Sue-meg State Park, formerly known as Patrick's Point State Park, sits near Orick at an elevation of about 250 feet above the Pacific Ocean. The coastal location creates unique camping conditions with year-round temperatures ranging from 40-65°F. Morning fog frequently blankets the camping areas before burning off to reveal coastal views.
What to do
Beach exploration at Klamath River mouth: Visit the spot where Klamath River meets the Pacific Ocean near Kamp Klamath RV Park and Campground. "Easy walk to where the Klamath River meets the Pacific Ocean and plenty to see around there. Spent a week there seeing all the sights," notes Mike M.
Tidepooling at local beaches: Stone Lagoon and nearby beaches offer seasonal tidepooling opportunities. "Nice trail down. Each site has fire place, picnic table. Water within steps to each site," reports Marcus K. about beach access at Agate Campground.
Horseback riding in redwoods: Book riding excursions that take you through old-growth forests. "We drove Howland hill road and did short hikes and did a horseback ride up into the redwoods with Crescent Trail rides," shares Ken C., who stayed at Redwood Meadows RV Resort.
Smith River recreation: Fish or swim in the Smith River that borders Jedidiah Smith Campground. "The campground is right in the middle of the trees and backs up to the river. Spots are spacious," according to Stefanie W.
What campers like
Authentic redwood camping: Many campers appreciate the genuine forest experience. "This is one of the only campgrounds located within old-growth Redwood trees, making it especially pretty and interesting to visit," explains Courtney D. about Jedidiah Smith Campground.
Coastal access and views: Waterfront sites let campers experience the Pacific directly. "Our spot is 15, backs up to Pacific Ocean, which is beautiful. A bit windy here next to ocean," reports Mike D. from Lighthouse Cove RV Park.
Campfire opportunities: Fire rings at most sites allow for evening gatherings. "Saturday nights in the summer are the best as they do a salmon cook out with live music," shares Tammy H. about community events at Kamp Klamath.
Wildlife viewing: The coastal location offers abundant wildlife spotting. "We had our tent in the trees with a 100 yard walk out to Patrick's point and the Pacific Ocean. Close to Agate beach for stunning views," notes Chad L.
What you should know
Weather conditions: The area's coastal climate means preparation is essential. "Beware this is considered a rain forest so your rig will really get a water test at the right times of the year," warns Mike M. about camping near Klamath.
Reservation timing: Many campgrounds fill quickly, especially during summer. "This is a very popular spot, located on the north side of the Redwoods National and State Parks," points out Courtney D.
Highway noise: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise from nearby Highway 101. "My husband wanted to give one star. I'm giving three. It wasn't completely awful. First, divide the campground in two. The Hwy 101 side & the Patrick Point Road side. You don't want the Hwy 101 side. It's noisy. VERY noisy," advises Cynthia K. about Emerald Forest Cabins & RV.
Campsite privacy: Site separation varies significantly between campgrounds. "The campsites on both sides is how close they are- VERY VERY close & narrow. Sites 2-11 are very tight," continues Cynthia K. about site selection at Emerald Forest.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer play areas for children. "There's a cute general store for general supplies. The firewood there was pretty lightweight, so I recommend bringing your own hardwood," notes Kate A., who recommends Emerald Forest for larger groups.
Educational opportunities: Rangers often conduct programs for children. "There's lots of exploring in the area and ranger led river trips. We'll be going back!" says Jason L. about Florence Keller Regional Park.
Easy hiking trails: Family-friendly trails suit all ages. "Great trails right along the coast. Bathrooms well maintained. This is a perfect little campground, strong reco," shares Fred H. about Agate Campground.
Wildlife education: Local visitor centers offer information about marine life. "Easy access right off 101. Adjacent large city park with city pool, sea mammal rescue center, light-house, etc," notes Leonard H. about amenities near Lighthouse Cove.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for large rigs: Check site dimensions before booking. "The spots can be a little tricky to get into and those with larger rigs should contact the management office to ensure they can fit and maneuver properly but we saw plenty of huge Class As and triple axle 5th wheels," advises Lindsey F. about Redwood Meadows RV Resort.
Hookup availability: Full hookups aren't universal in the area. "Level full hook-up sites in large grass field. Each site has approximate 10x10 concrete pad for chairs, BBQ, etc. Nice Views over water," reports Leonard H. about Lighthouse Cove.
Cell service and connectivity: Service varies significantly between campgrounds. "Cell phone coverage is spotty but they offer wifi and it allowed us a good chance to disconnect," notes Lindsey F. about staying at Redwood Meadows RV Resort.
Solar considerations: Dense redwood cover affects solar panel efficiency. "You are surrounded by redwoods with very little sunshine so if you rely on solar this will be a problem," warns Laura M. about camping at Florence Keller Regional Park.
