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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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.
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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.
