Dispersed camping near Arcata, California ranges from forested sites to coastal spots, with elevations varying from sea level to around 3,000 feet in the eastern mountains. The area frequently experiences dense coastal fog with temperatures averaging 50-60°F year-round. Campers can find both established campgrounds and free BLM land about 20 miles east of town that's popular with mountain bikers and hikers.
What to do
Mountain biking at Lacks Creek BLM: This free dispersed camping area sits approximately 20 miles east of Arcata on BLM land with several designated campsites. "Nice spot for an overnight stay. The views on your way are amazing," reports one camper at Lacks Creek BLM. Another adds, "Clean, with a beautiful view. The whole BLM management area is well developed and has signs to guide you. Campsites have picnic tables and fire rings."
Beach exploration at Sue-meg State Park: Located north of Trinidad, this park offers camping with coastal hiking trails and beach access. "Each site has fire place, picnic table. Water within steps to each site. Clean bathrooms. Showers are coin or token operated," notes one visitor to Agate Campground. The park features multiple campground loops with varying proximity to beach access points.
Exploring Yurok tribal history: Some campgrounds provide access to cultural sites. "There's plenty of hiking and things to see inside the park including Sumeg village...an old historic site that the Yurok tribe used back in the day," explains a camper about Abalone Campground at Sue-meg State Park. The reconstructed Yurok village offers visitors insights into indigenous history.
What campers like
Privacy in redwood settings: Many campsites near Arcata feature redwood tree cover. "This is a really cool campground for tent campers. The sights are engulfed by giant redwoods and surrounded by ferns, moss and rainforest," writes one visitor about Emerald Forest Cabins & RV. The tent camping areas typically offer more secluded settings than RV sites.
Beach access: Coastal campgrounds provide direct paths to shorelines. "The beach is large with sand dunes, marsh, beach grass, and drift wood. Wooded hills and shrubs surround the campground," explains a camper at Clam Beach County Park. This combination of forest and beach environments distinguishes camping in the Arcata area.
Casino camping convenience: Several RV sites offer gaming amenities. "Casino has about 10 designated parking spaces for RVs in the back of the parking lot," notes one visitor to Blue Lake Casino. Many casino campgrounds provide additional benefits: "$10 per night, max stay of 2 nights. Free water and dump station! They also give you $10 of free table credits and $10 to play on slots plus coupons for their restaurants."
What you should know
Road conditions vary dramatically: Access to some sites requires careful navigation. "Takes about 35 minutes to get to the top but it's worth it," says one camper about Lacks Creek BLM. Another warns, "Road is narrow and steep with low hanging trees. The further I got down it the more uncomfortable I got. Ended up turning around while I still had a chance to."
Proximity to highways affects noise levels: Many campgrounds experience traffic noise. One camper at Samoa Boat Ramp County Park reports, "3 stars due to proximity to freeway, you can see and hear vehicles; as well as lack of privacy. Also near a local airport, the campground directly under takeoff path." Consider site selection carefully if seeking quiet.
Weather changes rapidly: Coastal fog creates unpredictable conditions. "It was pretty gloomy but it added to the scene. It's a little Erie, it was amazing," notes one Clam Beach visitor. Most coastal campgrounds experience morning fog even during summer months, with conditions typically clearing by afternoon.
Tips for camping with families
Group-friendly sites: Some campgrounds accommodate larger family gatherings. "Spacious, well maintained grounds with friendly and helpful staff," notes a camper at Mad River Rapids RV Park. This location offers full hookups and easy access to amenities for families needing comfort.
Kid-friendly amenities: Several campgrounds feature play areas. "Additionally there is a Video Arcade, Horseshoe pit, dog park, celebration hall with board games/puzzles, a mini mart, playground, gazebo, and multiple bath/shower houses and laundry facilities," reports an Emerald Forest visitor. Campgrounds with these facilities provide entertainment options during inclement weather.
Safety considerations: Campground security varies by location. "We were there for four nights. It sucked," reports one candid camper. "We've camped here at least 4 times now. It's small but there's only ever been a couple other campers while we were there," explains another about Clam Beach, showing how experiences can differ by timing and location.
Tips from RVers
Dump station availability: RVers should note which locations offer dump services. "It was $11 for the night - had to join the Blue Lake Casino Players Club but was free to join and we got 20% off meals, $10 gambling chips, $10 gambling machine credit and a mini Redwood Tree planting kit," reports a visitor to Blue Lake Casino. Free dump stations are limited in the area.
Site leveling challenges: RV campers should prepare for uneven terrain at some locations. "The spots are best suited for trailers, with little dirt area to pitch a tent," notes a Samoa Boat Ramp visitor. Many coastal sites feature sandy or uneven terrain requiring leveling blocks.
RV length restrictions: Larger rigs face limitations at certain campgrounds. "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)," explains one RVer about Clam Beach. Always call ahead to confirm actual site dimensions for larger vehicles.
