
Hendy Woods State Park
Step into a world of ancient giants at Hendy Woods State Park, home to towering redwoods and serene forest trails.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Serene redwood immersion

Hendy Woods State Park
Best Time
Serene redwood immersion

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into a world of ancient giants at Hendy Woods State Park, home to towering redwoods and serene forest trails.
"Absolutely magical! Wandering through these ancient redwood groves is a truly humbling and peaceful experience."

🥾 Wear comfortable shoes
Trails are generally easy, but good walking shoes are essential for exploring the redwood groves.
💧 Pack for rain
Mendocino weather can be unpredictable; a camper or rain gear is wise, especially outside of summer.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Big Hendy Grove
Discovery Trail
Wander through ancient, towering redwoods over 1,000 years old. A truly magical and humbling experience.

Old Hendy Grove Trail
Near campground
A meditative, easy loop trail offering a peaceful immersion in the redwood forest. Perfect for a quick nature fix.

Redwood Forest Trails
Various
Explore miles of trails winding through redwoods, meadows, and even past historical hermit huts.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Redwood Escape
Cabin Camping Comforts
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Wear comfortable shoes
Trails are generally easy, but good walking shoes are essential for exploring the redwood groves.
💧 Pack for rain
Mendocino weather can be unpredictable; a camper or rain gear is wise, especially outside of summer.
💰 Be prepared for shower fees
Showers are not free. Bring quarters or be ready to pay for access to the facilities.
🪵 Firewood costs
Wood bundles are large and cost $10. Factor this into your camping budget if planning a campfire.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Wear comfortable shoes
Trails are generally easy, but good walking shoes are essential for exploring the redwood groves.
💧 Pack for rain
Mendocino weather can be unpredictable; a camper or rain gear is wise, especially outside of summer.
💰 Be prepared for shower fees
Showers are not free. Bring quarters or be ready to pay for access to the facilities.
🪵 Firewood costs
Wood bundles are large and cost $10. Factor this into your camping budget if planning a campfire.
🦌 Wildlife sightings
Keep an eye out for deer, spiders, scorpions, and salamanders – nature is abundant here!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the magical, ancient redwood groves and the peaceful atmosphere of Hendy Woods State Park. The cabins offer a comfortable camping option, and the surrounding Anderson Valley provides opportunities for wine and cider tasting. However, some guests find the campground amenities, particularly the lack of free showers and basic toiletries, to be a detractor for the price.
"Stayed in one of the cabins -basic but comfortable, and such a great shelter during rainy days. The campground has plenty of tent and RV sites, all surrounded by beautiful redwoods. There are multiple trails leading right from the campground into the ancient redwood groves -absolutely magical!
The park is peaceful, well maintained, and has a nice visitor center with helpful info. Loved that there’s also an electric vehicle charger on-site. A perfect spot for a relaxing nature getaway!"
Olga Lonska
"Nice campground, with spacious sites. Clean bathrooms and showers.
Park brochure makes it seem that hiking is limited, but we had a beautiful 4mile hike through Redwoods, meadows, and past the famous "Hendy Hermit's" hut.
Lots of nearby wineries and cider orchards. We did tastings of both.
45 minute drive to Mendocino on a beautiful road through the forest.
Will be back again to explore more."
Rik Sagar
"Took the family for two nights to experience camping in a small cabin. Each cabin has only two wooden beds but can sleep up to six people. We tried using air mattresses, but they made a lot of noise, so I recommend cushion pads instead. The family loved the small heater. As for the trails, they’re easy and about 1.5 hours round trip, with a beautiful forest to enjoy along the way."
Israel Barajas
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Ukiah, take Highway 128 West towards Boonville. Hendy Woods State Park is located just off Highway 128, about 10 miles west of Boonville. The drive itself is scenic, passing through vineyards and forests.
Public transportation options are very limited in this rural area. It is highly recommended to have a car for convenient access to Hendy Woods State Park and surrounding attractions.
The drive from the Mendocino coast to Hendy Woods State Park is a beautiful 45-minute journey through the forest on a well-maintained road.
Yes, there is an electric vehicle charger on-site, making it a convenient stop for EV owners.
While possible, it's a long day trip (around 3-4 hours each way). Many visitors opt to stay overnight or combine it with a longer Mendocino coast trip to fully enjoy the park and nearby wineries.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Day use fees typically apply for parking. Camping fees vary depending on the type of site (tent, RV, cabin). It's always best to check the official California State Parks website for the most current fee information.
The park is generally open from 8 AM to sunset daily for day use. Campground hours may differ. Always verify current hours on the official park website before your visit.
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for cabins and during peak season or weekends. You can usually book through the California State Parks reservation system.
While some parks accept cash for day use, it's advisable to have a credit card handy, as payment methods can vary. Check the park's specific policies.
California State Parks may offer various passes, such as the Golden Poppy Pass, for frequent visitors. Inquire at the visitor center or check the state park website for details.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Discovery Trail through Big Hendy Grove and the Old Hendy Grove Trail are popular for their accessibility and stunning redwood views. For longer hikes, explore trails that lead through meadows and past historical sites.
Absolutely! The easy, short trails are perfect for little legs, and the cabins offer a fun camping experience. Kids will love exploring the giant redwoods.
You might spot deer, various insects like spiders, scorpions, and amphibians like salamanders. The park is a haven for local fauna.
Yes, there are designated picnic areas within the park, offering a lovely spot to enjoy a meal surrounded by nature.
Campgrounds offer tent and RV sites, with some sites having access to restrooms and showers. Cabins are also available. Note that showers require payment.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants within Hendy Woods State Park itself. You'll need to bring your own food for picnics or dining at your campsite.
The nearby town of Boonville offers several dining options, including local eateries and cafes. For more variety, you can also explore wineries that may have food pairings or restaurants.
Yes, there are grocery stores in Boonville where you can stock up on supplies for your camping trip or picnic.
Campfires are typically allowed in designated fire rings, but always check for current fire restrictions and regulations, especially during dry seasons. Firewood can be purchased at the park.
The Anderson Valley is known for its wineries, and many offer wine tastings with food pairings or have on-site cafes. Gowans Cider is a popular local spot mentioned by visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
The towering redwoods, especially in Big Hendy Grove and along the Old Hendy Grove Trail, offer incredible photographic opportunities. Look for interesting light filtering through the canopy and unique bark textures.
Early morning or late afternoon often provides the best light, with soft, diffused rays filtering through the redwood canopy. This 'golden hour' can create magical shots.
Yes, the burn scars are a fascinating part of the redwoods' resilience. Rangers note these are often very old, from fires as far back as the 1930s.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the redwoods. A tripod can be helpful for low-light conditions inside the dense forest.
Look for intricate spiderwebs, unique fungi, and the dramatic contrast between the deep green foliage and the redwood bark. The sheer scale of the trees is a photo opportunity in itself.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers
🚗 Day-Trippers from Ukiah
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Majesty of the Redwoods
These ancient trees have witnessed centuries of change, and their resilience is evident in features like the burn scars found on some trunks. Rangers explain that these scars are often from fires dating back to the 1930s, showcasing the redwoods' incredible ability to survive and regenerate. Walking amongst them offers a profound sense of peace and connection to nature, making it a highlight for many visitors.
Beyond the iconic redwoods, the park's trails also meander through meadows and past historical remnants, such as the 'Hendy Hermit's' hut. This variety adds depth to the hiking experience, allowing visitors to explore different facets of the park's natural and historical landscape. The park's well-maintained paths make these ancient wonders accessible to most visitors, ensuring a memorable experience for all.
Camping and Cabin Stays
The cabins are a popular choice, especially for those seeking a bit more comfort or visiting during less favorable weather. Described as 'basic but comfortable,' they provide a great shelter during rainy days and a unique way to immerse oneself in the park's environment. Visitors recommend bringing cushion pads for air mattresses, as they can be noisy, and note that the cabins are equipped with small heaters.
While the camping experience itself is often lauded, some reviews point out areas for improvement regarding campground amenities. Specifically, the lack of soap in bathrooms, no hand towels or blowers, and the requirement to pay for showers have been noted as drawbacks, leading some to feel the nightly fee is overpriced given these limitations. Despite these points, the overall atmosphere and proximity to nature make camping at Hendy Woods a memorable option for many.
Exploring the Anderson Valley
Popular local spots like Gowans Cider are frequently mentioned by visitors, offering a chance to sample regional specialties. This proximity to agricultural attractions makes Hendy Woods an ideal base for exploring the broader Anderson Valley experience. The drive to and from the coast, passing through this verdant landscape, is itself a highlight, adding to the overall appeal of the region.






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