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 horse 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 experience in this horse-friendly camping area.

    Best Equestrian Campgrounds near McKinleyville (10)

      1. Elk Country RV Resort & Campground

      4.0(30)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 $40 - $70 / night

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      2. Lacks Creek BLM

      4.3(22)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."

      3. Samoa Boat Ramp County Park

      3.1(13)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."

      4. Redwood Acres RV Park

      4.0(3)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 - $100 / night

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      5. Camp Saw

      5.0(2)19mi from McKinleyvilleTents

      "follow titlow hill road until you get to a fork in the road with 3 roads and a take a left. follow it up past the cell tower and drive until you reach 2 pullouts close together where the bottom one has"

      6. 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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      7. 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)."

      8. 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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      9. 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."

      10. Cuneo Creek Horse Camp — Humboldt Redwoods State Park

      1.0(1)44mi from McKinleyville6 sitesTents

      from $35 - $200 / night

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    8 Photos of 10 McKinleyville Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers


    Equestrian Camping Reviews near McKinleyville, CA

    104 Reviews of 10 McKinleyville Campgrounds

    • Dawn S.The Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 16, 2026

      Redwood Acres RV Park

      In the woods

      This site was great for touring the Redwood Forest and Crescent City area. Camp hosts are friendly and easy to work with. There's a handful of tiny homes scattered about. Many are long term live-ins. Nice dog park. Friendly neighbors.

    • iThe Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 31, 2026

      Camp Saw

      beautiful space

      the directions in the review were accurate and easy to follow. the road gets pretty steep, though 90% is paved and only turns to gravel at the end. no water source that we could find for filtering, so pack in as much as you need 💕🏔️

    • Dahlia The Dyrt Pro User
      Jul. 25, 2026

      Lacks Creek BLM

      Beautiful sunsets

      This was a pretty nice spot. Only about 3 campsites with tables and fire pits, but a few others along the road. The view was nice and the sunsets were amazing! It was very quiet at night, no noise from the road. There are some trail heads close to the campsites, but some are very overgrown. The only downside was lots of mosquitoes, even out after dark. The road was also very rocky, but manageable. Be careful to go slow and avoid sharp rocks, because I ended up with a flat tire on the way out. Cell service isn't bad, but the nearest town is about 1 hr away. Weather was warm and dry, with some light mist at night. We did see a black bear on our way down the road, but not much other wildlife besides birds.

    • iThe Dyrt Pro User
      Jul. 12, 2026

      Camp Saw

      The establishment of camp saw

      My boyfriend and brother and I spent the evening restoring an old campsite we found. we put lots of love into this place.

      amazing view of the ocean and sunset was crazy beautiful!!

      follow titlow hill road until you get to a fork in the road with 3 roads and a take a left. follow it up past the cell tower and drive until you reach 2 pullouts close together where the bottom one has a camp fire, park at the top pullout. look for the trail to the right and pretty much bushwash your way to the best campsite ever.

    • Vinny D.The Dyrt Pro User
      Jun. 27, 2026

      Lacks Creek BLM

      I would not come here

      This place first off is 45min to an hour from 101. Secondly it rained all night and my RTT is soaked. Once I took the rain fly down it was bad. Needless to say trying to get to a dry place to allow my tent to dry. I will say I absolutely love Offroad and this is a forest service road that goes up the mountain. Great place if it’s not raining and you don’t plan on sleeping in your RTT in the rain. I’ve never left a bad review but If I could give this 0 stars I would.

    • Irene C.
      Jun. 24, 2026

      Elk Country RV Resort & Campground

      $80/night and no shower

      I don’t know what it is with the state of California and charging people a lot of money and not allowing showers. I tried to take a shower and it wants quarters and the office is closed so I can’t get quarters. Who walks around with bags of quarters anymore? I don’t think people have a right to charge this much money for such an inconvenience.

    • JThe Dyrt Pro User
      May. 24, 2026

      Mattole Campground

      Windy But Awesome

      Pulled in on Wednesday night in mid May and there were plenty of sites left. Was windy at first but it eventually calmed down. Decent amount of activity around as it is a trailhead as well.

      Really cool to see wildlife on the beach and an easy walk over the berm to the waters edge.

    • Lauren O.The Dyrt Pro User
      Apr. 5, 2026

      Lacks Creek BLM

      Quiet, secluded camping spot

      Road is one lane, gravel, windy for the last part of the trek up witj some deeper ruts (we did fine going slow in a stock Honda Accord). Plenty of mountain bike, hiking trails with difficulty levels and map! There's a first camping spot with the easy loop hiking trail that is just by itself and a little further down the road is 3 or 4 other camping spots near the bathroom and additional trails. Absolutely will be coming back!!!

    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-star rating from 30 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 10 equestrian camping locations near McKinleyville, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.