Skyler N.
Scout
ScoutSamoa Boat Ramp County Park
Its a pretty parking lot
The samoa dunes is a beautiful spot and they do have bathrooms and showers available. $25 per night. Price isn’t bad but for not having hookups of any kind it’s just alright.
Equestrian Camping near Samoa, CA
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The dedicated horse campsite approximately 30 miles southeast of Samoa features corrals, water hookups, electric service with both 30 and 50-amp connections, and toilet facilities. Open from early May to mid-October, this campground accommodates tent camping with specialized areas for horses and their owners. While the campground includes showers and toilets, reviews indicate variable satisfaction with the facilities. Sites include picnic tables and fire rings, with fires permitted throughout the operating season. Reservations are required, and alcohol is permitted within the campground boundaries.
Located approximately 30 miles southeast of Samoa, the horse camp connects to multiple trail systems through the surrounding state park, offering access to old-growth redwood forests and riverside paths. Horse owners must bring their own feed, as local regulations prohibit foraging or grazing within the park boundaries. The trails range from beginner-friendly flat terrain to more challenging routes with elevation changes. Trailer parking is available at each site, designed to accommodate various sizes of horse trailers. For those seeking primitive horse camping alternatives, Lacks Creek BLM land approximately 25 miles east of Samoa offers free dispersed camping where horses are permitted. These sites lack designated corrals but provide more secluded camping opportunities with access to multiple hiking and mountain biking trails that can accommodate horses.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Samoa (9)
1. Samoa Boat Ramp County Park
"The samoa dunes is a beautiful spot and they do have bathrooms and showers available. $25 per night. Price isn’t bad but for not having hookups of any kind it’s just alright."
"It sits about 200 yards from the BLM Samoa Sand Dunes, which is the main attraction. There is even access to them from the parking lot."
2. Humboldt County Fairgrounds
"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
Check Availability3. Redwood Acres RV Park
"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
Check Availability4. Lacks Creek BLM
"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."
5. Elk Country RV Resort & Campground
"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
Check Availability6. Mattole Campground
"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
Check Availability7. Elam Backcountry Camp — Redwood National 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)."
8. Camp Mattole
"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."
9. Cuneo Creek Horse Camp — Humboldt Redwoods State Park
from $35 - $200 / night
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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Samoa, CA
98 Reviews of 9 Samoa Campgrounds
- JJessica R.
GuideSamoa 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.
SpentBrassOffroad B.
RangerSamoa Boat Ramp County Park
Simple and Easy
This campground is essentially a paved parking lot with numbered stalls. It sits about 200 yards from the BLM Samoa Sand Dunes, which is the main attraction. 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. Overall, it was a good crowd and respectful of the quiet times posted. There are two coin-operated showers, bathrooms, and a trash receptacle. Never saw the camp host, but there is a trailer for one. Park ranger does come by and verify payment. The payments envelopes and drop box are on the front of the bath house. The wind can get pretty bad as this site sits between the ocean and Humbolt Bay, so be prepared for that. Each outlining site has a fire ring and picnic table, as well as water. No sewer or power.
- Sharon B.Guide
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.
- DD37 .Guide
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.
- HHillary R.Scout
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.
- BBenjamin C.Scout
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.
- Irene C.Guide
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.
Jason M.GuideElk 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.
Guide to Samoa
Horseback riders seeking equestrian camping near Samoa, California have access to several options beyond the dedicated facilities at Humboldt Redwoods State Park. The coastal location experiences foggy mornings with temperatures ranging from 40-65°F year-round. Wind conditions can be challenging for tent campers, particularly at oceanside locations where gusts regularly exceed 15mph.
What to do
Beach access trails: Samoa Boat Ramp County Park connects directly to BLM Samoa Sand Dunes. "Driving right up to the beach and water is something I didn't know I NEEDED to do. Absolutely beautiful place and the people were all friendly," notes a camper. The dunes provide a natural playground for exploration.
Wildlife viewing: The Roosevelt Elk herd at Elk Country RV Resort offers reliable animal sightings. "We stayed on the 'meadow' side where the elk roam through your campsite," one visitor reports. The resort also features a small pond where "We enjoyed seeing elk as we pulled in. We went on some nice walks around the pond and watched the otter swim in the water."
Lost Coast hiking: Mattole Campground serves as the northern trailhead for the Lost Coast Trail. "This area is just unbelievably gorgeous. Some rough roads but well worth it," writes a hiker. The beach area offers expansive shoreline for day hikes without committing to the multi-day trek.
What campers like
Remote forest camping: Lacks Creek BLM provides free dispersed camping with unexpected amenities. "Takes about 35 minutes to get to the top but it's worth it. Tables, bathroom, and fire pits are in the main area," one camper notes. The area offers both privacy and convenience despite its primitive designation.
Fairground convenience: Humboldt County Fairgrounds offers unexpected value for travelers. "Super quiet on a Monday only 3 other RV's there. Walked around Ferndale and had great Mexican food. The coffee shop in town was super cool and cozy," one visitor shared. Another appreciated that "$15 tent camping site when visiting humboldt redwoods state park."
Ocean proximity: The constant sound of waves provides natural white noise at coastal campgrounds. "Be prepared to be lulled to sleep by the sound of the waves crashing against the shore!" explains a Mattole Campground visitor. This sensory experience compensates for the typically basic amenities at these more remote locations.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to Mattole Campground requires preparation. "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," cautions one driver. Plan extra travel time, especially with trailers or larger vehicles.
Facility limitations: Toilet conditions vary widely by season and maintenance schedules. At Samoa Boat Ramp, "The bathrooms don't get serviced often and even if they did I'm sure they'd be trashed in a matter of hours." Bring your own supplies and consider portable options for longer stays.
Weather variability: Coastal fog and wind create challenging camping conditions year-round. "I was here in June and it was still pretty chilly and windy," notes a Mattole camper. Pack layers regardless of season and secure tent stakes thoroughly.
Tips for camping with families
Campground selection: For families with young children, Elk Country RV Resort offers engaging wildlife viewing opportunities. "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 all the fish," reports a family camper.
Facilities priority: Redwood Acres RV Park provides city convenience with forest proximity. "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," writes a camper, making it suitable for families needing reliable facilities.
Activity planning: Schedule beach activities at Samoa for morning hours when winds are typically calmer. Multiple reviewers note afternoon winds make beach time less enjoyable, particularly with small children who get cold quickly.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Humboldt County Fairgrounds, experienced RVers recommend specific areas. "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," shares one RVer.
Hookup availability: Request full hookups at fairgrounds when possible. "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," warns a camper. This advice helps avoid the frustration of poor dump facilities.
Level site management: Most campgrounds near Samoa feature uneven terrain requiring leveling blocks. Bring adequate supplies as rental options are limited within 30 miles of coastal campgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
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campsite near Samoa, CA?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Samoa, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Samoa, CA is Samoa Boat Ramp County Park with a 3.2-star rating from 12 reviews.
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equestrian camping near
Samoa, CA?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Samoa, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Samoa, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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