103 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Ferndale, California provides camping options in a range of settings from coastal areas to redwood forests. Campgrounds in the vicinity include Humboldt County Fairgrounds, which offers both tent and RV sites with full hookups, and Wuss Camp, a smaller established campground with just five sites. Several RV parks serve the area, including Riverwalk RV Park which features tent sites, RV spaces, and cabin accommodations approximately 10 miles east of Ferndale. The region contains both privately operated facilities and public campgrounds within county and state parks.
Camping is available year-round at many locations, though seasonal considerations affect visitor experience and site availability. Humboldt County Fairgrounds provides shower facilities, drinking water, and hookups for RVs, making it suitable for longer stays or travelers seeking more amenities. Several campgrounds in the area have fire pits and allow campfires when conditions permit. Access to most campgrounds requires drive-in capability, with few walk-in or hike-in options. Wuss Camp offers firewood on site, while most locations provide picnic tables. A camper noted, "While traveling to Redwood National Park, I discovered the Kinetic Sculpture Race and the oldest Memorial Day Parade were also taking place. I sought last-minute camping reservations nearby and found a tranquil spot with ample space, offering lovely views of farmland and sunsets."
Visitors to the Ferndale area frequently mention proximity to beaches and redwood forests as highlights of camping in the region. The Humboldt County Fairgrounds receives consistent positive reviews for its convenient location within walking distance of downtown Ferndale, a Victorian-era town with dining and shopping options. Campers appreciate the relatively quiet environment despite being near town amenities. One review emphasized, "Great location to the picturesque town of Ferndale California. Also a convenient location for exploring the Lost Coast area." Some campgrounds like Riverwalk RV Park include additional amenities such as pools, hot tubs, and outdoor kitchens. Weather conditions can vary significantly throughout the year, with reviewers noting the potential for rain and mud during winter months at some facilities.
"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."
"Walked around Ferndale and had great Mexican food. The coffee shop in town was super cool and cozy."
from $20 - $45 / night
Check Availability"The area has 5 campsites and is very large so you are a good distance from other campers. "
"My dogs and I loved this quiet spot close to the beach. Beautiful location with birds everywhere, great for bird watching."
from $58 - $60 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Close to highway so you get a little bit of traffic noise. The heated pool and hot tub were really nice to relax in."
"They were helpful and able to get situated quickly. Easy check-in and set up. Great WiFi. All the facilities you could need. Best place to recharge."
"In my opinion some of the best camping I’ve done on the California coast. So worth paying the $15 a night fee to camp. Very scenic area with lots to see and do, also very “remote” feeling area."
"The drive from Ferndale to Mattole Campground was like entering another dimension."
from $15 / night
Check Availability"I sought last-minute camping reservations nearby and found a tranquil spot with ample space, offering lovely views of farmland and sunsets."
from $22 - $50 / night
Check Availability"swimmerd delight is the correct name. this is our home away from home. good camping and fun swimming. its not to bad on pricing $25 a night for a regular sight. we come here every year for swimming and"
"He was very helpful and kind and we loved seeing him walk his little dogs around the park."
from $30 - $35 / night
Check Availability"We are avid campers that prefer tucked away campgrounds which are often hard to find when you have a trailer but this one has everything on our list!"
"This park is gorgeous and the drive into the site rivals the avenue of the giants. The location is very remote. "
from $35 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Camp site 12 backs up to a fence (houses or cabins occupied behind the fence) and had decent space from other sites. Large picnic table, bear locker and tall fire pit on site."
"Every site is nestled among a grove of old growth California Redwoods - books up a long time in advance / I was lucky to get a walk up site. Great amenities and right on Avenue of the Giants"
LegendAfter negotiating the gnarly road in I arrived to an empty campground and had my choice of sites. Was mislead by previous reviewer pics showing an ocean view, which doesn't exist here but there are glimpses on the way in. that , and the lack of tp in one of the toilets and full trash bins dropped this to 3 stars.
TravelerDyrt Alerts work! Was able to get one night at this campground. Campground is tucked away in the trees. It was quiet and site#111 was very private. A short, but fairly steep walk down to beach. Bathrooms were OK, didn’t see or use the showers. Didn’t seem crowded even though it was supposedly full.
LegendGetting a spot here was problematic and I was a little sour at having to pay almost twice what I planned on. But the local staff was very helpful and kind, except for the rangers. Felt a little rousted by them. Fuggem. But the payoff was my 1st and 2nd bear encounters.
LegendNeeded a spot to just chill for a minute where I had a signal to map out my next few stops. This worked and I'ma take a hopefully hot shower in the am, then explore this cool little town of Ferndale.
GuideWe have been here before a few years ago! It is very old but well maintained!
TravelerThe sites are quite diverse, mostly primitive and heavily forested. Access to the beaches is down a long steep trail so a challenge for some campers.
GuideWe were welcomed warmly, given two $10 cash cards after paying $20 to stay here. Grabbed a pizza; it was great! The parking lot is quiet, big; a bit slopey but that’s how it is here with all the rainfall. Free coffee and fountain drinks! Quiet lot all night.
TravelerHuge pull through. Nice place with friendly people.
GuideThe RV Park is a huge parking pad with some permanent residents, ground, toilet were clean, however no showers. Laundry is available but machines seen better days so don't expect a clean outcome. The park host met us and guided us to our spot with a harbor view. You will have access to the boat slip docks if you are into fishing. Caught few crabs and surfperch. The restaurant down the street is only open certain days during the week. The other side of the rv park is a mobile home park. The area seemed pretty quite and no one bothered us. Wifi is good but goes offline. Full hookups. Not much to do in this area beside the little fishing and crabbing we did. Same day reservation.
Camping spots near Ferndale, California range from oceanside settings to redwood groves in the King Range and Humboldt region. At elevations from near sea level to over 1,000 feet in surrounding hills, the area experiences a temperate climate with significant rainfall from November through April. Winter campers should prepare for temperatures averaging 45-55°F and potentially muddy conditions at fairground and riverside sites.
Explore the Lost Coast: Mattole Campground provides direct beach access at the northern end of the Lost Coast Trail. "This area is just unbelievably gorgeous. Some rough roads but well worth it," notes Jessica N. The drive from Ferndale takes around 1.5 hours on rough roads with steep grades.
Swim in redwood-lined rivers: Van Duzen County Park offers river access popular with families. "We've been camping up and down highway 101 for about two weeks now, and this was by far our favorite place! The river is clean, and relaxing. Swimming here is so fun! Cold, but refreshing," explains Andi M.
Wildlife viewing: Old apple orchards at Albee Creek Campground attract black bears and deer. "We saw wild turkeys, a baby fox, deer, and our neighbors saw bears! A really cool spot to camp! Large campsites," reports Katherine D. The campground sits 45 minutes from Ferndale along the Avenue of the Giants.
Beach access and dune exploration: Samoa Boat Ramp County Park puts you minutes from the BLM Samoa Sand Dunes. "This campground is essentially a paved parking lot with numbered stalls. It sits about 200 yards from the BLM Samoa Sand Dunes, which is the main attraction," writes SpentBrassOffroad B.
Small, private campgrounds: Wuss Camp offers just five spacious sites. "The sites are widely dispersed and circle around a beautiful meadow. Bathrooms and shower are easily found and clean. The hosts were kind and helpful," shares Colleen. Sites include firewood with homemade bread and soup available as extras.
Convenience to Victorian town center: Many campers appreciate quick access to Ferndale's historic downtown. "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," says Maureen F. about the fairgrounds camping.
Affordable forest camping: Burlington Campground offers redwood forest sites for under $30. "Sites were reasonably private and tucked amongst towering redwoods. Right off Avenue of the Giants, this campground is a great location to explore some spectacular old growth redwoods and the Eel river nearby," notes Amber D.
Clean facilities: Several campgrounds maintain well-kept bathrooms and showers. "Very large spaces but, don't accept to see any trees," reports Ioan P. about Samoa Boat Ramp County Park, which costs $20 per night and has restrooms with nesting birds.
Road conditions: Reaching Mattole Campground requires navigating difficult roads. "Getting there was so slow and tedious for me. The road from Ferndale (Mattole road) is paved but very rough in some places. Took me three hours to go 30 miles due to my rig being old," warns Noah C.
Limited water quality: Some campgrounds have mineral-heavy water. At Stafford RV Park, "the water jug we had filled with their water was full of rusty red residue at the bottom, ick. And that's what we used to fill our onboard RV tank (and that's with using a filter)," notes Laura M.
Site availability: Smaller campgrounds fill quickly during summer months. "Get there early or make reservations in advance. This place fills up fast! I had to stay in the overflow," advises Ann N. about Albee Creek Campground.
Weather variability: Burlington Campground has dense tree cover affecting temperatures. "Towering trees cast shadows at all times of day—dress warm! Coin operated showers and clean restrooms were very comfortable. Byo firewood if you count on having a campfire—it's damp," recommends Rachel A.
Creek exploration opportunities: Van Duzen County Park offers safe water play areas. "It's open year round and only cost 25 dollars with clean bathrooms and showers. There are many great campgrounds, many right on the river. If you are looking for a place to relax at the river all day this is a great place," notes William M.
Wildlife education: Camping near Humboldt Redwoods provides wildlife viewing opportunities. "The large meadow in front of the camp sites has tall grass that helps hide the deer and bears that like to come out and eat from the fruit trees. Bull Creek that runs along Albee is wonderful for a shady hike in the cool water while looking for frogs, turtles, snakes and salamanders," describes Tony G.
Educational centers nearby: Humboldt Redwoods State Park has visitor resources adjacent to Burlington Campground. "The highlight of the Burlington campground is that it's right by the Visitors Center so you have easy access to the wifi, free coffee in the morning, and lots of educational opportunities," mentions Kelsey M.
Size restrictions: Many redwood campgrounds can't accommodate larger rigs. "We have a 25ft trailer we tow. This campground can only accommodate smaller trailers in only a few spots," Laura F. warns about Albee Creek Campground.
Budget options: Riverwalk RV Park provides full amenities for RVers. "Nice RV park. Close to highway so you get a little bit of traffic noise. The heated pool and hot tub were really nice to relax in," reports Vinny A. The park includes an outdoor kitchen and shower facilities about 10 miles east of Ferndale.
Overnight parking alternatives: For quick stops, the fairgrounds offers simple parking. "Stayed in parking lot for an over night stay heading up the coast. Safe, easy, cheep. 14.00 for parking lot around $30 for hook ups in grass area," notes Janelle H. The facility provides full hookups with 30 and 50 amp service available.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best season for camping in Ferndale, California?
Late spring through early fall (May-September) offers the most reliable weather for camping near Ferndale. Summer brings warmer, drier conditions ideal for exploring the area. Albee Creek Campground in Humboldt Redwoods State Park is particularly beautiful during summer months when the redwoods provide natural shade. Winter camping is possible but challenging due to significant rainfall. The shoulder seasons (May/June and September/October) often provide a pleasant balance of good weather with fewer crowds at places like Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park Campground, where you can enjoy amazing redwood hiking trails without summer crowds.
Where can I find camping areas near Ferndale, CA?
Several excellent camping options surround Ferndale. Humboldt County Fairgrounds offers convenient RV camping right in town with level spots, 30/50 amp power, and water hookups. For a more remote coastal experience, Mattole Campground provides breathtaking scenery about an hour from Ferndale via Mattole Road. The drive is challenging but rewarding with spectacular views. Other nearby options include Van Duzen County Park, Stafford RV Park, and several campgrounds in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, all within reasonable driving distance of Ferndale's Victorian charm.
What amenities are available at Ferndale campgrounds?
Amenities vary by location. Redwood Acres RV Park offers full hookups and convenient access to Eureka's services while serving as a central base for exploring coastal and forest attractions. At Hidden Springs Campground in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, you'll find more rustic facilities with basic amenities in a serene forest setting. The Humboldt County Fairgrounds provides clean, heated restrooms with free showers, water hookups, and 30/50 amp electrical service. Most campgrounds in the area offer toilets and potable water, while RV parks typically provide electrical hookups, dump stations, and shower facilities. Cell service can be limited at more remote locations.
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