Best Tent Camping near Trinidad, CA

Several tent camping options are available around Trinidad, California, with both established campgrounds and dispersed sites. Penn Campground in Sue-meg State Park offers tent sites with fire rings, picnic tables, and toilets nearby. BLM Dispersed Camping at Lacks Creek provides a more primitive tent camping experience approximately 25 miles southeast of Trinidad, featuring designated sites with fire rings and basic vault toilets.

Most tent sites in the Trinidad area are accessible via dirt roads that may require careful driving. Campgrounds like Penn feature designated tent pads with picnic tables and potable water, while backcountry locations require campers to pack in all water. Fire restrictions are common during summer months, particularly at dispersed sites. Vault toilets are available at most established campgrounds, but backcountry tent campers should be prepared for primitive conditions. Bear lockers are provided at backcountry sites in Redwood National Park, with bear canisters required for overnight stays outside of established camping areas.

Walk-in tent sites provide a more secluded camping experience away from vehicle noise and lights. Flint Ridge Backcountry Site in Redwood National and State Park offers walk-in tent camping with established sites featuring picnic tables and fire rings. A camper noted, "We parked right along the coast and easily walked all of our gear to camp. Could see the ocean from our tent while among the giant trees." Campers should be aware of ticks in the area, particularly at Lacks Creek, where multiple reviews mention encountering them. During peak summer months, early reservations are recommended for established campgrounds, while dispersed camping areas typically remain available without reservation requirements.

Best Tent Sites Near Trinidad, California (20)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 20 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Tent Camping Reviews near Trinidad, CA

607 Reviews of 20 Trinidad Campgrounds


  • J
    Aug. 22, 2018

    Emerald Forest Cabins & RV

    Tent camping: Very dark with uneven ground

    We stayed here one night last year. We’d hoped to stay at Patrick’s Point State Park, but it was full. The woman who set us up with a tent site here was super friendly and helpful. She offered advice for where to eat in the area and points of interest.

    My daughters and I checked out the Bay Area and hiked the Trinidad Head. It was a beautiful afternoon. We had dinner at the Trinidad Bay Eatery and Gallery which was nice with a friendly server and good American fare.

    After we returned we looked at the little arcade area in the cabins area. It reminded me in a nostalgic way of the arcade area in the 80’s movie Starfighter. Very fun.

    Although it wasn’t quite dark yet when we headed back to our site, it was VERY dark in the back area with the tent sites fue to heavy tree cover. Finding our spot was difficult in the dark. The path is winding and doesn’t exactly match the campground map and the ground was very uneven. I was glad we have four wheel drive.

    The campsite was also very uneven and had a steep drop off to a creek bed on the side. Luckily we’d planned to car camp and only had to fold down the sleeping area in our vehicle. I can’t imagine trying to set up a tent on that site in the pitch blackness. I’m not sure that the site had any amenities like a picnic table or water or a fire ring. I couldn’t see anything!

    Overall I’d stay here again, but I’d get there way before dark and set up camp first before adventuring in the area. I love the Trinidad/Eureka area. There’s lots to do and see. I gave the three stars because the tent site area ground is so uneven and so unlit.

  • Christy C.
    Jun. 29, 2016

    Elk Prairie Campground — Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

    Camping in the Redwoods

    This campground was primitive and very "natural" in setting. The sites had a bear box for food storage and there were Elk grazing near our loop. We picked blackberries and watched bluejays landing nearby. There was a restroom with pay showers and a ranger station at the entrance. Not a lot here but plenty to do up the road on the Newton B Drury Pkwy we visited the ancient Redwoods that were amazing. Also, can drive to Fern Valley if you rig isn't too big. That is where a scene from Jurassic park was filmed.

  • Andi M.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 21, 2022

    Van Duzen County Park - Pamplin Grove

    Breathtaking

    We’ve been camping up and down highway 101 for about two weeks now, and this was by far our favorite place! We practically had the place to ourselves! The trees are absolutely massive and gorgeous. The river is clean, and relaxing. Swimming here is so fun! Cold, but refreshing! Plenty of space for our two tents, grated on the fire pits and fire wood available. Very easy drive to get to it and super easy to find. Come check this place out! Remember to follow Leave No Trace Principles though!

  • Chanel C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 17, 2019

    Agate Campground — Sue-meg State Park

    10/10 Would stay again!

    [ PROS]

    • Super lush and foresty campground right by the Pacific Ocean. There is so much to see all around the campgrounds. You can go for a hike and the Rim Trail which perimeters the park, you can go down to the beach and hunt for agates, explore tidepools, look at birds and other wildlife, and go to the visitor center.

    • Each site came with a picnic table, bear box, fire ring, and two parking spots.

    • Sites were surprisingly large! We stayed at Site#99 and it was super spacious. It even had a hidden area that was under large trees that was perfect for setting up tents.

    • I love how the sites were also very private. Each site seemed to be carved out of the brush so you’re just enclosed in trees and bushes. Everything was so green!

    • The restrooms were really clean. Site#99 was a little far from the showers, but we had nice toilets right by us.

    • VIEWS VIEWS VIEWS! My gosh. We stated at Agate Campground (1 of 3 campgrounds at this park) and it was really close to the beach access. We did the Rim Trail hike and it was unbelievable.

    [CONS]

    • NONE! Perfect campground:)

    Overall, I would come back here in a heartbeat! I know we came during off season so the campground wasn’t as full, but i’d imagine when this place is fully booked it would still be very tranquil and peaceful. Each site was like a little oasis removed from everyone else.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2022

    Agate Campground — Sue-meg State Park

    Coastal camping deep in the redwoods

    General: Five campgrounds – Agate, Abalone, Penn (tents only), and two group campgrounds (Red Alder and Beach Creek) situated just north of Trinidad. 

    Site Quality: Not all sites are created equal. Many are not level; we had a challenge in Site 123 and saw a few others in the same situation. Fortunately, we changed our sleeping position (we don’t carry levelers for our van) and parked sideways. We did see some larger RVs but many of the sites would be challenging for large rigs to fit. The sites themselves are very generous in size with a large picnic table and fire ring and plenty of room to set up a tent. Many trees separate the sites, providing privacy. There are no hookups at any of the sites. 

    Bathhouse: The bathhouse was very basic with concrete floors, three small stalls, and two sinks with cold water only. Soap is provided but no dryers, paper towels, hooks, or shelves. Clean enough. Only one bathhouse in the Agate Loop had showers. I have no idea how many minutes each quarter will buy you in the shower as this information was scratched off, however, just the fact that you can use 15 quarters tells me not very long. I didn’t attempt to try it. 

    Activities: There is a nice rim trail that will lead you to various points. Wedding Rock, Ceremonial Rock, Mussel Rock, and both Patrick’s Point and Palmer’s Point. Palmer’s Point is where you can explore tidepools at low tide (the times are posted as you enter the campground). The wildflowers along the trails were beautiful. Several other trails take you to Sumeg Village and Agate Beach. Although we saw many dogs while there, be aware that many of the trails do not allow dogs. While there was good signage on most of the trails, I did manage to get lost a few times while wandering around. California may not invest in many other campground upgrades, but they do spend money on signs! 

    Two nights here was the perfect amount of time to explore what Patrick’s Point has to offer. This was the very first campground we stayed at where campfires were allowed as the fog is so thick that fire danger was not an issue. However, there must have recently been a price increase for wood as the price was scratched off the sign; it is $10 per bundle. A shout out to the two rangers who had great attitudes and were tons of fun to interact with!

  • Toni  K.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 24, 2021

    Mill Creek Campground — Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park

    Small spots in the state park

    Nice site offers showers, clean bathrooms, bear boxes, fire rings and benches. As well as trash cans and recycling. Some spots looked big and some/most were pretty small. The spots are pretty close together but, that’s okay. I feel it was kinda expensive for the size of the spots and how close they were together but, you are in a state park. The trees were very beautiful and you’re right in the middle of the red woods. The camp host was very sweet and offered a wood for purchase ($10).

    I don’t recommend getting spot 27. Very weird set up the bench was in the center of the spot and the fire was really close to the vegetation it kinda scared me. It looked to be all the odd 20s were set up kinda funky.

  • Ariel & John  W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 5, 2020

    Abalone Campground — Sue-meg State Park

    Best of both worlds

    Campsites are in several loops in a lush green forest right next to the ocean. No hookups but pit toilets, trash pickup and water. Fire rings and picnic tables. Clean, beautiful park, sites run the gamut from small to large, including doubles and pull-throughs. Spectacular scenery. Hiking trails in the forest as well as lots of rocky beach. Would def stay again.

  • MarinMaverick
    Sep. 20, 2020

    Elk Prairie Campground — Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

    North Coast Camping At It's Best

    I love to return to this place.  It has campsites in a redwood forest along a small stream. And then there is a meadow in front where the elk come down to graze.  They have benches all around the meadow so you can watch the elk from a safe distance.

    There are miles and miles of trails through old growth (and second growth) redwoods.

    Magical. You can hike to the beach, pick up a section of the coastal trail, or simply visit different groves of redwoods.

    It can be damp here - think beach and redwoods, so be prepared fro dampness.

    Siate ahe typical tables, fire rings and food lockers. Clean rest room and coin showers as well.

    You can strike out north to the mighty Klamath River, over the hill to the Fern Canyon or hang with the elk.

  • MarinMaverick
    Sep. 20, 2020

    Abalone Campground — Sue-meg State Park

    Beautiful Tidepools and Sunsets

    When you go - get a campsite that backs onto the bluff (rim trial) and you can watch the sunset each night from your campsite.

    I love the Trinidad area, from the harbor to Moonstone Beach. And the best way to see the area is at Patrick's Point.  You are on the coast, by the beach, so think damp and wind.  the sites (there are several loops) all are a bit different. I like the Abalone Loop because you can get a site on the bluff. You can walk ten steps and watch the sunset each night.

    As an added bonus you will hear the seals barking as you go to sleep..

    There are great tidepools here.  You need to hike down to them and the tide needs to be right.  There is a native american village to explore, trails to walk and views to take in at every point.

    Not sure why, but usually do not have a problem getting a reservation or extending my stay.

    Some of the sites have wear - the wood on the tables and food storage lockers shows the effects of the damp air. Just bring a tablecloth and you will be fine. Coin operated showers also show wear but are functional. Usual tabel, fire ring and food sotrage lockers.


Guide to Trinidad

Tent camping near Trinidad, California offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, making it a perfect getaway for nature enthusiasts.

Explore Local Attractions

Engage in Local Activities

Tent Campers Appreciate These Amenities

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 20 tent camping locations near Trinidad, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.