Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, McKinleyville, CA has a lot to offer. McKinleyville is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Find the best campgrounds near McKinleyville, CA. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.
"It was a little muddy when we visited but California was smack dab in the middle of a very wet season. Our campsite was level and secluded."
"This is a very lovely campground clean of trash with quaint with cabins and campsites tucked between redwoods and Douglas fir trees. Campground looks lush and loved."
$35 / night
"General: Five campgrounds – Agate, Abalone, Penn (tents only), and two group campgrounds (Red Alder and Beach Creek) situated just north of Trinidad. "
"This is one of the nicest and quietest California State Parks in the system. The individual sites are separated by foliage and everything is green."
$30 / night
"Pit toilets, no hookups. 2minutes from highway. Nearby airport with a few passenger flights during our 18hr stay. Great beach walking."
"Camp on the edge of the earth. The beach is usually foggy and the sand dark. It has a sort of Edgar Allen Poe Raven feel to it but you can burn fires on the beach."
$35 / night
"Patrick's point camp ground is one of my favorite state parks in California."
"It’s tucked near Humboldt Bay within the Redwoods. It’s an absolutely beautiful campground, but it’s certainly busy!"
$10 - $30 / night
"The county campground is located on its shore. Most of the campsites have views of the lagoon and the dunes on its opposite shore."
"Great location, great scenery, great price, but tight space for RVers. If you have a rig over 20ft, think twice before coming down this road to search for an available campsite."
$33 / night
"This was our first time trying out a casino parking lot to stay in, and it was a nice treat to be able to walk from the RV to dinner."
"Blue Lake Casino has an RV lot at their site."
$35 - $50 / night
"This campground is conveniently located right on the 101 Hwy, close by to the ocean and right down the road from tons of Redwood Nat’l Park trails."
"We used this as a checkpoint in 2021 when traveling from Oregon to Southern California via HWY-101. The park is clean, and we had a great time walking around and resting between the legs of our trip."
"When you get to the area where apple maps says park and walk, just take the pine ridge or whatever trail a couple more miles up."
"Lots of hiking and mountain bike trails too. Quiet, well maintained spots. Mosquitoes are bad this time of year so prepare well!
Can easily drive a van or pick up."
$35 - $100 / night
"This was my favorite campground in our northern california tour. Campimg among the redwoods, so quiet and shady we slept in late each morning."
"There are also INCREDIBLE day trips into California’s interior, Indian history, little known parks and trails everywhere."
TravelerSeems 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.
TravelerThis is a beautiful campground, though not the best roads to access. We were the only people here on Labor Day weekend
ScoutNice place. Very clean. Great shower facilities. Outdoor kitchen. Heated pool and hot tub.
ScoutEasy 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.
GuideNot bad for an RV park! It’s super close to everything you wanna see on the 101 and the area is beautiful.
GuideClean bathrooms and showers thankfully. This is good for a quick one night stay. Otherwise it’s just a standard RV park with a ton of people crammed together
GuideCamped here on a Monday night and no one stopped in. Love it when that happens. Clean bathrooms and running water
ScoutI got to drive through first to be sure and select a spot I liked. Staff was friendly and helpful and had firewood available for sale, $10 a bundle, and offered change for the showers @ .25 cents a minute.
TravelerA beautiful drive and a great spot for a night or a few a little hard to find but it’s all part of the adventure
Camping near McKinleyville, California, offers a mix of stunning natural beauty and unique experiences. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.
Camping near McKinleyville, California, offers a unique blend of nature and adventure. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a memorable outdoor experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds near McKinleyville, CA?
McKinleyville offers excellent camping options within a short drive. Big Lagoon County Park provides stunning waterfront camping with beautiful stretches of beach, stillwater views, and abundant wildlife along the largest lagoon system on the North Coast. For a coastal experience, Clam Beach County Park offers beachfront camping just minutes from McKinleyville. The region also features several redwood forest campgrounds within a reasonable drive, including options in Humboldt Redwoods State Park and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, perfect for those seeking a woodland experience surrounded by magnificent ancient trees.
What is the best time of year to go camping in McKinleyville?
Summer (June through August) offers the warmest and driest conditions for camping in McKinleyville, with pleasant temperatures typically ranging from 55-70°F. This is ideal for exploring nearby attractions like Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park Campground. Spring and fall can be lovely but bring more variable weather and occasional rain. If you prefer fewer crowds, consider camping at Burlington Campground in September or early October when the redwoods provide shade from lingering summer warmth. Winter camping is possible but requires preparation for wet, cool conditions, with many campgrounds reducing services or closing entirely during this season.
What amenities are available at McKinleyville camping sites?
Camping amenities near McKinleyville vary by location. Elk Country RV Resort & Campground offers full hookups for RVs and is conveniently located near both the ocean and redwood trails. Humboldt County Fairgrounds provides clean, heated bathrooms with free showers, spacious grassy areas, and secure grounds. Most established campgrounds in the area offer picnic tables, fire pits, and potable water. Higher-end sites like Mystic Forest RV Park include additional recreational amenities such as hiking trails, horseshoes, and mini-golf. Basic sites typically provide vault toilets, while state and county parks often feature shower facilities (some coin-operated) and dishwashing stations.
Keep Exploring
