RV camping near Piercy, California offers a mix of coastal vistas and redwood groves with options ranging from primitive beach sites to full-hookup RV parks. The region spans elevations from sea level to 2,000 feet, creating diverse microclimates where coastal fog often burns off by midday. Most campgrounds remain open year-round with winter temperatures averaging 45-55°F and summer highs reaching 65-75°F.
What to do
Beach exploration at Usal Beach: Located about 30 miles west of Piercy through rugged forest roads, Usal Beach Campground offers primitive camping with direct beach access. "Pretty remote but great if that's what you're looking for. 30 minute drive up rocky dirt road in forest to get down there. Not many rules. Don't get stuck in sand," notes Braxton C.
Tide pooling at coastal sites: The rocky shoreline near Shelter Cove Campground offers some of the best marine wildlife viewing in Northern California. "We stayed 10 nights all up the west coast and this was the best tide pooling we had. We went to sleep and woke up to sea lions and Harbor Seals barking," says Travis H.
Redwood hiking trails: The Avenue of the Giants runs near several campgrounds in the area, providing access to old-growth redwood groves. "Richardson Grove RV Park was a beautiful place to stay... The huge oaks are worth it alone... It's a bit down in the heels but things worked well enough and the setting is gorgeous!"
What campers like
Private beach access: Westport Beach RV Park and Campground offers oceanfront sites with exclusive beach access. "You are perched out in the open on a bluff above the ocean. So the view and sunsets are epic," reports MarinMaverick, though warning tent campers about wind exposure.
River swimming opportunities: Many campgrounds offer access to the Eel River for cooling off during summer months. One camper at Giant Redwoods RV & Cabin Destination mentioned, "Perfect first trip in our travel trailer. The park was about 1/3 full. Our site backed up to the Eel river with Giants redwoods everywhere."
Quiet off-season camping: Winter and spring bring significantly lower occupancy at coastal campgrounds. "Quiet in the off season. Fires on the beach are great. Rediscovered this place in February and have reservations for November," reports Outdoordude D. about Westport Beach RV Park.
What you should know
Road condition challenges: Access roads to coastal sites often require high-clearance vehicles. "The road was a bit rougher than expected (took us roughly 45 min from the paved road to camp). People made it down in mini vans but I personally wouldn't try it," warns Connor M. about Usal Beach.
Water quality issues: Several campgrounds in the region report mineral-heavy water. A visitor to Stafford RV Park noted, "The water jug we had filled with their water was full of rusty red residue at the bottom, ick. And that's what we used to fill our onboard RV tank (and that's with using a filter)."
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies greatly throughout the area with coastal locations particularly spotty. "T-Mobile had 0 service," reported a camper at Usal Beach, while another noted of Richardson Grove RV Park, "Just don't count on wifi or cell connection. It's 1960 here."
Tips for camping with families
Consider cabin options: For families wanting more shelter, Caspar Beach RV Park & Campground offers cabins close to beach access. "Great location close to the beach, close to Mendocino and Fort Bragg... It's lush, shaded and pretty quiet for tent or car camping."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Morning beach walks often reveal wildlife tracks and sightings. "Camped on the beach with the woods to our backs. Saw some coyotes when setting up camp, but they didn't mind us. Most beautiful sunrise in the morning and saw mama and baby bear prints on the sand," reports Matthew S. about Usal Beach.
Pack for variable weather: Coastal fog and temperature swings require layered clothing even in summer. "It was breezy and rained on and off... cold at night in July," noted campers at different coastal sites, emphasizing the need for warm sleeping bags regardless of season.
Tips from RVers
Narrow site navigation: Many RV parks in the area feature tight spacing between sites. "Caspar Beach RV Park was very narrow spaces, especially if you have slide outs which means that your neighbor's sewer hose is next to your door. A lot of very short spaces also which makes it worse."
Off-season discounts: Several RV parks offer significant winter and spring savings. "We stayed here for half price with the Passport America discount - we paid $25 for a pull through E/W site (normally $50), and refreshingly there were no taxes or fees added on to the price," mentions Laura M. about Stafford RV Park.
Road grade considerations: The approach to Shelter Cove requires careful navigation for larger rigs. "Road down is a bit challenging, especially the last 7 miles. Windy and steep so take your time," advises Christy S., highlighting the importance of researching access routes before committing to a destination.
