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Penn Creek Campground (sites 1-15)
$35 / night
A backcountry permit is required for overnight camping: https://www.nps.gov/redw/planyourvisit/backcountry.htm
When parking at trailhead, secure items of value and keep them out of sight; better yet, leave them at home! Lock vehicle doors, roll up windows, and engage anti-theft devices.
West access: 1/4-mile to camp from Coastal Trail - Flint Ridge Section Trailhead (Coastal Drive); or East access: 41/2 miles to camp from Coastal Trail - Flint Ridge Section Trailhead (Alder Camp Road).
Bicycle access via Coastal Drive (see above), then walk bicycle 1/4-mile to camp; bicycle riding not allowed on Coastal Trail - Flint Ridge Section.
Pets (except service animals), horses, and/or pack animals are not allowed on trail or in camp.
Designated Sites Eight (8) campsites available; maximum of eight (8) people per site. Camp only in designated sites.
Disposal of Garbage and Human Waste Composting pit toilets for human waste only—do not dispose of garbage in toilets. Pack out all trash/garbage when leaving camp.
Food and Garbage Storage Store food, garbage, cooking gear, and all odorous items in food storage lockers. When cooking and/or eating, do not let wildlife access food and/or garbage.
Never Feed Wildlife (that includes birds, too!) It’s illegal, and dangerous to you, other humans, and the fed animal. Keep a clean camp, store food and other smelly items responsibly, and properly dispose of all garbage—even crumbs!
Water No treated water source or reliable natural water source available in close proximity to camp. You need to pack in drinking water.
Fires and Firewood Campfires are restricted to designated fire rings, only. Up to 50 pounds of dead and downed wood per day per campsite may be collected within 1/4-mile of camp for campfire use only. Do not leave fires unattended or smoldering.
Leave No Trace Understand the importance of Leave No Trace practices in the redwoods.
A backcountry permit is required for overnight camping: https://www.nps.gov/redw/planyourvisit/backcountry.htm To prepare for any trip to this location, download the detailed Elam backcountry guide and map: https://www.nps.gov/places/elambackcountrycamp.htm
• When parking at trailhead, secure items of value and keep them out of sight; better yet, leave them at home! Lock vehicle doors, roll up windows, and engage anti-theft devices. • Hikers/backpackers only: 7.5 miles to camp from Orick Horse Trailhead. • Hikers/backpackers only: 3 miles to camp from Redwood Creek Trailhead. Note: Frequent vehicle break-ins at trailhead parking area. • Hikers/backpackers only: 6.5 miles to camp from Tall Trees Trailhead. • Pets (with the exception of service animals) and bicycles are not permitted on trails or in camp. • Redwood Creek may be impossible to cross during the rainy season and/or during high flow stages; two bridges over Redwood Creek are only in place seasonally, usually June–September.
We are a working cannabis, veggie and herb farm, but currently due to the state of the industry, we don’t have many cannabis plants this season but we have so many other incredible plants that are growing all throughout the property. We welcome you to come tour it with one of us or on your own while you visit! We would love to tell you about our medicine and we are always happy to share.
You’re welcome to explore our 200+ acres- hike the old logging roads, mountain bike and explore the property and gardens.
At roughly 4500-5000ft elevation, there are several spots on the property that have the most incredible views, we will be happy to guide you to the spots and also have a property map if you want to explore the views on your own.
Your campsite comes with a view of the Trinity Alps and the mountain ridges of Northern California and the Six Rivers National Forest. This is a very large clearing and there is plenty of room for vehicles and tents, and RV’s (please contact us before booking an RV or trailer, we want to make sure it will make it up the mountain) There is a fire pit which can be responsibly used when the fire risk is low. Wood provided.
This is a primitive campsite, there is no electricity, water or facilities yet.
We are in the mountains of NorCal, and there are chances you will encounter some wildlife. We occasionally get bears and other smaller animals who come to visit. It is IMPERATIVE that you keep your food and garbage locked up. We have a small lockbox at the campsite but please do not leave food or garbage any where an animal can get to it. While they are pretty friendly most times, and often scared of people, these bears are incredibly resourceful when it comes to getting their snacks and will not hesitate to destroy your tent or car while they search for your food!
Our property is 15 minutes up from the highway on a gravel road. 4WD is highly recommended. Smaller, low riding vehicles do not usually fair well on the mountain. There is a locked community gate and a second locked gate at our property, we will provide you with access to both during your stay and ask that you always lock gates behind you.
We ask that guests do not bring alcohol. Cannabis and other plant medicines are welcome if used responsibly. We will also have a welcome package waiting for you! (If you’re 21+)
Dogs welcome but must be leashed at all times. We allow 2 friendly dogs max. FYI- We have several dogs on the property. They will be a large distance from your campsite, but may come say hi. If you aren’t comfortable with dogs, please let us know.
We offer customized packages tailored to your needs and interests, if there’s something you’d like, please ask! We are well versed on farming, cannabis, plant medicine, and a few other fun things 😉. We also offer special ceremonial packages for Kambo and Aya. Please contact us for more info.
This is our home. We love this land more than just about everything. We ask that you respect it fully and it will return the favor. This property has a long history intricately involved with the complicated past of Humboldt County and we’re happy to share our stories. It is truly magical here.
We look forward to your visit!
$65 / night
Sugar pine Camp & Cabin is a tranquil gem with sweeping views of the mountains and nestled in the valley below is the quaint town of Willow Creek. On-site there are many tent sites as well as one tiny cabin with a loft full size bed. Drinking and dishwashing water as and a 2 burner stove are available. This quiet peaceful camp has epic night sky viewing. The majestic Trinity River is a 15 minute drive away. Enjoy swimming, whitewater rafting or sun bathing at the beautiful river. There are also many opportunities for hiking in the Six Rivers National Forest or the Trinity Alps Wilderness. Show up to rest, relax and rejuvenate in this beautiful peaceful setting.
$20 - $70 / night
Four dispersed sites. Beautiful views, non-aggressive dogs welcome, with breed approval. Sites are widely spaced around a two-acre meadow edged by forests and a stream. Full property is 80 acres, most accessible t hiking. Location is one mile from Centerville Beach County Park. No ambient light or noise. Wooded site, fire pits (Cal Fire regulations may prohibit fires in wildfire season), free firewood, potable water available outside bathhouse. (All our water originates in an artesian well on the property.) Hot showers, flush toilets. Bathrooms are shared by 4 sites. Trash bins. Can drive to all sites. Family-friendly place. Field sites are: FOREST STREAM in the far corner bordering both the forest and the creek; FOREST EDGE, far right corner, borders the forest; HAZELWOOD, in alder grove along the creek; and BASE CAMP, under a spreading spruce near the bathrooms. Beautiful property, well-managed, friendly, safe, clean, and quiet. (Hundreds of reviews on Hipcamp and Airbnb.) You can hear the ocean roar all night. 30 minutes from southern redwood groves; 90 minutes from northern redwood parks. Four miles from Victorian Village of Ferndale. Homemade soup, cobbler, and bread is available for order/purchase when booking.
$58 - $70 / night
Slide Creek Campground is has 5 tent only camp units. There is no water system.
Traveler
Don’t be confused when you arrive and head up the hill where you’ll find camping spots. Even has an area with picnic tables under the trees.
A great spot overall and a nice drive up. We were there when it rained all day one of our days and it didn’t affect the roads much.
We even pulled up our rear drop camper and had no issues at all.
Scout
I camped there one night. Bathrooms are clean and well maintained.
Traveler
We didn’t end up going because it is NOT RV friendly. You have to hike in with your tent
Guide
Okay girl we have a 33 ft Class A RV with a car and tow. There was only one site that could accommodate us and it was open. This place has access to the beach and seems to be a very salt of the earth type place..
Guide
We had never been to the ocean and had so much fun having our camper parked directly off the beach. It was so clean and beautiful. Planning on visiting again!
Guide
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. We chose site 91 as we didn’t need water or electricity and it was tucked back into some trees. We absolutely loved that setting as there were no neighbors. No laundry, but here was a shop, firewood for purchase, propane, showers and playground for the kids. Like like there were some nice cabins and pull through spots but the noise was a huge downfall for us.
Legend
We stopped here intending to stay the night on our way north but just couldn’t justify spending $30 for a literal parking spot (for RVs). I’m not even sure if there would have been room for our slides without going over into the next spot, and if we’d wanted the awning out there definitely wouldn’t have been room. There were no other RVs there and so I’m sure it would have been fine, but still.
The tent spots weren’t as bad, they were off the parking lot in a sandy area. You’re right off the highway too, so there’s a lot of noise. I could see this place being fine for an overnight spot, maybe for $10 or something, but to market it as a campground is just crazy.
There are pit toilets here and trash bins, host across the street. We thought about staying here just for the dog friendly beach access but the trail to the beach was narrow, overgrown, muddy, and overall unpleasant. About 10 miles north there is a lovely rest stop where you can stay for 8 hours for free if you just need a place to sleep (and there’s a free dump station there too!) We didn’t stay. Don’t recommend.
LegendWe like this little county campground- it’s FCFS only (it seems that early afternoon is the best time to snag a spot). We got the last spot when we arrived that we would fit in in our 26ft class C (there were some tent sites still available). There’s a loop that’s kind of tricky for RVs to navigate, though people will still do it, and other sites outside of the loop that are better suited for RVs. There are a couple of sites at either end of the loop that would work for RVs as well. There are also 2 sites with electric hookups that are $10 extra.
You self-register at the bathroom, $30/night. Kind of pricey for what you get, but it’s a cute and mellow little park and it’s got a pleasant vibe, very beautiful surroundings.
There are flush toilets and showers that we did not use. The road in to the campground is through some residential neighborhoods, but still relatively easy access from the main road. I wouldn’t recommend this campground for giant rigs.
Legend
We stayed here for half price with the Passport America discount - we paid $25 for a pull through E/ W site (normally$50), and refreshingly there were no taxes or fees added on to the price. We almost didn’t stay here, as on the Passport America site they state that they do not allow certain breeds of dogs, and we generally try to not support places that discriminate against certain breeds, even though our large dog is mixed breed dog who could pass for any number of breeds. But nobody mentioned anything about dogs when we arrived, and we saw no mention of it anywhere on their website or other signage, so we ended up staying.
It’s one of those run down, but in a comfortable kind of way, places. There’s a cute tree house and cute cabins (tiny), as well as a tent-only area for $30. There’s also a dump station (free for campers), a laundry room, and free showers. The showers were run down but clean. We ended up not using the laundry- they are $2 each for washer and dryer (they take quarters, and there’s no change machine), with a sign saying that your clothes may stain due to the iron in the water, and that you need to shake out the sawdust from your clothes before washing them (I guess a lot of loggers stay here?). Also, the water jug we had filled with their water was full of rusty red residue at the bottom, ick. And that water is what we used to fill our onboard RV tank (and that’s with using a filter). The RV park seems to be mostly long-termers or seasonal campers, it was very quiet and devoid of people when we stayed here after a holiday weekend.
Staff was very friendly and welcoming. We forgot to ask about wifi, but cell reception was good for Verizon and ATT. The park is nicely situated among the trees with an easy access from the highway, right near the entrance to the Avenue of the Giants. Would stay here again.
Guidepretty basic good after a long night of driving
TravelerI loved staying at lacks creek! I had good cell service with att and it was beautiful, quiet and serene. Hikes right by the campsites. Fire pit. No water at all though. Bring your own water. And no bathroom unless you drive like 3 miles down the other way and some of the roads weren't open due to landslides. I drove my honda civic all the way up there. There was a few points I thought I wouldn't make it but sure enough my good ol honda pushed through. Lol Anyways! Highly recommend! Just bring water! Lol
Guide
This is a great place to see an elk herd as they sometimes come grazing through the campground. The campsites were more spacious than other campgrounds we stayed at. The restrooms are ok, however take a light with you at night because the motion lights will turn off before you can finish your business. The showers are in need of an upgrade. Plus they are coin operated which was disappointing considering the condition. Very convenient beach access road is almost directly across from the campground entrance. Also, there are two areas to camp, the meadows with no shade and the woods with little sun. WiFi is free for 30 minutes each day or pay for longer periods and Verizon signal is weak Overall a nice place with friendly staff.
GuideVery special to see Elk roaming the campgrounds. Nice large campsites, clean bathrooms, and great service.
Ranger
We loved this campground! It is about a mile off the highway so you don’t have any road noise. You are immersed in the redwoods with a creek flowing next to the campground. The staff is very friendly and they do a great job keeping everything clean.
RangerWe loved this campground! You are immersed in the redwoods and surrounded by a creek that runs along the campground. The restrooms were clean, staff very friendly and it was nice and quiet when we were there.
Traveler
I’m probably giving this an extra star for nostalgia. I camped here decades before, before it became a more modern campsite, and it was formative. I’d suggest LATE summer, like August, or better yet, after Labor Day. It’s the warmest, nicest time. Or when the Elk are in mating season! LOL. Or spring, when the Lupin arrives. There are also INCREDIBLE day trips into California’s interior, Indian history, little known parks and trails everywhere. Bring all the yummy foods you want… you’re not going to be near a grocery store. Feel a side of California few know about.
Scout
This is an awesome campground with a single-lane road. I love visit it and join adventures in geometry dash lite. We managed to navigate it in an SUV with a teardrop trailer, but I wouldn't recommend towing anything longer. During our visit in May, the river flowed swiftly and cold, making it unsuitable for swimming or fishing. There is a well-maintained vault toilet on site, along with bear-proof recycling and trash receptacles. Limited to no service available for most of the journey. Remember, fire permits are mandatory.
GuideDispersed camping along the river banks after walking through the Tall Trees hike. Easy overnighter.
GuideBeautiful campground among trees. Campsites feel private despite being a large campground. They had a range talk when we were there that we wish we attended but didn’t line up with our timeline. Staff was friendly.
ScoutThe location it’s not what it says on this map. It’s about a mile heading to eureka. It’s okay it’s small camp site it’s right next 101 it’s bit noisy
GuideI don't have a lot to add beyond what has been said by others. This campground is about the location. It is nestled right in the state park w/old growth redwood trees and hikes accessible directly from the campground.
However, it is very tight, which is difficult for anyone with a larger trailer. The facilities are showing their ages as well. The showers were in decent shape, but the bathrooms could use some work.
It is still the best campground for exploring the park though. And the negatives should not turn you away.
TravelerHad a great time with my family camping at this site. Bathrooms were very clean and well stocked with single ply toilet paper and soap. Showers are also clean with a bench and hook for hanging your clean clothes. As many people have said showers are 25 cents per minute.
Each campsite layout is different and ours had the fire pit in a weird spot. That being said we appreciated the big picnic table and with maneuvering we could fit 3 cars (2 SUV and one compact). The site has ranger talks and plays movies occasionally which is nice for families.
As for wildlife: Lots of blue jays, chipmunks and we saw deer. Bears do roam the area and we never saw any but they were spotted two days before we checked in.
Short drive to Crescent City to see the sites (lighthouse, Ocean World Aquarium, shops, SeaQuake Brewery-great food & beer) or the larger trees in the redwoods. We hiked the Grove of Titans with 2 toddlers which is about 20 mins away. We would love to come back again.
TravelerOther than the long bumpy dirt road this site was great! Easy to find and great views. Had pretty good cell service with AT&T. Very quiet
Scout
We were actually excited based on the website we scheduled to stay for a week. Upon arrival we checked into the office and given an option of Beach view or close to the showers. It would be obvious which most would take our site contained rather large smooth rocks and uneven site. No clear ocean view. Nice picnic table site was lined with a very thick row of Berry bushes. Staff was friendly the area our campsite was on the side of the hill WIFI was not very consistent our spot would be great if you had your own DISH or Directv. We use a Verizon hotspot. We use Amazon Prime and Dish anywhere.
We believe one day we heard some seals. We were so disappointed with this experience we left a day early. This campground is not located next to the ocean their is a road seperating it you cross the road then walk through a access area to get to the ocean
Guide
The campground is ok. The closest bathrooms near our site were closed due to renovation. The main bathrooms were good looking. The men’s bathroom kept running out of paper towels. One of the staff told me they can’t buy any toilet paper or paper towels anywhere. My wife had to keep bringing in toilet paper as they ran out. The pool was warm and spa hot. The most frustrating part was reservations. The website showed only tent sites with water and electricity. I then clicked on military discount and the website showed me a higher price. I called and left a message to get clarification. No one called me back. Turns out they apply the discount after you check in. Check in was another issue. The office was closed early and they gave me a tent site without electricity or water. So I had to call their after hours number to get them to change my site. Later in the office they told me that they aren’t responsible for their website. Campground is ok, but customer service needs work. Wish there were more options closer to Eureka. The WiFi worked good until the last day. The 15A outlet worked until the last day.
TravelerWe loved this campground. It's proximity to many trails with beautiful Redwoods was amazing. Some sites were in the prairie as opposed to nestled in the Sitka Spruce trees, so that's something to take into consideration. Bathrooms and showers were clean. Showers were about $1.00 and took quarters. We had site 62 and think we got the best site in the park. It was a drive through site however there are two tight trees that you would struggle to get a larger RV through on the road to get there. It had enough room for 2 large tents and two trucks. It also has a secret tent pad behind the driveway in the trees!
Guide
Campsites are incredibly beautiful and well spaced out. Great showers and satisfactory restrooms. Water and electric was $2 more at the campsite, well worth it. Some great little dog walks from and near the location. Was a great break from the summer heat. We'll definitely be back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Trinidad, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Trinidad, CA is Penn Campground — Sue-meg State Park with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Trinidad, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 19 tent camping locations near Trinidad, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
