Glamping accommodations near McKinleyville, California offer scenic experiences in Northern California's redwood region. Situated along the Pacific Coast at an elevation of about 141 feet, the area experiences year-round mild temperatures with coastal fog even during summer months. Tent campsites often include water access points within steps of each site, while several cabin options provide varying degrees of comfort in wooded settings.
What to do
Explore tidepools at Agate Beach: Located within Sue-meg State Park (formerly Patrick's Point), visitors can walk down to the shore from elevated campsites. "Great trails right along the coast. Bathrooms well maintained. This is a perfect little campground, strong reco," notes Fred H. about Agate Campground.
Swimming in Van Duzen River: The waterfront at Grizzly Creek Redwoods offers accessible swimming during warmer months. According to one visitor at Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park Campground, "Nice swimming hole, the water was warm in mid June. This seems to be the primary attraction for this area. Most of the families were gathered along the shore and playing in the water."
Hunt for agates: The coastline offers opportunities for beachcombing. "We picked one [site] near Agate beach where we spent the morning beach combing and eating wild beach strawberries," shares one camper about their experience at Sue-meg State Park.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Tent camping areas in some locations offer better spacing than RV sections. At Emerald Forest Cabins & RV, "If I had a tent site I'd be in heaven. The tent sites are in a redwood setting. Very rustic & nice. Also spacious," writes Cynthia K.
Riverside amenities: Some properties feature shared community spaces on waterways. At Chinook RV Resort, there's a "Great river view, and cool little deck/firepit at the riverside," according to Lyle H.
Proximity to coastal attractions: Locations near Trinidad provide easy beach access. As one camper noted about Emerald Forest, "It is in a great location, close to the beaches in Trinidad, just a few minutes from Patrick's Point State Park, and 45 minutes from some awesome trails in the Redwoods."
What you should know
Highway noise affects some sites: Many campgrounds in the region sit close to highways. About Grizzly Creek, Anthony C. warns: "The main issue is the noise. It's unbelievable loud as the camp site is right next to the road that appears to be supporting a logging operation. Logging and construction vehicles pass within 10-20 feet of the roadside campsites at all hours."
Water quality varies: Some locations have mineral-heavy water. At Stafford RV Park, one camper noted "the water jug we had filled with their water was full of rusty red residue at the bottom, ick. And that's with using a filter."
Reservation reliability: Some locations have reported booking issues. A Chinook RV Resort visitor reported: "We were told by another long time resident that this park double booked sites for the July 4th weekend and had to turn people away when they showed up for their reservations."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Some parks offer recreational facilities beyond natural features. At Emerald Forest, "There's a Video Arcade, Horseshoe pit, dog park, celebration hall with board games/puzzles, a mini mart, playground, gazebo, and multiple bath/shower houses and laundry facilities," according to Cameron B.
Safe group camping options: Locations with minimal environmental hazards suit large groups. Kate A. says about Redwood Coast Cabins & RV Resort: "I've camped here with 14+ high school students and it was great. Safe, protected and not a lot of trouble to get into. Lots of sites available in various sizes."
Shower and bathroom access: Facilities vary significantly between parks. Marcus K. notes that at Agate Beach, "Water within steps to each site. Clean bathrooms. Showers are coin or token operated."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Many RV sections feature close spacing between units. At Emerald Forest, "We stayed in one site but it would have been acceptable if we weren't camped next to site 10, which is the trashiest campsite I've parked next to. Ever. There were a couple of sheds, wooden pallets for a privacy fence & junk everywhere."
Large rig navigation challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult access roads or tight turns. One camper warns about Grizzly Creek: "Not suited for most RVs and travel trailers, you need to be very small and fully self contained. The sites are close together, short, with roots coming up in the road and parking areas, and sharp angled turns to get into your spot."
Budget accommodations: Lower-cost options exist for overnight stops. At Humboldt County Fairgrounds, "Stayed in parking lot for an over night stay heading up the coast. Safe, easy, cheep. 14.00 for parking lot around $30 for hook ups in grass area. Cute town," according to Janelle H.
