Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area RV & Campground Guide
California
- Home
- State Parks
- California
- Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area
The Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area is nestled at the southern border of the redwood forests that lie on California's northern coasts. Located just north of Leggett, and about an hour's drive north of the Fort Bragg and Mendocino area, this park features many opportunities for exploration. You can spend your time hiking along the trails that stretch for 10 miles and travel through old-growth redwoods, second-growth forests and canyon bluffs. These trails are open from May through August but are closed during the winter, which is when the footbridges are removed. The park is also home to the 225-foot Captain Miles Standish Tree, which is more than 1,200 years old. The South Fork of the Eel River runs through the park and features deep holes and shallow places for both kayakers and swimmers.
Spring 40-68 F
Summer 52-84 F
Fall 49-71 F
Winter 36-55 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area
The Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area is located in one of the most scenically beautiful parts of Northern California. It is close to the coast, the beachside bluffs and the redwood forests that populate the area. Traveling in your own RV or a rental from RVshare is the ideal way to visit all the interesting natural wonders and fun attractions you've always wanted to see. While you can camp at the Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area, there are also plenty of other convenient RV parks in the area.
Westport Beach RV Park and Campground
If you want to enjoy the ocean and beaches in a secluded setting, then visiting Westport Beach RV Park and Campground is just the ticket. This ocean-side park in Westport has large and shaded RV sites that are minutes from the ocean, and you will appreciate the quiet beauty at this restful park.
• Number of sites: 75 pull-through and back-in sites
• Rates: $67
• Type of hookup: Full hookups
• Electrical Amps: 30 and 50
• Pool/Hot tub: No
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Pet-friendly: Pets are allowed on a leash
• Showers: Coin-operated
• Other amenities: Private beach, playground, fish cleaning stations
Harbor RV Park
Harbor RV Park is located at the top of the Pomo Bluffs near Fort Bragg. This campground offers views of the harbor and wharf as well as beautiful ocean vistas. If you need a break from the beach, you can walk to downtown Fort Bragg. You will enjoy the close proximity of local shopping and restaurants. The beach offers quiet beauty when you want to relax and unwind.
• Number of sites: Call for availability
• Rates: $40
• Type of hookup: Full hookups
• Electrical Amps: 30 and 50
• Pool/Hot tub: No
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Cable TV: Yes
• Pet-friendly: Pets are allowed on a leash
• Showers: Yes
Caspar Beach RV Park and Campground
If you stay at Caspar Beach RV Park and Campground, you will enjoy being close to both Caspar Beach and the town of Mendocino. It is a short walk to the beach, which is lined with interesting coves. For added convenience, the park features a well-stocked store where you can rent boating and fishing equipment. The park is older but recently renovated with plenty of shady and attractive spots. Families and fishermen alike will have a great time at this friendly RV park.
• Number of sites: 45 pull-through and back-in sites
• Rates: $52
• Type of hookup: Full hookups
• Electrical Amps: 30 and 50
• Pool/Hot tub: No
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Pet-friendly: Pets are allowed on a leash
• Showers: Coin-operated
• Other amenities: Game room, fish cleaning stations
What to Do at
Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area
Inside Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area
This recreational area will keep outdoor enthusiasts entertained for days. You can spend your time hiking, fishing and playing in the river. The habitats are varied and are representative of the Northern California ecology.
Outside Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area
While you're visiting the Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area, you may want to break up your nature walks through the park with activities outside the park. You'll be about 45 miles north of Fort Bragg, which is the second biggest city in Mendocino County. There are plenty of attractions, shopping opportunities and dining out options in this area.
Restaurants
Luna Trattoria
This Italian restaurant is a popular dining choice that often involves a bit of a wait, as they don't take reservations. They have a pretty garden for waiting, and the seating is downstairs and upstairs. Patrons recommend starting with the bruschetta, followed by the salmon salad and the linguine alla vongole before ending with the classic cannoli.
Type: Italian
Location: 955 Ukiah St., Mendocino, CA 95460
Little River Inn
The Little River Inn is nestled right next to the Pacific Coast. You can enjoy fantastic views while dining on their signature huevos rancheros, roasted beef salad, fish and chips and steak Diane. They are open for dinner daily and for brunch and dinner on Sunday.
Type: American
Location: 7751 CA-1, Little River, CA 95456
The Brickery at Cafe Beaujolais
Head to the Brickery if you want a slice of pizza. Dining is patio-only, but they offer takeout. Specialty pizzas include their garlic kale, spicy sausage and pesto pizza, duck confit and more. They are open for lunch and dinner.
Type: Pizza
Location: 961 Ukiah St., Mendocino, CA 95460
David's Deli
This deli serves up classic American-style fare. It is located in Fort Bragg and open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Type: American
Location: 163 Boatyard Dr., Fort Bragg, CA 95437
Mendocino Café
This café is situated in an attractive garden setting with ocean views. It features a mix of American classics with an international flair. Examples include the Thai burrito, spinach salad and clam chowder. They are open for lunch and dinner.
Type: Fusion
Location: 10451 Lansing St., Mendocino, CA 95460
Shopping
Out of This World
This unique store features toys and science-themed educational activities and hobbyist items. There is truly something for every person who loves exploration.
Location: 45100 Main St., Mendocino, CA 95460
The Whistlestop
The Whistlestop offers gifts, décor and collectibles. They have an extensive selection of clocks.
Location: 45000 Main St., Mendocino, CA 95460
Fort Bragg Outlet
This store literally has samples of everything for sale.
Location: 1031 S. Main St., Fort Bragg, CA 95437
Glass Beach Jewelry
The Glass Beach Jewelry shop offers exciting and unique glass jewelry in a fun museum setting.
Location: 17801 N. Highway 1, Fort Bragg, CA 95437
Sightseeing
Skunk Train
The Skunk Train has been running on the tracks for more than 134 years. You can start your trip from either Willits or Fort Bragg for a 40-mile trip through more than 30 trestles across mountain waterways, redwood forests and meadows.
Location: Willits, CA
Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
The 47 acres of gardens at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens are a breathtaking expanse of horticultural beauty. There are wetlands, canyons, bluffs and pines that are backdrops to a variety of plants, such as the more than 125 types of rhododendrons, 190 cultivars and a large collection of dahlias.
Location: Mendocino, CA
Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree
This tree is a long-time favorite of tourists in California. More than 2,000 years old, this redwood is over 300 feet tall and has a circumference of 70 feet. It is located in the town of Leggett, which is adjacent to the Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area. True to its name, you can literally drive through the tree.
Location: Leggett, CA
The Village of Mendocino
Mendocino is surrounded by the ocean on three sides and has 3 miles of coastal bluff walking trails. Founded in the 1850s, the town is still unique to the area with its Victorian atmosphere and the old wooden water towers. It is enjoyable to spend a day walking through the town and visiting the shops and eateries. You can also take some time to relax at the Big River Beach.
Location: Mendocino, CA
Jug Handle State Natural Reserve
This unique preserve features the Ecological Staircase Trail, which possesses three wave-cut terraces that were formed from glaciers, tectonic plate activity and rising seas along the Coast Range. The reserve stretches from the Jackson Demonstration State Forest inland 3 miles out to the Pacific Coast.
How to Get to
Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area
The park is located 1.5 miles north of Leggett. From there, you'll take the Redwood Highway 101. The campground is just west of the Rock Creek overpass.
By Car
Entering Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area
Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area Per vehicle (1-4 adults) : $8.0
There is an $8 fee for day-use vehicle entry but no charge to walk or bike into the park.
The redwood forests of Northern California are awe-inspiring, and it behooves everyone to see them at least once in their lifetime. The Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area has many redwoods, of which the Miles Standish Tree is the primary attraction. Besides viewing the redwoods, visitors often take time to fish for steelhead and salmon and swim. Here at RVshare, we would love to share some photographs of your trip to the Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area with our readers. Send your best shots to [email protected] or tag us on social media.
Frequently Asked Questions About Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area
The salmon fishing at Standish Hickey State Recreation Area is its most famous draw. Watch the spawn during the fall and winter. If you prefer warmer temperatures, autumn is your best bet.
The winter at Standish Hickey State Recreation Area is quite mild. Average temperatures seldom drop below freezing. The recreation area's summer highs usually hit 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Autumn and spring are more temperate.
Be wary of mountain lions and black bears. Watch the skies for hawks and eagles. You can admire deer from afar and hear a bobcat or two growl at night, too.
The 64 RV campsites at Standish Hickey State Recreation Area are limited to RVs that are only 27 feet long or less. There are no hookups at the campsites but restrooms can be found at the campground.
Pets are allowed, but dogs are not allowed on nature trails. Your dog's leash must be no more than 6 feet long. Dogs must be kept inside your RV or in your tent at night.