S'mores, Stars, and Slightly Stinky Bathrooms: Our Family Camping Adventure at Redwood Valley Campground!

Okay, fellow parents, let's be real. The phrase "family camping" can conjure up images of Pinterest-perfect campsites and effortlessly happy children. My reality? Let's just say it usually involves a rogue toddler covered in dirt, a frantic search for the misplaced tent pole, and a healthy dose of parental caffeine. So, when Vistalocation.com asked me to review Redwood Valley Campground in California, I knew I had to give you the honest truth – the good, the bad, and the slightly smelly. Buckle up, because this is my take on [Redwood Valley Campground](http://examplewebsite.com - replace with actual website URL) as a mom of a 4-year-old and a 7-year-old. Was it worth it? Read on to find out!

A family enjoying a campfire, representing the core of the family camping experience at Redwood Valley Campground in California.

Finding Our Way and Setting Up Camp: A Minor Miracle

Getting to Redwood Valley Campground was surprisingly easy. My GPS took us straight there without any issues, a major win considering my track record with directions. The entrance was clearly marked, and the check-in process was quick and painless. The campground layout was pretty straightforward, with well-defined campsites.

We snagged site #12, which boasted a decent amount of shade (essential for those hot California days) and a relatively level area for our tent. "Relatively" is the key word here. One side was slightly sloped, leading to some creative pillow arrangements to avoid sliding downhill all night.

A young child "helping" set up the tent, highlighting the reality of family camping – sometimes helpful, always memorable. This captures the fun of tent camping.

Setting up camp was… well, let’s just say it involved more "supervision" from my 4-year-old than actual help. Pro-tip: pack extra patience (and maybe a small bribe in the form of marshmallows) when camping with kids. The ground was a bit rocky, so I highly recommend investing in a good quality tent footprint to protect the bottom of your tent. And bring a mallet! You'll need it.

The Facilities: Let's Talk Toilets (and Showers!)

Okay, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: the bathrooms. This is where Redwood Valley Campground lost a few points in my book. The bathrooms were…adequate. They were cleaned regularly, which I appreciated, but they definitely had that distinct "campground bathroom" aroma. You know the one I'm talking about.

The showers were a bit of a mixed bag. The water pressure was decent, and the water was hot (thank goodness!), but the shower stalls could have used a little more TLC. There was no dedicated changing table, which was a challenge with my 4-year-old. If you're [camping with kids], I highly recommend bringing a portable changing pad. There was one family restroom, which was a lifesaver for diaper changes and wrangling two kids at once. Overall, the facilities were functional, but not exactly luxurious.

Kid-Friendly Fun: Redwood Valley Campground Delivers!

This is where Redwood Valley Campground truly shines! There are tons of activities to keep the little ones entertained. The playground was a huge hit. It had swings, slides, and a climbing structure that kept my kids busy for hours.

The campground also boasts several easy hiking trails that are perfect for little legs. We took a leisurely stroll along the Creek Trail, which was mostly flat and offered beautiful views of the redwood trees. My kids loved spotting squirrels and birds along the way. One of the best things about California Camping, and Redwood Valley Campground specifically, is the incredible natural beauty.

We also spent a good chunk of time at the creek. It wasn't deep enough for swimming, but the kids had a blast splashing around and building dams. Be sure to bring water shoes!

The campground also offered a ranger program on Saturday evening, which was both entertaining and educational. The ranger talked about the local wildlife and taught the kids about Leave No Trace principles. It was a great way to learn more about the environment and instill a sense of responsibility in my children.

A family engaging in an outdoor activity, representing the joy of shared experiences and fun during camping trips.

Campground Rules: Keeping the Peace

The campground rules were clearly posted and seemed to be well-enforced. Quiet hours were from 10 pm to 7 am, which was much appreciated. Nobody wants to be woken up by noisy neighbors when they're trying to sleep in a tent! Leashes were required for dogs, which is always a plus for safety. One thing to note: campfires were only allowed in designated fire pits, and wood could only be purchased at the campground store. Make sure you are compliant with fire safety regulations for your [family camping] trip.

Exploring the Surrounding Area

Redwood Valley Campground is conveniently located near several other attractions. We took a day trip to the nearby town of Mendocino, which is about a 30-minute drive away. Mendocino is a charming coastal town with beautiful beaches, art galleries, and restaurants. We spent the afternoon exploring the tide pools and enjoying some delicious seafood.

Another option is to hike in one of the nearby state parks. There are several trails to choose from, ranging from easy nature walks to more challenging hikes. Check out Van Damme State Park for some excellent options.

Final Thoughts: Would We Go Back?

So, would I recommend Redwood Valley Campground for [family camping]? Absolutely! Despite the slightly less-than-perfect bathroom situation, the campground offered a fantastic experience for my family. The [kid-friendly campground] activities, beautiful scenery, and convenient location make it a great choice for families with young children.

My kids are already asking when we can go back! The memories we made – from roasting marshmallows around the campfire to exploring the redwood forests – are priceless. And that, my friends, is what [camping with kids] is all about.

Ready to Book Your Family Adventure?

If you're looking for a fun and memorable [California camping] experience, I highly recommend checking out Redwood Valley Campground. You can find more information and book your stay on their website: [Redwood Valley Campground](http://examplewebsite.com - replace with actual website URL). Happy camping!