Emerald Forest Cabins & RV offers structured glamping options for visitors seeking redwood immersion with amenities. Sites are organized with RV hookups in specific locations while tent camping areas feature a more natural setting within the redwoods. The property serves as a convenient base for exploring Trinidad's coastline and the nearby redwood parks. During winter months, temperatures typically range from 40-55°F, making heated cabin accommodations particularly valuable for off-season visitors.
What to do
Explore nearby beaches: Trinidad State Beach and Agate Beach provide excellent coastal recreation within a 10-minute drive from most accommodations. "A must for anyone camping along the Pacific Ocean in the Pacific Northwest. Great campsites, great hiking and one of the worlds best beaches to walk along," notes a camper from Agate Campground.
Swimming in warmer months: The Van Duzen River at Grizzly Creek offers surprising swimming opportunities. "Nice swimming hole, the water was warm in mid June. This seems to be the primary attraction for this area. Most of the families were gathered along the shore and playing in the water," shares a visitor to Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Watch seals feed from nearby beaches and search for agates along the shoreline. A reviewer at Kamp Klamath noted it's "close to a secret beach where the seals feed and you can sit on the beach to watch the perfect sunset!"
Explore tide pools: Low tide reveals abundant marine life at local beaches. "We picked one near Agate beach where we spent the morning beach combing and eating wild beach strawberries," reports a camper who experienced the coastal ecosystem firsthand.
What campers like
Private tent camping areas: Tent-specific sites often provide more seclusion than RV areas. "The tent sites are engulfed by giant redwoods and surrounded by ferns, moss and rainforest," explains a camper at Emerald Forest Cabins & RV, highlighting the distinction between tent and RV camping experiences.
Community events: Some campgrounds host special gatherings. "They periodically have special events during the weekends. We lucked out with live music and wine tastings," shares a visitor who appreciated the social aspects beyond typical camping.
Coastal access: Proximity to both forests and beaches creates unique recreational opportunities. "We pulled up in May without a reservation and found a bunch of sites to choose from! We picked one near Agate beach where we spent the morning beach combing and eating wild beach strawberries," writes a camper at Agate Campground.
Year-round accessibility: The moderate coastal climate allows for camping throughout all seasons. "You can explore tidepools at nearby Agate Beach" during summer months, while winter provides opportunities for watching dramatic coastal storms from heated accommodations.
What you should know
Highway noise affects some sites: Traffic can disturb otherwise peaceful settings. "The worst thing about the campsites on both sides is how close they are- VERY VERY close & narrow," warns a visitor to Emerald Forest, while another notes that Grizzly Creek is "unbelievable loud as the camp site is right next to the road that appears to be supporting a logging operation."
Crowding during peak season: Busy summer months mean advance reservations are essential. "They are very busy. Probably would've stayed one more night, but our site was already booked," shares a visitor to Kamp Klamath RV Park and Campground.
Limited cell coverage: Connectivity varies significantly between sites. "No cell service" is listed as a pro by one camper who appreciated disconnecting at Grizzly Creek, while others note that at some locations "Cell service and Wi-Fi were good."
Weather variability: Coastal fog can persist regardless of season. "Gets cold at night, make sure to bring extra blankets!" advises a camper, reflecting the area's marine climate that can bring unexpected chills even during summer months.
Tips for camping with families
Choose redwood-covered tent sites: For the most immersive forest experience with children. "This is a really cool campground for tent campers. The sights are engulfed by giant redwoods and surrounded by ferns, moss and rainforest," reports a visitor to Emerald Forest.
Look for campgrounds with playgrounds: Some facilities offer child-specific amenities. "There's a cute general store for general supplies... Lots of cute foot paths," shares a camper at Redwood Coast Cabins & RV Resort, while another mentions "a Video Arcade, Horseshoe pit, dog park, celebration hall with board games/puzzles, a mini mart, playground, gazebo."
Consider proximity to bathrooms: Facilities vary widely between campgrounds. "Each site has fire place, picnic table. Water within steps to each site. Clean bathrooms. Showers are coin or token operated," notes a camper about facilities at one location.
Research swimming options: River and beach access provide natural play areas. "Great for family and big groups!" notes a camper, explaining that some locations are "Safe, protected and not a lot of trouble to get into."
Tips from RVers
Verify accessibility before arrival: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. "Hwy 36 from the 101 is very curvy with lots of narrow areas and very few turn offs," warns a visitor to Humboldt County Fairgrounds, suggesting larger rigs may struggle on certain approaches.
Check site dimensions carefully: Spaces vary significantly between facilities. "Sites are right on top of each other" at some locations, while others note "The sites are close together, short, with roots coming up in the road and parking areas, and sharp angled turns to get into your spot."
Utilize full hookup options when available: Services differ between campgrounds. "Plenty of room for all RV's large to small. 30 & 50 amp power and water. Clean restrooms, heated and free," reports a camper, emphasizing the importance of confirming specific amenities before booking.
Consider seasonal availability: Some campgrounds reduce services in winter. "Great location and beautiful campsites. Excellent hiking and scenery," notes a visitor who appreciated year-round access at certain locations when others may close seasonally.
