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.
Ranger
