Camping in Eureka, CA, US: 12 Best Campgrounds 2025

United States
—
California
—
Eureka

95% (1765 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Eureka

Under $50

Top camping destinations

Indian Valley Reservoir

825 campgrounds

Humboldt Redwoods State Park

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

389 campgrounds

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

415 campgrounds

Shasta-Trinity National Forest

518 campgrounds

Star Hosts in Eureka

95%

(61)

Whispering Redwood Creek

1 site · RV, Tent10 acres · Mc Kinleyville, CA

Nestled within the towering grandeur of California's Redwood Forest, Whispering Redwood Creek offers a serene and enchanting camping experience. This unique site, located at 451 Tip Top Ridge Rd, McKinleyville, invites you to immerse yourself in the profound silence of the forest, where the majestic redwoods not only touch the sky but also absorb the sounds of the world, creating an atmosphere of deep tranquility. Adjacent to a gently percolating creek, the campsite is a harmonious blend of nature's calm and modern convenience. Designed for ease, it features a pull-through arrangement that welcomes all, from the casual weekend camper to the seasoned adventurer. The site is equipped with its own private bathroom, complete with a toilet and running water, ensuring comfort and privacy. As you settle in, you'll find a picnic table waiting, perfect for al fresco meals or evening conversations. The entire campsite is enveloped in a 100% shaded area, courtesy of the immense canopy overhead. This natural umbrella not only provides cool, refreshing shade but also creates a unique, dappled light ambiance that shifts and plays throughout the day. At Whispering Redwood Creek, you're invited to disconnect from the hustle and bustle and reconnect with the timeless rhythm of nature. Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat to rejuvenate your spirit or a quiet base to explore the wonders of the Redwood Forest, this campsite promises an unforgettable stay, where the whispers of the ancient trees and the soft murmur of the creek become the soundtrack of your escape.

98%

(151)

Camp Prairie

2 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Mc Kinleyville, CA

We have seven beautiful acres just outside of the small town of McKinleyville. Our wooded property is about a mile from Clam Beach and surrounded by idyllic horse ranches, sleepy country roads, and lazy cows grazing in the fog. The site is below towering fir trees draped with hanging lichen and full of bird song.

99%

(420)

Wendy & John Farm

6 sites · RVs, Tents80 acres · Ferndale, CA

For Ferndale, the village: check out https://www.visitferndale.com/souvenir-edition About our property: There is a gentle spirit throughout these beautiful 80 acres of evergreen forests and pastures. What can you expect? Quiet, beauty, birdsong, ocean roar, widely spaced campsites (only 5 on the 5 acres set aside for camping), extra stuff if you need or want it (fresh bread, soup, cobbler; free firewood, local tips on travel and where to hike or what to visit), etc. Or total solitude if you want it. Bring your (most breeds) dogs if you wish. Starlink internet means you can Zoom in the forest. Walk to the beach along a no-shoulder country road (or drive). Teach your toddler how to build a dam in the shallow creek. Read. There are no visible neighbors, no ambient light or sound. The air is clean and clear and the water is potable from an artesian spring on the property. No electricity at the sites, no generators allowed. (Charge your electronics at the farmhouse.) My aunt and uncle bought the property in 1947 from the first European settler, Paolo Gabrielli, who immigrated in early 1914 from northern Italy with slips of his grapevine in the lining of his coat. (The grapevine still grows over the back deck.) Paolo's wife Felicita and their three children stayed behind; they were to follow within the year. In the country outside of Ferndale, California, Paolo purchased the property one mile from the ocean and built a Tyrolean-style house, a chicken house (with a grappa still under the main floor), an outhouse, a corral, and a barn. He purchased 7 cows. And then, it was August 1914, and the War to End All Wars broke out in Europe. Felicita and the children, living in their village on the Austrian border, were interned in a prison camp in Austria with the rest of the village's residents. The Gabriellis' young daughter died there. Six years passed before Felicita and her sons, Virgil and Louis, were able to join Paolo in America. In 1938, Virgil--Fr. Gino--became the first Ferndale boy to serve Mass in his hometown church. Felicita died in 1940, and Paolo closed the dairy and moved into Ferndale. In 2013, we invited the people who had been children in the 1920s and '30s and who had come to this ranch after Sunday Mass to gather with other Italian families for polenta, wine, and music. These old-timers came to our house with photographs and maps and Mass cards and diaries, and shared their memories of a childhood in this place that still embraced them. What can you expect? Quiet, beauty, birdsong, ocean roar, widely spaced campsites (only 5 on the 5 acres set aside for camping), extra stuff to purchase if you need or want it (fresh bread, soup, cobbler). Free firewood, local tips on travel and where to hike or what to visit. Or total solitude. Bring your (most breeds) dogs if you wish (males must be neutered). Starlink internet means you can Zoom in the forest. Walk to the beach along a no-shoulder country road (or drive). Read. There are no visible neighbors, no ambient light or sound. The air is clean and clear and the water is potable from an artesian spring on the property. No electricity at the sites, no generators allowed. (Charge your electronics at the farmhouse.)

BIGFOOT FLAT on Willow Creek

10 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Willow Creek, CA

This historic lumber mill site is now a pristine Willow Creek frontage camping location conveniently located just 40 minutes from the coast and 4 miles from the town of Willow Creek and also the Trinity River.

97%

(227)

Bayside Cabin

1 site · Lodging5 acres · Arcata, CA

Come stay in our cozy little cabin tucked in an alder forest. Only a few minutes drive from downtown Arcata, it’s like being in the middle of the woods, right in town. This is a quiet neighborhood and is bike-friendly for getting around town. Feel free to ask us for recommendations on places to eat, get a drink, or find an adventure in Arcata and surrounding areas. We are located less than 40 minutes from Redwood National and State Parks where you can find incredible hiking trails!

12 top campgrounds near Eureka

100%

(14)

Perch Riverview Glamping

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents12 acres · Willow Creek, CA

12 acres on the beautiful Trinity River. A private road down to a swimming hole that dreams are made of with jumping rocks and a lagoon. A meadow filled with foxes and fruit trees. Star gazing every night. Coffee with a river view and mountains. The ranch is full of gorgeous manzanitas and hammocks. what dreams are made of

Whispering Redwood Creek

1 site · RV, Tent10 acres · Mc Kinleyville, CA

Nestled within the towering grandeur of California's Redwood Forest, Whispering Redwood Creek offers a serene and enchanting camping experience. This unique site, located at 451 Tip Top Ridge Rd, McKinleyville, invites you to immerse yourself in the profound silence of the forest, where the majestic redwoods not only touch the sky but also absorb the sounds of the world, creating an atmosphere of deep tranquility. Adjacent to a gently percolating creek, the campsite is a harmonious blend of nature's calm and modern convenience. Designed for ease, it features a pull-through arrangement that welcomes all, from the casual weekend camper to the seasoned adventurer. The site is equipped with its own private bathroom, complete with a toilet and running water, ensuring comfort and privacy. As you settle in, you'll find a picnic table waiting, perfect for al fresco meals or evening conversations. The entire campsite is enveloped in a 100% shaded area, courtesy of the immense canopy overhead. This natural umbrella not only provides cool, refreshing shade but also creates a unique, dappled light ambiance that shifts and plays throughout the day. At Whispering Redwood Creek, you're invited to disconnect from the hustle and bustle and reconnect with the timeless rhythm of nature. Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat to rejuvenate your spirit or a quiet base to explore the wonders of the Redwood Forest, this campsite promises an unforgettable stay, where the whispers of the ancient trees and the soft murmur of the creek become the soundtrack of your escape.

95%

(249)

The Forest Fairy Woods

4 sites · Lodging4 acres · Trinidad, CA

Welcome to my home: My Dad moved here when I was 4, and lived here til he passed away, so this land is very special to me. I've been rebuilding the structures and pouring my heart and soul into it since September of 2019, and I'm very proud of how far it's come. It's definitely a labor of love, and I truly believe I'll be making additions here for the rest of my life. People have been camping in the meadow in the summers since the 1950's, and I'm happy to carry on the tradition, by opening it up to you. There was a fire on the property in 1901 which cleared out the forest and left the burnt out stumps which you'll see by the shower. There's one old growth redwood on the property, behind the glampy tent, but everything else in roughly 120 years old. EXTRAS: If I'm around, I can show you the trails on the property. Extra blankets and towel rentals are available for a small fee, when available.

Bayside Cabin

1 site · Lodging5 acres · Arcata, CA

Come stay in our cozy little cabin tucked in an alder forest. Only a few minutes drive from downtown Arcata, it’s like being in the middle of the woods, right in town. This is a quiet neighborhood and is bike-friendly for getting around town. Feel free to ask us for recommendations on places to eat, get a drink, or find an adventure in Arcata and surrounding areas. We are located less than 40 minutes from Redwood National and State Parks where you can find incredible hiking trails!

97%

(152)

13th St Treehouse

1 site · Lodging1 acres · Eureka, CA

Glamping in a tree! Inspired by the playful energy of a treehouse, and utilizing the foundational strength of the redwoods, to create a home above the forest floor. Nestled in a clump of redwoods trees that stand 100 feet. The deck outside is 40 feet off the forest floor by a creek on top of Coopers Gulch Park. you are in a forest canopy. Queen size bed and propane heat, small stove provided, storage cubbies, couch that folds out as a small bed, and desk area. We provide a kettle and a selection of teas. There is a solar powered battery unit with USB ports and appliance plugins. This is an “Off the Grid” experience, located at the end of a quiet street. Check out the great places to eat locally, or buy take-out to eat on the deck, you are one mile from downtown Eureka. There is a COMPOSTING TOILET outside. This Treehouse is a unique experience nestled in between four giant redwoods. Feel the connection to nature, listen to the birds sing, take in the lush green forest off of the deck. We hope you love your time here as much as we do!

BIGFOOT FLAT on Willow Creek

10 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Willow Creek, CA

This historic lumber mill site is now a pristine Willow Creek frontage camping location conveniently located just 40 minutes from the coast and 4 miles from the town of Willow Creek and also the Trinity River.

Wendy & John Farm

6 sites · RVs, Tents80 acres · Ferndale, CA

For Ferndale, the village: check out https://www.visitferndale.com/souvenir-edition About our property: There is a gentle spirit throughout these beautiful 80 acres of evergreen forests and pastures. What can you expect? Quiet, beauty, birdsong, ocean roar, widely spaced campsites (only 5 on the 5 acres set aside for camping), extra stuff if you need or want it (fresh bread, soup, cobbler; free firewood, local tips on travel and where to hike or what to visit), etc. Or total solitude if you want it. Bring your (most breeds) dogs if you wish. Starlink internet means you can Zoom in the forest. Walk to the beach along a no-shoulder country road (or drive). Teach your toddler how to build a dam in the shallow creek. Read. There are no visible neighbors, no ambient light or sound. The air is clean and clear and the water is potable from an artesian spring on the property. No electricity at the sites, no generators allowed. (Charge your electronics at the farmhouse.) My aunt and uncle bought the property in 1947 from the first European settler, Paolo Gabrielli, who immigrated in early 1914 from northern Italy with slips of his grapevine in the lining of his coat. (The grapevine still grows over the back deck.) Paolo's wife Felicita and their three children stayed behind; they were to follow within the year. In the country outside of Ferndale, California, Paolo purchased the property one mile from the ocean and built a Tyrolean-style house, a chicken house (with a grappa still under the main floor), an outhouse, a corral, and a barn. He purchased 7 cows. And then, it was August 1914, and the War to End All Wars broke out in Europe. Felicita and the children, living in their village on the Austrian border, were interned in a prison camp in Austria with the rest of the village's residents. The Gabriellis' young daughter died there. Six years passed before Felicita and her sons, Virgil and Louis, were able to join Paolo in America. In 1938, Virgil--Fr. Gino--became the first Ferndale boy to serve Mass in his hometown church. Felicita died in 1940, and Paolo closed the dairy and moved into Ferndale. In 2013, we invited the people who had been children in the 1920s and '30s and who had come to this ranch after Sunday Mass to gather with other Italian families for polenta, wine, and music. These old-timers came to our house with photographs and maps and Mass cards and diaries, and shared their memories of a childhood in this place that still embraced them. What can you expect? Quiet, beauty, birdsong, ocean roar, widely spaced campsites (only 5 on the 5 acres set aside for camping), extra stuff to purchase if you need or want it (fresh bread, soup, cobbler). Free firewood, local tips on travel and where to hike or what to visit. Or total solitude. Bring your (most breeds) dogs if you wish (males must be neutered). Starlink internet means you can Zoom in the forest. Walk to the beach along a no-shoulder country road (or drive). Read. There are no visible neighbors, no ambient light or sound. The air is clean and clear and the water is potable from an artesian spring on the property. No electricity at the sites, no generators allowed. (Charge your electronics at the farmhouse.)

Briceland Vineyards Ranch

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents57 acres · Redway, CA

Briceland Vineyards Ranch is 57 acres of oak woodlands 5.5 miles west from Redway Ca. on Briceland Thorn Road. This is the one road in and out of the lost coast and leads to Shelter Cove, about 15 miles west. This is about 15 miles to Avenue of the Giants as well. The property is the home of Briceland Vineyards, the first winery in Humboldt based on Humboldt grown grape and the most awarded winery in the county.

100%

(19)

Humboldt Redwoods- Into the Woods

2 sites · Lodging500 acres · Redway, CA

Redwoods nearby? Forest Bathing? Dunks in the Deepwater Pond? Wood Fired Paella? Hiking on site? Have it all and relax at our forest glen located in Southern Humboldt 5 miles up private dirt road (2 wheel drive OK- but sports car height is not good ( IE not a BMW or Tesla)--higher clearance is best.) Our land is part of an old collectively owned by "back to the landers" group from the 70's. The parcel is over 500 acres, but our portion is about 40 acres. There is a large deepwater pond with a rowboat (and frogs) orchard, stream, and many hiking trails my husband created and dirt roads winding through the property. 420 friendly! Enjoy the birds in the morning and frogs on the pond at night from your well equipped tent with queen mattress and comfy comforters, sitting space, and wood counter for food prep. ( propane ok) No fires allowed at site but enjoy the large communal fire pit and terrace steps away. Our deep water pond (15 ft) is FULL and ready for warm summer swims. Wifi and electric for charging and an electric water kettle for coffee making is available at the communal space. EV charging is possible but slow off of our solar panels. Hiking trails on our 500 acre property and Lost Coast Trail at Shelter Cove Black Sands beach is 1 hour away. Ave of the Giants is 45 minutes away. We encourage 2 night stays as it is a bit of a trek to get here. Your hosts have everything you might need ( cooking wise) and can arrange for cooking equipment and utensils. Need Paella pans? Paella is our passion and we can offer a Paella Cookout customized to your dietary needs for an additional fee. We are 5 miles up a private dirt road ( 2 wheel drive is ok but caution to lower clearance vehicles) You will be deep in the relaxing forest. The 16 foot bell tent is quite large and can accommodate 2 more travelers. However they would need to provide sleeping bags and mats. Children under 10 not recommended The Chimes tent is slightly smaller 13 foot bell tent set on a platform 6 feet off the ground-- literally in the trees! We provide one citronella candle. Don't forget your headlamps. We are 35 miles (once on the pavement) to Lost Coast Trail and Shelter Cove. 20 miles to Ave of the Giants.

Camp Prairie

2 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Mc Kinleyville, CA

We have seven beautiful acres just outside of the small town of McKinleyville. Our wooded property is about a mile from Clam Beach and surrounded by idyllic horse ranches, sleepy country roads, and lazy cows grazing in the fog. The site is below towering fir trees draped with hanging lichen and full of bird song.

93%

(45)

Historic Farm Humboldt Bay

2 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Loleta, CA

Come share the beauty of this historic heritage. Camping spot surrounded by mature cedars on 2 acres overlooking Humboldt Bay. You have full access to a hot bath/shower bathroom, and kitchen in the main house. There is plenty of sights and scenery including biking and kayak trails, estuary birdwatching, and close to the south jetty beaches.. this is a special place. Southport is located between Ferndale and Eureka, in a small farming community called Loleta. This is a hobby farm with ducks, geese, chickens, sheep, dog, and cats.

Drive Way Getta Away…

1 site · RV1 acre · Arcata, CA

Quiet, with minimal traffic, this site offers walking distance access to downtown Arcata and the Arcata Community Forest. A mere 30-minute drive will take you to the breathtaking Redwood National Park, while CAL POLY Humboldt is just a 10-minute stroll away. Our site comfortably accommodates a 20ft transit/van/small RV, as showcased by the pictured van. Located off-street, it provides a safe and tranquil parking spot. Access to the site is through an alleyway, ensuring privacy and convenience for guests.

Dog-friendly getaways

95%

(61)

Whispering Redwood Creek

1 site · RV, Tent10 acres · Mc Kinleyville, CA

Nestled within the towering grandeur of California's Redwood Forest, Whispering Redwood Creek offers a serene and enchanting camping experience. This unique site, located at 451 Tip Top Ridge Rd, McKinleyville, invites you to immerse yourself in the profound silence of the forest, where the majestic redwoods not only touch the sky but also absorb the sounds of the world, creating an atmosphere of deep tranquility. Adjacent to a gently percolating creek, the campsite is a harmonious blend of nature's calm and modern convenience. Designed for ease, it features a pull-through arrangement that welcomes all, from the casual weekend camper to the seasoned adventurer. The site is equipped with its own private bathroom, complete with a toilet and running water, ensuring comfort and privacy. As you settle in, you'll find a picnic table waiting, perfect for al fresco meals or evening conversations. The entire campsite is enveloped in a 100% shaded area, courtesy of the immense canopy overhead. This natural umbrella not only provides cool, refreshing shade but also creates a unique, dappled light ambiance that shifts and plays throughout the day. At Whispering Redwood Creek, you're invited to disconnect from the hustle and bustle and reconnect with the timeless rhythm of nature. Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat to rejuvenate your spirit or a quiet base to explore the wonders of the Redwood Forest, this campsite promises an unforgettable stay, where the whispers of the ancient trees and the soft murmur of the creek become the soundtrack of your escape.

Perch Riverview Glamping

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents12 acres · Willow Creek, CA

12 acres on the beautiful Trinity River. A private road down to a swimming hole that dreams are made of with jumping rocks and a lagoon. A meadow filled with foxes and fruit trees. Star gazing every night. Coffee with a river view and mountains. The ranch is full of gorgeous manzanitas and hammocks. what dreams are made of

97%

(227)

Bayside Cabin

1 site · Lodging5 acres · Arcata, CA

Come stay in our cozy little cabin tucked in an alder forest. Only a few minutes drive from downtown Arcata, it’s like being in the middle of the woods, right in town. This is a quiet neighborhood and is bike-friendly for getting around town. Feel free to ask us for recommendations on places to eat, get a drink, or find an adventure in Arcata and surrounding areas. We are located less than 40 minutes from Redwood National and State Parks where you can find incredible hiking trails!

95%

(249)

The Forest Fairy Woods

4 sites · Lodging4 acres · Trinidad, CA

Welcome to my home: My Dad moved here when I was 4, and lived here til he passed away, so this land is very special to me. I've been rebuilding the structures and pouring my heart and soul into it since September of 2019, and I'm very proud of how far it's come. It's definitely a labor of love, and I truly believe I'll be making additions here for the rest of my life. People have been camping in the meadow in the summers since the 1950's, and I'm happy to carry on the tradition, by opening it up to you. There was a fire on the property in 1901 which cleared out the forest and left the burnt out stumps which you'll see by the shower. There's one old growth redwood on the property, behind the glampy tent, but everything else in roughly 120 years old. EXTRAS: If I'm around, I can show you the trails on the property. Extra blankets and towel rentals are available for a small fee, when available.

99%

(221)

BIGFOOT FLAT on Willow Creek

10 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Willow Creek, CA

This historic lumber mill site is now a pristine Willow Creek frontage camping location conveniently located just 40 minutes from the coast and 4 miles from the town of Willow Creek and also the Trinity River.

Available this weekend

95%

(249)

The Forest Fairy Woods

4 sites · Lodging4 acres · Trinidad, CA

Welcome to my home: My Dad moved here when I was 4, and lived here til he passed away, so this land is very special to me. I've been rebuilding the structures and pouring my heart and soul into it since September of 2019, and I'm very proud of how far it's come. It's definitely a labor of love, and I truly believe I'll be making additions here for the rest of my life. People have been camping in the meadow in the summers since the 1950's, and I'm happy to carry on the tradition, by opening it up to you. There was a fire on the property in 1901 which cleared out the forest and left the burnt out stumps which you'll see by the shower. There's one old growth redwood on the property, behind the glampy tent, but everything else in roughly 120 years old. EXTRAS: If I'm around, I can show you the trails on the property. Extra blankets and towel rentals are available for a small fee, when available.

BIGFOOT FLAT on Willow Creek

10 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Willow Creek, CA

This historic lumber mill site is now a pristine Willow Creek frontage camping location conveniently located just 40 minutes from the coast and 4 miles from the town of Willow Creek and also the Trinity River.

Briceland Vineyards Ranch

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents57 acres · Redway, CA

Briceland Vineyards Ranch is 57 acres of oak woodlands 5.5 miles west from Redway Ca. on Briceland Thorn Road. This is the one road in and out of the lost coast and leads to Shelter Cove, about 15 miles west. This is about 15 miles to Avenue of the Giants as well. The property is the home of Briceland Vineyards, the first winery in Humboldt based on Humboldt grown grape and the most awarded winery in the county.

Whispering Redwood Creek

1 site · RV, Tent10 acres · Mc Kinleyville, CA

Nestled within the towering grandeur of California's Redwood Forest, Whispering Redwood Creek offers a serene and enchanting camping experience. This unique site, located at 451 Tip Top Ridge Rd, McKinleyville, invites you to immerse yourself in the profound silence of the forest, where the majestic redwoods not only touch the sky but also absorb the sounds of the world, creating an atmosphere of deep tranquility. Adjacent to a gently percolating creek, the campsite is a harmonious blend of nature's calm and modern convenience. Designed for ease, it features a pull-through arrangement that welcomes all, from the casual weekend camper to the seasoned adventurer. The site is equipped with its own private bathroom, complete with a toilet and running water, ensuring comfort and privacy. As you settle in, you'll find a picnic table waiting, perfect for al fresco meals or evening conversations. The entire campsite is enveloped in a 100% shaded area, courtesy of the immense canopy overhead. This natural umbrella not only provides cool, refreshing shade but also creates a unique, dappled light ambiance that shifts and plays throughout the day. At Whispering Redwood Creek, you're invited to disconnect from the hustle and bustle and reconnect with the timeless rhythm of nature. Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat to rejuvenate your spirit or a quiet base to explore the wonders of the Redwood Forest, this campsite promises an unforgettable stay, where the whispers of the ancient trees and the soft murmur of the creek become the soundtrack of your escape.

Wendy & John Farm

6 sites · RVs, Tents80 acres · Ferndale, CA

For Ferndale, the village: check out https://www.visitferndale.com/souvenir-edition About our property: There is a gentle spirit throughout these beautiful 80 acres of evergreen forests and pastures. What can you expect? Quiet, beauty, birdsong, ocean roar, widely spaced campsites (only 5 on the 5 acres set aside for camping), extra stuff if you need or want it (fresh bread, soup, cobbler; free firewood, local tips on travel and where to hike or what to visit), etc. Or total solitude if you want it. Bring your (most breeds) dogs if you wish. Starlink internet means you can Zoom in the forest. Walk to the beach along a no-shoulder country road (or drive). Teach your toddler how to build a dam in the shallow creek. Read. There are no visible neighbors, no ambient light or sound. The air is clean and clear and the water is potable from an artesian spring on the property. No electricity at the sites, no generators allowed. (Charge your electronics at the farmhouse.) My aunt and uncle bought the property in 1947 from the first European settler, Paolo Gabrielli, who immigrated in early 1914 from northern Italy with slips of his grapevine in the lining of his coat. (The grapevine still grows over the back deck.) Paolo's wife Felicita and their three children stayed behind; they were to follow within the year. In the country outside of Ferndale, California, Paolo purchased the property one mile from the ocean and built a Tyrolean-style house, a chicken house (with a grappa still under the main floor), an outhouse, a corral, and a barn. He purchased 7 cows. And then, it was August 1914, and the War to End All Wars broke out in Europe. Felicita and the children, living in their village on the Austrian border, were interned in a prison camp in Austria with the rest of the village's residents. The Gabriellis' young daughter died there. Six years passed before Felicita and her sons, Virgil and Louis, were able to join Paolo in America. In 1938, Virgil--Fr. Gino--became the first Ferndale boy to serve Mass in his hometown church. Felicita died in 1940, and Paolo closed the dairy and moved into Ferndale. In 2013, we invited the people who had been children in the 1920s and '30s and who had come to this ranch after Sunday Mass to gather with other Italian families for polenta, wine, and music. These old-timers came to our house with photographs and maps and Mass cards and diaries, and shared their memories of a childhood in this place that still embraced them. What can you expect? Quiet, beauty, birdsong, ocean roar, widely spaced campsites (only 5 on the 5 acres set aside for camping), extra stuff to purchase if you need or want it (fresh bread, soup, cobbler). Free firewood, local tips on travel and where to hike or what to visit. Or total solitude. Bring your (most breeds) dogs if you wish (males must be neutered). Starlink internet means you can Zoom in the forest. Walk to the beach along a no-shoulder country road (or drive). Read. There are no visible neighbors, no ambient light or sound. The air is clean and clear and the water is potable from an artesian spring on the property. No electricity at the sites, no generators allowed. (Charge your electronics at the farmhouse.)

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

Sue-meg State Park (Patrick's Point State Park)

99%

(49)

Sue-meg State Park (Patrick's Point State Park)

Big Lagoon, California

98%

(68)

Humboldt Redwoods State Park

Redcrest, California

96%

(24)

Six Rivers National Forest

Hoopa, California

98%

(83)

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

Orick, California

93%

(130)

Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Junction City, California

58%

(6)

Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park

Redcrest, California

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping near Eureka guide

Overview

Along the shore of Humboldt Bay in the heart of the Redwood Coast in northern California, Eureka is a lively seaport town with an artsy edge. Visitors can explore the Victorian architecture and art galleries of historic Old Town, browse the museums, stroll along the scenic waterfront, or get out on the water to fish or enjoy other watersports. Eureka also offers easy access to the towering redwoods along the coast, at both Redwood National Park and several state parks. Eureka California camping options are plentiful, and include tent camping, RV sites, and cabins in the woods and by the water.

Where to go

Around Eureka

Near Eureka, the Samoa Boat Ramp County Park offers tent and RV camping and access to Humboldt Bay and the Pacific Ocean, the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge, and Samoa Dunes Recreation Area. Several private marina and RV parks also offer access to Humboldt Bay and amenities like full hookups for RVs. Head north past Arcata to go clamming on a long stretch of beach Clam Beach County Park, and stay overnight at a tent site or in the parking lot for RVs.

North

Head north to explore the town of Trinidad, and stay in a tent, RV, or cabin at a private RV park or campground nearby. Further north, several state parks offer tent sites and RV sites along the coast, while RV sites with amenities can be found along the Klamath River at private RV parks. The Redwood National Park and state parks offer four developed campgrounds, and hike-in options for those looking to explore further. Additional options can be found in the Six Rivers National Forest.

South

South of Eureka is Humboldt Redwoods State Park, with the Avenue of Giants, hundreds of miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails, and three campgrounds. Explore redwoods and the Eel River, and stay overnight at Richardson Grove State Park. To escape the crowds, head to the Lost Coast and the King Range National Conservation Area, which offers several remote camps.

When to go

Summers are the most popular time for visiting Eureka, and offers the best weather for outdoor activities. Summer is also the best time for salmon fishing in the area. Area campgrounds will fill up early and should be reserved in advance where possible. Look for migrating birds in fall and spring. The popular Kinetic Grand Championship is held in May, while the Eureka Street Art Festival is held in August.