Camping cabins near Whitethorn, California sit in southern Humboldt County at an elevation of around 900 feet, within easy reach of towering redwoods and the Eel River watershed. Winter temperatures typically range from 40-55°F, while summer brings comfortable 65-75°F days. Most cabin facilities in this region don't operate year-round, with reduced availability between November and March due to seasonal closures and weather conditions.
What to do
Beach exploration: 5-minute drive from Westport Beach RV Park and Campground provides access to a relatively private stretch of coastline. "The beach is right there. You can see and or hear the waves crashing," notes one visitor. The park maintains a beach with limited public access, creating a more secluded experience for overnight guests.
River swimming: Short trail access from several campgrounds leads to the Eel River for summer swimming. "The river access is crowded on the weekends but very enjoyable on weekdays during June and July. Unfortunately, the river is less healthy in August," reports a camper at Richardson Grove State Park. Water shoes recommended for rocky shorelines.
Redwood hiking: Multiple trails within Humboldt Redwoods State Park accommodate various ability levels. "Walking distance to the visitor center and other great hikes. Dog-friendly, clean restrooms/coin showers, and relatively private sites," states one visitor. The singular trail is noted as "comfortable for soft wheel strollers and wheelchairs."
What campers like
Riverfront locations: South Fork Eel River access points available at multiple campgrounds. "We got a site that backed up to the Eel river with Giants redwoods everywhere. The grounds were super clean and quiet. Just hung out at the beach the whole time," shares a visitor at Giant Redwoods RV & Cabin Destination.
Cabin amenities: Electric fireplaces in some units provide winter warmth without needing to build a fire. "The electric fireplace was a nice touch to the cabin and it warmed the space up enough, we never needed to use the HVAC system," notes a guest who stayed in Cabin 2 at Giant Redwoods RV & Cabin Destination.
Campground stores: Basic provisions available at several locations, reducing trips into town. "The store sells everything from beach towels and propane to kombucha and puzzles," comments a visitor at Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Store hours typically reduce during off-season months.
What you should know
Highway proximity: Traffic noise affects some cabin locations more than others. "The park is located right along the 101 so there is no illusion of seclusion. This is more of a feature than a bug however due to the stellar Bar&Grill across the street," explains a camper at Humboldt Redwoods State Park.
Shower facilities: Coin-operated at most locations with varying water quality. "Pay for shower, not much water pressure but it was good and hot eventually," notes a Richardson Grove visitor. Bring quarters if planning to use shower facilities.
Seasonal river conditions: Water levels in the Eel River system fluctuate dramatically. "Water level was not that much when we had visited," reports a camper at The Hideaway at The Hole In The Wall, which maintains a swimming hole that varies by season.
Tips for camping with families
Look for designated family zones: Some campgrounds separate family camping from more social areas. "This place is very family friendly. The singular trail is comfortable for soft wheel strollers and wheelchairs," shares a visitor at Burlington Campground.
Book premium sites for space: End-of-row sites typically offer more room for children to play. "The campsites here are enormous and provide plenty of separation from fellow campers. There are many close hikes and swimming in the nearby Eel river," according to a Burlington Campground visitor.
Check for activity options: Playgrounds and recreation areas can occupy children during downtime. "We really enjoyed the playground and all the outdoor games," notes a visitor at Redwoods River Resort & Campground, though they caution that "the campground needs some updating/TLC."
Tips from RVers
Site access considerations: Many cabin areas share access roads with RV sites, creating potential challenges. "Sites are tight, mostly in the sense of getting in and out of them. I suggest a premium patio site since they are on the ends of the rows along the exit of the 1-way street," advises a visitor at Benbow KOA & Golf Course.
Hookup placement: Position varies by site, affecting setup options. "All hookups are at the very back of your site so the power posts are slightly in the way when pulling in. Driving in the grass is unavoidable," explains a Benbow KOA visitor.
Internet connectivity: Limited cell service affects most area campgrounds. "Cell service only on the beach and no working Wi-Fi which worked for me cuz I needed a break," mentions a Westport Beach RV Park visitor. Plan accordingly if requiring connectivity during your stay.
