Clam Beach County Park

We stopped here intending to stay the night on our way north but just couldn’t justify spending $30 for a literal parking spot (for RVs). I’m not even sure if there would have been room for our slides without going over into the next spot, and if we’d wanted the awning out there definitely wouldn’t have been room. There were no other RVs there and so I’m sure it would have been fine, but still. 

The tent spots weren’t as bad, they were off the parking lot in a sandy area. You’re right off the highway too, so there’s a lot of noise. I could see this place being fine for an overnight spot, maybe for $10 or something, but to market it as a campground is just crazy. 

There are pit toilets here and trash bins, host across the street. We thought about staying here just for the dog friendly beach access but the trail to the beach was narrow, overgrown, muddy, and overall unpleasant. About 10 miles north there is a lovely rest stop where you can stay for 8 hours for free if you just need a place to sleep (and there’s a free dump station there too!) We didn’t stay. Don’t recommend.

I was not going to review this location for a second time following my fun stay here the first time, however I found that when I visited this time things were a bit different and warranted an update.

On my first trip I enjoyed the beachside camping while visiting and because of the late season experienced rains and dense fog throughout much of my stay, however amazing ocean views, sea foam rolling in and great ocean life.    It was a great way to enjoy the location even during some of the crazy weather.

Visiting this trip I was there during a similar time of year and expected to experience similar conditions as I would walk down to my site and carry in my goods, only the parking lot was half blocked off and the spaces available were not as pristine as they had been on my previous visit.  

Instead it looked as through they were working on the area and working to improve pull ins for larger units to possibly offer some form of RV parking which previously didn't exist.  It also looked as though they were attempting to make the location a bit more accessible with large pads and concrete ramps being poured near some of the campsites.

It was a bit discouraging to say the least as the access was limited a the camp and the views were obstructed by the ugly appearance of yellow tape and tall fences.  

Additionally the toilets which previously had been available, all be it they weren't that great, were not functional at all and instead port a potty units had been brought in for what I hope is only a temporary fix.   These toilets seemed to need some maintenance and were very discouraging to use.

My hopes for this campground are that they will be able to return it to the enjoyable setting I had experienced the first time I visited sooner rather than later.    If they are indeed expanding it I feel like it would be worth it because it was a very unique location and along this stretch of road there are not a lot of locations which boast similar views at the price point of $25 for regular single vehicles or $10 for those biking or hiking in.

TIPS:

• If you are not wanting to stay in construction have a back up plan for this location in mind.     While this is a maintained facility maintained by the County I found it very hard to reach someone in regard to the status of the park when I tried to call.
• If you need supplies you have only a short drive to Arcata or Eureka where you can find just about everything you might need.
• Pack for a day at the beach, but also rain possibilities.   Make sure you are bringing your rain fly and additional tent anchors if you are a tent camper.

In this area one thing is certain, you can always be certain that rain is just around the bend. With coastal air pushing inland each night fog rolls in each day and with it comes the rain.

We visited late in the year, around October and each day was overcast but one during the two weeks we were in the area. We visited the campground and other locations and found that despite the chill of the water, the views were spectacular.

The campsites we were near were just over the bluffs from the actual waterline providing a bit of shelter from the winds. each site was bordered by logs to not only separate them but also provide a bit of relief in the case of water flowing inland.

Campsites included small tables and parking. It Is IndIcated there Is no on beach campIng allowed.

SItes are first come fIrst serve and reasonably prIced at $25 a nIght.

There is a restroom facIlIty however when we vIsIted It wasn’t in the best of shape. It needed to be servIced.

TIps:

*Weekends get busy during warmer months so arrIve early. There are only 15 sItes avaIlable.

*BrIng your own toIlet paper- When we visIted there were no supplIes whatsoever.

• Pack a raIncoat and lIght jacket. The coastal weather In unpredictable and temperatures vary throughout the day.