Best Dog-Friendly Camping near McKinleyville, CA

Emerald Forest Cabins & RV welcomes pets at all 15 campground sites located just minutes from McKinleyville along the North Coast. Pets must remain leashed while on the property with several designated pet relief areas featuring waste stations and disposal bags. The campground accommodates both tent campers and RV travelers seeking pet-friendly options, with specific cabins and glamping structures also permitting dogs. Nearby Agate Campground in Sue-meg State Park and Clam Beach County Park allow leashed dogs throughout their facilities, though Sue-meg requires pets to stay out of buildings and away from trail sections where prohibited. Spacious sites at Clam Beach provide easy beach access for dogs to enjoy the shoreline. Campgrounds maintain strict quiet hours to prevent excessive barking disturbances, with most requiring dogs be attended at all times. Campers reference The Dyrt for top tips on camping near McKinleyville, California.

Several dog-friendly trail systems connect to campgrounds in the area, including the pathway from Clam Beach County Park leading directly to a sandy, expansive coastline where dogs can play off-leash below the tide line. Big Lagoon County Park permits dogs on trails and in picnic areas, offering water access along with primitive camping options. During foggy and rainy periods common to this coastal region, campers should pack extra towels for muddy paws, as the beach sand tends to be dark and damp. The McKinleyville area provides multiple veterinary clinics within 15 minutes of most campgrounds, while pet supply stores can be found in Arcata and Eureka for emergency needs. Sites may become muddy during rainy seasons, making waterproof gear essential for campers with pets. Most campgrounds in the area implement a three-dog maximum policy, though larger breeds face no restrictions at county-managed sites.

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Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near McKinleyville, California (86)

    1. Emerald Forest Cabins & RV

    35 Reviews
    Trinidad, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 677-3554

    "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."

    "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."

    2. Agate Campground — Sue-meg State Park

    28 Reviews
    Trinidad, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 677-3570

    $35 / night

    "General: Five campgrounds – Agate, Abalone, Penn (tents only), and two group campgrounds (Red Alder and Beach Creek) situated just north of Trinidad. "

    "It is quite open to the parking lot for the Agate beach trail and doesn't have much seclusion, so you're really out in the open."

    3. Clam Beach County Park

    19 Reviews
    McKinleyville, CA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 445-7651

    $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."

    4. Abalone Campground — Sue-meg State Park

    20 Reviews
    Trinidad, CA
    12 miles
    Website

    $35 / night

    "Patrick's point camp ground is one of my favorite state parks in California."

    "Hiking trails are easy walking on bluff. Beach was filled with fun agates to admire. Our dog was in heaven running off leash on the beach. Great vibe here. Very special place"

    5. Big Lagoon County Park

    20 Reviews
    Trinidad, CA
    14 miles
    Website

    $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."

    6. Blue Lake Casino

    11 Reviews
    Blue Lake, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 668-9770

    $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."

    7. Elk Country RV Resort & Campground

    29 Reviews
    Orick, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 488-2181

    $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."

    8. The Heights Casino RV Lot

    7 Reviews
    Trinidad, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 599-0124

    $20 / night

    9. Lacks Creek BLM

    18 Reviews
    Hoopa, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 825-2300

    "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."

    "Lots of hiking and mountain bike trails too. Quiet, well maintained spots. Mosquitoes are bad this time of year so prepare well!

    Can easily drive a van or pick up."

    10. Redwood Coast Cabins & RV Resort

    11 Reviews
    Arcata, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 798-1820

    $200 / night

    "Dog area had agility items for the dogs. In entering from 101, felt like we were coming into a business but park was out backs. Adorable cabins to rent. Would come again."

    "Close to lots of hiking."

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near McKinleyville, CA

722 Reviews of 86 McKinleyville Campgrounds


  • C
    Jun. 23, 2019

    Emerald Forest Cabins & RV

    Redwood Pleasantries

    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.

    They offer cabins, RV and tent sites.

    Additionally there is 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.

    They periodically have special events during the weekends. We lucked out with live music and wine tastings.

    Incredibly close to town but still immersed in the woods.

    Only negative is that it’s close to 101 and car traffic can be heard at times. However, there are many song birds around camp to make your stay pleasant.

    Highly recommend!

  • Colleen E.
    Jul. 9, 2021

    Giant Redwoods RV & Cabin Destination

    Quiet Redwoods Getaway

    This is a beautiful campground in Meyer’s Flat, CA. The area of Myers Flat is a little “sketchy” but the campground is very well kept and they close the gates at night which is nice. There are nice little cabins on site as well as RV sites. We stayed for 3 nights and it was very enjoyable. Driving and biking along Avenue of the Giants was the highlight of this area! There is a little dog park, volleyball court, playground, swimming area. (we didn’t swim due to the algae warning for northern CA) It’s along Eel River. There’s also a great market and coffee shop nearby that we took advantage of! (pricey but the only place around) The staff is so kind and Vicki was a great help while we made our reservation over the phone. Overall, we would stay again!

  • Queeriam A.
    Aug. 11, 2023

    Van Duzen County Park - Pamplin Grove

    Best place to camp!

    Incredible views, quiet, easy river access, pet and kid friendly, showers, on site friendly hosts, and the best trails through old growth that you rarely get in a campground. It’s a magical place, and affordable. Worth sacrificing the cell signal, there’s a pay phone in the entry lot. I’ve been twice now, and can’t wait to go back.

  • 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.

  • Katie S.
    Aug. 16, 2017

    Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park Campground

    Camping amongst giants

    Amazing campground nestled amongst the heart of the Redwood Trees. Lots of shade throughout area but limited privacy due to proximity of sites and road noise. Bathhouse has water and basic shower amentities. Nice hiking trails to explore the Redwoods within walking distance of campground. Great location to explore the forest and access the rugged California coastline.

  • A
    Mar. 6, 2022

    Redwood Coast Cabins & RV Resort

    Shockingly horrible

    I don't even know what to say, except pick somewhere else. Last summer we stayed for a few days. I reserved a few days for this summer. Got the reservation confirmed by email- didn't notice my name was misspelled by one single letter- and stopped in to the office to inquire about paying early. It turned out they gave me a reservation under the wrong name and that I was actually, in fact, banned from the park. What??? They revealed that in their system I was banned due to"pet damages". My service dog did not cause any property damage and the cabin was left clean. I asked if there was any detail about these supposed damages and no, there were not. I asked if there was someone I could speak to as no one had ever contacted me about this issue. The larger blond woman said,"I am the only one"(that I could speak with) and added that I was also banned from shoreline park- which I had never been to. The hold on my credit card is still there. It's only a few dollars but I'm going to cut my losses. Last time we stayed we were prohibited from flushing tp down the toilet and the bathrooms were not clean at all. The Wi-Fi never worked and the power went out preventing me from using my bipap. Also the pool and playground areas were so closely monitored it was a bit uncomfortable being on camera and confronted about a minor rule violation (within moments like I was being closely watched) that was quickly righted. I believe in second chances but this was just an insult to my sensibilities.  Weird staff, pretty unfriendly. There are plenty of other friendlier and more accommodating beautiful cabins and resorts to choose from in Humboldt.

  • Alexander G.
    Apr. 19, 2021

    Klamath River RV Park

    This is paradise on the river. Amazing, clean super friendly staff.

    We rolled in late to this campground it was around 10pm just before they close for the night.  We was greeted by a very friendly Camphost who check us in and took us to our sites. When we woke up in the morning it was amazing we couldn't believe our eyes how beautiful the view of the river and the nature that surrounding this place. We rolled in our rv along with family members who stayed in the tent sites located literally right on the Klamath river.

    I want to add that this campground is gated so one is driving through the property during the night. It is quite and very safe, kids friendly,  pets friendly they have trails in the forest. Super duper cozy coffee house on the property along with freshly made Flatbread pizza on the weekends. Facilities are very clean I mean spotless, laundry room is squeaky clean with new washers and dryers. I work from my house and the internet was superb looks like wifi6 is what they are running in the campground so i was able to work remotely. 

    I usually don't write reviews like this but people need to know about this place. Gary who is the owner and his team are amazing people they gave me maps and very knowledgeable about things to do in the area they are centrally located just few minutes to redwoods park.  I also want to add that they stay on top of everything this is not the place where you see trash or loud drunk party people.

    This place is relaxing and rejuvenating. 

    I give them 10 stars they work hard to make memories and comfort for us the traveler's.

  • Erin S.
    Aug. 1, 2020

    Hidden Springs Campground — Humboldt Redwoods State Park

    Family friendly campground beneath the redwoods

    I stayed here in late July for three nights with my 6 year old daughter and our 3 friends.  Site 13 was easily large enough for four tent set-ups in separate areas of the site, though none of them were completely level.  There are three kinds of sites in the campground - those backed against the woods or the fence separating the campground from the ranger houses, those in the middle, and those next to the Ave of the Giants.  The ones with the most room and privacy were backed up against the woods/fence, and we were in one of those sites. Each sites has a metal fire barrel (with half grate), a picnic table, and enough room to park two vehicles. Each site also has redwoods growing in them and often large stumps (many with steps cuts into them for climbing).  Water spigots are available about every other site. 

    This was a very family friendly campground. My daughter and her friend loved playing among the trees and stumps, and riding her scooter around the loop.  Rangers frequently walked/drove around the campground and a camp host went around every morning to check sites and car tags.  Of the three nights we were here, only one was kinda loud with music and voices, but they went subdued around 11 pm. The only other bother were the three dogs in the adjacent camp that were....  well, dogs (they barked a lot). Road noise was present but not distracting. 

    The location was great. You could stroll over to the visitor center (rangers set up on the outside over the weekend) or across the street to the nature trails.  A short drive takes you into Myers Flat or Founders Grove, and you are smack in the middle of the Ave of the Giants. I would have given this campground 5 stars, if it wasn't for the comfort stations (bathrooms).  They had a sewage backup/clog the day we arrived, so we didn;t have showers for the time of our stay. They brought in port-a-potties within hours of the restrooms being closed, but not sinks or soap.  With CV-19, I was not happy about not having a clean restroom facility.  

    Despite this, however, I was glad I went.  The area was beautiful and peaceful. We went strolling around the redwoods and swimming in the Eel River (south fork). Would recommend.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2022

    Agate Campground — Sue-meg State Park

    Coastal camping deep in the redwoods

    General: Five campgrounds – Agate, Abalone, Penn (tents only), and two group campgrounds (Red Alder and Beach Creek) situated just north of Trinidad. 

    Site Quality: Not all sites are created equal. Many are not level; we had a challenge in Site 123 and saw a few others in the same situation. Fortunately, we changed our sleeping position (we don’t carry levelers for our van) and parked sideways. We did see some larger RVs but many of the sites would be challenging for large rigs to fit. The sites themselves are very generous in size with a large picnic table and fire ring and plenty of room to set up a tent. Many trees separate the sites, providing privacy. There are no hookups at any of the sites. 

    Bathhouse: The bathhouse was very basic with concrete floors, three small stalls, and two sinks with cold water only. Soap is provided but no dryers, paper towels, hooks, or shelves. Clean enough. Only one bathhouse in the Agate Loop had showers. I have no idea how many minutes each quarter will buy you in the shower as this information was scratched off, however, just the fact that you can use 15 quarters tells me not very long. I didn’t attempt to try it. 

    Activities: There is a nice rim trail that will lead you to various points. Wedding Rock, Ceremonial Rock, Mussel Rock, and both Patrick’s Point and Palmer’s Point. Palmer’s Point is where you can explore tidepools at low tide (the times are posted as you enter the campground). The wildflowers along the trails were beautiful. Several other trails take you to Sumeg Village and Agate Beach. Although we saw many dogs while there, be aware that many of the trails do not allow dogs. While there was good signage on most of the trails, I did manage to get lost a few times while wandering around. California may not invest in many other campground upgrades, but they do spend money on signs! 

    Two nights here was the perfect amount of time to explore what Patrick’s Point has to offer. This was the very first campground we stayed at where campfires were allowed as the fog is so thick that fire danger was not an issue. However, there must have recently been a price increase for wood as the price was scratched off the sign; it is $10 per bundle. A shout out to the two rangers who had great attitudes and were tons of fun to interact with!


Guide to McKinleyville

Discovering pet-friendly camping options near McKinleyville, California, opens up a world of adventure for you and your furry companions. With a variety of campgrounds that welcome pets, you can enjoy the great outdoors without leaving your four-legged friends behind.

Tips for camping with dogs near McKinleyville

Pet owners like the variety of amenities

  • Big Lagoon County Park features electric hookups and drinking water, ensuring a comfortable stay for you and your pet.
  • At Clam Beach County Park, you can enjoy a picnic with your pet at the picnic tables while taking in the scenic views.
  • Mad River Rapids RV Park provides well-maintained grounds and easy access to local attractions, making it a convenient base for pet-friendly adventures.

Dog-friendly activities while camping near McKinleyville

  • Enjoy hiking trails at Sue-Meg State Park, where you can explore the beautiful coastal scenery with your dog by your side.
  • Take your pet for a stroll along the beach at Samoa Boat Ramp County Park, where you can enjoy the sound of the waves and the fresh ocean air.
  • Lacks Creek BLM offers a serene environment for camping and hiking, perfect for a peaceful getaway with your dog.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near McKinleyville, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near McKinleyville, CA is Emerald Forest Cabins & RV with a 4-star rating from 35 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near McKinleyville, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 86 dog-friendly camping locations near McKinleyville, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.