RV camping near Ferndale, California offers access to the Eel River watershed along the Humboldt County coastline. Winter visitors should prepare for significant rainfall averaging 45 inches annually, while summer camping brings cooler coastal temperatures ranging from 50-65°F. Many campgrounds in this region remain open year-round with varying levels of amenities depending on proximity to major highways and towns.
What to do
Redwood hiking trails: Within a 30-minute drive of Giant Redwoods RV & Cabin Destination, you can explore multiple state parks featuring ancient trees. "The Avenue of the Giants if you have some extra time. You'll end up right in Myers Flat and see some amazing forests along the way."
River access: Camp near water at Samoa Boat Ramp County Park where you can enjoy both beachfront and water activities. "Remote from town but water 360 degrees. You can hear the ocean while looking at the towns across the water." The park sits about 200 yards from BLM Samoa Sand Dunes, making it convenient for water recreation.
Local attractions: Visit the historic districts near your campground for unique experiences. When staying at Redwood Acres RV Park, you can easily access "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."
What campers like
Quiet environments: Some campers appreciate the peaceful settings available near Ferndale. A visitor to Stafford RV Park noted, "Nice RV park, everything was clean park, bathrooms and showers as well as a good wifi signal." Similarly, at Giant Redwoods RV & Cabin, campers enjoy that it was "Quiet except for the very occasional road noise during the day, extremely quiet at night."
River views: Several campgrounds feature waterfront sites. At Giant Redwoods RV & Cabin Destination, a camper mentioned, "Our site backed up to the Eel river with Giants redwoods everywhere. The grounds were super clean and quiet. Just hung out at the beach the whole time."
Convenience to town: Many campers appreciate locations that balance nature with accessibility to services. A visitor to Humboldt County Fairgrounds RV Park and Campground found "a tranquil spot with ample space, offering lovely views of farmland and sunsets" while still being close enough to attend local events.
What you should know
Advanced planning: Book early for summer stays or event weekends. A camper at Humboldt County Fairgrounds mentioned, "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."
Weather considerations: The coastal influence means variable conditions year-round. Sites along Avenue of the Giants generally offer better protection from coastal winds than oceanfront locations.
Variable site quality: Site conditions vary widely between parks. At Samoa Boat Ramp County Park, "This campground is essentially a paved parking lot with numbered stalls" while other campgrounds offer more traditional settings with vegetation between sites.
Bathroom facilities: Restroom quality differs significantly between campgrounds. Some visitors note that at certain locations, "The bathrooms were very dirty too and didn't really work well," while others report "Clean bathrooms and showers thankfully" at different parks.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated children's play areas. At Mad River Rapids RV Park, families appreciate the well-maintained grounds, and at Giant Redwoods RV & Cabin Destination, "The playground was a huge hit with our toddler too, as well as river access."
Educational opportunities: Plan visits to nearby nature centers and ranger programs. Several state parks within 30 minutes of campgrounds offer junior ranger activities during summer months.
Safety considerations: Research campground reviews regarding security. Some locations report concerns about nearby areas, while others note, "We felt safe in park" despite surrounding neighborhoods having issues.
Tips from RVers
Level sites: Most RV parks offer relatively level sites with varying pad materials. At Ancient Redwoods RV Park, "Hookups and amenities were good and clean" though some RVers noted that additional amenities would be welcome.
Hookup availability: Confirm electricity amperage before booking. Some parks advertise electric hookups but have limited amp service. Mad River Rapids offers both 50-amp and 30-amp service, making it suitable for larger rigs with multiple appliances.
Access routes: Larger RVs should plan their approach carefully. Most campgrounds are accessible from Highway 101, but secondary roads can be challenging for bigger rigs.
Seasonal closures: Not all campgrounds operate year-round. Ancient Redwoods RV Park operates from "May 1 - Oct 31" while others remain open throughout the year with reduced services during winter months.
