Best Camping near Carlotta, CA

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Carlotta. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that California camping has to offer. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Carlotta, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Carlotta, CA (115)

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Showing results 1-10 of 115 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Carlotta

Recent Reviews in Carlotta

598 Reviews of 115 Carlotta Campgrounds


  • Seth M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Usal Beach Campsites — Sinkyone Wilderness State Park
    Dec. 5, 2024

    Usal Beach Campsites — Sinkyone Wilderness State Park

    Soggy but passable

    At least in Dec, very muddy. Would not advise without 4x4 and some experience.

    We got here in an unmodified 2000 ford explorer with traction tires, but it was near that rig’s limit.

    Would be a lot more comfortable with some recovery gear

  • Luke D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lacks Creek BLM
    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.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Redwood Acres RV Park
    Nov. 2, 2024

    Redwood Acres RV Park

    Close to downtown

    Plus side is that it’s very close to downtown & camp host was great. Lots of old rundown RVs and junk lying around. Good for an overnight stop but would not stay long term.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Shelter Cove Campground
    Oct. 24, 2024

    Shelter Cove Campground

    Lost Coast Trail

    This was the only place in shelter cove to stay for the night on our multi day lost coast trip and it was fine for what it is A camp ground with hookups for rvs The general store had great burgers The sunset was amazing

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Usal Beach Campground
    Oct. 24, 2024

    Usal Beach Campground

    Lost Coast Trail

    I’ve heard that this place can get crowded during the summer months I’m glad we waited until fall Definitely off the beaten path We were here on a Thursday night on our way to shelter cove via Usal rd

  • Scott A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Lagoon County Park
    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.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Emerald Forest Cabins & RV
    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.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Clam Beach County Park
    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.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Lagoon County Park
    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.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Stafford RV Park
    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.

  • Kalah H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lacks Creek BLM
    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.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Elk Country RV Resort & Campground
    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.

  • Monique  F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Usal Beach Campground
    Sep. 9, 2024

    Usal Beach Campground

    Worth the long drive

    It was our first time dispersed camping. We fell in LOVE!! The 45 min dirt road was filled with amazing views early morning. Will definitely be coming back here more often.

  • Troy L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Burlington Campground — Humboldt Redwoods State Park
    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.

  • Lloyd S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Trinidad California Dispersed
    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

  • Greg B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Groves Prairie Dispersed Camp
    Aug. 12, 2024

    Groves Prairie Dispersed Camp

    Secluded & beautiful Meadow

    This secluded camp is well worth the effort to find.  I've been 3 times and finally decided to add it to The Dyrt.  Upon this return, I tried to find it online (Six Rivers's official site) but found no info.  There are two ways to this camp, the longer from Willow Creek, or the shorter from Hawkins Bar.  Both ways are via forest service roads that are "fair".  There are 3 sites, each with a picnic table and fire ring.  There is one vault toilet that was stocked with 'the papers'.  There is NO trash service or cans and NO POTABLE WATER.  There is a tiny creek running nearby if needed.  There is MAYBE one (1) bar of Verizon service, but it is extremely unreliable.  I came here to see the Perseids Meteor Shower, on a Sunday night/Monday, and did not see a soul.

  • Hannah A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lacks Creek BLM
    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.
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Trinidad RV Resort
    Jul. 28, 2024

    Camp Trinidad RV Resort

    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

  • Connor  M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Usal Beach Campground
    Jul. 28, 2024

    Usal Beach Campground

    Beach Camping!

    The road was a bit rougher than expected (took us roughly 45 min from the paved road to camp). People made it down in mini vans but I personally wouldn’t try it. We stayed over a weekend and there was several groups but still plenty of areas to camp. T-Mobile had 0 service.

  • Steve M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Johnny's At The Beach
    Jul. 28, 2024

    Johnny's At The Beach

    Very nicely maintained rV Park across the street from the beach and Inlet access

    Great owner and host who is granddaughter of man who built this place. Very well maintained and kept. Only reason I didn't give this five stars is because they don't have showers but everything else is available and modern. Very friendly residents and fantastic sunset views with a 3 minute walk to a great breakfast and lunch place

  • L
    Camper-submitted photo from Redwood Coast Cabins & RV Resort
    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.



Guide to Carlotta

Camping near Carlotta, California, offers a unique blend of stunning natural beauty and cozy campgrounds. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Emerald Forest Cabins & RV shared, "Bathrooms were clean and showers were adequate."
  • Secluded Campsites: Many enjoy the privacy offered by certain campgrounds. One happy camper at Hidden Springs Campground said, "For the most part, the trees and bushes gave us tons of privacy."
  • Beautiful Scenery: The stunning redwoods and natural surroundings are a big draw. A reviewer at Albee Creek Campground — Humboldt Redwoods State Park remarked, "This park is gorgeous and the drive into the site rivals the avenue of the giants."

What you should know:

  • Weather Variability: Be prepared for changing weather conditions. A visitor at Mattole Campground warned, "You’ll get 4 seasons of weather in a day, so plan accordingly."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have full amenities. A camper at Hidden Springs Campground mentioned, "There are no hookups, so come prepared!"
  • Road Conditions: Access roads can be narrow and winding. A reviewer at Giant Redwoods RV & Cabin Destination noted, "The road coming into the park is just kinda sketchy."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with nearby beaches or hiking trails. A family at Burlington Campground enjoyed, "Our dogs absolutely loved running on the beach."
  • Safety First: Choose campgrounds with good facilities. A solo female camper at Burlington Campground felt safe, saying, "As a solo female camper, I felt very safe."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks. A visitor at Benbow KOA & Golf Course appreciated the clean facilities, saying, "The bathrooms are really clean and have other services too."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campsite. A camper at Giant Redwoods RV & Cabin Destination mentioned, "Sites are tight but clean & well maintained."
  • Be Ready for Maneuvering: Some sites may require careful parking. A visitor at Emerald Forest Cabins & RV noted, "Driving in the grass is unavoidable."
  • Bring Quarters for Showers: Many campgrounds have coin-operated showers. A camper at Hidden Springs Campground reminded others, "Showers were warm and were 25 cents a minute."

Camping near Carlotta, California, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, it’s a great spot for families, solo adventurers, and RV enthusiasts alike.

Frequently Asked Questions