1. Use of the River’s Bend Campground

Please be mindful of others and leave no trace.
We welcome you to use all the facilities of our campground. These include the TENT CABINS, sleeping 2-4 persons, as well as grounds where you can place your own tents anywhere in the protected meadow and the bathhouse. There is no RV/Campervan camping in the campground. The only place that can accommodate camper vans or a small RV is in the main River’s Bend parking lot or the one space next to our workshop which must be arranged by advance reservation. There are no hookups except for electrical next to the workshop.

PARKING

The access to the campsites is an easy downhill dirt road which leaves from the main parking area. Please stay to the right, on the upper side of the meadow. Please park your cars in the small parking space on the right in the campground. When you leave, return on the same dirt road you came in on. When you set up your camp, you are welcome to unload your car at the end of the road, but cars must not drive on the meadow! This is a requirement of the Anderson Valley Land Trust. 

BATHHOUSES WITH SHOWERS

There are two bathhouses in the campground that feature one shower and sink each. There are also two privies. Please add a cup of lime after use. Campers are also welcome to use the bath house next to the main deck “up top”.

CAMPSITES

There are no specific camp-sites. There is fairly level space that is partly full sun and partly beneath trees and on natural grass (not the mowed variety). There are also spaces along the river in between the tent cabins. These spaces are available on a first come, first serve basis. The campground is generally quiet and three are only a few parking spots. Unless the group has requested picnic benches for use in the main meeting areas, there are a few picnic tables and benches in the campground and available to be shared. There are easily 2-3 larger spaces for groups of 1 large or several small tents. Otherwise, individuals in small tents will not have trouble finding a little spot for their tent.

HIKES

Hendy Woods State Park is right next to River’s Bend.
The path beyond the bathhouses leads to the Pilgrim Trail, a one-mile loop. At its furthest point toward the river, it provides a bench and fine overlook of the Navarro River.

A small path from this point takes you to a small waterfall in another hundred yards.
Beyond that point is more adventurous hiking, as the trails are not as well maintained.
Be aware of the possibility of wild creatures, including mountain lions. They have been sighted in the area.

Check yourself and family for ticks after walking outdoors.

CAMPFIRES

You must consult with River’s Bend staff before you light a fire in the fire pit. River’s Bend requires a small fee for campfires to cover risk and to manage the campfire site.Wood can be purchased as well from River’s Bend. Some restrictions apply, relative to fire danger and season. Contained camp stoves are permitted and suggested.

POISON OAK

The woods around the tent cabins and bathhouses, as well as hiking trails, have an abundance of poison oak. Three shiny leaves on a stem, poison oak is red in late summer and fall. If you are exposed, wash with soap immediately. A medicinal soap and first aid cupboard is available in the main kitchen above the big sink. Dawn dish soap is particularly helpful in preventing the spread of the noxious oils.

CLIFFS

The cliffs behind the tent cabins are steep and dangerous. Make sure children (and adults) are aware of the danger and access the river only by the paths. Do not jump off rocks or not dive into the river. There is no lifeguard on duty. Children must not go to the river unattended!