101 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 sites are widely dispersed and circle around a beautiful meadow. Bathrooms and shower are easily found and clean. The hosts were kind and helpful."
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."
"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"Close to highway so you get a little bit of traffic noise. The heated pool and hot tub were really nice to relax in."
"I stayed only 2 nights, but what a great location amd campground. Bathroom and shower facilities, and a laundromat. As well as a pool and hot tub!"
"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"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"
"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."
ScoutWe got here pretty late at night, there were a bunch of campsites available. Our host, Dude was super nice and helpful. The bathrooms were kept clean. Didn’t really see any bugs, but we did encounter a couple skunks and raccoons. They left us alone and scurried off. Even though there isn’t any swimming at the beach, it was still nice to walk along the shore. Would definitely stay here again.
ScoutWe stayed in site #11 which happens to be right next to the bathrooms/showers which I thought would be annoying but wasn't at all. The restrooms weren't visible from the site as there was a giant hedge barrier between the little building and our site. The bathrooms themselves were spic and span and had no odor. Probably the only annoying thing was people who would slam the doors to the restrooms - but I blame the lame human beings who give no thought about the amount of noise they create, not the setup. The site was set back off of the small lane that was Penn campground. Penn is the smallest of the 3 or 4 campgrounds at Sue-Meg and I think the nicest. Also, RV's are not allowed so we didn't have to listen to generators running in the evenings/mornings.
Back to the restrooms...in the end it was nice being so close to the restrooms/showers as other campsites had to make quite a trek to use the facilities. AND, like I said, they were some of the cleanest restrooms and shower rooms I have ever been to at a campground.
The ranger staff were all super friendly and knowledgeable. Birds aplenty and they will wake you before first light. Will definitely camp here again. I made reservations back in February for a mid-June weekend, and many of the sites were already reserved - FYI.
My only complaint is the wood we purchased from the host was wet and our first fire was unsatisfactory and smokey.
ScoutThe park is absolutely stunning 🤩 it gives u the Jurassic Park vibes but at the same time it also brings such peace and tranquility, not to mention the camp sites and bathrooms were amazing ..
ScoutNice parking lot with a limited ocean view and it’s only $20 for up to 3 days stay. On top of that the casino gives you a $10 free play, for us, times 2 people. Then you get another $10 the next day for a total of $20 free play each. We won $16.25 making our stay less than $4 lol. Oh and bonus, they have a few water spigots.
TravelerDef come here if you are trying to camp around the Redwoods. Some rangers gave us a backcountry pass to camp in the park, but then later ticketed us. Just pay the $30 to say here. It has its own beach, plus there’s water and bathrooms
GuideWe’ve stayed at this campground a few times now. The front office staff is very friendly and accommodating, always helpful. Easy in and easy out. Bathrooms are in decent shape for an older campground. Showers are 50 cents for 5 minutes. Also very dog friendly. We will be back again when heading up or down the coast.
RangerPulled in on Wednesday night in mid May and there were plenty of sites left. Was windy at first but it eventually calmed down. Decent amount of activity around as it is a trailhead as well.
Really cool to see wildlife on the beach and an easy walk over the berm to the waters edge.
TravelerCool campground bring cash for stay and quarters if you want to shower. Went down a trail by the campground and came back with about 70 ticks on myself, wife and dog
TravelerExceptionally clean. We met Johnny who awaited our arrival and helped guide us into our site. Campground is great basecamp to do excursions from. We truly enjoyed our stay.
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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