Bridgeville camping experiences range from basic tent sites to full-service cabins across diverse landscapes within California's Humboldt County. The region sits at elevations between 850-2,000 feet with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F during day and 50-60°F at night. Winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that can drop to the 30s with significant rainfall between November and March.
What to do
Hiking redwood trails: Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park offers immediate access to steep hiking trails directly from the campground. A camper notes, "Hiking straight out of the camp ground. But, it is a very steep trail, so make sure you bring a walking stick(s) and wear proper gear. This is also a heavy bear area, so pack your bear spray."
Wildlife viewing: Bailey Canyon Campground provides excellent opportunities to observe diverse bird species in their natural habitat. "Watched Osprey diving for fish in the early morn right from my campsite. Bald eagles, Herons and Hawks were also a joy to watch," shares one visitor.
Beach exploring: Agate Campground offers direct access to the Pacific coastline with multiple trails. "Great trails right along the coast. Bathrooms well maintained. This is a perfect little campground," reports a camper who paid $30 per night for a spacious site.
What campers like
Secluded forest settings: Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park Campground provides a true forest immersion experience. One visitor appreciates that it's "in the trees, very secluded" and has "no cell service," creating a genuine disconnect from technology.
Fishing opportunities: The lake access at Bailey Canyon provides multiple fishing options. A camper reports, "Caught bass and catfish" while staying at the campground, and notes that children enjoyed "catching frogs, turtles and baby catfish with their hands."
Kid-friendly amenities: Emerald Forest Cabins & RV offers facilities specifically designed for families. A visitor explains, "There's a cute general store for general supplies... Hot showers available with outlets to recharge phones, use hairdryers, etc. Showers, laundry, little store, and arcade for kids."
What you should know
Road access challenges: Some campgrounds require navigating difficult roads. A Grizzly Creek visitor warns, "Hwy 36 from the 101 is very curvy with lots of narrow areas and very few turn offs," adding that the campground has "tight spots and everyone is packed closely together."
Water quality issues: Stafford RV Park has reported water quality concerns. A camper mentions, "The water jug we had filled with their water was full of rusty red residue at the bottom" and notes the laundry facility has "a sign saying that your clothes may stain due to the iron in the water."
Highway noise: Several campgrounds sit close to major roadways. At Emerald Forest, "divide the campground in two. The Hwy 101 side & the Patrick Point Road side. You don't want the Hwy 101 side. It's noisy. VERY noisy."
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Bailey Canyon offers safe swimming opportunities for children. A visitor reports, "Kids enjoyed swimming catching frogs, turtles and baby catfish with their hands," making it an engaging nature experience beyond standard camping.
Yurt camping options: While traditional yurt camping near Bridgeville, California is limited, Redcrest Resort offers cabin alternatives that provide similar comfort. A visitor describes it as having "cute little bungalows" that are "clean and adequate" for family stays.
Campsite selection: At Emerald Forest, site selection significantly impacts experience. A camper advises, "Best site in the campground is site 20, which is a pull through. Don't get site 9 or 11. Sites 14-17 are right on top of the bathrooms & there's foot traffic there all the time."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Grizzly Creek presents challenges for larger vehicles. A visitor cautions 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."
Hookup availability: Humboldt County Fairgrounds offers affordable full-hookup options. One RVer reports, "$30 for hook ups in grass area" and notes it's "a convenient location for exploring the Lost Coast area. Also a convenient location for exploring the Lost Coast area."
Campground amenities: Stafford RV Park provides necessary services for RVers at reasonable rates. A visitor shared, "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."
