Jackson Demonstration State Forest

Fort Bragg’s beautiful, mountainous backyard, Jackson Demonstration State Forest spans 48,652 acres due east of town. Demonstration forests are managed by CAL FIRE as living laboratories for how to care for California’s timberland. Of the 14 demonstration forests, Jackson is the largest, with a mission to provide research on forest management best practices, along with recreation – from camping, hiking, biking and horseback riding to swimming, mushroom collecting, hunting and picnicking.

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Forest Stats:

Established:

1949

Area:

48,652 acres

Elevation:

80 - 2,200 ft

Temperature:

Max: 100 F
Min: 25 F

Camp at the Jackson Demonstration State Forest

Rustic Seasonal camping along Highway 20 between Willits and Fort Bragg in the redwoods is offered mid/late May through September, weather dependent. Campground Map There are two main overnight camping areas with multiple campsites, including equestrian camps. Camping is on a first come, first served within designated campsites only (i.e., no reservations, dispersed camping not allowed). Camping fees ($20/night, 8 ppl max) are collected at self-registration stations located in the campground, cash or check only. Campsites have picnic tables, fire rings, and pit toilets. Campers may collect dead wood lying on the ground for use within their campfire rings. There is no water at the campsites or day use areas. Pets are allowed but must be on a leash.

Jackson Demonstration State Forest

802 N Main St.,
Fort Bragg, CA, 95437

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NOTABLE TRAILS

Waterfall Grove Trail

0.74 miles of trail
Allowable uses are walking/hiking

Forest History Trail

3.71 miles of trail
Allowable uses are multiple

Camp One Loop

2.31 miles of trail
Allowable uses are walking/hiking

MORE TRAILS

MORE ABOUT THE FOREST FROM CALFIRE

by Tom Kavanaugh

C.V. Starr Center

OUR STORIES

The C.V. Starr
Recreation Center

The C.V. Starr Community Center, located on the Southeast edge of town is a Fort Bragg resource available to locals and visitors alike. Day passes are available for individuals and families, so whether you are looking for some exercise or some play time with the family, the C.V. Starr Center has something for everyone.

Cornelius Vander Starr was an American businessman born in Fort Bragg in 1892 to a family in the logging industry. During his successful career in the Insurance industry, he traveled the world and lived in New York, but his birthplace always held a special place in his heart. His success led him to starting The Starr Foundation, which today continues to generously fund the C.V. Starr Community Center, and also provides scholarships to Fort Bragg High School graduating seniors who have demonstrated academic, social, athletic and moral leadership.

Exercise and Swim Center

An olympic-size swimming pool and adjacent shallow kids pool with a waterpark-worthy slide make up the indoor swim center at C.V. Starr. There are locker rooms for changing and showering. Also available: a weight room with stationary bikes and a group exercise room. An array of classes are offered weekly that include water aerobics, dance, strength training and beginner kayaking skills. See schedule

Check Out The Classes

Local Tip:

Take a class with C.V. Starr Center favorite, Aimee! Family day passes are just $33.

VISIT C.V. Starr Community Center

CA skate park

Located at the back, and accessible from Minnesota Avenue, is the Skate Park. Popular with both the young and older sets, the C.V. Starr skate park is open daily. Entry is free.

life is ruff here

The C.V. Starr Dog Park is as popular with the humans as it is with their dogs. And a regular crowd is there mid-morning most days. Cleverly it is set up with two adjoining options for your dog’s size personality: 1) For Small and Shy dogs, and 2) For Large dogs (or small dogs that think they are big). Entry is free.