Hike and Bike Campsites
4.4077 reviews9000 Portola State Park Road, La Honda, CA 94020
Hike and Bike Campsites
$35.00 - $35.00
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$35.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$35.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Standard hike-and-bike campsites are $35 per night. An additional $8.25 reservation fee applies. Campfire allowed, hot water available, and ADA accessible showers included.
About this campground
Nestled within the ancient cathedral of Portola Redwoods State Park, four exclusive hike-and-bike campsites await adventurous souls in the charming Huckleberry Campground. These hidden gems operate on a first-come, first-served basis throughout the camping season, offering an intimate escape where towering old-growth redwoods serve as your neighbors and the only sounds are whispers of wind through centuries-old branches.
The hike-and-bike campsites in Portola Redwoods are specifically designated for walk-in tent camping. These sites are first-come, first-served, and no reservations are required.
Historical SignificanceThese ancient groves hold stories spanning millennia, from the Quiroste Tribe who first called this land home to the thunderous era of logging that nearly silenced these giants forever. Today's peaceful sanctuary emerged from this tumultuous past, with the park's visitor center—a former Masonic Lodge Islam Shrine retreat—standing as a testament to the land's transformation from exploitation to preservation.
Weather and SeasonsThis enchanted forest drinks deeply from the sky, receiving 40-60 inches of rain each year that nourishes its verdant ecosystem. Summer mornings often arrive wrapped in mysterious coastal fog, creating a cool refuge from inland heat. Winter transforms the landscape into a dramatic wonderland of rushing streams and glistening foliage, though trails can become muddy adventures. Savvy visitors discover perfection in late spring's wildflower displays and early autumn's golden light filtering through the canopy.
ElevationPerched at 1,180 feet above the Pacific, this mountain sanctuary captures cool ocean breezes and morning mists that create the perfect climate for a thriving redwood ecosystem. Here, temperatures remain refreshingly mild even during summer's peak, while the elevation ensures a lush, emerald world that feels worlds away from the dry California valleys below.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living fairytale where ancient redwood titans stretch skyward, their massive trunks creating natural cathedrals draped in emerald ferns and wild huckleberries. Crystal-clear streams weave through the forest floor, providing life to this biodiversity hotspot that shelters the endangered marbled murrelet. Every turn reveals another postcard-perfect scene of moss-covered logs, delicate sorrel carpets, and shafts of sunlight piercing the verdant canopy.
Geological RegionCarved into the rugged heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Portola Redwoods occupies a dramatic canyon where eons of water have sculpted a natural amphitheater for giants. This unique stream basin nurtures a remarkable mixed evergreen forest where ancient old-growth redwoods stand shoulder-to-shoulder with thriving second-growth forests, creating a living museum of California's most iconic ecosystem.
Campsite details
AccessibilityShowers and certain restrooms are ADA accessible. The visitor center offers wheelchair accessibility. No trails are currently wheelchair-friendly.
Sites SizeStandard site sizes suitable for tents. Tent pad dimensions are 10 ft x 10 ft.
Sites PrivacySites are partially shaded. Some sites offer privacy due to foliage barriers.
Total Campsites4 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites WK61 through WK64 offer food lockers, picnic tables, fire rings, and partial shade. Ensure reservations are made early to secure these popular spots.
Best CampsitesHike-and-bike sites WK61, WK62, WK63, WK64.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Check out by 12:00 PM, maximum occupancy per site is 8 people.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 8 occupants per site.
Groups
- There are no group hike-and-bike campsites
- these are individual tent sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe sites at Huckleberry Campground are hike-in and tent-only with paved surfaces for parking.
Open and Closed SeasonCamping season varies; hike-and-bike campsites are closed during the winter season.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via www.reservecalifornia.com or by calling toll-free at 1-800-444-7275.
Walk-in AvailabilityFour hike-and-bike campsites are first-come, first-served throughout the camping season.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled but the $8.25 reservation fee is non-refundable. Changes or cancellations must be made at least 48 hours in advance.
Amenities available
Showers
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Hike-and-bike campers have access to various recreational activities. Portola Redwoods State Park is known for its scenic trails, old-growth redwoods, and diverse wildlife. Activities include hiking, wildlife viewing, and creek-side exploration.
Hiking18 miles of trails, ranging from easy short hikes to strenuous backcountry routes such as the Peters Creek Loop. Seasonal bridges provide access to certain trails, and hikers are advised to carry maps and water.
SwimmingSwimming is allowed in creeks but diving or jumping is prohibited. Visitors are requested not to build rock dams or disturb creek banks.
BikingMountain biking is restricted to paved roads and service roads like Old Haul Service Road, which connects Portola Redwoods to Memorial County Park.
Wildlife viewingOpportunities exist to observe diverse wildlife, including marbled murrelets, coyotes, and banana slugs. Some user reviews describe spotting a Northern Pygmy-Owl.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe visitor center offers exhibits and interpretive displays. Guided hikes and naturalist-led backpacking trips are occasionally organized.
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed only in designated fire rings. Gathering wood is strictly prohibited; firewood is available for purchase.
- Quiet hours are observed from 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsHazards include poison oak, stinging nettles, ticks (some may carry Lyme disease), yellowjackets that deliver repeated painful stings, and steep roads.
Active alertsNo cell reception in the park and surrounding areas. Ridesharing services are not recommended. Seasonal trail closures may also apply.
Weather forecast
61
°F
Aug 7
Thursday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 70%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 4.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services can be accessed by dialing 911 from a pay phone near the ranger station or call boxes on Highway 1 or Highway 9. The closest hospital information is not provided.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak camping season runs from late spring through mid-autumn.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling stations are available throughout the park. Visitors are encouraged to adhere to the crumb clean policy to protect local wildlife.
Proximity to water featuresClose to Pescadero Creek, providing a serene water feature. Local streams may require caution during wet seasons.
Common complaintsVisitors frequently mention mosquitoes, narrow access roads, and the lack of nearby stores for supplies.
HostCamp hosts are present during the camping season and provide firewood for purchase along with assistance on park rules and trail information.
Campground Map
9000 Portola State Park Road, La Honda, CA 94020
Driving directionsFrom Highway 35, turn west onto Alpine Road, go 3 miles, and turn onto Portola State Park Road. The road dead ends in the park. Use low gear as both these roads are steep and winding. Expect a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from most Bay Area locations.
Access involves a steep, narrow, and winding 6-mile road downhill to the park. Drivers are advised to proceed cautiously, particularly during wet weather.Nearby places
Sky Londa: 14 miles (nearest gas station), La Honda: 9 miles (nearest grocery store)
Nearby supplies
Fuel and groceries are in Sky Londa (14 miles away) and La Honda (9 miles away). The park itself does not have supplies or a store.
Camper Reviews
4.4
77 reviews
Hike and Bike Campsites is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the pristine natural setting, the peace and quiet of the campground, and the beauty of the surrounding trails and redwoods. Common sentiments emphasize the park's remoteness and lack of cell service, as well as the unique charm of the hike-and-bike campsites.
Review Summaries
Campers praised the well-maintained facilities, clean restrooms, and the serene ambiance amidst towering redwoods. They enjoyed the variety of trails, the wildlife, and the crumb-clean policy...
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Frequent complaints include aggressive mosquitoes, narrow and winding roads making access difficult for some, and the lack of nearby stores or services for supplies.
Bring bug spray to combat mosquitoes. Plan ahead for supplies since there are no stores nearby. Wear long pants and sleeves to avoid poison oak. Arrive early to secure hike-and-bike campsites in the...
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Summer reviews suggest increased mosquitoes but offer ideal conditions for hiking and camping. Winter reviews note muddy trails and removed seasonal bridges, making some routes challenging or...
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"A hidden gem for day hiking on the peninsula of the Bay Area." - Josh Klaus. "Extremely well maintained, great staff, clean facilities, unique camp sites, beautiful surroundings." - Jessica Alba....
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Sites #WK61 to #WK64 are hike-and-bike designated. Each offers fire rings with grills, food lockers, and partial shade. Reviewers note site-specific conditions, like uneven terrain at #WK38.
Accessible features include ADA-compliant showers and restrooms. No accessible trails are noted. Wheelchair access is supported at the visitor center.
Pets are allowed but restricted to certain areas in the park. Dogs must be leashed and attended at all times.
Last updated July 20, 2025