Tucked along the Pacific Ocean, the small but majestic city of Trinidad offers a perfect camping opportunity for every travel enthusiast to explore the scenic wonders of California. Trinidad State Beach is a popular hotspot among adventure lovers to experience incredible views of the rugged coastline and enjoy hiking in Redwoods State Park. You can find numerous free camping sites around the area with access to restrooms, parking, and a small picnic area. Some campsites are located right on the beach that allows you to enjoy the stunning sunset and experience the beautiful sound of waves as you take a stroll along the shore. To explore the camping opportunities in Trinidad, check out below the best camping spots near Trinidad State Beach, California.
Tent-only campgrounds
1. Gold Bluffs Beach Campground
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Located within Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park and close to Fern Canyon in northern California, this campground is a popular hotspot among young travelers. The campground is set on sandy dunes and is perfectly suited for tent camping. Campers can access solar showers, restrooms, fire pits, picnic tables, and bear-proof lockers.
A few yards away from the campsite, one can find long hiking and biking trails just next to the campfire center. Gold Bluffs Beach Campground is open all year, but prior reservation is needed. Note that rains are common from November to May.
Gold Bluffs Beach Campground
Address: Gold Bluffs Beach Campground, Davison Rd, Orick, CA 95555, United States (map)
Website: Gold Bluffs Beach Campground
2. Abalone Campground
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Located in Sue-meg Stage Park (formerly Patrick’s Point State Park), Abalone Campground is the largest camping site in the park. Perfectly suited for groups as well as solo travelers, campers can enjoy several miles of hiking trails and ample opportunities to explore the popular sightseeing viewpoints, such as Patrick’s Point, Wedding Point, and Rocky Point. All the campsites feature restrooms, picnic tables, showers, and a fire grill.
The camping season begins from May to early September, so to snatch the best view make reservations prior to your arrival.
Abalone Campground
Address: Trinidad, CA 95570, United States (map)
RV campgrounds & RV
3. Elk Prairie Campground
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Nestled amidst nature, this campground offers miles of old-growth redwood hiking trails with an abundance of opportunities to explore the wildlife and diverse species of birds. Alongside, travelers can indulge in several other outdoor activities, such as biking, walking, photography, and many more.
The campsite is ideal for families and large groups with a maximum of eight people. It is open all year, but only by reservation.
Elk Prairie Campground
Address: 127011 Newton B. Drury Scenic Pkwy, Orick, CA 95555, United States (map)
Website: Elk Prairie Campground
4. Big Lagoon County Park Campground
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Located to the north of Trinidad, this popular campground will let you experience perfect waterside camping. This family-friendly campground lies adjacent to an ocean beach and a freshwater lagoon. The shallow waters of the lagoon create a perfect opportunity to enjoy sailing, kayaking, and windsurfing. With miles of sand, Big Lagoon is a paradise for beachcombing and surf fishing.
The park offers amenities that include coin-operated showers, flush toilets, picnic tables, and fire pits for the convenience of its visitors. Bookings for the campsites can be done on a first-come, first-served basis.
Big Lagoon County Park Campground
Address: 510 Big Lagoon Park Rd, Trinidad, CA 95570, United States (map)
Website: Big Lagoon County Park Campground
5. Clam Beach State Campground
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
If you looking for a family-friendly campsite, then this campground nestled close to the city of McKinleyville is perfect for you. The campground has a total of 15 sites, including 2 sites available for those with mobility issues. Campers can enjoy easy access to the beach and explore the Hammond Trail, which is perfect for bikers and horse riders.
The campground comes with ample on-site amenities, such as restrooms, picnic tables, and fire pits. What’s more, visitors can find plenty of opportunities to indulge in numerous outdoor adventures that include clam digging, beachcombing, and surfing, thanks to its proximity to Clam Beach.
Clam Beach State Campground
Address: Clam Beach Dr, McKinleyville, CA 95519, United States (map)
Website: Clam Beach State Campground
6. Hidden Creek Villas & RV Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
If you are looking for a perfect camping experience with tangled gorgeous forests, oceans, and rivers located few steps away, this Hidden Creek Villas and RV Park is the place for you. The park comes with full on-site hook-up services for long-staying guests, which include water, sewer, and electric services.
Visitors can expect to indulge in a lot of fun activities such as fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking, or enjoy hiking in the adventurous coastal trails nearby.
Hidden Creek Villas & RV Park
Address: 199 N Westhaven Dr, Trinidad, CA 95570, United States (map)
7. Emerald Forest Cabins & RV
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
If you are looking for a camping experience amidst nature, you must consider staying in this spacious property that offers RV camping and forest cabins. Ideal for couples and groups of up to 6 people and 3 pets, Emerald Forest Cabins and RV offers 70 campsites with over 30 full hook-up sites. There is free Wi-Fi throughout, as well as picnic tables and fire pits.
Emerald Forest Cabins and RV is an ideal base to explore the redwoods and the dramatic coastlines in Trinidad. It offers easy access to nearby restaurants, Trinidad Harbor, and the stunning natural beauty of the nature sanctuary. Check their website for off-season discounts from mid-September to May.
Emerald Forest Cabins & RV
Address: 753 Patricks Point Dr, Trinidad, CA 95570, United States (map)
Website: Emerald Forest Cabins & RV
8. Agate Campground
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Located in Sue-meg State Park (formerly Patrick’s State Park), this campground can offer a fascinating camping experience packed with adventure and dramatic ocean views. Campers can take a walk down to the stunning Agate Beach and watch out for the migrating whales and sea lions. Visitors can also explore the nearby Sumêg Village, a reconstructed village used by the indigenous Yuroks.
Perfectly suited for groups and families, this campground offers spaces for RVs and trailers with stunning views of the ocean and the beach. Reservations to some of the campsites are made on a first-come, first-served basis, but the site is open all year.
Agate Campground
Address: 4150 Patricks Point Dr, Trinidad, CA 95570, United States (map)
9. Sylvan Harbor
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Nestled close to Trinidad, this family-owned campground and cabin offer a pleasant camping experience to all types of travelers. Surrounded by nature, Sylvan Harbor offers 70 RV sites with hook-up facilities and 7 tent sites. Campers can avail themselves of restrooms with showers, laundry facilities, Wi-Fi access, and propane service.
The park’s location makes it convenient for campers to explore the nearby rivers, beaches, and the Redwood Coast.
Sylvan Harbor
Address: 875 Patricks Point Dr, Trinidad, CA 95570, United States (map)
Website: Sylvan Harbor
10. Sounds of the Sea RV Park and Cabins
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Nestled at 300 ft (91.4 m) above the Pacific Ocean, this Sounds of the Sea RV Park and Cabins offers an exciting camping experience for couples as well as families. A short walk from the camp base can lead you to the adventurous trails of the Redwood Coast and the remote beaches. There are 52 sites in the park. All RV sites come with full hook-up, water, and sewer facilities, as well as cable TV and Wi-Fi.
Visitors can choose to indulge in numerous activities, such as kayaking, enjoy an exciting fishing trip, or exploring the delectable selection of local cuisines. With so much to offer, this camp spot will surely attract every adventure enthusiast.
Sounds of the Sea RV Park and Cabins
Address: 3443 Patricks Point Dr, Trinidad, CA 95570, United States (map)
Go camping near Trinidad State Beach
Camping is a great way to experience a closer encounter with nature. Check out the best camping spots near Trinidad State Beach for a thrilling vacation experience near the waters.
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