Glamping in Blue Lake, California offers alternatives to traditional camping with furnished accommodations among the redwoods. Located in Humboldt County at an elevation of about 130 feet, the area experiences coastal fog influence and cool evening temperatures year-round. The region sits at the junction of Highway 299 and the Mad River, creating a microclimate that keeps glamping sites cooler than inland areas even during summer.
What to do
Agate hunting at beaches: Trek to nearby Trinidad beaches for agate hunting opportunities. At Agate Campground — Sue-meg State Park, campers experience "beautiful views and tide pools to explore" with access to "walk along the beach combing and eating wild beach strawberries," according to visitor J.d. E.
Redwood immersion: Explore redwood groves within walking distance of many sites. At Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park Campground, visitors find "nice hiking trails to explore the Redwoods within walking distance of campground" with "amazing campground nestled amongst the heart of the Redwood Trees," as Katie S. describes.
River activities: Access swimming holes and fishing spots along nearby rivers. At Boise Creek campground, campers note the "creek is absolutely beautiful. Not great for swimming but good for a quick dip in the pools." Another visitor at Kamp Klamath mentions that "the ocean is about 1 mile away right at the mouth of the Klamath river with an awesome beach. Good fishing, beach combing, kite flying etc."
What campers like
Forest immersion: Many glamping sites feature wooded settings with forest views. At Emerald Forest Cabins & RV, campers appreciate how "the tent sites are in a redwood setting. Very rustic & nice. Also spacious," notes reviewer Cynthia K. Another camper, Cameron B., describes it as "a very lovely campground clean of trash with quaint with cabins and campsites tucked between redwoods and Douglas fir trees."
Amenities beyond basics: Unlike primitive camping, glamping sites offer additional comforts. At Redwood Coast Cabins & RV Resort, visitors note "the cabins are cute and charming (be prepared, no kitchen)" while others mention practical features like "clean restrooms. Courteous staff... small store w/ a few things we needed. Close to lots of hiking."
Community atmosphere: Several locations foster social environments through shared spaces and activities. A visitor at Kamp Klamath shares that "Saturday nights in the summer are the best as they do a salmon cook out with live music." Emerald Forest also provides community features as "they periodically have special events during the weekends. We lucked out with live music and wine tastings."
What you should know
Road noise concerns: Highway proximity affects some glamping sites. At Stafford RV Park, campers report it was "clean, quiet, and there was hot water" despite highway access, while at Grizzly Creek, visitors warn it's "unbelievable loud as the camp site is right next to the road that appears to be supporting a logging operation."
Water quality issues: Some sites have mineral-rich water systems. One camper at Stafford RV Park noted that "the water jug we had filled with their water was full of rusty red residue at the bottom" and that "there's a sign saying that your clothes may stain due to the iron in the water."
Cell service variability: Connectivity fluctuates throughout the region. At Boise Creek campground, a visitor reported "I'm sitting here right now drinking coffee by the fire with cell service," while at other locations, service can be limited to specific carriers with visitors noting "cell reception was good for Verizon and ATT."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly features: Look for sites with dedicated play areas. According to a reviewer at Kamp Klamath RV Park and Campground, "This place is great if you are camping for a night whether its an RV, Tent, or Cabin." Another visitor, Kate A., found Emerald Forest "great for family and big groups" with "lots of cute foot paths" and "safe, protected and not a lot of trouble to get into."
Bathroom accessibility: Consider distance to facilities when booking with children. A camper at Emerald Forest noted "The bathrooms are far away from the tent camp areas," making it challenging for families, while another site visitor recommended "Hot showers available with outlets to recharge phones, use hairdryers, etc."
Weather preparation: Pack for temperature changes, even in summer. Kate A. advises that Emerald Forest "gets cold at night, make sure to bring extra blankets!" While another camper adds that "the redwoods make great cover and dampen the distance sound travels."
Tips from RVers
Site access challenges: Navigate narrow roads with caution when approaching some glamping areas. At Humboldt County Fairgrounds, a camper advises "Access from Fernbridge of of 101 as the other roads are very twisty for all but the smallest RVs."
Size limitations: Not all glamping sites accommodate larger rigs. A visitor to Grizzly Creek warns it's "Not suited for most RVs and travel trailers, you need to be very small and fully self contained. Our 19' A-Line barely fit into our spot."
Utility details: Check hookup specifics before booking. At Humboldt County Fairgrounds, "30 amp and 50 amp power and water at each side," but one visitor noted issues with the dump station: "It's the worst one that I've ever used. It needs to be completely rebuilt."
