Best Campgrounds near McKinleyville, CA

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.

Best Camping Sites Near McKinleyville, California (113)

    1. Emerald Forest Cabins & RV

    35 Reviews
    Trinidad, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 677-3554

    "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."

    2. Clam Beach County Park

    19 Reviews
    McKinleyville, CA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 445-7651

    $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."

    3. Agate Campground — Sue-meg State Park

    26 Reviews
    Trinidad, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 677-3570

    $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."

    4. Abalone Campground — Sue-meg State Park

    20 Reviews
    Trinidad, CA
    12 miles
    Website

    $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!"

    5. Big Lagoon County Park

    19 Reviews
    Trinidad, CA
    14 miles
    Website

    $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."

    6. Blue Lake Casino

    11 Reviews
    Blue Lake, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 668-9770

    $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."

    7. Elk Country RV Resort & Campground

    28 Reviews
    Orick, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 488-2181

    $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."

    8. The Heights Casino RV Lot

    6 Reviews
    Trinidad, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 599-0124

    $20 / night

    9. Elk Prairie Campground — Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

    67 Reviews
    Orick, CA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 464-6101

    $80 / 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."

    10. Redwood Coast Cabins & RV Resort

    10 Reviews
    Arcata, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 798-1820

    $200 / night

    "Close to lots of hiking."

    "This location had several sites available, tent, and cabins, as well."

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Showing results 1-10 of 113 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near McKinleyville, CA

671 Reviews of 113 McKinleyville Campgrounds



Guide to McKinleyville

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.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are amazing trails nearby, especially in the redwood forests. One camper mentioned, "There are INCREDIBLE day trips into California’s interior, Indian history, little known parks and trails everywhere" at Elk Prairie Campground.
  • Beach Access: Enjoy the beautiful coastline. A reviewer at Gold Bluffs Beach Campground said, "Right on the beach, beautiful campground, very simple."
  • Wildlife Watching: Spot elk and other wildlife. One visitor at Elk Country RV Resort & Campground shared, "Elk wander around the campground and in the meadow."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning landscapes. A review for Agate Campground states, "Absolutely gorgeous. Boat was kinda sassy but views were insane."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds maintain clean restrooms and showers. A visitor at Emerald Forest Cabins & RV noted, "Bathrooms were clean and showers had nice warm water."
  • Proximity to Attractions: Campgrounds like Big Lagoon County Park are close to both the beach and redwoods, making it easy to explore. One camper said, "Great location, great scenery, great price."

What you should know:

  • Tight Spaces: Some campgrounds can be cramped, especially for larger RVs. A review for Gold Bluffs Beach Campground mentioned, "Each site is blocked by huge wooden pylons- there is barely room to even park off the 'road' at your site."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds offer full amenities. A camper at Clam Beach County Park pointed out, "Pit toilets, no hookups."
  • Busy Seasons: Campgrounds can fill up quickly, especially during peak times. A visitor at Abalone Campground noted, "It was busy! It was foggy and cold near the bay, but when we pulled in, the trees were protecting us."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with amenities like playgrounds. A reviewer at Redwood Coast Cabins & RV Resort mentioned, "Children’s play area was nice."
  • Plan for Weather: Be prepared for cool and damp conditions. One camper at Emerald Forest Cabins & RV said, "It was a little muddy when we visited but California was smack dab in the middle of a very wet season."
  • Bring Entertainment: If the weather keeps you indoors, have games or movies ready. A camper at Samoa Boat Ramp County Park suggested, "You better have unlimited data on your phone plan because you’re going to be using all your data out here."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for Big Lagoon County Park warned, "If you have a rig over 20ft, think twice before coming down this road."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Hookups: Many campgrounds don’t have full hookups. A visitor at Clam Beach County Park noted, "No electric hookups."
  • Arrive Early: To secure a good spot, especially during busy times. A camper at Elk Country RV Resort & Campground mentioned, "We didn’t have any issues getting a site in the winter."

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

What camping is available near McKinleyville, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, McKinleyville, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 113 campgrounds and RV parks near McKinleyville, CA and 7 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near McKinleyville, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near McKinleyville, CA is Emerald Forest Cabins & RV with a 4-star rating from 35 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near McKinleyville, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 free dispersed camping spots near McKinleyville, CA.

What parks are near McKinleyville, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 parks near McKinleyville, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.