Best Campgrounds near Fortuna, CA

The Humboldt County region surrounding Fortuna, California features a diverse range of camping environments from coastal settings to ancient redwood groves. Campers will find options within a 30-minute drive radius, including the highly-rated Burlington Campground in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, the convenient Riverwalk RV Park in Fortuna itself, and the Humboldt County Fairgrounds in nearby Ferndale. The area is particularly known for its redwood forest camping experiences, with several state park campgrounds offering sites nestled among towering trees. Most campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, while some locations like Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park and Van Duzen County Park also offer glamping options for those seeking additional comfort.

Many campgrounds in the Fortuna area require advance reservations, particularly during summer months when tourism peaks. As one camper noted, "No big stores nearby, so you should probably get groceries in Eureka or Fortuna before heading over the hill." This advice applies to many of the more remote camping areas where services are limited. Weather conditions vary significantly between coastal and inland sites, with coastal areas experiencing frequent fog and cooler temperatures even in summer. Inland redwood forests provide natural shade and cooler microclimates. Bear activity is common in some campgrounds, with several sites providing bear boxes for food storage. Road access varies considerably, with some campgrounds situated directly off Highway 101 while others require navigation along narrower, winding roads.

Redwood forest camping experiences receive consistently high ratings from visitors, with many highlighting the unique experience of camping beneath ancient trees. According to one reviewer, "The shade from the redwoods makes this a cool haven from the hot California summers." Campground amenities vary widely, with some state park locations offering coin-operated showers, potable water, and fire rings, while others provide full hookups for RVs. Road noise can be an issue at some locations, particularly those near Highway 101 or logging roads. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound throughout the region, with Roosevelt elk sightings common at northern campgrounds and bird watching popular at coastal sites. Fishing access is available at several locations along the Eel River, though water levels can fluctuate seasonally.

Best Camping Sites Near Fortuna, California (113)

    1. Humboldt County Fairgrounds

    8 Reviews
    Ferndale, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 786-9511

    $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."

    "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."

    2. Van Duzen County Park - Pamplin Grove

    8 Reviews
    Carlotta, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 445-7651

    $30 - $35 / night

    "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."

    3. Albee Creek Campground — Humboldt Redwoods State Park

    15 Reviews
    Redcrest, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 946-2409

    $35 / night

    "This park is gorgeous and the drive into the site rivals the avenue of the giants. The location is very remote. "

    "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!"

    4. Samoa Boat Ramp County Park

    12 Reviews
    Samoa, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 445-7651

    "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."

    5. Burlington Campground — Humboldt Redwoods State Park

    29 Reviews
    Weott, CA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 946-2409

    "There are easy trails across the Avenue of the Giants, longer hikes in the area, and visitor info next door. Unfortunately, the closet town is Fortuna about half an hour away."

    "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."

    6. Stafford RV Park

    6 Reviews
    Carlotta, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 764-3416

    "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."

    7. Wuss Camp

    4 Reviews
    Ferndale, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 599-7381

    $58 - $70 / night

    "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."

    8. Riverwalk RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Fortuna, CA
    1 mile
    Website

    "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!"

    9. Burlington Campground — Humboldt Redwoods State Park

    23 Reviews
    Weott, CA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 946-2409

    $35 / night

    "Bring your hammocks because there was plenty of locations on each site to set them up. I would be aware that many of the upper sites are on a slope."

    "The shade from the redwoods makes this a cool haven from the hot California summers. Campsites are mostly shaded. Campsites are large with good fire pits and picnic tables."

    10. Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Bridgeville, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 777-3683

    $35 - $90 / night

    "Lots of shade throughout area but limited privacy due to proximity of sites and road noise. Bathhouse has water and basic shower amentities."

    "earlier in the year before the water warms and it fills with algae. theres swimming and hiking on site as well as the ranger station to explore. the redwoods are beautiful but the campground is directly adjacent"

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Recent Reviews near Fortuna, CA

579 Reviews of 113 Fortuna Campgrounds


  • Marasha L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Lacks Creek BLM

    Shockingly packed and mediocre road

    Unlucky timing on my part overall with this spot. As of Sept ‘25, chunks of the gravel road were under construction; some blind, narrow turns, but nothing too intense; and dips, washouts, and big exposed rocks, so drive with care. The area with the tables was overflowing with people and cars on a Thursday a few hours before sunset. Might have been one large group (or a few) but seemed surprising for a spot that’s not the easiest or most convenient to get to, but went back the way I came and found another spot that did the trick for a night, with a great hiking trail nearby the next morning. Gorgeous chunk of countryside with great views and wildlife.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Big Lagoon County Park

    Big Lagoon county

    Super chill laid back campground. Popular for locals. 10 minute walk to beach full of agates. Bathrooms. Quiet.

  • Ross F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Richardson Grove State Park Campground

    Clean

    Pros: Clean campsites spaced apart reasonably with picnic tables and fire pits. Clean bathrooms. Beautiful redwoods.

    Cons: no dogs allowed on the walking trails. $35 for a tent site is a lot but I’m coming to realize that’s pretty much what it costs in California. Firewood is $10.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Lacks Creek BLM

    Great spot!!

    Camped here for one night mid September, slept in a car, great view and found the 3 spacious camping spots with a picnic table, fire pit (with a grill rack), and an unsmelly bathroom a short walk away. On the way up, I think I took a wrong term but got to the spots anyways? I took a left at sign with the offices of some sort (thinking it was the camp ground entrance) and then took a few more turns and eventually found the place. There was only one other person also camping. The road wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be, it took me about forty minutes to find the camp grounds from the bottom of the hill to the top. There were narrow moments in the road but plenty of larger two lane spaces. I have a 2014 Subaru crosstrek and it did just fine getting up. I would definitely Return!

  • Nathan P.
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Mattole Campground

    The Lost Coast Is Pure Paradise!

    This was my first time to the Lost Coast. The drive from Ferndale to Mattole Campground was like entering another dimension. I drove in on a mild, sunny day in late July and as I began to make my way into the King Range I was spellbound with the magnitude of the beauty. I hardly took note of how rough the road was because of how gorgeous the surroundings were; mountains, valleys, ocean views, and wild flowers all added up to pure magic. The Mattole Campground is remote, oceanside, and the perfect spot to getaway. Most of the sites don't have much privacy, but there are a few that do. The vault toilet restrooms were clean enough to tolerate. The sites include a fire ring and picnic table. It was a little busier than I expected, though it was peak season. I hope to return during a slightly quieter time.

  • Nathan P.
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Richardson Grove State Park Campground

    Redwood Camping at its Finest!

    The Madrone Campground in Richardson Grove State Park does not disappoint. Nestled in the redwoods along Hwy 101, this campground had everything I could want with lots of beautiful surroundings to explore. It's the perfect getaway and easy to access. Park staff are friendly, and helpful.

  • laura U.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Richardson Grove RV and Campground

    Charming "Vintage" Campground

    The huge oaks are worth it alone. The host was attentive and very helpful. It's a bit down in the heels but things worked well enough and the setting it gorgeous! Just don't count on wifi or cell connection. It's 1960 here.

  • Michael R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Shelter Cove Campground

    Shelter Cove Camping

    Shelter cove is possibly the most beautiful place I’ve been! I’ve been coming here for 10 years and it never gets old. This campground has all the amenities you could need (showers, RV hook ups, etc) with a fully stocked deli area and very attentive staff. Only drawback is spots are small and directly next to neighboring sites. Typically this has not been a full campground anytime I’ve been here, but it picks up on summer holidays.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Lacks Creek BLM

    Secluded (but with chamber toilet)

    This is a beautiful campground, though not the best roads to access. We were the only people here on Labor Day weekend


Guide to Fortuna

Fortuna, California camping sites sit at the intersection of coastal fog and inland valleys, where elevation ranges from near sea level to 100 feet. Summer temperatures typically remain between 50-70°F while winter temperatures rarely drop below 40°F. Camping options include both privately-owned RV parks within Fortuna city limits and more remote forest settings within a 30-minute drive radius.

What to do

Swim in the river: Van Duzen County Park offers excellent swimming spots during summer months. "Swimming here is so fun! Cold, but refreshing! Plenty of space for our two tents, grated on the fire pits and fire wood available," notes one Van Duzen County Park visitor.

Wildlife viewing: Early morning visits to the meadow at Albee Creek Campground can yield bear and deer sightings. "It's not uncommon to stroll the meadow early morning or in the evening and see the Black Bears up the fruit trees munching away on apples and the Deer eating what the bear drop," reports a camper at Albee Creek Campground.

Hiking among old-growth trees: The campgrounds provide direct trail access without driving. "Incredible views, quiet, easy river access, pet and kid friendly, showers, on site friendly hosts, and the best trails through old growth that you rarely get in a campground," explains a visitor to Van Duzen County Park.

Fishing access: Humboldt County Fairgrounds provides a convenient base for anglers with nearby coastal and river fishing opportunities. "Great 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," notes one visitor.

What campers like

Small, quiet campgrounds: The compact size of some campgrounds creates a more peaceful experience. "Awesome small campground. Great clean facilities. Coin operated showers. Clean. Quiet because its small. Close to great hiking and creek exploring," shares a reviewer at Albee Creek Campground.

Shaded campsites: The dense redwood canopy provides natural cooling. "The sites are generally well-spaced. We arrived in early March, mid-afternoon, and still had a few choices on a first-come, first-served basis," notes a visitor to Burlington Campground.

Hot showers: Most state park campgrounds offer coin-operated shower facilities. "Flush toilets, pottable water, coin showers. Only 12 miles from 101 on 36," reports a camper at Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park.

Friendly campground hosts: Staffed campgrounds provide local knowledge and assistance. "I LOVE this campground and its host, whose name has escaped me. He was very helpful and kind and we loved seeing him walk his little dogs around the park," shares a Van Duzen County Park visitor.

What you should know

Road access challenges: Highway 36 leading to some campgrounds requires careful driving. "Hwy 36 from the 101 is very curvy with lots of narrow areas and very few turn offs," warns a Grizzly Creek Redwoods visitor.

Limited cellular coverage: Many forest campgrounds have no cell service. "These sites are nice and secluded with absolutely no cell coverage (Verizon), and about a 35-45 minute drive from Eureka and about 15 from the nearest gas station," reports a camper at Van Duzen County Park.

Bear activity: Food storage precautions are essential. "Each site is provided with a fire pit and bear box. You definitely want to use the bear boxes, it's not uncommon to spot a bear while in the Avenue," notes a camper at Burlington Campground.

Road noise: Some campgrounds experience traffic sounds despite forest settings. "Close to the road, we heard vehicles all night. We were in a hard sided camper two rows away from the road and could hear them inside," shares a Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park visitor.

Tips for camping with families

Swimming access: Look for campgrounds with direct river access for water play. "This place is locally known as swimmers delight. This is another one of my favorite campgrounds. It is open year round and only cost 25 dollars with clean bathrooms and showers," notes a visitor to Van Duzen County Park.

Educational opportunities: Some campgrounds offer learning experiences for children. "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 a Humboldt County Fairgrounds visitor.

Pack warm clothing: Despite summer visits, nights can be cold. "The fog can stay in the river valley and keep the campground cold even in the summer," warns a Grizzly Creek Redwoods visitor.

Campground exploration: Children can safely explore within established campgrounds. "Bull Creek that runs along Albee is a wonderful for a shady hike in the cool water while looking for frogs, turtles, snakes and salamanders. My boys love doing this and hanging out here most of the time," shares an Albee Creek Campground visitor.

Tips from RVers

Size limitations: Many forest campgrounds cannot accommodate larger vehicles. "Not suited for most RVs and travel trailers, you need to be very small and fully self contained. Our 19' A-Line barely fit into our spot," cautions a Grizzly Creek Redwoods visitor.

Solar power challenges: Dense tree cover limits solar charging capabilities. "Redwoods…awesome, but solar panels can't charge. Traffic noise from the road can be heard in every site," notes a Grizzly Creek visitor.

Fairground alternatives: Consider county fairgrounds for easier access and hookups. "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. Cute town," shares a Samoa Boat Ramp County Park visitor.

Pre-arrival provisioning: Stock up on supplies before reaching remote camping areas. "I this campground would be a fun place for families, wanting to disconnect from technology for a weekend of tent camping," suggests a Grizzly Creek Redwoods visitor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds near Fortuna, CA?

The Fortuna area offers several exceptional camping options. Burlington Campground — Humboldt Redwoods State Park stands out with spacious sites among ancient redwoods, offering easy access to trails and the Avenue of the Giants. For those seeking coastal experiences, Mattole Campground provides a quieter setting at the trailhead of the Lost Coast Trail with stunning beach views. Other excellent options include Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park with its shaded sites and hiking trails, and Big Lagoon County Park featuring beautiful beach access and wildlife viewing opportunities. Most campgrounds in the area require a 30-minute drive from Fortuna but reward visitors with spectacular natural settings.

Are there any RV parks in Fortuna, CA?

Yes, Fortuna offers several RV-friendly options. Riverwalk RV Park is located right in Fortuna with friendly staff, clean bathrooms, free showers, and an outdoor kitchen area near tent sites and cabins. It's particularly convenient for visitors attending local events. The Humboldt County Fairgrounds also provides RV accommodations with clean, heated bathrooms and free showers. The fairgrounds feature a large grassy area with good spacing between most RVs. For those willing to venture slightly beyond Fortuna, Stafford RV Park near Scotia offers big-rig-friendly sites with full hookups, while Elk Country RV Resort provides additional amenities for larger vehicles.

What are the most affordable camping options in Fortuna, CA?

Budget-conscious campers have several economical options near Fortuna. The Humboldt County Fairgrounds offers reasonably priced RV camping with basic amenities including heated bathrooms and free showers. For those seeking a more natural setting, Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park Campground provides affordable camping among majestic redwoods with basic facilities. Van Duzen County Park - Pamplin Grove typically offers lower rates than private campgrounds while still providing access to beautiful redwood groves. During off-peak seasons (late fall through early spring), many campgrounds in the area offer reduced rates. Camping at most public sites ranges from $25-35 per night, substantially less than local motels or vacation rentals.

Is the Fortuna KOA a good place to stay?

There isn't a KOA located directly in Fortuna. The closest KOA is Benbow KOA & Golf Course, located about 30 minutes south of Fortuna. This KOA offers amenities typical of the brand including full hookups, cabin options, and recreational facilities including golf. For accommodations in Fortuna itself, Riverwalk RV Park is highly rated with clean facilities, friendly staff, and convenient access to town amenities. Local campers report it as an excellent place for both overnight stays and longer visits, with particularly good reviews for its outdoor kitchen area and cleanliness. Always check current reviews and make reservations in advance, especially during peak summer months.