Best Campgrounds near Happy Camp, CA

Happy Camp is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Happy Camp is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Happy Camp, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Best Camping Sites Near Happy Camp, California (243)

    1. Curly Jack Campground

    1 Review
    Happy Camp, CA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 493-2243

    $15 - $50 / night

    "RVs and group camp areas are available, as well as toilets, and water faucets next to each campsite. There is a “beach”, a small opening to a river."

    2. Grider Creek Campground

    1 Review
    Seiad Valley, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 493-2243

    "i really want to camp here this summer. the campground is directly on the pacific crest trail. we wanted to stay last summer but the campground was closed due to storm damage. we explored for a while,"

    3. Jedidiah Smith Campground — Redwood National Park

    55 Reviews
    Hiouchi, CA
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 444-7275

    "We felt like we were a million miles away from everyone, even our camp neighbors!"

    "California doesn’t offer any decent senior discounts. The campground is awesome."

    4. ONeil Creek Campground

    2 Reviews
    Seiad Valley, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 493-2243

    "Great bike trails. Plenty of showers and restrooms. Flat concrete for tent setup and bbq pit in each site with fresh water close to all sites."

    5. Oak Bottom Campground

    2 Reviews
    Seiad Valley, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 627-3291

    "One was right on the shoreline and the second and third were above the shoreline site which worked perfectly for us and the restroom was just a short walk up the path."

    "This campground was hit last summer with a horrible fire burnt around the lake but is All ready growing back and is still pretty its a clean campground"

    6. Panther Flat Campground

    18 Reviews
    Gasquet, CA
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 457-3131

    $15 - $30 / night

    "Close to the Redwood Forest 🌳 we stopped here for a night 🌃on our road trip through California. The sites were nicely sized, though the showers are coin 👛operated."

    "Very quiet (it's a little remote) but pretty accessible to California Redwoods. I would recommend it for a place to stop in between the Oregon and California coastline."

    7. Grayback Campground

    8 Reviews
    Cave Junction, OR
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 618-2200

    "Can have camp fires within the metal fire pits (even though your between two fires happen close by). Grounds of hwy 46 that head to the Oregon Caves National Monument between mile post 11 and 12."

    "The creek runs right next to about half of the campsites. We didn't show up until about 4pm, and there were plenty of spots left to chose from."

    8. Bolan Lake Campground

    1 Review
    O'Brien, OR
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 618-2200

    "Tent camped at Bolan Lake on Saturday, not a lot of people here which was nice. Sites have fire pit and tables, clean space to pitch tents or use rooftop tent. No WiFi or cell reception."

    9. Mill Creek Campground — Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park

    43 Reviews
    Hiouchi, CA
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 444-7275

    $35 / night

    "Next. To us. Some other sites that aren't adjoined like this would be amazing I think.

    However, the bathrooms were decent."

    "Drive from the highway to the campground is captivating. Campground staff were both pleasant & informative."

    10. Dillon Creek Campground

    2 Reviews
    Somes Bar, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 629-4136

    $10 / night

    "There is access to the stream which has a nice swimming hole, if you don’t mind the cold. The campground is quite with absolutely no cell service, which is great if that’s what you are looking for."

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Recent Reviews near Happy Camp, CA

948 Reviews of 243 Happy Camp Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Mill Creek Campground — Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park

    Del Norte Coastal Redwood SP

    This area is beautiful and well worth a visit, but the campground needs some attention. 2 mile entrance road was paved but not in good condition. Site 42 was small for our 16’ft trailer and lots of mosquitoes in late summer. Campground is very wooded with lots of great hikes nearby.

  • Sarah S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Redwood Bar Dispersed Camping

    Redwood Camping

    I’m not sure why everyone is so pressed about the maps leading them elsewhere, the signs are there! There are actually 3 river access roads that will lead you to dispersed camping. The Nook, Miller and Redwood and they all have signs displayed. We were there for 3 nights and to be honest every night from Mon-Wed. was quite but busy. Everyone was respectful of the others space however it was just too busy of a site for how we like to camp. It is good for a sleep and the river was was nice but not really my flavor. We drove up farther to another site and enjoyed that much more.

  • Sarah S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    South Fork Chetco

    Secluded river spot

    This is one of my favorite spots so far! It’s a little farther up than we anticipated going BUT so worth it...maybe a mile or so past the Redwood river access. You’ll pass through a cute little neighborhood and it’s right before the bridge on your left hand side. The spot that we were staying at before just got way too busy and that’s not the kind of camping that we prefer to do. We were able to get our rig and our Casita down fairly easy. We’re right on the river with very beautiful views and the whole area to ourselves!! We’re visiting early September so no fires are allowed at this time and the yellow jackets are still definitely out, so try and make sure you have a trap for them…they can get aggressive! Would most definitely come back to this spot!!

  • L
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Alfred A. Loeb State Park Campground

    happy campground right on the chetco

    Wow! I had heard some mixed reviews of Loeb; lack of privacy, loud partying. That wasn't my experience. Maybe I got lucky but I had super chill neighbors and it was dead quiet once the sun went down. There are options up the river for more private dispersed camping I checked out the next day, but solo camping as a woman I prefer to have some lowkey families or older couples camping nearby, which is what I got. Gigantic trees swallowed my site which was a 3 minute walk to the riverbank. Chetco is the most gorgeous river I have ever been lucky enough to swim in. Honestly the campground could have been a dump and I might not have even noticed due to how dazzled I was by the river, which flowed gently behind my site. I swam for hours, walked into camp for a hot shower & dinner, stared up at the stars before bed. I heard barred owls at night. So hard to leave this special place. I will be back as soon as I can.

  • J
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Aikens Creek Recreation Area

    Aikens Creek Dispersed

    Seems to have been a legit National Forrest campground that is no longer maintained. But it still has camp sites and a little further in there is dispersed very close to the river. It was secluded and great.

  • Sarah S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    middle fork smith river

    Middle Fork Smith River

    This is a cute spot and we stayed here for 3 nights. Plenty of space between the other campers (up to 5 one night). There is an overlook to the river at the dead end of the road and you can hear people enjoying that view but nothing that would really disturb you. There is a trail that leads straight down to the river! Plenty of room for swimming and fishing. Would definitely stay here again. It’s about a 15 min. drive to the Jedediah Redwoods, which if you haven’t seen…IT’S A MUST!! We dropped our trailer at the information center for the Redwoowds, visited in the forest for a few hours, picked up the trailer and came right back to this spot with no problems.

  • laura U.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Panther Flat Campground

    Lovely and Well Maintained

    Ihave an access pass bc I'm disabled and the very helpful host helped me get settled. Sites are level, clean, and close to bathrooms and showers. Though other campers are close, it feels private and safe.

  • Sarah S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Patrick Creek Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful creek camping

    This little spot is such a gem. The reviews are correct in the fact that it can be a tight fit. My husband and I were the only camper here when we stayed so we didn’t experience that as a problem. It is a bit steep coming down but since we were the only ones we had plenty of room to back the camper where we wanted. The creek is absolutely clear, a bit chilly but stunning. I would definitely recommend this spot and would absolutely come back for another stay. If you miss this spot or it’s too full there are plenty of other dispersed campsites farther up. Might not be as much room for campers or splashing around in the river but you’ll still access to the river. We came late August.

  • Tine H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Heart of the Redwoods Cottages & RV

    Heart of the redwoods base camp

    Easy in and out. Small number of sites. Right off the 101. Full hook ups. Numerous trails located within 5 miles of site. Took our dog.


Guide to Happy Camp

Camping near Happy Camp, California, offers a fantastic escape into nature, with stunning landscapes and a variety of campgrounds to choose from. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails around the campgrounds. Many campers enjoy the short nature walk through the ancient redwoods. One reviewer mentioned, "There is a short nature walk (about 1.5 miles) that leads through a breathtaking stand of redwoods that are enormous and 1,000s of years old" at Jedidiah Smith Campground.
  • River Activities: Enjoy swimming or fishing in the nearby rivers. A camper at Mill Creek Campground said, "The park area is right on a really pretty blue river. The camp sites are all really close to the river as well so you can walk there in no time."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One family at Panther Flat Campground noted, "As for wildlife: Lots of blue jays, chipmunks and we saw deer."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning scenery. A visitor at Cedar Bloom shared, "Cedar Bloom is such an amazing place. I was lucky enough to spend a full weekend here and was renewed and rejuvenated."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds are praised for their cleanliness. A reviewer at Mill Creek Campground said, "Bathrooms were very nice. And all the staff was very friendly and helpful."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds often have a welcoming vibe for families. One camper at Jackson Campground mentioned, "We stayed here for the 4th, it was beautiful, quiet, and relaxing."

What you should know:

  • Theft Concerns: Some campers have reported issues with theft. A visitor at Jedidiah Smith Campground warned, "Beware of thieves! The park rangers did not warn us that the reason they had a space open was because for days there has been things being stolen DAILY."
  • Limited Amenities: Many campgrounds lack certain amenities. A camper at Patrick Creek Campground noted, "No cell service. The campground is small and the camp host isn’t far."
  • Seasonal Access: Some campgrounds are only open during certain months. For example, Grayback Campground is open from May to September.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose the Right Campground: Look for family-friendly options like Lake Selmac County Park, which has activities for kids. One family said, "We love coming to Lake Selmac to use the yurts for winter camping. They’re heated and cozy."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep everyone entertained. A camper at Mill Creek Campground mentioned, "The site has ranger talks and plays movies occasionally which is nice for families."
  • Pack Essentials: Bring along games and outdoor gear. A reviewer at Panther Flat Campground suggested, "The sites are flat and all of them have great tree coverage."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Redwood Meadows RV Resort said, "Sites are not right on top of each other also."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Hookups: Many campgrounds don’t offer full hookups. A visitor at Jackson Campground noted, "The campground is small and the camp host isn’t far."
  • Look for Amenities: Some RV parks have better facilities. A camper at Laughing Alpaca Campground + RV Park mentioned, "Great host, they upgraded us to a river front space."

Camping near Happy Camp, California, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, connect with family, and make lasting memories. Just be sure to plan ahead and choose the right spot for your needs!

Frequently Asked Questions

What facilities are available at Happy Camp Campground?

In the Happy Camp area, Curly Jack Campground offers basic but convenient facilities including toilet facilities, water faucets adjacent to each campsite, and dedicated areas for RVs and group camping. This free campground also features a small river access point. For additional options nearby, ONeil Creek Campground provides reservable sites with water and toilets, accessible by vehicle or on foot.

Are there good photo opportunities at Happy Camp Campground?

The Happy Camp region offers excellent photography opportunities. Jedidiah Smith Campground provides stunning backdrops with towering redwoods creating a sense of seclusion and wilderness perfect for nature photography. For water-focused shots, Panther Flat Campground sits beside a picturesque river that makes for beautiful compositions, especially with the surrounding forest. The entire Klamath River corridor near Happy Camp offers scenic vistas combining mountain, forest, and river elements.

What camping is available near Happy Camp, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Happy Camp, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 243 campgrounds and RV parks near Happy Camp, CA and 18 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Happy Camp, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Happy Camp, CA is Curly Jack Campground with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Happy Camp, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 free dispersed camping spots near Happy Camp, CA.

What parks are near Happy Camp, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 parks near Happy Camp, CA that allow camping, notably Redwood National Park and Klamath National Forest.