Best Campgrounds near Eureka, CA

Camping areas around Eureka include the impressive redwood groves of Humboldt Redwoods State Park, where flush toilets and showers make longer stays comfortable. Many campers head to Elk Prairie Campground in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park for its trails and chances to see wildlife, plus clean bathrooms that make it family-friendly. If you want to camp by the ocean, Agate Campground in Sue-meg State Park puts you right by the beach with good tide pooling spots. Most campgrounds connect to paved roads, though winter rains can sometimes cause problems. Fire bans happen pretty regularly during dry summer months, so check the rules before planning campfires. You'll want to book ahead in summer since sites fill quickly, especially on weekends. The amount of privacy varies between campgrounds - some spots sit under thick tree cover while others are more open. Keep in mind that most places limit how long you can stay. The Eureka area works well for both tent and RV camping, with good options in both the redwood forests and along the coast.

Best Camping Sites Near Eureka, California (103)

    1. Samoa Boat Ramp County Park

    12 Reviews
    Samoa, CA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 445-7651

    "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."

    2. Redwood Coast Cabins & RV Resort

    11 Reviews
    Arcata, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 798-1820

    $200 / night

    "We stopped through while passing Eureka on our way north and we’re so happy that we did! The cabins are cute and charming (be prepared, no kitchen) and the grounds clean."

    "Close to lots of hiking."

    3. Emerald Forest Cabins & RV

    35 Reviews
    Trinidad, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 677-3554

    "If visiting the State and National parts it's a great spot near Eureka without having to go to town. There's a lot of roadwork right now so the trip to Crescent City was 1.25 hours..."

    "It was a little muddy when we visited but California was smack dab in the middle of a very wet season. Our campsite was level and secluded."

    4. Clam Beach County Park

    19 Reviews
    McKinleyville, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 445-7651

    $30 / night

    "Pit toilets, no hookups. 2minutes from highway. Nearby airport with a few passenger flights during our 18hr stay. Great beach walking."

    "Camp on the edge of the earth. The beach is usually foggy and the sand dark. It has a sort of Edgar Allen Poe Raven feel to it but you can burn fires on the beach."

    5. Blue Lake Casino

    11 Reviews
    Blue Lake, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 668-9770

    $33 / night

    "This was our first time trying out a casino parking lot to stay in, and it was a nice treat to be able to walk from the RV to dinner."

    "Blue Lake Casino has an RV lot at their site."

    6. Shoreline RV Park

    6 Reviews
    Eureka, CA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (707) 443-2222

    $70 / night

    "Walking distance to target and a gas station with diesel. Very well kept yards, bathrooms, showers and laundry. Plus the full hookups are so convenient."

    7. Mad River Rapids RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Essex, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 822-7275

    $64 - $68 / night

    "Try to park so your steps don’t land over grass when it’s rainy or you’ll track mud in your rv. We’ll return and we enjoyed our stay."

    "Quiet for being in such a small city and easy access to gas and market"

    8. Humboldt County Samoa Boat Ramp and Campground

    4 Reviews
    Samoa, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 445-7652

    "This place was advertised as free roadside car camping. If you go further down the road, there’s a parking lot to the left. No hook ups or water, but has bathrooms and showers."

    9. Redwood Acres RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Eureka, CA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (707) 445-3037

    $38 - $45 / night

    "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. "

    10. Agate Campground — Sue-meg State Park

    28 Reviews
    Trinidad, CA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 677-3570

    $35 / night

    "It is quite open to the parking lot for the Agate beach trail and doesn't have much seclusion, so you're really out in the open."

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

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Recent Reviews near Eureka, CA

629 Reviews of 103 Eureka Campgrounds


  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Lacks Creek BLM

    Great spot!!

    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. On the way up, I think I took a wrong term but got to the spots anyways? I took a left at sign with the offices of some sort (thinking it was the camp ground entrance) and then took a few more turns and eventually found the place. There was only one other person also camping. The road wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be, it took me about forty minutes to find the camp grounds from the bottom of the hill to the top. There were narrow moments in the road but plenty of larger two lane spaces. I have a 2014 Subaru crosstrek and it did just fine getting up. I would definitely Return!

  • Nathan P.
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Mattole Campground

    The Lost Coast Is Pure Paradise!

    This was my first time to the Lost Coast. The drive from Ferndale to Mattole Campground was like entering another dimension. I drove in on a mild, sunny day in late July and as I began to make my way into the King Range I was spellbound with the magnitude of the beauty. I hardly took note of how rough the road was because of how gorgeous the surroundings were; mountains, valleys, ocean views, and wild flowers all added up to pure magic. The Mattole Campground is remote, oceanside, and the perfect spot to getaway. Most of the sites don't have much privacy, but there are a few that do. The vault toilet restrooms were clean enough to tolerate. The sites include a fire ring and picnic table. It was a little busier than I expected, though it was peak season. I hope to return during a slightly quieter time.

  • J
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Aikens Creek Recreation Area

    Aikens Creek Dispersed

    Seems to have been a legit National Forrest campground that is no longer maintained. But it still has camp sites and a little further in there is dispersed very close to the river. It was secluded and great.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Lacks Creek BLM

    Secluded (but with chamber toilet)

    This is a beautiful campground, though not the best roads to access. We were the only people here on Labor Day weekend

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Riverwalk RV Park

    Pleasant stay

    Nice place. Very clean. Great shower facilities. Outdoor kitchen. Heated pool and hot tub.

  • Tine H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Heart of the Redwoods Cottages & RV

    Heart of the redwoods base camp

    Easy in and out. Small number of sites. Right off the 101. Full hook ups. Numerous trails located within 5 miles of site. Took our dog.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Elk Country RV Resort & Campground

    Cool spot for a night

    Not bad for an RV park! It’s super close to everything you wanna see on the 101 and the area is beautiful.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Mad River Rapids RV Park

    Standard RV park

    Clean bathrooms and showers thankfully. This is good for a quick one night stay. Otherwise it’s just a standard RV park with a ton of people crammed together

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Hayden Flat Campground

    Good for a quick stop

    Camped here on a Monday night and no one stopped in. Love it when that happens. Clean bathrooms and running water


Guide to Eureka

Camping near Eureka, California, offers a mix of stunning natural beauty and cozy campgrounds. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.

What to do:

  • Explore the Redwoods: The area is famous for its towering redwoods. Campgrounds like Burlington Campground — Humboldt Redwoods State Park provide easy access to trails. One visitor mentioned, "The area is beautiful. The campsite itself has tons of beautiful redwoods and ferns on the property."
  • Beach Activities: Head to Agate Campground — Sue-meg State Park for beach walks and tide pooling. A reviewer said, "The beach is beautiful. Bring your surfboard for sure."
  • Wildlife Watching: At Elk Country RV Resort & Campground, you might spot elk wandering around. One camper shared, "Elk wander around the campground and in the meadow."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Emerald Forest Cabins & RV noted, "Bathrooms were clean and showers were adequate."
  • Secluded Campsites: Many enjoy the privacy offered by the sites. A reviewer at Hidden Springs Campground — Humboldt Redwoods State Park mentioned, "Our spot was pretty good... the trees and bushes gave us tons of privacy."
  • Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Big Lagoon County Park have a welcoming vibe. One camper said, "The camp host was incredibly kind and helpful."

What you should know:

  • Weather Variability: The weather can change quickly. A visitor at Agate Campground — Sue-meg State Park mentioned, "It was foggy and cold near the bay... but the trees were protecting us from the Bay Breeze."
  • Tight Campsites: Some campgrounds have close quarters. A camper at Emerald Forest Cabins & RV noted, "Most of the trailer sites are right next to each other similar to an RV resort."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A reviewer at Clam Beach County Park pointed out, "Pit toilets, no hookups."

Tips for camping with families:

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Big Lagoon County Park warned, "If you have a rig over 20ft, think twice before coming down this road."
  • Be Prepared for Tight Turns: Some roads can be tricky. A camper at Mattole Campground advised, "The road can be pretty intense/unpaved at times so would recommend 4WD or AWD vehicle."
  • Bring Cash: Many campgrounds only accept cash or checks. A visitor at Clam Beach County Park mentioned, "Need to pay in cash or check, no cc."

Camping near Eureka, CA, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful surroundings!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds near Eureka, California?

The Eureka area offers several exceptional campgrounds within a short drive. Burlington Campground — Humboldt Redwoods State Park provides a quiet setting nestled among redwoods with easy access to hiking and fishing on the Eel River, plus a short drive to Eureka's amenities. Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park Campground offers an amazing experience among the redwoods with on-site hiking trails, basic shower facilities, and good location for exploring the region. Other noteworthy options include Mattole Campground for those seeking coastal beauty and the trailhead to the Lost Coast, and Happy Camp Campground west of Eureka with OHV trails nearby.

What RV camping facilities are available near Eureka?

Redwood Acres RV Park offers excellent RV facilities within Eureka city limits, providing convenient access to shopping, dining, and attractions. Its central location makes it ideal for exploring both coastal areas and forest parks. Humboldt County Fairgrounds provides spacious RV camping with 30 & 50 amp power, water hookups, and clean heated restrooms with free showers. The level sites accommodate RVs of all sizes, and its location offers easy access to historic Ferndale. Other RV options include Stafford RV Park, which is suitable for solo travelers, and Redwood Coast Cabins & RV Resort, which features charming facilities just a short drive from Eureka.

Are there any free or cheap camping options around Eureka, California?

Van Duzen County Park - Pamplin Grove offers affordable camping with a helpful host and beautiful surroundings. During off-peak seasons like December, you might find yourself among just a few campers, enjoying a peaceful five-day stay with plenty of space. Happy Camp Campground provides economical camping west of Eureka with basic amenities including pit toilets, fire pits, and picnic tables at each site. While not free, Humboldt County Fairgrounds offers reasonably priced camping with good amenities like free showers and spacious sites. For those willing to venture slightly farther, the Humboldt Redwoods State Park area has camping options that provide excellent value considering their stunning natural settings.

Is tent camping available near Eureka, CA?

Mattole Campground offers excellent tent camping with just basic pit toilets but incredible natural beauty. Located at the trailhead of the famous Lost Coast Trail, it provides a stunning beach setting that locals prefer for its quiet atmosphere away from crowds. Hidden Springs Campground — Humboldt Redwoods State Park is another excellent tent camping option, offering a large state park setting among majestic redwoods. Additional tent camping can be found at Grizzly Creek Redwoods with sites nestled among the trees, though with limited privacy due to site proximity, and Van Duzen County Park which accommodates tent campers in a beautiful natural setting.