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Equestrian Camping near McKinleyville, CA

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    Cuneo Creek Horse Camp in Humboldt Redwoods State Park features on-site horse corrals, suitable for equestrians staying overnight with their animals. This established campground operates seasonally from early May to mid-October and includes campfire rings, picnic tables, and toilets for camper convenience. The campground accommodates tent camping while providing necessary facilities for horses, including electric hookups with both fifty-amp and thirty-amp connections. Sites can accommodate larger vehicles and horse trailers with big-rig friendly access. Though the camp has limited reviews, visitors note the importance of bringing supplies as there are no stores nearby for purchasing firewood or other necessities.

    Located approximately 60 miles south of McKinleyville, this equestrian campground connects to the extensive trail network within Humboldt Redwoods State Park, home to some of the world's tallest trees. Riders access trails directly from the campground, allowing for day rides through old-growth redwood forests without relocating horses. Water hookups provide essential hydration for horses after trail rides. The campground requires reservations, ensuring campers secure their spots before arrival. Pets are permitted alongside horses, though specific rules govern their management within the campground areas. Equestrians should note that while showers are available, trash collection is not provided, requiring campers to pack out all waste. The remote location means limited cell service, creating an authentic disconnected camping experience in this horse-friendly environment.

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    Best Equestrian Campgrounds near McKinleyville (9)

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      1. Elk Country RV Resort & Campground

      4.1(29)18mi from McKinleyvilleRVs, Tents

      "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."

      from $35 - $50 / night

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      2. Lacks Creek BLM

      4.5(20)16mi from McKinleyvilleRVs, Tents

      "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."

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      3. Samoa Boat Ramp County Park

      3.2(12)15mi from McKinleyvilleRVs, Tents

      "There is even access to them from the parking lot. Was here over a weekend, and it was pretty back with ATV and Side by side riders and rigs."

      "For a boat ramp camping site near town, this place is special. Remote from town but water 360 degrees. You can hear the ocean while looking at the towns across the water."

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      4. Redwood Acres RV Park

      3.5(2)13mi from McKinleyvilleRVs

      "Located in the city limits mere minutes from just about anything you may need and very centrally located for many sea shore and forest park locations. "

      from $38 - $45 / night

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      5. Humboldt County Fairgrounds

      4.1(10)28mi from McKinleyvilleRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "Because of recent rains and some soggy areas I had to overnight campers close to me. 30 amp and 50 amp power and water at each side."

      "Close to Ferndale, which is Must See. Access from Fernbridge of of 101 as the other roads are very twisty for all but the smallest RVs. Camp host was great! Short drive into Eureka."

      from $20 - $45 / night

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      6. Elam Backcountry Camp — Redwood National Park

      4.0(1)21mi from McKinleyvilleTents

      "This campground is the first one you come upon while hiking in from the Orick Horse Trail Trailhead. There are picnic tables and two bear lockers, (there's another by the horse coral)."

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      7. Mattole Campground

      4.6(21)49mi from McKinleyvilleRVs, Tents

      "Most stunning was these massive cliffs that open into this wild California coast. You can hike to the (non-working) lighthouse and enjoy yourself with a driftwood fire at night."

      "As Humboldt locals, we like to be away from the crowds, in the most beautiful natural areas in California. This is the trail head to the famous Lost Coast Trail, and just a stunning beach campground."

      from $15 / night

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      8. Camp Mattole

      5.0(1)48mi from McKinleyvilleTents

      "I love the remoteness of this place, it is California's lost coast. Not for the faint of heart as you have to haul your own water in. The other people camping were really fabulous. Super laid back."

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      9. Cuneo Creek Horse Camp — Humboldt Redwoods State Park

      1.0(1)44mi from McKinleyville6 sitesTents

      from $35 - $200 / night

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    Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near McKinleyville, CA

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    Equestrian Camping Reviews near McKinleyville, CA

    97 Reviews of 9 McKinleyville Campgrounds

    • Sharon B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Apr. 17, 2021

      Elam Backcountry Camp — Redwood National Park

      Heavily trafficked way point into the park

      I camped here in late March 2021 during a 2 night, 3 day hike of the Redwood National & State Park. This campground is the first one you come upon while hiking in from the Orick Horse Trail Trailhead. There are picnic tables and two bear lockers, (there's another by the horse coral). I stopped for lunch at this site on my first day. I think this is the primary campground used by most hikers, (and the gravel bar near by).

      If I were to plan another trip I would only use this campsite as a way point on the way to more secluded sites. This is a main thoroughfare, so people will pass by your site. It's also the only horse camp. There was a sign that directed hikers to camp on the gravel bar instead of Elam. I think this is more likely in summer because of traffic as I only saw one horse rider on day hike.

      This is wilderness, so appropriate caution must be taken, Bear canister is required is you do not have access to a site with a bear locker.

    • DThe Dyrt PRO User
      Dec. 8, 2021

      Humboldt County Fairgrounds

      Nothing fancy, but convenient to Ferndale, and quiet

      I stayed here twice for a total of eight days. Many long-term Residents give the place a seedy feeling. Ultimately it is safe and secure. And well managed. The bathroom is clean, heated, free showers and the combination is changed weekly. Large grassy area with good spacing between most RVs. I was in the middle of the campground for short term parking. Because of recent rains and some soggy areas I had to overnight campers close to me. 30 amp and 50 amp power and water at each side. The largest downside to this place is the RV dump station inside the fairgrounds. It’s the worst one that I’ve ever used. It needs to be completely rebuilt. No ultimately it did work. Great location to the picturesque town of Ferndale California. Also a convenient location for exploring the Lost Coast area. 12 miles away from Eureka California which has a Costco and Patriot gas station on the south end of town has a car wash that can accommodate RVs.

    • H
      Apr. 11, 2021

      Elk Country RV Resort & Campground

      Enjoyable Stay

      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. Because of its proximity to the Hwy, this means you will hear vehicles but it’s not obnoxious and didn’t bother us. The closest amenities (groceries, gas, and one or two small restaurants) are about a 15 min ride south in Trinidad. Orick, the closest town to the north, is very run down, but I think it has a gas station and small market. The grounds are very lush and green. You do have to watch where you walk because there is Elk dung everywhere, but that is a small price to pay for being able to see an herd of Elk almost every day. The ladies at the front desk were very friendly to us. They did warn us about keeping distance from the Elk and doing things like, looking out your RV’s window before walking outside in case the Elk were right there. When they say that the Elk come right into the campground, they are not joking! We stayed in a site in “the meadow”. They are quite close to each other but we got lucky with and end spot and no one on the other side of us during our 2 night stay. Our site had full hook ups, a picnic table, and fire pit. They had a clean laundry room, which we didn’t have to use during our stay so I cannot attest anything other than it’s cleanliness. The bathrooms were also very clean, but sadly the showers required quarters. We didn’t have any but we’re able to exchange cash for some at the front desk. It was $1.50 for 6 minutes of shower time. Overall, we liked this campground a lot and would stay here again.

    • B
      Jul. 17, 2019

      Mattole Campground

      Stunning and sunny

      Incredible area, so remote you gotta commit to it!

      No water at the site but we got some on our way at the county park between Honeydew and the campground. Could probably get water in Petrolia too. Plan ahead for that!

      Plan ahead for lots of sun — we camped in mid-July and had a full day of sun! The ocean water was super cold (and dangerous) but the river was just right. Nice to have options.

      Most stunning was these massive cliffs that open into this wild California coast. You can hike to the (non-working) lighthouse and enjoy yourself with a driftwood fire at night. Camping on the side away from the very close by beach was smart as you get a little reprieve with some shade from the shrubs and hedges (with some wildlife running through).

      Animal proof trash on site, recycling too. Toilets were fine (hand sanitizer in them!) and generally pretty quiet.

      One of the best little hidden gems I’ve ever camped at.

    • Jason M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Apr. 13, 2024

      Elk Country RV Resort & Campground

      No Elk, But Great Stay

      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. We arrived after hours and our stay information was available in an envelope at the main building. Here's a view from the back-in site 510. We would stay here again.

    • J
      Aug. 22, 2018

      Samoa Boat Ramp County Park

      Glorified parking lot with transients and rude neighbors

      I stayed at this campsite twice two years ago. The first time was in the spring (April) with my daughters and the second time was in August that year. This is not a campsite per se, but rather a parking lot in which you chose a parking spot directly next to someone else and if you have a tent pitch it directly behind your car in the scraggly grass and sand sticker plants. There is zero privacy or distance between campers.

      The fee is $20 per night. The bathrooms are disgusting. The best thing about them was a family of nesting birds above the door to the ladies restroom. We were able to watch the babies for a while which was fun, but there is also the chance that you’ll be pooped on while entering or leaving the bathroom.

      The first time was just okay. We camped inside the back of my Toyota Highlander amongst mostly RVs, most of which left their loud generators and bright outside lights on long after quiet hours. I finally had to knock on our neighbors R.V. door to ask them to turn out the outside light which was shining directly into our car.

      This wasn’t terrible and was completely outshone by a half day spent on the beach in the dune area. Locals surfed as families. The community seemed so tight knit and inviting. We left deciding that we’d definitely come back to spend a day on the beach later in the summer. Also, the local Samoa Cookhouse is nearby with family style breakfast, lunch and dinner served. It is a historic site and museum that used to serve the loggers in the area the food and service is awesome and has become a much looked forward to stop on our road trips to California.

      When we came back we came with my husband, choosing to camp at the boat launch area again because of its proximity to the beach. The late summer campers were a very different crowd. Mostly they seemed transient. There was garbage everywhere. Beer bottles, wild pets - even an actual pig, run down RVs that were clearly full time housing for large, loud families filled the parking lot. There was loud partying far into the night.

      I had my daughters car camp and locked them in while my husband and I slept in a tent behind the car. We kept being woken by a loud noise that I couldn’t identify. I thought it sounded like a bear, then maybe a plastic barrel being pulled across the concrete. Eventually - after very little sleep - we discovered it was our neighbor who had some sort of terrible sleep disorder. It was bizarre. After he woke in the morning he proceeded to urinate in from of my daughters onto the water spigot rather than in the restroom which was 50 feet away. My husband was horrified and asked what would ever possess me to bring him there. Lets just say that the beach was not reason enough.

      I would not stay here again. I did not feel safe or that this was a sanitary. The price seems to attract people who are not camping so much as homeless. The bathrooms don’t get serviced often and even if they did I’m sure they’d be trashed in a matter of hours.

    • Justin L.
      May. 5, 2017

      Mattole Campground

      Our favorite weekend getaway. Great sunsets.

      We camp here as much as possible. Just good ol' pit toilets, but usually not crowded, and very quiet. As Humboldt locals, we like to be away from the crowds, in the most beautiful natural areas in California. This is the trail head to the famous Lost Coast Trail, and just a stunning beach campground. Dogs allowed on leash, pop your tent in the sand. Super nice.

      No big stores nearby, so you should probably get groceries in Eureka or Fortuna before heading over the hill to Petrolia. There is a small store, but this is Humboldt so they could be closed at any given point, wouldn't depend on it.

      Be careful in the summer, not really sandal appropriate. The native dune plants have lots of little prickers in the sand among the campsites.

      Make sure to stroll along the beach north to where the Mattole river flows into the Pacific. You will almost always find a bunch of seals hanging out on the other side of the river spit and hunting in the estuary for fist.

    • N
      Jul. 1, 2019

      Elk Country RV Resort & Campground

      The Name Says It All

      Rosevelt Elk roam through the campground. They were obviously used to people. We stayed on the “meadow” side where the elk roam through your campsite. The “forest” side is quite dark as you are camping in the redwoods. We had full hook ups on the meadow side. I am not sure if the forest side had full hook ups. They have a small pond with a ton of polliwogs in it (end of June). No fish in the pond as a couple of otters came in and ate the all the fish. Close proximity to the southern end of Redwoods National Park and many California State Parks. All in all this was a once in a lifetime experience!

    • Sam R.
      Apr. 18, 2023

      Mattole Campground

      Hidden Gem

      Beautiful little campground bordering a secluded beach. Its about an hour and a half to drive through some pretty windy roads through the mountains once you get off the highway, but very pretty. The road can be pretty intense/unpaved at times so would recommend 4WD or AWD vehicle

    Guide to McKinleyville

    Equestrian camping near McKinleyville, California includes both dedicated horse facilities and general campgrounds within driving distance. Located on the northern California coast at an elevation of approximately 180 feet, this area experiences a temperate climate with year-round temperatures between 40-65°F. Annual rainfall averages 40-60 inches, concentrated from November through April, creating lush landscapes for trail riding but sometimes challenging camping conditions during winter months.

    What to do

    Trail riding through ancient redwoods: Riders at Lacks Creek BLM can access trails with spectacular views. "Gorgeous chunk of countryside with great views and wildlife," notes reviewer Marasha L., who also mentioned "a great hiking trail nearby the next morning."

    Beach riding opportunities: The coastal location provides ocean access at multiple points. At Mattole Campground, campers appreciate the "access to a broad sandy beach" according to Amanda P., making it ideal for shoreline rides.

    Wildlife viewing on horseback: Roosevelt Elk herds are common in certain areas. Elk Country RV Resort & Campground delivers on its name as Nicole B. describes: "Rosevelt Elk roam through the campground. They were obviously used to people. We stayed on the 'meadow' side where the elk roam through your campsite."

    What campers like

    Secluded wilderness camping: Remote locations offer peaceful experiences away from crowds. "Wildly peaceful. Read the description in the bio, follow the directions, and you'll find yourself able to choose from a handful of campsites," writes Leah H. about Lacks Creek BLM.

    Proximity to multiple ecosystems: Many sites provide access to both forest and ocean environments. At Mattole Campground, campers value the location. Noah C. explains: "In my opinion some of the best camping I've done on the California coast. Very scenic area with lots to see and do, also very 'remote' feeling area."

    Night sky visibility: Minimal light pollution creates exceptional stargazing. One camper at Elk Country RV Resort & Campground described the atmosphere as having "almost a magical feel to it," noting the natural setting under redwood trees.

    What you should know

    Road conditions can be challenging: Many equestrian-friendly campgrounds require traversing rough roads. Noah C. warns about Mattole Campground: "Getting there was so slow and tedious for me. The road from Ferndale (Mattole road) is paved but very rough in some places. Took me three hours to go 30 miles due to my rig being old and having to be very cautious in it."

    Weather preparedness is essential: Coastal conditions change rapidly, especially for riders. "Brace yourself for winds. Not recommended for a tent," advises Nicki A. about Mattole Campground.

    Limited amenities at remote sites: Many horse-friendly areas have minimal facilities. Luke D. from Lacks Creek BLM notes: "Don't be confused when you arrive and head up the hill where you'll find camping spots. Even has an area with picnic tables under the trees."

    Tips for camping with families

    Look for sites with wildlife viewing: Children appreciate animal encounters. Jess J. from Elk Country RV Resort & Campground shared: "Can't believe how gorgeous, this was my favorite part of my trip. Saw otters in the small lake."

    Choose campgrounds with clear boundaries: Safety concerns are reduced with defined spaces. "The area with the tables was overflowing with people and cars on a Thursday a few hours before sunset," reports Marasha L. about Lacks Creek BLM, indicating the designated camping areas can get busy during peak times.

    Consider fairground camping for amenities: Facilities like showers benefit families. At Humboldt County Fairgrounds, janelle H. found it "Safe, easy, cheep. 14.00 for parking lot around $30 for hook ups in grass area. Cute town."

    Tips from RVers

    Confirm parking conditions: Many horse camping areas have limited RV access. Jules S. warns about Lacks Creek BLM: "Tried to camp here with a 20ft travel trailer and I turned around before I even made it to the gravel road. Road is narrow and steep with low hanging trees."

    Research electrical needs: Some sites offer limited power options. At Humboldt County Fairgrounds, D37 reports: "Large grassy area with good spacing between most RVs. I was in the middle of the campground for short term parking. 30 amp and 50 amp power and water at each side."

    Bring supplies for extended stays: Remote locations have limited services. Alexis S. from Lacks Creek BLM notes: "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."

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near McKinleyville, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near McKinleyville, CA is Elk Country RV Resort & Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 29 reviews.

    What is the best site to find equestrian camping near McKinleyville, CA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near McKinleyville, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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