Best Campgrounds near Essex, CA

Camping near Essex, California, offers a unique blend of stunning natural beauty and outdoor adventures. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you can enjoy everything from towering redwoods to beautiful beaches.

What to do:

• Hiking: Explore the many trails in the area. Campers rave about the proximity to trails right from the campgrounds. One reviewer mentioned, "This campground is about the location. It is nestled right in the state park w/old growth redwood trees and hikes accessible directly from the campground."
• Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for elk and other wildlife. A visitor at Elk Prairie Campground shared, "Lo and behold, ELK AS PROMISED! My kids were fascinated and very excited."
• Beach Activities: Enjoy the sandy shores at Gold Bluffs Beach Campground. One camper noted, "Right on the beach, beautiful campground, very simple."

What campers like:

• Scenic Views: Campers love the breathtaking scenery. A reviewer at Agate Campground said, "Absolutely gorgeous. Boat was kinda sassy but views were insane."
• Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds are praised for their cleanliness. A visitor at Emerald Forest Cabins & RV mentioned, "Clean facilities throughout. Every one of the bathhouses restrooms were spotless every time I visited."
• Quiet Atmosphere: Campers appreciate the peaceful environment. One reviewer at Big Lagoon County Park stated, "The views of the lagoon are beautiful! I saw an otter while walking the lagoon."

What you should know:

• Tight Spaces: Some campgrounds can be cramped, especially for larger RVs. A camper at Elk Country RV Resort noted, "Sites are ok. Elk wander around the campground and in the meadow. Gravel and grass pads."
• Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A visitor at Gold Bluffs Beach Campground mentioned, "There is one road in and it is several narrow miles. No host on site. Bring your own firewood."
• Weather Variability: Be prepared for changing weather conditions. A reviewer at Emerald Forest Cabins & RV said, "It was a little muddy when we visited but California was smack dab in the middle of a very wet season."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. A parent at Agate Campground shared, "The children's play area was nice."
• Plan for Meals: Bring enough food since some campgrounds are far from stores. A camper at Elk Prairie Campground advised, "Bring all the yummy foods you want… you’re not going to be near a grocery store."
• Engage in Nature Activities: Encourage kids to explore nature. A visitor at Gold Bluffs Beach Campground noted, "The prairie itself was really beautiful especially at dusk."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Big Lagoon County Park mentioned, "If you have a rig over 20ft, think twice before coming down this road."
• Be Ready for Tight Turns: Some campgrounds have narrow roads. A camper at Emerald Forest Cabins & RV said, "Sites are tight and some of the back ins are super hard."
• Bring Cash: Some campgrounds only accept cash. A visitor at Samoa Boat Ramp County Park noted, "Need to pay in cash or check, no cc."

Camping near Essex, California, is a fantastic way to connect with nature and enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you're hiking through redwoods or relaxing by the beach, there's something for everyone.