The Garberville region sits along the Eel River surrounded by ancient redwood forests with elevations ranging from 535 to 1,200 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during the day, dropping to 50-60°F at night. Campgrounds in the area provide access to the Avenue of the Giants, a 31-mile scenic route through Humboldt Redwoods State Park featuring some of the world's tallest trees.
What to do
River access: At Giant Redwoods RV & Cabin Destination, visitors can enjoy the Eel River directly next to the campground. "The site is very well maintained with clean bathroom and laundry facilities. It is in a stunning and tranquil location on the river with nicely spaced sites," reports Georgina E. Swimming in the river provides relief during summer heat.
Beach exploration: The Westport Beach RV Park and Campground offers coastal camping with access to tide pools and marine wildlife viewing. "You can walk to the beach from your campsite and watch the sun set," notes Julie B. Many visitors report seeing seals sunbathing on nearby rocks during morning hours.
Off-road adventures: For those seeking remote experiences, Usal Beach provides challenging access with rewarding seclusion. "The 45 min dirt road was filled with amazing views early morning. Will definitely be coming back here more often," writes Monique F. The beach allows camping directly on the sand or in adjacent wooded areas, with campfires permitted year-round.
What campers like
Natural settings: Campers frequently mention the immersive redwood experience at established campgrounds. "Great big redwoods surrounded you on every side... when it got late it was quiet, except for the mourning doves and the sounds of the redwoods in the wind," describes Tim G. about his stay at Giant Redwoods RV & Cabin Destination.
Wildlife viewing: At Shelter Cove Campground, marine wildlife sightings are common. "We went to sleep and woke up to sea lions and Harbor Seals barking," reports Travis H. The campground's location provides excellent tide pooling opportunities for viewing diverse sea life.
Onsite amenities: The availability of basic necessities enhances comfort at remote locations. "The campground has all the amenities you could need (showers, RV hook ups, etc) with a fully stocked deli area and very attentive staff," notes Michael R. about Shelter Cove, making it suitable for extended stays.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to several campgrounds requires careful driving. The road to Usal Beach Campground demands preparation. "The road coming into Usal is a pretty messed up mountain road thanks to the fact that it's also used by logging trucks. I would really only recommend this road if you have AWD or 4WD," advises Ryan T. Allow extra travel time for safe navigation.
Cell service limitations: Most rv parks near Garberville have unreliable cell coverage. According to David M., "Myers Flat is a small town with a tiny grocery/deli but not a ton more." Many campgrounds offer WiFi to compensate, though streaming capabilities are often restricted.
Seasonal considerations: Campground availability varies significantly throughout the year. "We picked this campsite on a whim during a trip up the coast... Once you're down in the campground you'll be rewarded with a fairly secluded beach view," reports Ryan T. about Usal Beach. Winter visits may find campgrounds nearly empty, while summer holidays can be fully booked.
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: Westport Beach RV Park offers family-friendly amenities. "This is a great campground that is right on the beach! It has showers, flushing toilets, a little store, fire wood for sale, dish washing station, and even WiFi! The campground was very clean and really perfect for families!" shares Jessicca.
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds provide access to nature learning experiences. "We loved our stay at GRRV! The site is very well maintained with clean bathroom and laundry facilities. The playground was a huge hit with our toddler too, as well as river access," notes Georgina E. about Giant Redwoods RV & Cabin Destination.
Safety considerations: Families should note tide and current conditions when visiting coastal or riverside campgrounds. "The beach is a short walk from there, too, and we were able to have privacy up until later hours when some other campers joined us," reports Karen M. about Westport Union Landing, indicating the area is generally family-friendly but supervision is essential near water.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Stafford RV Park offers basic services for motorhomes and trailers. "We paid $25 for a pull through E/W site (normally $50), and refreshingly there were no taxes or fees added on to the price," notes Laura M. The park also provides a dump station free for campers.
Size restrictions: Many Garberville RV parks have limitations on larger rigs. Ancient Redwoods RV Park accommodates larger vehicles but operates seasonally. "Hookups and amenities were good and clean. Laundry available," reports Carsten S., though mentioning picnic benches would be an improvement.
Accessibility factors: RV campers should consider terrain when selecting camping areas. "The sites are spacious and beautiful, easy to access with no complaints," notes one visitor about Benbow KOA. Most established RV parks in the region provide level sites, while dispersed camping areas may require more careful positioning and stabilization.
