Cuneo Creek Horse Camp in Humboldt Redwoods State Park provides the primary horse camping option near Carlotta, California, offering dedicated corrals, full hookups with 30-amp and 50-amp electrical service, sewer connections, and water access at each site. The campground features picnic tables, fire rings, toilet facilities, and shower access for campers. Despite its specialized equestrian focus, visitors note the remote location requires significant travel between Garberville and Honey Dew, with some considering the journey extensive for the amenities provided.
Trail access from Cuneo Creek connects riders to the extensive network within Humboldt Redwoods State Park, providing opportunities to explore old-growth redwood forests on horseback. The seasonal operation runs from early May through mid-October, requiring advance planning for equestrian camping trips. While the campground accommodates tents, its facilities are designed primarily for horse owners bringing their animals. The surrounding region offers additional camping options at facilities like Humboldt County Fairgrounds, though these lack dedicated horse corrals. Campers traveling with horses should verify specific equestrian policies before booking at alternative sites, as most campgrounds in the area cater to standard RV and tent camping rather than specialized horse accommodations. The significant distance from major towns requires riders to bring all necessary supplies for themselves and their horses.
"Because of recent rains and some soggy areas I had to overnight campers close to me. 30 amp and 50 amp power and water at each side."
"Close to Ferndale, which is Must See. Access from Fernbridge of of 101 as the other roads are very twisty for all but the smallest RVs. Camp host was great! Short drive into Eureka."
from $20 - $45 / night
"Most stunning was these massive cliffs that open into this wild California coast. You can hike to the (non-working) lighthouse and enjoy yourself with a driftwood fire at night."
"As Humboldt locals, we like to be away from the crowds, in the most beautiful natural areas in California. This is the trail head to the famous Lost Coast Trail, and just a stunning beach campground."
from $15 / night
"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."
"Located in the city limits mere minutes from just about anything you may need and very centrally located for many sea shore and forest park locations. "
from $38 - $100 / night
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $35 - $200 / night
"I love the remoteness of this place, it is California's lost coast. Not for the faint of heart as you have to haul your own water in. The other people camping were really fabulous. Super laid back."
"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."
"This campground is conveniently located right on the 101 Hwy, close by to the ocean and right down the road from tons of Redwood Nat’l Park trails."
"We used this as a checkpoint in 2021 when traveling from Oregon to Southern California via HWY-101. The park is clean, and we had a great time walking around and resting between the legs of our trip."
from $40 - $70 / night
"follow titlow hill road until you get to a fork in the road with 3 roads and a take a left. follow it up past the cell tower and drive until you reach 2 pullouts close together where the bottom one has"
"But make sure you only go during the week, because of the rowdiness, hell raising, dune driving doing donuts, drunken idiots that are there on the weekends."
"Some nice hikes close by."
GuideRough getting here but worth the struggle! Had it to ourselves during the week left Friday. Very windy at night but great sunny in the day. No cell service (Verizon) for me but starlink was fine. Headed out now because we heard it might rain but and that one way dirt road will be a nightmare!
GuideThis site was great for touring the Redwood Forest and Crescent City area. Camp hosts are friendly and easy to work with. There's a handful of tiny homes scattered about. Many are long term live-ins. Nice dog park. Friendly neighbors.
Scoutthe 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 💕🏔️
GuideThis was a pretty nice spot. Only about 3 campsites with tables and fire pits, but a few others along the road. The view was nice and the sunsets were amazing! It was very quiet at night, no noise from the road. There are some trail heads close to the campsites, but some are very overgrown. The only downside was lots of mosquitoes, even out after dark. The road was also very rocky, but manageable. Be careful to go slow and avoid sharp rocks, because I ended up with a flat tire on the way out. Cell service isn't bad, but the nearest town is about 1 hr away. Weather was warm and dry, with some light mist at night. We did see a black bear on our way down the road, but not much other wildlife besides birds.
ScoutCampground mainly got rvs
GuideThe road in is hilly and twisty. You don’t need 4x4, but you’ll want it. It’s a very amazing area and is in the middle of nowhere. BUT, there is trash and toilet paper everywhere. Avoid the place on weekends, unless you like drunks, idiots and loud trucks. During the week, it’s quiet and you can see elk on the sand, or a bear.
ScoutMy boyfriend and brother and I spent the evening restoring an old campsite we found. we put lots of love into this place.
amazing view of the ocean and sunset was crazy beautiful!!
follow titlow hill road until you get to a fork in the road with 3 roads and a take a left. follow it up past the cell tower and drive until you reach 2 pullouts close together where the bottom one has a camp fire, park at the top pullout. look for the trail to the right and pretty much bushwash your way to the best campsite ever.
RangerThis place first off is 45min to an hour from 101. Secondly it rained all night and my RTT is soaked. Once I took the rain fly down it was bad. Needless to say trying to get to a dry place to allow my tent to dry. I will say I absolutely love Offroad and this is a forest service road that goes up the mountain. Great place if it’s not raining and you don’t plan on sleeping in your RTT in the rain. I’ve never left a bad review but If I could give this 0 stars I would.
GuideI don’t know what it is with the state of California and charging people a lot of money and not allowing showers. I tried to take a shower and it wants quarters and the office is closed so I can’t get quarters. Who walks around with bags of quarters anymore? I don’t think people have a right to charge this much money for such an inconvenience.
Equestrian camping options near Carlotta, California extend beyond Cuneo Creek Horse Camp into nearby areas like Ferndale, Arcata, and the Lost Coast. This region experiences seasonal variations with frequent fog along coastal areas and warmer inland temperatures during summer months. The diverse terrain ranges from coastal beaches to dense redwood forests with elevation changes that affect camping conditions.
Trail riding through redwoods: Access multiple trail networks from Humboldt County Fairgrounds in Ferndale, which provides a convenient base for horseback riding excursions. "Plenty of room for all RVs large to small. 30 & 50 amp power and water. Clean restrooms, heated and free. Many long term residents. The spots are level, it felt safe enough. Quiet. Close to Ferndale, which is Must See," notes one camper.
Beach riding opportunities: The Lost Coast area offers beach riding options for experienced equestrians. Camp Mattole provides access to coastal riding trails. "Wonderfully remote. Excellent weather in August. Chilly at night if wind starts to blow. I love the remoteness of this place, it is California's lost coast," shares one rider.
Mountain trail exploration: For riders seeking elevation changes and forest views, trails near Lacks Creek BLM offer alternatives to the redwood groves. "Takes about 35 minutes to get to the top but it's worth it. Tables, bathroom, and fire pits are in the main area," notes a visitor. The area provides scenic overlooks that contrast with the dense forest trails found in Humboldt Redwoods State Park.
Wildlife viewing: Many equestrian campers appreciate the wildlife encounters throughout the region. "There's a heard of elk that roam the campground which is pretty cool. There's limited cell service in the camp ground. The spots are pretty close together," reports a visitor to Elk Country RV Resort & Campground. This offers a different experience than the horse-focused amenities of Cuneo Creek.
Rustic coastal camping: Equestrians seeking beach access with their horses find options along the Lost Coast. "I'm hesitant to tell anybody about this gem because I want it to remain as peaceful and perfect as it is. There is a toilet and there are fire rings. There are some established spots off the beach or you can set up right on the beach," shares a camper at Usal Beach Campsites.
Easy access to towns: Horse owners appreciate campgrounds with proximity to supplies. "Super quiet on a Monday only 3 other RV's there. Walked around Ferndale and had great Mexican food. The coffee shop in town was super cool and cozy," notes a visitor to Humboldt County Fairgrounds. This accessibility provides contingency options for equestrian campers needing feed or veterinary supplies.
Road conditions affect access: Many horse campgrounds in the region require traveling rough roads. "The road to reach the beach is only about 5 miles long, but It will take you around 45 minutes! We felt like we were driving through Jurassic park to get there. Speaking of Jurassic park, you will need a decent clearance vehicle," warns a visitor to Usal Beach Campsites.
Variable amenities at horse sites: Amenities vary significantly between designated equestrian campgrounds and general camping areas that permit horses. "If you aren't looking for anything fancy, and by that I mean lots of mud and ruts and sketchy broken down rv neighbors, you'll be fine," notes one camper about facilities at Humboldt County Fairgrounds, which lacks dedicated horse corrals.
Weather considerations for equestrians: Weather patterns affect trail conditions for riders. "Very large spaces but, don't accept to see any trees," reports a camper at Samoa Boat Ramp County Park, highlighting the exposed nature of some coastal sites that can affect horses sensitive to wind or sun exposure.
Water activities complement riding: Families combining horse camping with other recreation appreciate water access. "Can't believe how gorgeous, this was my favorite part of my trip. Saw otters in the small lake," shares a visitor to Elk Country RV Resort & Campground.
Educational opportunities: Families can incorporate educational experiences with equestrian camping. "Been camping at Richardson Grove RV Park for the past 20+ years. It's a large campground and great for large groups our group is usually about 60+ people. During the July hot days we like to cross HWY 101 and go take a dip in the eel river," notes a regular visitor.
Security considerations: Families with horses need to consider security at camps. "Safe, easy, cheep. 14.00 for parking lot around $30 for hook ups in grass area. Cute town," reports a visitor to Humboldt County Fairgrounds, highlighting the economical option for families traveling with horses.
Trailer access challenges: Horse trailer access varies significantly between sites. "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 an RVer about Lacks Creek BLM.
Hookup options for horse trailers: Living quarter horse trailers require specific hookups. "Great place for a few days. Plenty of room for all RV's large to small. 30 & 50 amp power and water," shares a camper at Humboldt County Fairgrounds, identifying an alternative to Cuneo Creek for those with living quarter trailers.
Seasonal timing affects trailer access: Weather conditions impact horse trailer accessibility. "Shockingly packed and mediocre road. As of Sept '25, chunks of the gravel road were under construction; some blind, narrow turns, but nothing too intense; and dips, washouts, and big exposed rocks, so drive with care," notes a recent visitor to Lacks Creek BLM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Carlotta, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Carlotta, CA is Humboldt County Fairgrounds with a 4.1-star rating from 10 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Carlotta, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 13 equestrian camping locations near Carlotta, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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