Best Tent Camping near Arcata, CA

Recent Tent Reviews in Arcata

611 Reviews of 25 Arcata Campgrounds

• 

  Lauren Hannah G.

  Guide

  

  Nov. 7, 2024

  Hidden Springs Campground — Humboldt Redwoods State Park

  Pretty Campground

  We arrived late and it was dark, but the large trees were beautiful and sites were large!

• 

  Luke D.

  Traveler

  

  Nov. 5, 2024

  Lacks Creek BLM

  Absolutely Amazing Spot!

  Don’t be confused when you arrive and head up the hill where you’ll find camping spots. Even has an area with picnic tables under the trees.

  A great spot overall and a nice drive up. We were there when it rained all day one of our days and it didn’t affect the roads much.

  We even pulled up our rear drop camper and had no issues at all.

• 

  Alberto B.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 28, 2024

  Riverwalk RV Park

  Great experience

  I camped there one night. Bathrooms are clean and well maintained.

• J

  Jessica S.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 28, 2024

  Redwood Creek Dispersed Camp

  hiking/ tent access only

  We didn’t end up going because it is NOT RV friendly. You have to hike in with your tent

  https://www.nps.gov/places/redwoodcreekdispersedcamping.htm

• 

  Scott A.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 19, 2024

  Big Lagoon County Park

  We were very lucky!

  Okay girl we have a 33 ft Class A RV with a car and tow. There was only one site that could accommodate us and it was open. This place has access to the beach and seems to be a very salt of the earth type place..

• 

  Brandon K.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 6, 2024

  Emerald Forest Cabins & RV

  Noisy 101 Traffic

  Well I had a lot higher hopes for this campground and was bummed that the noise of the 101 took over from the enjoyment of the park. We chose site 91 as we didn’t need water or electricity and it was tucked back into some trees. We absolutely loved that setting as there were no neighbors. No laundry, but here was a shop, firewood for purchase, propane, showers and playground for the kids. Like like there were some nice cabins and pull through spots but the noise was a huge downfall for us.

• 

  Samuel H.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 1, 2024

  Hobo Gulch Campground

  Incredible!

  Wow what a place, I’ve never seen anything quite like it.

  The road although incredibly long and winding was well maintained and I’m pretty sure even a car could make it without issue.

  The drive up was a whole experience in itself, reminded me of Last of The Mohicans, don’t slip!

  I went during hunting season without realizing it, out of the 10 sites 7 where taken up by hunters, but I only saw one person my whole stay.

• 

  Laura M.

  Legend

  

  Oct. 1, 2024

  Clam Beach County Park

  Don't recommend for RVs

  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.

• 

  Laura M.

  Legend

  

  Oct. 1, 2024

  Big Lagoon County Park

  Nice FCFS Campground

  We like this little county campground- it’s FCFS only (it seems that early afternoon is the best time to snag a spot). We got the last spot when we arrived that we would fit in in our 26ft class C (there were some tent sites still available). There’s a loop that’s kind of tricky for RVs to navigate, though people will still do it, and other sites outside of the loop that are better suited for RVs. There are a couple of sites at either end of the loop that would work for RVs as well. There are also 2 sites with electric hookups that are $10 extra. 

  You self-register at the bathroom, $30/night. Kind of pricey for what you get, but it’s a cute and mellow little park and it’s got a pleasant vibe, very beautiful surroundings. 

  There are flush toilets and showers that we did not use. The road in to the campground is through some residential neighborhoods, but still relatively easy access from the main road. I wouldn’t recommend this campground for giant rigs.

• 

  Laura M.

  Legend

  

  Oct. 1, 2024

  Stafford RV Park

  Friendly and easy

  We stayed here for half price with the Passport America discount - we paid $25 for a pull through E/ W site (normally$50), and refreshingly there were no taxes or fees added on to the price. We almost didn’t stay here, as on the Passport America site they state that they do not allow certain breeds of dogs, and we generally try to not support places that discriminate against certain breeds, even though our large dog is mixed breed dog who could pass for any number of breeds. But nobody mentioned anything about dogs when we arrived, and we saw no mention of it anywhere on their website or other signage, so we ended up staying. 

  It’s one of those run down, but in a comfortable kind of way, places. There’s a cute tree house and cute cabins (tiny), as well as a tent-only area for $30. There’s also a dump station (free for campers), a laundry room, and free showers. The showers were run down but clean. We ended up not using the laundry- they are $2 each for washer and dryer (they take quarters, and there’s no change machine), with a sign saying that your clothes may stain due to the iron in the water, and that you need to shake out the sawdust from your clothes before washing them (I guess a lot of loggers stay here?). Also, the water jug we had filled with their water was full of rusty red residue at the bottom, ick. And that water is what we used to fill our onboard RV tank (and that’s with using a filter). The RV park seems to be mostly long-termers or seasonal campers, it was very quiet and devoid of people when we stayed here after a holiday weekend. 

  Staff was very friendly and welcoming. We forgot to ask about wifi, but cell reception was good for Verizon and ATT. The park is nicely situated among the trees with an easy access from the highway, right near the entrance to the Avenue of the Giants. Would stay here again.

• M

  M00na A.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 28, 2024

  Clam Beach County Park

  pretty good

  pretty basic good after a long night of driving

• 

  Kalah H.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 18, 2024

  Lacks Creek BLM

  Amazing place to stay for free with hikes close by

  I loved staying at lacks creek! I had good cell service with att and it was beautiful, quiet and serene. Hikes right by the campsites. Fire pit. No water at all though. Bring your own water. And no bathroom unless you drive like 3 miles down the other way and some of the roads weren't open due to landslides. I drove my honda civic all the way up there. There was a few points I thought I wouldn't make it but sure enough my good ol honda pushed through. Lol Anyways! Highly recommend! Just bring water! Lol

• 

  Greg D.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 16, 2024

  Elk Country RV Resort & Campground

  Great scenery

  This is a great place to see an elk herd as they sometimes come grazing through the campground. The campsites were more spacious than other campgrounds we stayed at. The restrooms are ok, however take a light with you at night because the motion lights will turn off before you can finish your business. The showers are in need of an upgrade. Plus they are coin operated which was disappointing considering the condition. Very convenient beach access road is almost directly across from the campground entrance. Also, there are two areas to camp, the meadows with no shade and the woods with little sun. WiFi is free for 30 minutes each day or pay for longer periods and Verizon signal is weak Overall a nice place with friendly staff.

• M

  Marty P.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 12, 2024

  Elk Country RV Resort & Campground

  Great place to stay.

  Very special to see Elk roaming the campgrounds. Nice large campsites, clean bathrooms, and great service.

• 

  Troy L.

  Ranger

  

  Sep. 3, 2024

  Burlington Campground — Humboldt Redwoods State Park

  Beautiful

  Great campground in the redwoods. It is located right in the Avenue of the Giants and next to the visitor center. Some sites are small, some are somewhat private, but they are close together in general. The restrooms and showers are nice enough. Overall this was a great campground and fun family trip.

• S

  Susie B.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 30, 2024

  Elk Prairie Campground — Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

  The Majestic Elk. The hypnotic Lupin. The crash of the Waves.

  I’m probably giving this an extra star for nostalgia. I camped here decades before,  before it became a more modern campsite, and it was formative. I’d suggest LATE summer, like August, or better yet, after Labor Day. It’s the warmest, nicest time. Or when the Elk are in mating season! LOL. Or spring, when the Lupin arrives. There are also INCREDIBLE day trips into California’s interior, Indian history, little known parks and trails everywhere. Bring all the yummy foods you want… you’re not going to be near a grocery store. Feel a side of California few know about.

• L

  Leonardo S.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 28, 2024

  Matthews Creek Campground

  Great campground

  This is an awesome campground with a single-lane road. I love visit it and join adventures in geometry dash lite. We managed to navigate it in an SUV with a teardrop trailer, but I wouldn't recommend towing anything longer. During our visit in May, the river flowed swiftly and cold, making it unsuitable for swimming or fishing. There is a well-maintained vault toilet on site, along with bear-proof recycling and trash receptacles. Limited to no service available for most of the journey. Remember, fire permits are mandatory.

• 

  Sam S.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 26, 2024

  Redwood Creek Dispersed Camp

  Walk among the Tall Trees

  Dispersed camping along the river banks after walking through the Tall Trees hike. Easy overnighter.

• 

  Lloyd S.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 25, 2024

  Trinidad California Dispersed

  Clam beach campground

  The location it’s not what it says on this map. It’s about a mile heading to eureka. It’s okay it’s small camp site it’s right next 101 it’s bit noisy

• C

  Christopher N.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 20, 2024

  Elk Prairie Campground — Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

  Good but older campground

  I don't have a lot to add beyond what has been said by others.  This campground is about the location.  It is nestled right in the state park w/old growth redwood trees and hikes accessible directly from the campground.

  However, it is very tight, which is difficult for anyone with a larger trailer.  The facilities are showing their ages as well.  The showers were in decent shape, but the bathrooms could use some work. 

  It is still the best campground for exploring the park though.  And the negatives should not turn you away.

• 

  Hannah A.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 31, 2024

  Lacks Creek BLM

  Camping

  Other than the long bumpy dirt road this site was great! Easy to find and great views. Had pretty good cell service with AT&T. Very quiet

• 

  Charles R.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 28, 2024

  Sounds of the Sea

  Lacking a view

  We were actually excited based on the website we scheduled to stay for a week. Upon arrival we checked into the office and given an option of Beach view or close to the showers.  It would be obvious which most would take our site contained rather large smooth rocks and uneven site. No clear ocean view.  Nice picnic table site was lined with a very thick row of Berry bushes.  Staff was friendly the area our campsite was on the side of the hill WIFI was not very consistent our spot would be great if you had your own DISH or Directv.  We use a Verizon hotspot.  We use Amazon Prime and Dish anywhere.

  We believe one day we heard some seals.  We were so disappointed with this experience we left a day early. This campground is not located next to the ocean their is a road seperating it you cross the road then walk through a access area to get to the ocean

• L

  Lawrence L.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 22, 2024

  Redwood Coast Cabins & RV Resort

  Most frustrating part is reservation

  The campground is ok. The closest bathrooms near our site were closed due to renovation. The main bathrooms were good looking. The men’s bathroom kept running out of paper towels. One of the staff told me they can’t buy any toilet paper or paper towels anywhere. My wife had to keep bringing in toilet paper as they ran out. The pool was warm and spa hot. The most frustrating part was reservations. The website showed only tent sites with water and electricity. I then clicked on military discount and the website showed me a higher price. I called and left a message to get clarification. No one called me back. Turns out they apply the discount after you check in. Check in was another issue. The office was closed early and they gave me a tent site without electricity or water. So I had to call their after hours number to get them to change my site. Later in the office they told me that they aren’t responsible for their website. Campground is ok, but customer service needs work. Wish there were more options closer to Eureka. The WiFi worked good until the last day. The 15A outlet worked until the last day.

• C

  Crystal H.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 21, 2024

  Elk Prairie Campground — Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

  Beautiful campsite

  We loved this campground. It's proximity to many trails with beautiful Redwoods was amazing. Some sites were in the prairie as opposed to nestled in the Sitka Spruce trees, so that's something to take into consideration. Bathrooms and showers were clean. Showers were about $1.00 and took quarters. We had site 62 and think we got the best site in the park. It was a drive through site however there are two tight trees that you would struggle to get a larger RV through on the road to get there. It had enough room for 2 large tents and two trucks. It also has a secret tent pad behind the driveway in the trees!

• 

  Vincent B.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 21, 2024

  Kamp Klamath RV Park and Campground

  Beautiful Camp Sites

  Campsites are incredibly beautiful and well spaced out. Great showers and satisfactory restrooms. Water and electric was $2 more at the campsite, well worth it. Some great little dog walks from and near the location. Was a great break from the summer heat. We'll definitely be back.

• K

  Kristyn E.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 19, 2024

  Klamath River RV Park

  Clean, safe, and river views

  I rarely give an RV Park four stars, but we LOVED this place and location. Everything here was clean, the host was kind and courteous, and we landed site #51, which was the last small RV location before tents. Laundry and showers were easy to use and clean as well. My daughter also enjoyed the little playground. Definitely would go back if we were in the area.

• K

  K. K.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 18, 2024

  Elk Prairie Campground — Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

  Redwood National AND State Park

  Very quiet, but tight campground in the Redwood National Forest. We enjoyed proximity to trails and other parks, along with the ranger talks each night. Sadly, the facilities aka the bathrooms are badly degraded and need to be updated. They don’t charge entrance fees for the park, rangers can explain why if you ask. I think this should be changed so they can afford to install new bathrooms. A lot of sites were supposedly reserved but no one present for days. Host are able to forfeit their reservations if they don’t show up by te second day, but it seems like they were very relaxed about this. Many sites were empty but the campground was listed as full. I suspect problem book for the weekend and just show up late, which is not fair for those who would have liked to visit.