Tent camping near Fields Landing, California ranges from coastal sites to inland wooded areas with varying levels of amenities. The region receives an average annual rainfall of 40 inches, concentrated between October and April. Winter temperatures average 40-50°F while summer ranges from 50-65°F along the coast, creating favorable conditions for year-round camping with proper gear.
What to do
Riverside exploration: At A.W. Way County Park, campers can enjoy direct access to the Mattole River. "This is a very family friendly lazy river camping area. Camp sites are flat. Deer and skunks frequent the area," notes camper JoJo H. The park remains accessible year-round with spacious sites along the water.
Mountain biking trails: BLM Dispersed Camping - Lacks Creek offers free camping with access to mountain biking paths. "There's a nice running/bike path right in the camp ground," explains reviewer Toni K., who also spotted wild horses on the drive up. The site requires a 40-minute drive from Highway 299 on gravel roads.
Junior Ranger Programs: Educational activities for children are available at Penn Campground — Sue-meg State Park, where kids can learn about local geology and plant identification. "Our 11 year old daughter got to participate in the Junior Ranger Program, learning about the geology of the area. The Ranger helped us Ron identify some of the berries we'd seen along the path and which were edible," shares Xoë M.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Wuss Camp receives consistent praise for its well-maintained amenities. "Great, spacious and clean space with amazing bathrooms and showers. Couldn't have asked for a better spot," reports Dylan C. The camp is located approximately one mile from the beach and offers five tent sites around a meadow.
Remote atmosphere: Camp Mattole provides an isolated experience on California's Lost Coast. "Wonderfully remote. Excellent weather in August. Chilly at night if wind starts to blow. I love the remoteness of this place," explains Ann N., who notes the site requires bringing your own water but fosters a strong community atmosphere among campers who often share meals.
Wildlife viewing: Multiple campgrounds offer opportunities to observe local fauna. At A.W. Way County Park, "Deer and skunks frequent the area," while at Baxter Environmental Camp in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, campers can explore among some of the oldest and tallest trees while potentially spotting wildlife native to redwood ecosystems.
What you should know
Tick awareness: Warm weather brings active ticks to certain areas. At Lacks Creek, one camper reported, "Very hot too. We left after 30 minutes and 6 ticks." Protective clothing and regular tick checks are essential during spring and summer months, particularly at inland locations.
Cell service limitations: Communication access varies significantly throughout the region. At Lacks Creek, Scout G. found "no service for miles with Verizon. Not just spotty service, literally nothing until I drove back down 15 minutes and camped on a road turnout." Plan accordingly with offline maps and emergency supplies.
Theft concerns: Take precautions with valuables at group campsites. At Williams Grove Group Camp in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, one group leader reported, "We were there as a group with Cubscouts and Boy Scouts and on the 2nd night had about $500 worth of food and gear stolen while we were sleeping. Definitely lock up or put away your gear at night."
Tips for camping with families
Educational opportunities: Baxter Environmental Camp — Humboldt Redwoods State Park offers rich learning experiences. "The campground is well organized, with tons of hiking trails and all of the standard amenities," explains Stuart K., noting the knowledgeable rangers provide "great insight, knowledge and information on the local surroundings."
Shower preparation: When camping with children at state parks, bring necessary supplies. Lisa M. advises about Penn Campground: "Showers are coin operated and dark though so bring quarters and a flashlight! My family greatly enjoyed hiking to participate in the eduquest."
Weather adaptability: Coastal temperatures can vary significantly between day and night, requiring layered clothing. At Camp Mattole, Ann N. notes it gets "chilly at night if wind starts to blow," though August typically offers excellent weather conditions for family camping.
Tips from RVers
Specialized camping areas: Cuneo Creek Horse Camp — Humboldt Redwoods State Park offers full hookups with electric (30/50 amp), water, and sewer connections, plus horse corrals, but may not be worth visiting without horses. Ann N. notes it's "a long drive between Garberville and Honey Dew. Great drive but not worth the trip" for non-equestrian campers despite the amenities.
Shower availability: RVers staying at Humboldt Redwoods State Park should prepare for coin-operated facilities. Mayra D. recommends: "They have coin showers so bring lots of chain!" when planning extended stays during the camping season from mid-May through late September.
Seasonal considerations: While many coastal campgrounds remain accessible year-round with mild temperatures, inland RV sites like those at Humboldt Redwoods State Park operate seasonally. Baxter Environmental Camp is only open from mid-May to late September, while Williams Grove Group Camp operates from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
