Best Campgrounds near McKinleyville, CA

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!