Elam Backcountry Camp in Redwood National Park accommodates equestrians on hiking trails with rustic camping facilities. The free campground requires permits for overnight stays and provides picnic tables at each site. Trail riders must follow park regulations regarding livestock use, including designated areas for horses and proper waste management. The campground lacks corral facilities, so equestrians need to bring portable containment systems or highlines for their horses.
Located approximately 15 miles from Trinidad, Lacks Creek BLM land offers dispersed camping options for equestrians seeking primitive horse camping experiences. The terrain provides natural trails through Bureau of Land Management property with varied elevation and scenic views. Trail riders encounter diverse landscapes including redwood groves and open meadows suitable for day rides from camp. The free camping areas accommodate both tent and RV camping, though sites lack dedicated horse facilities. Camping areas include vault toilets but no drinking water, requiring riders to pack in water for themselves and their horses. Visitors regularly encounter wildlife including Roosevelt elk that roam throughout the region. Horse campsites near Trinidad range from permit-required backcountry camps to free dispersed BLM areas, giving equestrians flexibility based on their preferred level of access and amenities.
"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."
"The grounds are beautiful, there's a lovely large lake with a little footpath around it - I saw otters in the lake and elk in the front meadow!"
from $40 - $70 / night
"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."
"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."
"For a boat ramp camping site near town, this place is special. Remote from town but water 360 degrees. You can hear the ocean while looking at the towns across the water."
"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)."
"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 - $100 / night
"follow titlow hill road until you get to a fork in the road with 3 roads and a take a left. follow it up past the cell tower and drive until you reach 2 pullouts close together where the bottom one has"
"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
GuideThis site was great for touring the Redwood Forest and Crescent City area. Camp hosts are friendly and easy to work with. There's a handful of tiny homes scattered about. Many are long term live-ins. Nice dog park. Friendly neighbors.
Scoutthe directions in the review were accurate and easy to follow. the road gets pretty steep, though 90% is paved and only turns to gravel at the end. no water source that we could find for filtering, so pack in as much as you need 💕🏔️
GuideThis was a pretty nice spot. Only about 3 campsites with tables and fire pits, but a few others along the road. The view was nice and the sunsets were amazing! It was very quiet at night, no noise from the road. There are some trail heads close to the campsites, but some are very overgrown. The only downside was lots of mosquitoes, even out after dark. The road was also very rocky, but manageable. Be careful to go slow and avoid sharp rocks, because I ended up with a flat tire on the way out. Cell service isn't bad, but the nearest town is about 1 hr away. Weather was warm and dry, with some light mist at night. We did see a black bear on our way down the road, but not much other wildlife besides birds.
ScoutCampground mainly got rvs
ScoutMy boyfriend and brother and I spent the evening restoring an old campsite we found. we put lots of love into this place.
amazing view of the ocean and sunset was crazy beautiful!!
follow titlow hill road until you get to a fork in the road with 3 roads and a take a left. follow it up past the cell tower and drive until you reach 2 pullouts close together where the bottom one has a camp fire, park at the top pullout. look for the trail to the right and pretty much bushwash your way to the best campsite ever.
RangerThis place first off is 45min to an hour from 101. Secondly it rained all night and my RTT is soaked. Once I took the rain fly down it was bad. Needless to say trying to get to a dry place to allow my tent to dry. I will say I absolutely love Offroad and this is a forest service road that goes up the mountain. Great place if it’s not raining and you don’t plan on sleeping in your RTT in the rain. I’ve never left a bad review but If I could give this 0 stars I would.
GuideI 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.
ScoutRoad is one lane, gravel, windy for the last part of the trek up witj some deeper ruts (we did fine going slow in a stock Honda Accord). Plenty of mountain bike, hiking trails with difficulty levels and map! There's a first camping spot with the easy loop hiking trail that is just by itself and a little further down the road is 3 or 4 other camping spots near the bathroom and additional trails. Absolutely will be coming back!!!
TravelerIt is $45 per night. The area is full of cows. It has a nice rural feel. People waved as they passed me walking my dog.
Equestrian camping options near Trinidad, California offer varied terrain across both public and private lands. Located along the northern California coast at elevations ranging from sea level to 2,500 feet, this region features a mix of forest and coastal landscapes accessible to trail riders. Annual rainfall averages 40-60 inches, creating lush conditions and well-established trail systems that connect multiple camping areas.
Trail riding through redwoods: At Elk Country RV Resort & Campground, equestrians can access nearby trails that wind through ancient forests. "It had almost a magical feel to it! The only negative I could find was that you do have to pay to shower, and we rarely had warm water," notes Renee R.
Beach riding access: Riders staying at Samoa Boat Ramp County Park can trailer to nearby beach access points. "For a boat ramp camping site near town, this place is special. Remote from town but water 360 degrees. You can hear the ocean while looking at the towns across the water," says Mayumi H.
Wildlife viewing on horseback: Many trails offer opportunities to spot Roosevelt elk and other wildlife. "Rosevelt Elk roam through the campground. They were obviously used to people," reports Nicole B. at Elk Country RV Resort.
Natural features: The Lacks Creek BLM area provides diverse terrain for trail riding. "Wildly peaceful... you have an insane view of the trees. The sunset was absolutely incredible," shares Leah H.
Accessible backcountry: Horse-friendly trails connect multiple camping areas. "Not much more to say that others haven't. Clean, with a beautiful view. The whole BLM management area is well developed and has signs to guide you," notes Derrick H. about Lacks Creek.
Water proximity: Many equestrians appreciate camping near water sources. "A beautiful drive and a great spot for a night or a few a little hard to find but it's all part of the adventure," says Fritz K. regarding access to Lacks Creek BLM trails.
Reservation requirements: Several horse campgrounds require advance booking, especially during summer months.
Trail conditions: Weather impacts trail quality significantly. "As of Sept '25, chunks of the gravel road were under construction; some blind, narrow turns, but nothing too intense; and dips, washouts, and big exposed rocks, so drive with care," Marasha L. reports about Humboldt County Fairgrounds area.
Limited facilities: Many horse-friendly sites have minimal amenities. "We were very disappointed with this campground. The view was nice but there was garbage everywhere," Kodi R. notes about Samoa Boat Ramp County Park.
Seasonal access: Winter rain can make some trailheads impassable for horse trailers. Trail maintenance varies by location.
Picnic facilities: Sites with tables work best for families with horses. "The tent area were very well taken care of and offered picnic tables with fire firerings," notes Renee A.
Wildlife education opportunities: Children can observe animals safely. "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," shares Naomi H.
Safety considerations: Some sites require extra vigilance. "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," cautions Jessica R. about one camping experience.
Multi-day excursions: Plan routes between campgrounds for progressive trail rides with children.
Horse trailer parking: Redwood Acres RV Park accommodates larger vehicles. "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," says Michael W.
Water access for horses: Most RV sites require bringing your own water containers for horses.
Overnight staging options: When traveling between horse campgrounds near Trinidad, consider using fairgrounds. "Stayed in parking lot for an over night stay heading up the coast. Safe, easy, cheep. 14.00 for parking lot around $30 for hook ups in grass area," notes janelle H.
Size restrictions: Not all horse-friendly sites accommodate large rigs. "Tried to camp here with a 20ft travel trailer and I turned around before I even made it to the gravel road. Road is narrow and steep with low hanging trees," warns Jules S. about some BLM access roads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Trinidad, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Trinidad, CA is Elk Country RV Resort & Campground with a 4-star rating from 30 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Trinidad, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Trinidad, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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