6 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Richardson Grove State Park Campground in Garberville offers full pet accommodation options including tent sites, RV spots, and cabin rentals with pet-friendly policies. Benbow KOA & Golf Course also welcomes pets with designated pet areas and maintains clean grounds with regular maintenance staff. Both campgrounds provide picnic tables and fire rings at most sites, though some campers note that not all sites at Benbow KOA include fire pits. The campground store at Benbow stocks pet supplies along with camping essentials. Multiple shaded sites with grass areas provide comfortable spaces for pets to rest during hot summer months. Highway noise can be noticeable at some campsites closer to Route 101.
Nearby Dean Creek Resort offers additional pet-friendly options with access to the river where dogs can cool off, though facilities are described as somewhat dated. The South Fork of the Eel River provides swimming opportunities for both pets and owners at Benbow State Recreation Area, with shallow sections ideal for dogs less comfortable in water. Travelers should be aware that extended-stay guests occupy some sites at certain campgrounds, potentially creating different atmospheres depending on the season. For dispersed camping with dogs, several pull-outs along Benbow Drive offer more primitive options with river access, though privacy can be limited when multiple parties arrive. Most campgrounds in the area provide easy access to redwood trails where leashed pets are welcome, with Avenue of the Giants just minutes away.
"The most beautiful spot to brake down in Northern California."
"The little river close by helped keep us cool. Not to far from town. And lots of big foot shops around."
Available this weekend
from $35 - $200 / night
"Campsite was pleasant, though the neighbors were loudly coughing the whole time and we could hear dogs barking all night."
"There is a redwood grove hiking trail behind the campsites that takes you from one end of the campground to the other."
from $35 / night
"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."
"You'll hear a tiny bit of highway traffic, but not much. It's really serene, especially if you can grab a site that's farther off the road.
Access to nearby trails is obviously exceptional."
"Driving and biking along Avenue of the Giants was the highlight of this area! There is a little dog park, volleyball court, playground, swimming area."
"We had a hilarious encounter with a cat that was in the cabin when we arrived which we wrote about in the Cabin #2 Guest Journal before we left (see picture uploaded)."
Campground full this weekend
from $65 - $85 / night
"Shared group showers, small dog park, ok park for kids to play on. Water spickets at group sites. Friendly people.. decently well kept"
"They smiled, said "hello," and were all genuinely positive. There's a golf course nearby if that is of interest, and a stream for fishing within walking distance. "
"However, it’s a perfect location for avenue of the giants. Pet friendly, showers, trails close by."
"Walking distance to the visitor center and other great hikes. Dog-friendly, clean restrooms/coin showers, and relatively private sites - some more than others. Beautiful surroundings!"
Available this weekend
from $35 / night
"There are three kinds of sites in the campground - those backed against the woods or the fence separating the campground from the ranger houses, those in the middle, and those next to the Ave of the Giants"
"Albee Creek is a decent little campground set in a beautiful area of Northern California. The campground itself is relatively small with not a ton of cover between sites."
from $35 / night
"But make sure you only go during the week, because of the rowdiness, hell raising, dune driving doing donuts, drunken idiots that are there on the weekends."
"Some nice hikes close by."
"Heck of a drive getting here, but worth the trek. I absolutely would not recommend hauling a camper up here. One way, winding road off of highway 1 that was actually pretty well marked."
"Road was not in bad condition if you have off road setting/lift/good tires. Quite a few other groups there. Saw a pod of orcas in the morning. Does get cold and damp due to the location/fog/ocean."
"But that is to be expected in the Humbolt Redwoods area of Northern California."
GuideRough getting here but worth the struggle! Had it to ourselves during the week left Friday. Very windy at night but great sunny in the day. No cell service (Verizon) for me but starlink was fine. Headed out now because we heard it might rain but and that one way dirt road will be a nightmare!
ScoutBeautiful. Not too many people. I would only take a 4x4x
RangerTired from the drive over the mountains rolled in here for a secure night of sleep. Plenty of spots. Electric water, flushers, but bring your quarters for the shower.
RangerHeck of a drive getting here, but worth the trek. I absolutely would not recommend hauling a camper up here. One way, winding road off of highway 1 that was actually pretty well marked. No service or amentities. Pack in and pack out! Both wide open spots near the beach or you can tuck your vehicle in by the trees with about a 1/4 mile walk to the beach. There was some group event going on and individuals who brought dirt bikes, so it was not quiet/peaceful, but the scenery made up for that. No marked sites, but plenty of fire pits to show where others have camped in the past. Lots of beautiful birds.
TravelerSuper quite place with large sites. We stayed along the river so we could hear the river running at night.
RangerOnly Madrone loop sites 37-76 open now during winter. Can't reserve online... first-come first-served pay at site. Checks or cash in envelope. 20% occupancy on Wednesday night mid-October. Most sites paved... only a handful sufficiently level without blocks for RV. Flush toilets and hot-cold water sinks in clean restrooms. Showers take tokens. Very dark and quiet at night under beautiful redwood canopy. Would stay again.
RangerBathrooms were terrible but views were awesome. Right off the US1 with picnic tables, bear boxes, and fire rings.
ScoutThis us a great overnight stop on us 101. Clean bathrooms and coin operated showers. Nice but short walks to feel River. No dogs on trails. Bummer. Not for big rigs, 24' max size. Dark in the redwood forest. Not much sun for solar. Very informative visitor center. Overall a good stop
GuideI read the reviews but decided to try it anyway, bringing my 42 foot rig, a 1960 Chevy C20 with a 21' Geo Pro camper that has a 3' cargo hitch on the back. I made it down and back, and if I could call my past self I would say not to do it at all. Aside from the aggressive bouncing that throws all your stuff everywhere (male sure to stow everything tight) the problem for a rig, even one with good ground clearance, is there are long very narrow sections of the road with no pull outs so if you happen to meet someone coming the other way, one of you needs to back up for a long way, either up or down very windy and rutted roads until you find one. And it does have very steep areas, and the pot holes are pretty dramatic at times. Near the end, the road grade was so steep that I cooked my brakes and was still sliding down the road with very little traction. Then I came upon two very deep pothole/ruts (would have been fun in a jeep), one in front of the other and offset so that there was a big hump to high center on, no mater which way you took it. Going down I was able to control my speed and get by ok but one the way up I had to hit it with some speed, and bent the hell out of one of my stabilizers which caught the dirt coming up and over. But if you do bring a rig, there are eventually good places to get turned around, but you'd better hope you don't break down along the road because you'll cause quite the traffic jam for both directions. I stayed at the site just before the bridge but there are many more sites down farther. And be sure to check out the Cathedral Trees, there is a trail that is marked there near that bridge. There is no cell service here.
Dispersed camping opportunities near Garberville center on several riverside spots along the South Fork Eel River. Forest roads and pull-outs along Benbow Drive provide primitive camping areas with direct access to the water. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-95°F during the day and cool to 50-60°F at night, creating comfortable evening conditions for tent camping.
River swimming access: 2-minute walk from Benbow KOA & Golf Course to the South Fork of the Eel River for cooling off on hot days. "There's a stream for fishing within walking distance," notes James W., who appreciated the proximity to water activities.
Redwood forest exploration: 5-7 miles north of Garberville on the Avenue of the Giants leading to Burlington Campground. "Right next to the Visitor Center so you have easy access to the wifi, free coffee in the morning, and lots of educational opportunities," explains Kelsey M., highlighting the convenient base for forest adventures.
Mountain biking trails: variable difficulty levels near the coast at Usal Beach Campsites, approximately 45 minutes from the main highway. "I've now visited a few times...because of the scenery and the great mtb trails," shares Joshua T., though he warns about noisy neighbors.
Complete redwood immersion: Sites at Hidden Springs Campground provide full canopy coverage. "Each sites has a redwood grove hiking trail behind the campsites that takes you from one end of the campground to the other," explains Craig M., who enjoyed the combination of forest and river access.
Pet-friendly river areas: Multiple spots for dogs to swim along the river. "There's a redwood grove hiking trail behind the campsites... You can also walk across Avenue of the Giants from the entrance to a trail that leads you down to the South Fork Eel River," adds Craig, whose experience shows the accessibility for dogs needing water access.
Affordable group accommodations: Large tent sites at Burlington Campground accommodate multiple tent setups. "Site 13 was easily large enough for four tent set-ups in separate areas of the site, though none of them were completely level," explains Erin S., describing the family-friendly nature of the campground.
Seasonal river conditions: Water levels change dramatically between seasons. "We stayed in July when the water was warm enough in which to swim and the fish are very playful," notes Craig M. from Hidden Springs, but adds "the river is less healthy in August."
Varied campground populations: Some sites attract long-term residents. "Wasn't impressed by the long term population that seems to be residing there," reports Wes about Benbow KOA, indicating a mix of travelers and seasonal workers.
Primitive camping trade-offs: Dispersed camping along the river offers privacy but lacks facilities. "We stayed all night with no issues... tucked into a treed section off the road," shares Mandy, but cautions "when we pulled in there was no one, but two other parties came and the spots were not far enough for my comfort."
Redwood climbing opportunities: Many Richardson Grove State Park Campground sites feature large stumps perfect for kids. "There are many old redwood stumps to explore and climb on for kids," mentions Steve A., who found the natural playground elements ideal for family entertainment.
Educational forest walks: The Gould Nature Trail provides kid-friendly learning. "The Gould nature hike is easy and informative with lots of interesting sites," adds Steve, whose family enjoyed the accessible trail system right from their campsite.
River depth considerations: Some sections of the Eel River are more appropriate for young children. "Shallow sections ideal for dogs less comfortable in water" are equally suitable for kids who are cautious swimmers or just learning.
Size restrictions and access challenges: Many dog friendly campgrounds near Garberville have limitations for larger rigs. "We felt like we were driving through Jurassic park to get there... you will need a decent clearance vehicle," warns Stephanie S. about the road to Usal Beach Campsites.
Power management awareness: Limited hookup options throughout the area. "No hookups here but the dry camp is well worth your time. Tons of shade so don't expect your solar panels to keep your battery charged," advises Troy L. about Burlington Campground, suggesting alternate power planning.
Premium site advantages: Strategic site selection can make entry and exit easier. "I suggest a premium patio site since they are on the ends of the rows along the exit of the 1 way street. They are the easiest to pull into from your row," recommends April Y. at Benbow KOA for those with larger vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Garberville, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Garberville, CA is Richardson Grove State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 21 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Garberville, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 80 dog-friendly camping locations near Garberville, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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