern Humboldt County, California, featuring ancient coast redwoods (300+ ft tall, thousands of years old) along Highway 101, camping beneath towering groves, swimming and relaxing on the South Fork Eel River, and easy hiking trails through some of the most accessible old-growth redwood forest in the state.
Richardson Grove State Park is the first old-growth redwood experience for travelers heading north on Highway 101 — a magical “gateway to the redwoods” where the highway narrows to thread through ancient trees, some over 300 feet tall and thousands of years old. The park’s accessible campgrounds and river frontage make it one of the most popular redwood camping destinations in California.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Southern Humboldt County — Highway 101 |
| Trees | Old-growth coast redwoods — 300+ ft, 1000+ years |
| River | South Fork Eel River — swimming, wading |
| Camping | Three campgrounds among redwood groves |
| Reservations | ReserveCalifornia — strongly recommended summer |
Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Hiking | Easy trails through old-growth redwood groves |
| Camping | Three campgrounds — tent + RV beneath giant redwoods |
| Swimming | South Fork Eel River — unguarded, seasonal |
| Fishing | Eel River — steelhead (seasonal, check regs) |
| Nature Walks | Self-guided grove walks among ancient trees |
| Picnicking | Shaded areas among redwoods |
Frequently Asked Questions
How big are the redwoods at Richardson Grove?
The old-growth coast redwoods at Richardson Grove include trees over 300 feet tall and thousands of years old. They are some of the most accessible old-growth redwoods in California, located right along Highway 101.
Can I drive a large RV through Richardson Grove?
Highway 101 narrows significantly through the park, with tight curves between massive redwood trees. Large trucks and oversized RVs may have difficulty navigating this section. Check with Caltrans for current vehicle restrictions before driving through.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Azalea State Natural Reserve (a short drive away) and D. L. Bliss State Park (a short drive away).
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Richardson Grove State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Dogs are permitted in California State Parks only in developed areas — campgrounds, picnic areas, parking lots and paved roads — and are prohibited on most trails, beaches and undeveloped areas unless specifically designated as dog-friendly.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Maximum 6-foot leash at all times; dogs may not be left unattended.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Dogs are prohibited on most state beaches; only beaches specifically designated as dog-allowed permit them (varies by park).
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are generally not allowed in buildings or cabins; overnight campers must keep dogs inside a tent or vehicle at night.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Designated dog-friendly trails and beaches vary park by park; misrepresenting a pet as a service animal is a misdemeanor.
Are dogs allowed at Richardson Grove State Park?
Dogs are permitted in California State Parks only in developed areas — campgrounds, picnic areas, parking lots and paved roads — and are prohibited on most trails, beaches and undeveloped areas unless specifically designated as dog-friendly. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via parks.ca.gov. More: California state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
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