Cabin options near Essex, California include rustic accommodations and glamping alternatives among the coastal redwoods. The climate features cool, foggy mornings that typically burn off by afternoon, with average summer temperatures ranging from 50-65°F. Winter camping requires preparation for significant rainfall, with December through March averaging 6-10 inches of precipitation monthly.
What to do
Beach exploration: 1.4 miles from Boise Creek Campground, visitors can access swimming holes at Big Rock River Access. "Town is also 1 mile away where there is gas, coffee, grocery store, etc. it's the big foot capital of the US!" notes Jules S.
Hiking through redwoods: Emerald Forest Cabins & RV offers direct access to local trails. "This campground is beautiful, quiet, and clean! It is in a great location, close to the beaches in Trinidad, just a few minutes from Patrick's Point State Park, and 45 minutes from some awesome trails in the Redwoods," explains Laurel H.
Tide pooling at Agate Beach: Sue-meg State Park provides excellent coastal activities. "Great location and beautiful campsites. Excellent hiking and scenery. We had our tent in the trees with a 100 yard walk out to Patrick's point and the Pacific Ocean. Close to Agate beach for stunning views," says Chad L.
What campers like
Glamping cabins: Stafford RV Park features unique accommodations. One visitor noted, "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."
Hot showers and laundry: Kamp Klamath RV Park and Campground provides modern amenities. "Very well maintained campground with clean amenities and has everything you may need," reports Lauren C., while another visitor mentioned, "Hot showers available with outlets to recharge phones, use hairdryers, etc."
Year-round accessibility: Humboldt County Fairgrounds stays open throughout winter when other sites close. "Plenty of room for all RV's 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," notes one camper.
What you should know
Highway noise impacts sites: Several campgrounds sit close to major roadways. At Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park, "The state park is beautiful but the campgrounds are just a little turn off from 36 and trucks speed by all night long. My spot was on the river so I was a little more sheltered but I wouldn't recommend booking the spots right off the road," cautions Rosalia B.
Limited yurt camping options: While Essex, California has several cabin options, dedicated yurt camping requires advance booking. Yurt camping near Essex typically requires reservations 3-6 months in advance for summer stays.
Site proximity varies dramatically: Some campgrounds feature densely arranged sites while others offer more separation. "Campsites are up high on the bluff over the beach. Nice trail down. Each site has fire place, picnic table. Water within steps to each site," explains Marcus K. about Stone Lagoon.
Tips for camping with families
Playground availability: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. At Emerald Forest, one visitor mentioned "I've camped here with 14+ high school students and it was great. Safe, protected and not a lot of trouble to get into. Lots of sites available in various sizes."
Swimming options for children: Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park provides safe water recreation. "Nice swimming hole, the water was warm in mid June. This seems to be the primary attraction for this area. Most of the families were gathered along the shore and playing in the water," notes one reviewer.
Kid-friendly facilities: Some campgrounds feature amenities specifically for younger campers. "Showers, laundry, little store, and arcade for kids," mentions Justin about Emerald Forest, adding that "This is a really cool campground for tent campers. The sights are engulfed by giant redwoods and surrounded by ferns, moss and rainforest."
Tips from RVers
Access limitations: Many redwood campgrounds have tight turns and low clearances. "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. The sites are close together, short, with roots coming up in the road and parking areas, and sharp angled turns," warns a camper at Grizzly Creek.
Water quality considerations: Some locations have mineral-heavy water. A visitor to Stafford RV Park noted, "The water jug we had filled with their water was full of rusty red residue at the bottom. And that water is what we used to fill our onboard RV tank (and that's with using a filter)."
Dump station availability: Check facilities before arrival as not all sites offer full hookups. Redwood Coast Cabins provides sanitary dumping facilities, though one visitor remarked, "The closest bathrooms near our site were closed due to renovation. The main bathrooms were good looking."
