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."
"Camped here for one night mid September, slept in a car, great view and found the 3 spacious camping spots with a picnic table, fire pit (with a grill rack), and an unsmelly bathroom a short walk away."
"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."
$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."
GuideSuper chill laid back campground. Popular for locals. 10 minute walk to beach full of agates. Bathrooms. Quiet.
TravelerThe hike was a bit much for me but I loved staying here. You might just have the place to yourself.
TravelerCamped here for one night mid September, slept in a car, great view and found the 3 spacious camping spots with a picnic table, fire pit (with a grill rack), and an unsmelly bathroom a short walk away. On the way up, I think I took a wrong term but got to the spots anyways? I took a left at sign with the offices of some sort (thinking it was the camp ground entrance) and then took a few more turns and eventually found the place. There was only one other person also camping. The road wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be, it took me about forty minutes to find the camp grounds from the bottom of the hill to the top. There were narrow moments in the road but plenty of larger two lane spaces. I have a 2014 Subaru crosstrek and it did just fine getting up. I would definitely Return!
GuideThis was my first time to the Lost Coast. The drive from Ferndale to Mattole Campground was like entering another dimension. I drove in on a mild, sunny day in late July and as I began to make my way into the King Range I was spellbound with the magnitude of the beauty. I hardly took note of how rough the road was because of how gorgeous the surroundings were; mountains, valleys, ocean views, and wild flowers all added up to pure magic. The Mattole Campground is remote, oceanside, and the perfect spot to getaway. Most of the sites don't have much privacy, but there are a few that do. The vault toilet restrooms were clean enough to tolerate. The sites include a fire ring and picnic table. It was a little busier than I expected, though it was peak season. I hope to return during a slightly quieter time.
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.
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.
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