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Best Tent Camping near Willow Creek, CA

720 Reviews

Public lands surrounding Willow Creek, California offer diverse tent camping options in the Klamath Mountains and Trinity Alps region. Groves Prairie Dispersed Camp, located on Six Rivers National Forest land, provides free primitive tent camping with three established sites, each equipped with a picnic table and fire ring. Sugar Pine Camp offers eight tent sites with more amenities including drinking water, showers, and toilets. BLM Dispersed Camping at Lacks Creek, about 40 minutes from Highway 299, provides additional tent-only options for those seeking backcountry tent camping experiences.

Forest service roads leading to primitive tent campsites often require careful navigation over rough terrain. Groves Prairie can be accessed via two routes: a longer approach from Willow Creek or a shorter route from Hawkins Bar, both requiring travel on fair-condition forest service roads. Most dispersed camping areas have basic vault toilets but lack potable water, requiring campers to bring their own supplies. Lacks Creek features fire rings and picnic tables but has extremely limited cell service. During summer months, fire restrictions may apply, and winter conditions can make some roads impassable. Standard 14-day stay limits apply at most public land tent camping locations.

Tent campers seeking solitude will find the effort to reach remote sites worthwhile. According to reviews, Groves Prairie offers exceptional seclusion, with one camper reporting they "came to see the Perseids Meteor Shower and did not see a soul." The small creek running alongside campsites provides emergency water that requires treatment. Wildlife sightings are common, with deer frequently visiting campsites at night. Walk-in tent sites at some locations offer greater privacy than drive-up options. Lacks Creek visitors noted seeing wild horses in the area but warned about ticks being prevalent, particularly for those camping with pets. The terrain throughout the region provides excellent stargazing opportunities from tent campsites due to minimal light pollution.

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Best Tent Sites Near Willow Creek, California (42)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Willow Creek, CA

24 Photos of 42 Willow Creek Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Willow Creek, CA

720 Reviews of 42 Willow Creek Campgrounds

  • Greg B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 12, 2024

    Groves Prairie Dispersed Camp

    Secluded & beautiful Meadow

    This secluded camp is well worth the effort to find.  I've been 3 times and finally decided to add it to The Dyrt.  Upon this return, I tried to find it online (Six Rivers's official site) but found no info.  There are two ways to this camp, the longer from Willow Creek, or the shorter from Hawkins Bar.  Both ways are via forest service roads that are "fair".  There are 3 sites, each with a picnic table and fire ring.  There is one vault toilet that was stocked with 'the papers'.  There is NO trash service or cans and NO POTABLE WATER.  There is a tiny creek running nearby if needed.  There is MAYBE one (1) bar of Verizon service, but it is extremely unreliable.  I came here to see the Perseids Meteor Shower, on a Sunday night/Monday, and did not see a soul.

  • 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.

  • Christina L.
    Oct. 7, 2020

    Burlington Campground — Humboldt Redwoods State Park

    Lovely Camping

    We came here in early October 2020 for a Friday - Monday trip. The campsite is large and spots are spaced out. Due to COVID a lot of sites were closed, which made everything feel very spaced out.

    The area is beautiful. The campsite it self has tons of beautiful redwoods and ferns on the property. It was beautiful to just sit and admire the scenery.

    Bathrooms and showers were clean and the campsites were across the street from some short but beautiful hikes.

    The visitor center was closed but right next door. The area to check in did sell wood and we noticed a lot of staff throughout our trip.

    The campsite was super quite and very peaceful.

    We brought our dog which was great. Lots of trees and lots of shade. I think almost every site was shaded. Bring your hammocks because there was plenty of locations on each site to set them up. I would be aware that many of the upper sites are on a slope.

    Each site came equipped with a fire ring/grill, picnic table and bear box.

    We had the best time and went a little ways up north to go fishing outside of Fortuna. We actually caught a fish this time :) Fishing near the campsite was not recommended due to the low water level. However, their were plenty of options just a short drive away.

    We stayed at site #35 which was large but had a slope. However, we were able to find two kind of flat spots to put tents and it was totally fine.

  • Rosie H.
    May. 30, 2021

    East Fork Campground

    Clean bathrooms

    The spot I was in was small and nestled in a grove of aspen trees. The bear locker was well maintained and the fire ring was double walled. There were flush toilets with working lights and the tent pad was level.

    Its a short drive to some great hikes, but the campground itself was too busy and too close to the highway to use as a good starting point.

  • Chanel C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2021

    Hidden Springs Campground — Humboldt Redwoods State Park

    BRB sleeping in the trees

    • Sites are well spaced apart and have great privacy
    • The Stellar Jays are so fun to watch here — they are very confident and brave birds, they come into your camp and squawk all day
    • It’s so lush and green here. Plenty of shade under the bug trees, and lots of nature to see
    • Restrooms and showers are clean and big
    • Each site has a bear box, picnic table, and fire ring
    • Not great for parking trailers
    • TONS of mosquitoes. The children and I were eaten alive
    • Be careful of the poison oak everywhere! Watch your kids. They are all around the campsite.
    • While sites are private and secluded, they are a little small. You can probably fit 2 small tents
  • 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.

  • Dan G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 4, 2023

    Tannery Gulch Campground

    3.5 Stars

    Nice well shaded campground, some sites enjoy lake views although Trinity Lake is very low at this point. Site 67 is a nice size, lots of space between adjacent sites. Two tent flats, table and fire ring. Some sites have bear boxes, 67 does not. Close but not too close to the bathroom. Camp host was friendly. Easy walk/ drive to the lake. I would check site map and reviews if possible, some sites looked very small and unappealing while others were very spacious.(67) No firewood for sale on site. Overall campground was nice and site 67 in particular was very good. 3.5 Stars.

Guide to Willow Creek

Tent camping near Willow Creek, California, offers a blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, perfect for those looking to escape into the wilderness.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • Enjoy the convenience of picnic tables and toilets at BLM Dispersed Camping - Lacks Creek, making your stay more comfortable.
  • High Vibes provides a unique experience on a working farm, allowing pets and offering a reservable tent site.
  • At Slide Creek Campground, you can immerse yourself in breathtaking views and access to hiking and fishing opportunities.

Tips for tent camping near Willow Creek

Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $25

  • Camping at E-ne-nuck Campground is free, but be aware that it requires a permit and has limited amenities.
  • For a more structured experience, consider Sugar Pine Camp & Cabin, where you can reserve a tent site for a fee, enjoying access to showers and drinking water.
  • Penn Campground — Sue-meg State Park offers a well-reviewed tent camping experience with amenities like picnic tables and toilets, typically priced around $25 per night.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Willow Creek, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Willow Creek, CA is Sugar Pine Camp & Cabin with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Willow Creek, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 42 tent camping locations near Willow Creek, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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