Van Duzen County Park - Pamplin Grove, near Carlotta, California, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature. This campground is known for its stunning views, towering redwoods, and easy access to the Van Duzen River, making it a favorite among campers.

The park offers a range of amenities, including clean restrooms, showers, and picnic tables, ensuring a comfortable stay. Visitors rave about the friendly hosts and the peaceful atmosphere, with one camper describing it as “a magical place.” The river is perfect for swimming, and many campers appreciate the spacious sites that allow for a bit of privacy.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the surrounding area is a dream. You can explore the beautiful trails that wind through old-growth forests, or simply relax by the river. It’s a short drive from Eureka, so you can easily grab supplies or enjoy a meal out. Just remember, there’s no cell service here, which some find refreshing. If you’re looking for a serene escape with plenty of natural beauty, this campground is definitely worth a visit.

Van Duzen County Park - Pamplin Grove

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Carlotta. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that California camping has to offer. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Carlotta, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Carlotta

The Best Camping Near Carlotta, California

A great place to see grove of big trees that is off the beaten path. Swimmers delight has the river and the trees. There are few facilities but there are bathrooms

Big trees little people

A great compground in the old growth forest of the Redwoods. Flush toilets, pottable water, coin showers. Only 12 miles from 101 on 36

Lovely

Look. If you are in to big trees and misty mornings, this is the place. I kinda wanna give it 2 stars so that it won’t be crowded next time I go. Walk to the river, stroll through the woods. There was a rednecky family that pulled in the last day with a large group of shitty kids and barking dogs. (I like kids and had my dog with me, these were the shitty kind though). Other than that it was idyllic. Hot showers, well mainly sites. Courteous hosts and rangers. And a 15min drive to a little grocery/gas station, the Murrish Market. 

Brains out: Mind blown

This place is locally known as swimmers delight. This is another one of my favorite campgrounds. It is open year round and only cost 25 dollars with clean bathrooms and showers. There are many great campgrounds, many right on the river. If you are looking for a place to relax at the river all day this is a great place. It isn't known as swimmers delight for nothing. 

Hidden gem

I LOVE this campground and its host, whose name has escaped me. He was very helpful and kind and we loved seeing him walk his little dogs around the park. 
We stayed here in our popup camper sometime in December of 2020 and we were one of the only groups there during the entirety of our five-day stay. It’s peaceful and quiet and extremely beautiful; the towering redwoods coupled with the beautiful river made for an absolutely serene stay.
These sites are nice and secluded with absolutely no cell coverage (Verizon), and about a 35-45 minute drive from Eureka and about 15 from the nearest gas station. Showers were closed due to Covid during our stay. 

Awesome Campground, Lovely Host

swimmerd delight is the correct name. this is our home away from home. good camping and fun swimming. its not to bad on pricing $25 a night for a regular sight. we come here every year for swimming and camping. its also open for full camping now 

swimmers delight camp ground

We’ve been camping up and down highway 101 for about two weeks now, and this was by far our favorite place! We practically had the place to ourselves! The trees are absolutely massive and gorgeous. The river is clean, and relaxing. Swimming here is so fun! Cold, but refreshing! Plenty of space for our two tents, grated on the fire pits and fire wood available. Very easy drive to get to it and super easy to find. Come check this place out! Remember to follow Leave No Trace Principles though! 

Breathtaking 

Incredible views, quiet, easy river access, pet and kid friendly, showers, on site friendly hosts, and the best trails through old growth that you rarely get in a campground. It’s a magical place, and affordable. Worth sacrificing the cell signal, there’s a pay phone in the entry lot. I’ve been twice now, and can’t wait to go back. 

Photos of Van Duzen County Park - Pamplin Grove

Real photos from real campers