G
Garrett P.
Scout
ScoutElk Run Campground — El Vado Lake State Park
Was a really far swim
Maybe half a mile swim? Anyways, gear was wet and i dont quite float so it was a long night
Camping near Blue Lake, CA
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Northern California's Blue Lake area features a mix of camping options within Humboldt County's redwood country. The Blue Lake Casino RV Park offers affordable overnight stays for RVs at approximately $11 per night, with a free dump station and membership benefits that include casino discounts and amenities. Within a 30-minute drive, campers can access coastal options like Clam Beach County Park with its nine sandy campsites and beach access, though reviews note highway and airport noise. Lacks Creek BLM land provides free dispersed camping for those seeking more primitive experiences, while established campgrounds in nearby Trinidad and Eureka offer full hookups, cabins, and glamping accommodations.
Camping permits and regulations vary significantly across the region's public and private lands. Cell service is limited in many areas, particularly at Fish Lake Campground where one camper noted "No cell or wifi, so 3 days & 2 nights of glorious peace." The Blue Lake Casino RV area maintains reliable connectivity with "Good wifi from the casino reached all the way back to the RV parking area," according to a 2021 review. Weather conditions remain mild year-round, though coastal fog is common, especially in summer months. Mosquitoes can be problematic in warmer months, particularly near lakes and rivers. Most campgrounds in the area require advance reservations during peak summer season.
Wildlife viewing opportunities represent a significant draw for campers in the region. Roosevelt elk can be spotted at several campgrounds north of Blue Lake, with some sites warning visitors to check surroundings before exiting vehicles. The redwood forests provide cool, shaded camping even during summer heat. Noise levels vary considerably between sites, with some campgrounds like Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park experiencing significant road noise from logging operations. Campers frequently mention the importance of bringing adequate supplies, as one reviewer noted about Matthews Creek Campground: "It is a pretty long drive down basically single lane roads to get to the campground, and you should make sure you have all supplies as no stores/supplies close by."
Best Campgrounds near Blue Lake (136)
1. Emerald Forest Cabins & RV
"Very nice campground tucked away in tall trees and ferns. Some road noise since it’s right off Hwy 101. Our spot (65) was the best one if you ask me."
"Emerald Forest Cabins and RV Park located in Trinidad, California is THE spot to set up camp while visiting Redwoods National Park."
2. Clam Beach County Park
"Great place easy access to everything has on site bathrooms as well as running water, $30 a night, has fire rings and a hike to the beach near by if u need a spot to camp for the night or a few nights"
"Pit toilets, no hookups. 2minutes from highway. Nearby airport with a few passenger flights during our 18hr stay. Great beach walking."
from $30 / night
Check Availability3. Lacks Creek BLM
"Camped here for one night mid September, slept in a car, great view and found the 3 spacious camping spots with a picnic table, fire pit (with a grill rack), and an unsmelly bathroom a short walk away."
"When you get to the area where apple maps says park and walk, just take the pine ridge or whatever trail a couple more miles up."
4. The Retreat at Redwood Shores
"Close to lots of hiking."
"This location had several sites available, tent, and cabins, as well."
from $200 / night
Check Availability5. Blue Lake Casino
"Blue Lake Casino has an RV lot at their site."
"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"
from $33 / night
Check Availability6. Agate Campground — Sue-meg State Park
"General: Five campgrounds – Agate, Abalone, Penn (tents only), and two group campgrounds (Red Alder and Beach Creek) situated just north of Trinidad. "
"This is one of the nicest and quietest California State Parks in the system. The individual sites are separated by foliage and everything is green."
from $35 / night
Check Availability7. Mad River Rapids RV Park
"Try to park so your steps don’t land over grass when it’s rainy or you’ll track mud in your rv. We’ll return and we enjoyed our stay."
"Quiet for being in such a small city and easy access to gas and market"
from $64 - $68 / night
Check Availability8. Abalone Campground — Sue-meg State Park
"Patrick's point camp ground is one of my favorite state parks in California."
"It’s tucked near Humboldt Bay within the Redwoods. It’s an absolutely beautiful campground, but it’s certainly busy!"
from $35 / night
Check Availability9. Coastal Pines RV Park
"Walking distance to target and a gas station with diesel. Very well kept yards, bathrooms, showers and laundry. Plus the full hookups are so convenient."
from $70 / night
Check Availability10. Samoa Boat Ramp County Park
"There is even access to them from the parking lot. Was here over a weekend, and it was pretty back with ATV and Side by side riders and rigs."
"For a boat ramp camping site near town, this place is special. Remote from town but water 360 degrees. You can hear the ocean while looking at the towns across the water."
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 30 min from Redding, CA
- 2 hrs 57 min from Grants Pass, OR
- 3 hrs 24 min from Medford, OR
Recent Camping Photos near Blue Lake, CA
257 Photos of 136 Blue Lake Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
The Retreat at Redwood Shores
Clam Beach County Park
BLM Dispersed Camping - Lacks Creek
Lacks Creek BLM
Samoa Boat Ramp County Park
East Fork Campground
Emerald Forest Cabins & RV
Camp Trinidad RV Resort
Penn Campground — Sue-meg State Park
Abalone Campground — Sue-meg State Park
Agate Campground — Sue-meg State Park
Big Lagoon County Park
Recent Reviews near Blue Lake, CA
848 Reviews of 136 Blue Lake Campgrounds
- EEdgar V.
TravelerCoastal Pines RV Park
Horrible Experience. Couldn't stay.
Booked a site for the night and received a confirmed reservation and payment confirmation. When I arrived, the assigned site was already occupied by someone else, so I obviously could not stay.
I called and left a voicemail explaining the situation but never received a callback. It appears there is no one actually confirming or monitoring site availability when reservations are made online.
If you’re planning to stay here for the night while passing through, I would not count on having a site available just because the website says you do. You may arrive after a long drive only to find that your reserved site is already occupied and there’s nobody available to resolve the issue.
Chris J.TravelerClam Beach County Park
Wonderful ocean beach spot
Nice simple county park on the beach 200ft from highway 101. 10 spots with picnic tables and fire rings. 10 or so spots for 35ft rvs, pull thru. Pit toilet and no other amenities. Broad open beach with lots of driftwood.
- RRichard/Julie A.Traveler
Penn Campground — Sue-meg State Park
Serene area
This is such a great campground. Only caution would be the size of the spaces and the closeness of Huge trees as you’re parking or driving in the park for clearance of a trailer. Our trailer is only 30’ and we had to drive slow and watch all sides for branches and close trees
Amanda D.
GuideRedwood Creek Dispersed Camp
Beautiful Redwoods, Free Permit Required
I love these sites because NPS allows you to camp all along the gravel by the creek which from what I saw- goes extremely far into the park. As long as you’re okay with very shallow water crossings- you can walk pretty far if all the spots close to the trail are closed.
Hiked in from Tall Trees Grove parking which requires a free online permit because they send you the code to a locked gate. It was 2.7 mile hike down to the gravel, it’s all downhill so remember that when you are leaving.
Creek provided access to water easily and access to hiking trails, giant redwoods, beautiful scenery, it’s very remote so no service but likely to see other people. I imagine it might be packed on weekends. If you camp by Tall Trees Trial you’re likely to see people some sites there isn’t much privacy. Campfires OK on gravel.
Pack in pack out, leave no trace, no bathrooms so dig a hole!
- Amanda D.Guide
44 Backcountry Camp — Redwood National Park
Nestled in the Redwoods - remote
Campsites are close together, one is more isolated and overlooks the trail. 2 bear boxes and 4 picnic tables. Remote but had amenities. Didn’t see many people but if others showed up it would fill quickly. .5-.7 miles to the nearest water source Redwood creek which is also completely downhill from camp. So you do a mile total, straight up hill on the way back.
If you’re okay with a more open site but want to be close to the water the dispersed gravel by the creek is definitely the way to go instead!
- iisoScout
Camp Saw
beautiful space
the directions in the review were accurate and easy to follow. the road gets pretty steep, though 90% is paved and only turns to gravel at the end. no water source that we could find for filtering, so pack in as much as you need 💕🏔️
- cchris O.Guide
Emerald Forest Cabins & RV
Beautiful Place
Very nice campground tucked away in tall trees and ferns. Some road noise since it’s right off Hwy 101. Our spot (65) was the best one if you ask me. It was right next to the bathhouse and away from other campers. We had our own little area amongst big trees for the picnic area. Full hook ups and WiFi are available. It is also close to the park.
PDXiMaxScoutMystic Forest Campground
Fantastic site!
Very friendly staff and also right off 101 for convenience. Stayed for one night so we could check out Trees of Mystery the following morning up the road. Would stay again!
Guide to Blue Lake
Dispersed camping opportunities near Blue Lake offer various alternatives to established campgrounds. Located in Humboldt County at approximately 131 feet above sea level, Blue Lake sits inland from the coast between dense forest areas and river valleys. Camping conditions vary significantly by season, with inland areas typically 5-15 degrees warmer than coastal sites during summer months.
What to do
Beachcombing along Agate Beach: The sandy stretch at Agate Campground — Sue-meg State Park provides access to beach treasures. "Camp on the edge of the earth. The beach is usually foggy and the sand dark. It has a sort of Edgar Allen Poe Raven feel to it but you can burn fires on the beach," notes Anna R.
Redwood exploration: The towering trees at Emerald Forest Cabins & RV offer cool forest camping just minutes from beaches. "This is a really cool campground for tent campers. The sights are engulfed by giant redwoods and surrounded by ferns, moss and rainforest," shares justin.
Off-road adventures: The Lacks Creek BLM area provides free dispersed camping with rugged terrain for hiking and exploration. "Takes about 35 minutes to get to the top but it's worth it. Tables, bathroom, and fire pits are in the main area," explains Nate T., highlighting the amenities despite the remote location.
What campers like
Privacy in remote areas: Tent campers particularly enjoy the secluded nature of certain campgrounds. "Wildly peaceful. Read the description in the bio, follow the directions, and you'll find yourself able to choose from a handful of campsites," says Leah H. about her experience at Lacks Creek BLM.
Proximity to multiple attractions: Many campers appreciate sites that offer easy access to various activities. "This campground is beautiful, quiet, and clean! The bathroom facilities were clean and in working order... It is in a great location, close to the beaches in Trinidad, just a few minutes from Patrick's Point State Park, and 45 minutes from some awesome trails in the Redwoods," writes Laurel H. about Emerald Forest.
Cost-effective options: The Blue Lake Casino RV area offers exceptional value with additional benefits. "Great spot for overnighter! No showers available or toilets at the RV site. There was a free dump and rinse station. 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 Michelle.
What you should know
Highway noise affects many sites: Sound carries at several campgrounds near main roads. "Nice amenities and staff, but very loud as the site we were in (96) was right next to highway 101," notes Annie H. about her stay at Emerald Forest.
Cell service variability: Connectivity differs dramatically between locations. "Good wifi from the casino reached all the way back to the RV parking area, which was a surprise. Good T-Mobile, ATT, and Verizon reception as well," reports Laura M. about Blue Lake Casino.
Access challenges for larger vehicles: Some dispersed camping areas have difficult terrain. "Tried to camp here with a 20ft travel trailer and I turned around before I even made it to the gravel road. Road is narrow and steep with low hanging trees," warns Jules S. about Lacks Creek BLM.
Limited facilities at some locations: Amenities vary widely between sites. "Clean bathrooms and showers thankfully. This is good for a quick one night stay. Otherwise it's just a standard RV park with a ton of people crammed together," explains Rory R. about Mad River Rapids RV Park.
Tips for camping with families
Look for playgrounds and activities: Some campgrounds offer additional entertainment for children. "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," Cameron B. mentions about Emerald Forest Cabins & RV.
Consider beach accessibility: Coastal options provide natural entertainment. "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. There's no showers. But you are on the beach," shares Elyse C. about Clam Beach County Park.
Pack extra clothing layers: Temperature fluctuations require preparation. "Gets cold at night, make sure to bring extra blankets!" advises Kate A. about camping at Emerald Forest, emphasizing the dramatic temperature drops common in the area.
Tips from RVers
Utilize dump stations strategically: Free facilities save costs on longer trips. "The casino has about 10 designated parking spaces for RVs in the back of the parking lot... Must register at the hotel lobby and there is a nominal charge of $10/night. Easy access of Hwy 299 which is only about 7 mins from 101. Drinking water and dumping site available," advises Christy S. about Blue Lake Casino.
Check site size compatibility: Narrow sites can create problems for larger rigs. "The worst thing about the campsites on both sides is how close they are- VERY VERY close & narrow. Sites 2-11 are very tight," warns Cynthia K. about Emerald Forest Cabins & RV.
Look for pull-through options: Some campgrounds offer easier parking. "Site #17 is a Pull through site... In entering from 101, felt like we were coming into a business but park was out backs. Adorable cabins to rent. Would come again," notes Jenni C. about Redwood Coast Cabins & RV Resort.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Blue Lake campgrounds in California?
What amenities are available at Blue Lake campgrounds in California?
Amenities vary across Blue Lake area campgrounds. Humboldt County Fairgrounds offers clean, heated bathrooms with free showers, weekly security code changes, and spacious sites on grassy areas. Big Lagoon County Park provides beautiful waterfront camping with beach access and wildlife viewing opportunities. For more developed options, Elk Country RV Resort features convenient highway access, while Burlington Campground provides large campsites with good fire pits and picnic tables. Blue Lake Casino offers RV parking with a free dump station and rinse services, though no showers or restrooms at the RV site itself.
When is the best time of year to camp at Blue Lake, CA?
When is the best time of year to camp at Blue Lake, CA?
The best time to camp around Blue Lake is summer through early fall (June-September) when weather is most reliable. Fish Lake Campground is particularly pleasant in July with peaceful, quiet conditions, especially mid-week when crowds thin out. Burlington Campground — Humboldt Redwoods State Park offers excellent summer camping as the redwood canopy provides cool shade during hot months. Spring camping (March-May) can also be enjoyable but expect cooler temperatures and possible rain. Winter camping is possible at several year-round sites but prepare for wet conditions typical of Northern California's coastal climate.
Where are the camping spots near Blue Lake, California?
Where are the camping spots near Blue Lake, California?
Several camping options surround Blue Lake, California. The most convenient is Blue Lake Casino, which offers RV parking with free two-night stays for casino members (free to join). For those seeking natural settings, Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park Campground offers sites nestled among magnificent redwood trees with hiking trails. Other nearby options include Humboldt County Fairgrounds, which offers secure camping with grassy areas, and several campgrounds in Humboldt Redwoods State Park about 30-45 minutes away.
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