The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Ferndale. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Find the best campgrounds near Ferndale, CA. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.
$20 - $45 / night
"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."
"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."
$15 / night
"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 is intense, but manageable in good weather in a fwd Mazda 3. Mattole Rd from Weott is far better in terms of the road condition, but Mattole Rd to Ferndale is absolutely breathtaking."
$38 - $45 / night
"Located in the city limits mere minutes from just about anything you may need and very centrally located for many sea shore and forest park locations. "
"I love the remoteness of this place, it is California's lost coast. Not for the faint of heart as you have to haul your own water in. The other people camping were really fabulous. Super laid back."
$35 - $50 / night
"This campground is conveniently located right on the 101 Hwy, close by to the ocean and right down the road from tons of Redwood Nat’l Park trails."
"We used this as a checkpoint in 2021 when traveling from Oregon to Southern California via HWY-101. The park is clean, and we had a great time walking around and resting between the legs of our trip."
"When you get to the area where apple maps says park and walk, just take the pine ridge or whatever trail a couple more miles up."
"Lots of hiking and mountain bike trails too. Quiet, well maintained spots. Mosquitoes are bad this time of year so prepare well!
Can easily drive a van or pick up."
$35 - $200 / night
$25 - $35 / night
"Having the gas station right next to the campground is great since you ca. Go buy anything you need / run out of such as sodas and beer oh and ice also."
"This campground is the first one you come upon while hiking in from the Orick Horse Trail Trailhead. There are picnic tables and two bear lockers, (there's another by the horse coral)."
TravelerIn 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. 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 and having to be very cautious in it. Also be prepared for very steep grades, almost smoked out my brakes cause I wasn’t in a low enough gear.
GuideI stayed here twice for a total of eight days. Many long-term Residents give the place a seedy feeling. Ultimately it is safe and secure. And well managed. The bathroom is clean, heated, free showers and the combination is changed weekly. Large grassy area with good spacing between most RVs. I was in the middle of the campground for short term parking. 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. The largest downside to this place is the RV dump station inside the fairgrounds. It’s the worst one that I’ve ever used. It needs to be completely rebuilt. No ultimately it did work. Great location to the picturesque town of Ferndale California. Also a convenient location for exploring the Lost Coast area. 12 miles away from Eureka California which has a Costco and Patriot gas station on the south end of town has a car wash that can accommodate RVs.
GuideSuper 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.
GuidePlenty 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. Close to Ferndale, which is Must See. Access from Fernbridge of of 101 as the other roads are very twisty for all but the smallest RVs. Camp host was great! Short drive into Eureka. Patriot Gas has a car wash for big rigs. Not really a photogenic campground. Very open area surrounded by fields with cows, farms and trees in the distance. Used the RV dump as I left. It’s by far the worst RV dump that I’ve used. It works, but needs a complete rebuild. I suggest requesting a spot with full hookups.
GuideWe were there at first with just a couple rvs there. By the end of the four days - it was filling up and was still quiet. The showers were nice. Ferndale is a gorgeous old Victorian town and you are still close to eureka and don’t underestimate the safety factor.
TravelerThe campgrounds are pretty open, with little privacy, but that’s not what you’re there for.
The drive is intense, but manageable in good weather in a fwd Mazda 3. Mattole Rd from Weott is far better in terms of the road condition, but Mattole Rd to Ferndale is absolutely breathtaking. I wouldn’t attempt either with a large rig or trailer.
The lost coast is absolutely breathtaking. You’ll get 4 seasons of weather in a day, so plan accordingly. A short walk outside of the campground reveals incredible scenes.
The campgrounds are first come first serve. We snagged the last spot around 3PM on a Tuesday afternoon.
THERE IS NO WATER. Pack in what you need.
ScoutLocated in the city limits mere minutes from just about anything you may need and very centrally located for many sea shore and forest park locations. Some nearby attractions include Eureka Historic District with many beautifully maintained Victorian Homes. You can Journey through forest, dairy land and Elk country to other beautiful locations like Ferndale and Crescent City.
GuideI camped here in late March 2021 during a 2 night, 3 day hike of the Redwood National & State Park. This campground is the first one you come upon while hiking in from the Orick Horse Trail Trailhead. There are picnic tables and two bear lockers, (there's another by the horse coral). I stopped for lunch at this site on my first day. I think this is the primary campground used by most hikers, (and the gravel bar near by).
If I were to plan another trip I would only use this campsite as a way point on the way to more secluded sites. This is a main thoroughfare, so people will pass by your site. It's also the only horse camp. There was a sign that directed hikers to camp on the gravel bar instead of Elam. I think this is more likely in summer because of traffic as I only saw one horse rider on day hike.
This is wilderness, so appropriate caution must be taken, Bear canister is required is you do not have access to a site with a bear locker.
ScoutIncredible area, so remote you gotta commit to it!
No water at the site but we got some on our way at the county park between Honeydew and the campground. Could probably get water in Petrolia too. Plan ahead for that!
Plan ahead for lots of sun — we camped in mid-July and had a full day of sun! The ocean water was super cold (and dangerous) but the river was just right. Nice to have options.
Most stunning was these massive cliffs that open into this wild California coast. You can hike to the (non-working) lighthouse and enjoy yourself with a driftwood fire at night. Camping on the side away from the very close by beach was smart as you get a little reprieve with some shade from the shrubs and hedges (with some wildlife running through).
Animal proof trash on site, recycling too. Toilets were fine (hand sanitizer in them!) and generally pretty quiet.
One of the best little hidden gems I’ve ever camped at.
Horse camping in California offers a unique opportunity to explore the state's stunning landscapes while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With a variety of campgrounds catering to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and ride the trails.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Ferndale, CA is Humboldt County Fairgrounds with a 4.3-star rating from 8 reviews.
TheDyrt.com has all 10 equestrian camping locations near Ferndale, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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