Best Tent Camping near Hoopa, CA

Tent camping options near Hoopa, California include both free dispersed sites and established campgrounds scattered throughout the surrounding mountains and forests. BLM Dispersed Camping at Lacks Creek provides primitive tent sites approximately 27 miles from Hoopa, while Groves Prairie Dispersed Camp offers a more secluded tent camping experience in the Six Rivers National Forest.

Sites range from basic gravel parking areas to secluded forest settings with varying amenities. Lacks Creek requires a significant drive on dirt roads with limited cell service, and many visitors report ticks as an issue during warmer months. Groves Prairie features three designated tent sites, each with a picnic table and fire ring plus a vault toilet, but no potable water is available. According to one visitor, "This secluded camp is well worth the effort to find... There is a tiny creek running nearby if needed." Both areas allow campfires when fire restrictions aren't in effect, and pets are permitted.

The tent camping experience at these locations offers significant privacy and natural settings. At Groves Prairie, campers will find spacious tent sites in a meadow environment with occasional wildlife sightings including deer. The forest setting provides shade but also hosts bees and occasional insects. One camper noted, "There is a beautiful little creek right next to the campsite." Tent campers should be prepared for self-sufficiency as neither location offers trash service, and both require visitors to pack out all waste. For backcountry tent experiences, the nearby Redwood National Park offers additional options with established backcountry tent sites like Elam Camp, which provides picnic tables, bear lockers, and serves as a waypoint for longer hikes through the park.

Best Tent Sites Near Hoopa, California (39)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Hoopa, CA

623 Reviews of 39 Hoopa Campgrounds


  • J
    Aug. 22, 2018

    Emerald Forest Cabins & RV

    Tent camping: Very dark with uneven ground

    We stayed here one night last year. We’d hoped to stay at Patrick’s Point State Park, but it was full. The woman who set us up with a tent site here was super friendly and helpful. She offered advice for where to eat in the area and points of interest.

    My daughters and I checked out the Bay Area and hiked the Trinidad Head. It was a beautiful afternoon. We had dinner at the Trinidad Bay Eatery and Gallery which was nice with a friendly server and good American fare.

    After we returned we looked at the little arcade area in the cabins area. It reminded me in a nostalgic way of the arcade area in the 80’s movie Starfighter. Very fun.

    Although it wasn’t quite dark yet when we headed back to our site, it was VERY dark in the back area with the tent sites fue to heavy tree cover. Finding our spot was difficult in the dark. The path is winding and doesn’t exactly match the campground map and the ground was very uneven. I was glad we have four wheel drive.

    The campsite was also very uneven and had a steep drop off to a creek bed on the side. Luckily we’d planned to car camp and only had to fold down the sleeping area in our vehicle. I can’t imagine trying to set up a tent on that site in the pitch blackness. I’m not sure that the site had any amenities like a picnic table or water or a fire ring. I couldn’t see anything!

    Overall I’d stay here again, but I’d get there way before dark and set up camp first before adventuring in the area. I love the Trinidad/Eureka area. There’s lots to do and see. I gave the three stars because the tent site area ground is so uneven and so unlit.

  • Christy C.
    Jun. 29, 2016

    Elk Prairie Campground — Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

    Camping in the Redwoods

    This campground was primitive and very "natural" in setting. The sites had a bear box for food storage and there were Elk grazing near our loop. We picked blackberries and watched bluejays landing nearby. There was a restroom with pay showers and a ranger station at the entrance. Not a lot here but plenty to do up the road on the Newton B Drury Pkwy we visited the ancient Redwoods that were amazing. Also, can drive to Fern Valley if you rig isn't too big. That is where a scene from Jurassic park was filmed.

  • Rosie H.
    May. 30, 2021

    East Fork Campground

    Clean bathrooms

    The spot I was in was small and nestled in a grove of aspen trees. The bear locker was well maintained and the fire ring was double walled. There were flush toilets with working lights and the tent pad was level.

    Its a short drive to some great hikes, but the campground itself was too busy and too close to the highway to use as a good starting point.

  • Andi M.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 21, 2022

    Van Duzen County Park - Pamplin Grove

    Breathtaking

    We’ve been camping up and down highway 101 for about two weeks now, and this was by far our favorite place! We practically had the place to ourselves! The trees are absolutely massive and gorgeous. The river is clean, and relaxing. Swimming here is so fun! Cold, but refreshing! Plenty of space for our two tents, grated on the fire pits and fire wood available. Very easy drive to get to it and super easy to find. Come check this place out! Remember to follow Leave No Trace Principles though!

  • Connie H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Trail Creek Campground

    Quiet Campground In the Klamath National Forest

    This is our second time camping in this campground. It’s out of the way and pretty remote, but quiet and peaceful. There are no hookups, but there is drinking water provided as well as vault toilets (which were pretty darn clean), and a bear proof trash can. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Generator use is allowed from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Last year in July when we visited there were maybe 3 other people here. This time in October (late in the season), we were the only ones here. The fee is $10.00 a night, or $5.00 with the pass/senior discount. There is ZERO cell service with T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon. We did have Starlink with us and we were able to get signal, but it was spotty due to all the tree coverage. Trail Creek runs through the back of the campground and is beautiful!

  • Chanel C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 17, 2019

    Agate Campground — Sue-meg State Park

    10/10 Would stay again!

    [ PROS]

    • Super lush and foresty campground right by the Pacific Ocean. There is so much to see all around the campgrounds. You can go for a hike and the Rim Trail which perimeters the park, you can go down to the beach and hunt for agates, explore tidepools, look at birds and other wildlife, and go to the visitor center.

    • Each site came with a picnic table, bear box, fire ring, and two parking spots.

    • Sites were surprisingly large! We stayed at Site#99 and it was super spacious. It even had a hidden area that was under large trees that was perfect for setting up tents.

    • I love how the sites were also very private. Each site seemed to be carved out of the brush so you’re just enclosed in trees and bushes. Everything was so green!

    • The restrooms were really clean. Site#99 was a little far from the showers, but we had nice toilets right by us.

    • VIEWS VIEWS VIEWS! My gosh. We stated at Agate Campground (1 of 3 campgrounds at this park) and it was really close to the beach access. We did the Rim Trail hike and it was unbelievable.

    [CONS]

    • NONE! Perfect campground:)

    Overall, I would come back here in a heartbeat! I know we came during off season so the campground wasn’t as full, but i’d imagine when this place is fully booked it would still be very tranquil and peaceful. Each site was like a little oasis removed from everyone else.

  • Toni  K.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 24, 2021

    Mill Creek Campground — Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park

    Small spots in the state park

    Nice site offers showers, clean bathrooms, bear boxes, fire rings and benches. As well as trash cans and recycling. Some spots looked big and some/most were pretty small. The spots are pretty close together but, that’s okay. I feel it was kinda expensive for the size of the spots and how close they were together but, you are in a state park. The trees were very beautiful and you’re right in the middle of the red woods. The camp host was very sweet and offered a wood for purchase ($10).

    I don’t recommend getting spot 27. Very weird set up the bench was in the center of the spot and the fire was really close to the vegetation it kinda scared me. It looked to be all the odd 20s were set up kinda funky.

  • Dan G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 4, 2023

    Tannery Gulch Campground

    3.5 Stars

    Nice well shaded campground, some sites enjoy lake views although Trinity Lake is very low at this point. Site 67 is a nice size, lots of space between adjacent sites. Two tent flats, table and fire ring. Some sites have bear boxes, 67 does not. Close but not too close to the bathroom. Camp host was friendly. Easy walk/ drive to the lake. I would check site map and reviews if possible, some sites looked very small and unappealing while others were very spacious.(67) No firewood for sale on site. Overall campground was nice and site 67 in particular was very good. 3.5 Stars.

  • Ariel & John  W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 5, 2020

    Abalone Campground — Sue-meg State Park

    Best of both worlds

    Campsites are in several loops in a lush green forest right next to the ocean. No hookups but pit toilets, trash pickup and water. Fire rings and picnic tables. Clean, beautiful park, sites run the gamut from small to large, including doubles and pull-throughs. Spectacular scenery. Hiking trails in the forest as well as lots of rocky beach. Would def stay again.


Guide to Hoopa

Tent campsites near Hoopa, California range from primitive forest settings to meadow environments across the Six Rivers National Forest and BLM lands. The region sits within a mountainous area with elevations between 300-3,000 feet, creating diverse microclimates throughout the year. Winter camping requires preparation for significant rainfall, while summer months typically remain dry with daytime temperatures averaging 75-85°F.

What to do

Mountain biking at Lacks Creek: The BLM land at Lacks Creek features established biking trails directly from the campground. "There's a nice running/bike path right in the camp ground," notes reviewer Toni K., though visitors should be aware of seasonal conditions affecting trail quality.

Wildlife viewing: The meadow environment at Groves Prairie Dispersed Camp offers regular wildlife encounters. "We did have a few deer walking through our campsite through the middle of the night," reports Madeeha A., highlighting the natural setting that attracts various forest animals.

Meteor watching: The remote locations provide excellent dark sky viewing with minimal light pollution. Greg B. specifically recommends Groves Prairie: "I came here to see the Perseids Meteor Shower, on a Sunday night/Monday, and did not see a soul." The open meadow provides unobstructed celestial views during clear nights.

River exploration: Camping near Slide Creek Campground provides access to the Trinity River. "The south fork Trinity River running right through it plenty of hiking plenty of fishing and plenty of beautiful scenery," explains reviewer DirtyMountainBoy A., highlighting multiple water-based recreation opportunities.

What campers like

Secluded camping spots: The dispersed camping areas around Hoopa provide significant privacy. According to Greg B. about Groves Prairie, "This secluded camp is well worth the effort to find. I've been 3 times and finally decided to add it to The Dyrt." Many campers appreciate the remote setting away from crowded campgrounds.

Natural water features: Small creeks enhance several tent campsites near Hoopa. Madeeha A. notes, "There is a beautiful little creek right next to the campsite" at Groves Prairie, providing ambient sounds and potential water source after proper treatment.

Stargazing opportunities: The minimal light pollution creates exceptional stargazing conditions. Penn Campground at Sue-meg State Park receives praise for its night skies, and Lisa M. notes, "This place is beautiful!" with clear night skies contributing to the camping experience.

Educational programs: Some established campgrounds offer learning opportunities. "My family greatly enjoyed hiking to participate in the eduquest. I highly recommend it if you have kids!" shares Lisa M. about Penn Campground, referencing the interpretive programs available at certain locations.

What you should know

Cell service limitations: Most tent camping areas have minimal connectivity. Scout G. reports about Lacks Creek: "I was planning on staying here but had 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." Greg B. confirms similar conditions at Groves Prairie: "There is MAYBE one (1) bar of Verizon service, but it is extremely unreliable."

Road access challenges: Many dispersed sites require driving on unpaved roads. "The road to get up there is a bit overgrown and there's a lot of potholes so just keep that in mind," cautions Madeeha A. about reaching Groves Prairie. Toni K. describes the route to Lacks Creek as "Pretty far drive off a dirt road" and provides specific directions: "Drive east on Highway 299 for 17.8 miles from Highway 101. Turn left at the Redwood Valley turn off(Bair Road) and travel 3.9 miles."

Seasonal insect concerns: Ticks and bees present challenges during warmer months. Jon E. reports about Lacks Creek: "No creek water in early June but lots of ticks. Very hot too. We left after 30 minutes and 6 ticks." Madeeha A. notes at Groves Prairie, "There is a beehive right above the campsite that we were at so the bees did go a little crazy, but we did not get stung."

Tips for camping with families

Junior ranger programs: Elam Backcountry Camp in Redwood National Park connects with educational opportunities. While Sharon B. notes it serves primarily as "a heavily trafficked way point into the park" with "picnic tables and two bear lockers," the location provides access to ranger-led activities during peak season.

Site privacy considerations: For family camping near Hoopa, select sites with natural separation. Xoë M. recommends Penn Campground: "Each site is tucked back in its own little green enclave, so even though the neighboring sites are close to you, you feel secluded."

Geology exploration: Some camping areas feature unique geological features for kids to discover. "The Ranger helped us Ron identify some of the berries we'd seen along the path and which were edible," reports Xoë M., adding, "We hiked down to Agate beach where you can collect Agate to take home."

Tips from RVers

Limited RV accommodations: Most primitive camping spots near Hoopa accommodate tent camping only. The closest RV-friendly site is Sugar Pine Camp & Cabin, which features "comfortable beds, and close access to outdoor activities" according to Ashley F.

Alternative boat-in options: Consider water-accessed camping as an alternative to traditional RV sites. DirtyMountainBoy A. describes Slide Creek Campground as "a absolute beautiful hidden gem in Trinity County located just five or so miles outside of high and palm," though notes access requires appropriate watercraft.

Verify camping status: Always confirm site availability before traveling. Alexandra S. warns about Stone Lagoon: "Went here to spend the night in a camper van. No parking and no overnight camping signs. Day use only."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Hoopa, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Hoopa, CA is BLM Dispersed Camping - Lacks Creek with a 2.7-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Hoopa, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 39 tent camping locations near Hoopa, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.