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Equestrian Camping near Carlotta, CA

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    Cuneo Creek Horse Camp in Humboldt Redwoods State Park provides the primary equestrian camping option near Carlotta, California. The campground features dedicated horse corrals for overnight equine accommodation while offering essential amenities for riders. Full hookups include 30-amp and 50-amp electrical service, sewer connections, and water access at each site. Picnic tables and fire rings allow for comfortable camping experiences. The campground maintains 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.

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    Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Carlotta (12)

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      1. Humboldt County Fairgrounds

      4.1(10)11mi from CarlottaRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "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

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      2. Mattole Campground

      4.6(21)23mi from CarlottaRVs, Tents

      "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

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      3. Samoa Boat Ramp County Park

      3.2(12)18mi from CarlottaRVs, Tents

      "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."

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      4. Redwood Acres RV Park

      3.5(2)17mi from CarlottaRVs

      "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 - $45 / night

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      5. Cuneo Creek Horse Camp — Humboldt Redwoods State Park

      1.0(1)14mi from Carlotta6 sitesTents

      from $35 - $200 / night

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      6. Camp Mattole

      5.0(1)20mi from CarlottaTents

      "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."

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      7. Lacks Creek BLM

      4.5(20)35mi from CarlottaRVs, Tents

      "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."

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      8. Elk Country RV Resort & Campground

      4.1(29)47mi from CarlottaRVs, Tents

      "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 $35 - $50 / night

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      9. Usal Beach Campsites — Sinkyone Wilderness State Park

      4.3(18)50mi from CarlottaRVs, Tents

      "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."

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      10. Richardson Grove RV and Campground

      4.5(2)39mi from CarlottaRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Having the gas station right next to the campground is great since you ca. Go buy anything you need / run out of such as sodas and beer oh and ice also."

      from $25 - $35 / night

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    Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Carlotta, CA

    8 Photos of 12 Carlotta Campgrounds

    Equestrian Camping Reviews near Carlotta, CA

    119 Reviews of 12 Carlotta Campgrounds

    • DThe Dyrt PRO User
      Dec. 8, 2021

      Humboldt County Fairgrounds

      Nothing fancy, but convenient to Ferndale, and quiet

      I stayed here twice for a total of eight days. Many long-term Residents give the place a seedy feeling. Ultimately it is safe and secure. And well managed. The bathroom is clean, heated, free showers and the combination is changed weekly. Large grassy area with good spacing between most RVs. I was in the middle of the campground for short term parking. 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. The largest downside to this place is the RV dump station inside the fairgrounds. It’s the worst one that I’ve ever used. It needs to be completely rebuilt. No ultimately it did work. Great location to the picturesque town of Ferndale California. Also a convenient location for exploring the Lost Coast area. 12 miles away from Eureka California which has a Costco and Patriot gas station on the south end of town has a car wash that can accommodate RVs.

    • B
      Jul. 17, 2019

      Mattole Campground

      Stunning and sunny

      Incredible area, so remote you gotta commit to it!

      No water at the site but we got some on our way at the county park between Honeydew and the campground. Could probably get water in Petrolia too. Plan ahead for that!

      Plan ahead for lots of sun — we camped in mid-July and had a full day of sun! The ocean water was super cold (and dangerous) but the river was just right. Nice to have options.

      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. Camping on the side away from the very close by beach was smart as you get a little reprieve with some shade from the shrubs and hedges (with some wildlife running through).

      Animal proof trash on site, recycling too. Toilets were fine (hand sanitizer in them!) and generally pretty quiet.

      One of the best little hidden gems I’ve ever camped at.

    • H
      Apr. 11, 2021

      Elk Country RV Resort & Campground

      Enjoyable Stay

      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. Because of its proximity to the Hwy, this means you will hear vehicles but it’s not obnoxious and didn’t bother us. The closest amenities (groceries, gas, and one or two small restaurants) are about a 15 min ride south in Trinidad. Orick, the closest town to the north, is very run down, but I think it has a gas station and small market. The grounds are very lush and green. You do have to watch where you walk because there is Elk dung everywhere, but that is a small price to pay for being able to see an herd of Elk almost every day. The ladies at the front desk were very friendly to us. They did warn us about keeping distance from the Elk and doing things like, looking out your RV’s window before walking outside in case the Elk were right there. When they say that the Elk come right into the campground, they are not joking! We stayed in a site in “the meadow”. They are quite close to each other but we got lucky with and end spot and no one on the other side of us during our 2 night stay. Our site had full hook ups, a picnic table, and fire pit. They had a clean laundry room, which we didn’t have to use during our stay so I cannot attest anything other than it’s cleanliness. The bathrooms were also very clean, but sadly the showers required quarters. We didn’t have any but we’re able to exchange cash for some at the front desk. It was $1.50 for 6 minutes of shower time. Overall, we liked this campground a lot and would stay here again.

    • J
      Aug. 22, 2018

      Samoa Boat Ramp County Park

      Glorified parking lot with transients and rude neighbors

      I stayed at this campsite twice two years ago. The first time was in the spring (April) with my daughters and the second time was in August that year. This is not a campsite per se, but rather a parking lot in which you chose a parking spot directly next to someone else and if you have a tent pitch it directly behind your car in the scraggly grass and sand sticker plants. There is zero privacy or distance between campers.

      The fee is $20 per night. The bathrooms are disgusting. The best thing about them was a family of nesting birds above the door to the ladies restroom. We were able to watch the babies for a while which was fun, but there is also the chance that you’ll be pooped on while entering or leaving the bathroom.

      The first time was just okay. We camped inside the back of my Toyota Highlander amongst mostly RVs, most of which left their loud generators and bright outside lights on long after quiet hours. I finally had to knock on our neighbors R.V. door to ask them to turn out the outside light which was shining directly into our car.

      This wasn’t terrible and was completely outshone by a half day spent on the beach in the dune area. Locals surfed as families. The community seemed so tight knit and inviting. We left deciding that we’d definitely come back to spend a day on the beach later in the summer. Also, the local Samoa Cookhouse is nearby with family style breakfast, lunch and dinner served. It is a historic site and museum that used to serve the loggers in the area the food and service is awesome and has become a much looked forward to stop on our road trips to California.

      When we came back we came with my husband, choosing to camp at the boat launch area again because of its proximity to the beach. The late summer campers were a very different crowd. Mostly they seemed transient. There was garbage everywhere. Beer bottles, wild pets - even an actual pig, run down RVs that were clearly full time housing for large, loud families filled the parking lot. There was loud partying far into the night.

      I had my daughters car camp and locked them in while my husband and I slept in a tent behind the car. We kept being woken by a loud noise that I couldn’t identify. I thought it sounded like a bear, then maybe a plastic barrel being pulled across the concrete. Eventually - after very little sleep - we discovered it was our neighbor who had some sort of terrible sleep disorder. It was bizarre. After he woke in the morning he proceeded to urinate in from of my daughters onto the water spigot rather than in the restroom which was 50 feet away. My husband was horrified and asked what would ever possess me to bring him there. Lets just say that the beach was not reason enough.

      I would not stay here again. I did not feel safe or that this was a sanitary. The price seems to attract people who are not camping so much as homeless. The bathrooms don’t get serviced often and even if they did I’m sure they’d be trashed in a matter of hours.

    • Justin L.
      May. 5, 2017

      Mattole Campground

      Our favorite weekend getaway. Great sunsets.

      We camp here as much as possible. Just good ol' pit toilets, but usually not crowded, and very quiet. 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. Dogs allowed on leash, pop your tent in the sand. Super nice.

      No big stores nearby, so you should probably get groceries in Eureka or Fortuna before heading over the hill to Petrolia. There is a small store, but this is Humboldt so they could be closed at any given point, wouldn't depend on it.

      Be careful in the summer, not really sandal appropriate. The native dune plants have lots of little prickers in the sand among the campsites.

      Make sure to stroll along the beach north to where the Mattole river flows into the Pacific. You will almost always find a bunch of seals hanging out on the other side of the river spit and hunting in the estuary for fist.

    • Jason M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Apr. 13, 2024

      Elk Country RV Resort & Campground

      No Elk, But Great Stay

      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. We arrived after hours and our stay information was available in an envelope at the main building. Here's a view from the back-in site 510. We would stay here again.

    • N
      Jul. 1, 2019

      Elk Country RV Resort & Campground

      The Name Says It All

      Rosevelt Elk roam through the campground. They were obviously used to people. We stayed on the “meadow” side where the elk roam through your campsite. The “forest” side is quite dark as you are camping in the redwoods. We had full hook ups on the meadow side. I am not sure if the forest side had full hook ups. They have a small pond with a ton of polliwogs in it (end of June). No fish in the pond as a couple of otters came in and ate the all the fish. Close proximity to the southern end of Redwoods National Park and many California State Parks. All in all this was a once in a lifetime experience!

    • Sam R.
      Apr. 18, 2023

      Mattole Campground

      Hidden Gem

      Beautiful little campground bordering a secluded beach. Its about an hour and a half to drive through some pretty windy roads through the mountains once you get off the highway, but very pretty. The road can be pretty intense/unpaved at times so would recommend 4WD or AWD vehicle

    • Erin S.
      Nov. 29, 2021

      Elk Country RV Resort & Campground

      Close encounters of the elk kind

      Stayed three nights over Thanksgiving weekend in a 29 foot travel trailer.  Due to the holiday the office was closed when we arrived so we picked up our paperwork at the front door.  To my dismay, our site was different than the one we reserved and it was the closest to the highway.  This is one of a couple black marks against this campground - I was moved and received no heads up and no avenue for recourse since I arrived on a holiday.  All in all, the site wasn't too bad.  It was large enough for our trailer and truck and decently spaced from our neighbors.  The road noise was there but not too bad.  The second black mark was the wifi.  Not sure if it was our site location, but the signal was poor - very rarely were we able to connect (also we had Verizon with barely any signal).  All the utilities were in decent shape and worked fine.  Bathroom was clean and there were plenty of toilet and shower stalls.  I never used the laundry but there were three washers and three dryers that looked fairly new.  The store had some basic grocery and supplies (a bit overpriced, but that's because there isn't much local competition).  There was an old one room schoolhouse on location that still had a lot of displays in it from when it was a museum (just ask at the office to be let in).  And the ELK!  

      Let me tell you about the elk. Our first morning the herd came in the far side of the campground.  We kept an appropriate distance and watched as they grazed and roamed the meadow.  Then we didn't see them for a few days.  The morning we planned to leave, we got up before dawn to make an early get away.  That plan was foiled when we opened the door and realized we were surrounded by the herd - over 40 elk surrounded the trailer, some as close as 10 feet away.  We watched, and waited, and eventually they moved away, allowing us to go outside to break down.  

      Overall, a nice campground.  It's very close to the local parks.  I would stay here again.

    Guide to Carlotta

    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.

    What to do

    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.

    What campers like

    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.

    What you should know

    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.

    Tips for camping with families

    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.

    Tips from RVers

    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 12 equestrian camping locations near Carlotta, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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