Best Campgrounds near Trinidad, CA
Camping in Trinidad, California encompasses a variety of options from forest-nestled RV parks to coastal state park campgrounds. The area features several mixed-use campgrounds like Emerald Forest Cabins & RV, which provides tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations amid redwood groves. Sue-meg State Park (formerly Patrick's Point) offers developed campgrounds at its Agate and Abalone campgrounds approximately 5 miles north of Trinidad proper. Additional options include Big Lagoon County Park and Clam Beach County Park, which provide more rustic camping experiences with fewer amenities but closer proximity to coastal features.
Most developed campgrounds in the Trinidad area remain open year-round, though winter brings significant rainfall to this northern California coastal region. Several campgrounds require reservations, particularly during the busy summer season when temperatures are mild and fog is common. Highway 101 provides the main access route to most camping areas, with some sites like Gold Bluffs Beach Campground requiring additional travel on unpaved roads. Campgrounds vary significantly in noise levels, with several reviewers noting highway noise at certain locations. As one camper observed, "Well I had a lot higher hopes for this campground and was bummed that the noise of the 101 took over from the enjoyment of the park."
Tent and RV sites throughout the Trinidad area offer varying experiences based on their proximity to natural features. Campgrounds nestled among redwoods provide unique forest camping opportunities, though some sites can be dark and uneven. According to one review, "The tent site area ground is so uneven and so unlit." Coastal campgrounds provide beach access but may have more exposure to wind and weather. RV-friendly facilities range from basic county parks with limited hookups to full-service private campgrounds with electric, water, and sewer connections. Many campers specifically mention the beauty of camping among redwoods as a highlight of the Trinidad area, with one noting, "I'm also laying in bed looking up through the redwoods." Facilities at most developed campgrounds typically include restrooms and trash service, while amenities like showers, laundry, and camp stores are primarily available at private campgrounds.
