The best family-friendly glamping near Arcata, California

Arcata sits on California’s North Coast, near Eureka. Known as “Hippie Haven,” this laid-back town has a rich pioneer history. Then, there’s the natural beauty—nearby, you can camp among the redwoods or on the Pacific cliffs. From rustic tent camping sites to luxe RV parks, there’s an option for everyone. Near Arcata, Trinidad, and Samoa, RV resorts make a comfortable home base. For waterfront camping, head north to the basic sites at Clam Beach. At Patrick’s Point State Park, camp near hiking trails and tidepools. If you’re hiking or biking in, check out the no-vehicle sites. If you have a few days, head farther up the Redwood Coast. Sleep under the world’s tallest trees at Redwood National and State Parks. Choose from four campgrounds—or, try wild camping in the national park. Most sites have picnic tables and fire rings; some are open year-round. The weather in Arcata tends to be cool and damp all year. You can still hike and explore; just bring warm, waterproof layers. October to April brings rain and low crowd levels. If you’re visiting in the summer, be sure to reserve sites early.

97% (928) • 8 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Arcata

1. The Fairy Forest

95%

(298)

15mi from Arcata · 4 sites · Lodging

The Fairy Forest is 4 acres of redwood trees one mile from the magical city of Trinidad, CA. People have been camping in our meadow 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 left the burnt out hollow 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. Every year we try to make your glamping experience better and better. This year, we've added an artisan picnic table, built on site, and some solar lights leading to the shower. Outdoor sink and cook space is next on our list! There used to be two campsites on our property, but we closed down one of them to give guests in the glampy tent exclusive usage of the outdoor shower and porta potty. We are also renting out our cabin this year, which has been our home for the last 3 years. There's 10 local beaches to explore in the area, great little restaurants and businesses, and countless trails- including Strawberry Rock, which is right down the street from us. We're 19 miles away from Orick, which is the gateway to Fern Canyon (make a reservation in advance) and all the trails with old growth redwoods. And we're 16 miles from Arcata, a vibrant, colorful and creative city that is home to the first farmer's market in California, which is quite the experience if you find yourself here on a Saturday. Hope you come and stay with us if you find yourself on the Lost Coast.

2. Mystic Forest Campground

98%

(944)

49mi from Arcata · 25 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Mystic Forest is a small, family-run campground between Klamath, CA, and Crescent City. We have 50 acres of beautiful forest sprinkled with redwood trees. We have restrooms, showers, a game room, a mini golf course, horseshoes, and a half-mile trail. We are pet-friendly. At the office you can find some grocery and redwoods souvenirs. Our laundry facility will be closed indefinitely for repairs starting on August 10th.

Arcata sits on California’s North Coast, near Eureka. Known as “Hippie Haven,” this laid-back town has a rich pioneer history. Then, there’s the natural beauty—nearby, you can camp among the redwoods or on the Pacific cliffs. From rustic tent camping sites to luxe RV parks, there’s an option for everyone. Near Arcata, Trinidad, and Samoa, RV resorts make a comfortable home base. For waterfront camping, head north to the basic sites at Clam Beach. At Patrick’s Point State Park, camp near hiking trails and tidepools. If you’re hiking or biking in, check out the no-vehicle sites. If you have a few days, head farther up the Redwood Coast. Sleep under the world’s tallest trees at Redwood National and State Parks. Choose from four campgrounds—or, try wild camping in the national park. Most sites have picnic tables and fire rings; some are open year-round. The weather in Arcata tends to be cool and damp all year. You can still hike and explore; just bring warm, waterproof layers. October to April brings rain and low crowd levels. If you’re visiting in the summer, be sure to reserve sites early.

97% (928) • 8 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Arcata

1. The Fairy Forest

95%

(298)

15mi from Arcata · 4 sites · Lodging

The Fairy Forest is 4 acres of redwood trees one mile from the magical city of Trinidad, CA. People have been camping in our meadow 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 left the burnt out hollow 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. Every year we try to make your glamping experience better and better. This year, we've added an artisan picnic table, built on site, and some solar lights leading to the shower. Outdoor sink and cook space is next on our list! There used to be two campsites on our property, but we closed down one of them to give guests in the glampy tent exclusive usage of the outdoor shower and porta potty. We are also renting out our cabin this year, which has been our home for the last 3 years. There's 10 local beaches to explore in the area, great little restaurants and businesses, and countless trails- including Strawberry Rock, which is right down the street from us. We're 19 miles away from Orick, which is the gateway to Fern Canyon (make a reservation in advance) and all the trails with old growth redwoods. And we're 16 miles from Arcata, a vibrant, colorful and creative city that is home to the first farmer's market in California, which is quite the experience if you find yourself here on a Saturday. Hope you come and stay with us if you find yourself on the Lost Coast.

2. Mystic Forest Campground

98%

(944)

49mi from Arcata · 25 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Mystic Forest is a small, family-run campground between Klamath, CA, and Crescent City. We have 50 acres of beautiful forest sprinkled with redwood trees. We have restrooms, showers, a game room, a mini golf course, horseshoes, and a half-mile trail. We are pet-friendly. At the office you can find some grocery and redwoods souvenirs. Our laundry facility will be closed indefinitely for repairs starting on August 10th.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

M

Megan

November 2025

2 nights at The Fairy Forest

The tent was nice and there was a heater. I liked having the comforts of a real bed (that was actually comfortable) and be in the middle of the redwoods and be still close to nature. I loved that it was so close to Trinidad and the freeway as-well. The shower was hard to get warm but it wasn't so bad.

M

Maya

November 2025

2 nights at The Fairy Forest

This place is so special and peaceful. The tent is comfortable and I was cozy and warm in it in a storm in November. Kimberly was incredibly kind and helpful, especially when I had a bereavement during my stay. The place is really thoughtfully and beautifully set up and I felt really well cared for.

Kaitlynn

October 2025

2 nights at Mystic Forest Campground

Patrick and Maya are so great! Check in was super smooth and they even upgraded us to a better RV cause of some technical difficulties. The campground was private, cute, and nicely maintained. If we come back around to the area we would definitely camp there again. Also, the hiking trails are well kept and they had Starlink for speedy WiFi.

H

Hollis

October 2025

3 nights at Mystic Forest Campground

This little camper checks all the boxes: Quiet, private, clean, solid roof to keep you dry and warm, SUPER comfy bed, and the softest sheets. If you want the campground experience without the camping then look no further. Birdie is low frills, but has everything you need. Yes, you can hear the 101 during the day, but it's pretty much dead silent at night (the campground has electric hook-ups so you won't hear generators running). It's beautiful, there's a redwood to greet you in the morning...what more could you want!

C

Calista

September 2025

Weekend Trip to The Fairy Forest

This is such a cute spot, and close to Trinidad restaurants and beaches. The tent is nicely put together and comfy, the little shower building in the forest is adorable, and the neighborhood is peaceful and quiet.

V

Val

September 2025

Weekend Trip to The Fairy Forest

Loved the feeling of being remote yet safe with neighbors somewhat nearby.

A

Anthony

September 2025

1 night at The Fairy Forest

Greatest spot we had on the trip. We needed a break from the van and the shower was well with it. The tent had a heavy smell. There was a dehumidifier and air purifier going but the mildew was too much. Not a problem for us as we came with our own bed. It's probably not an issue in the summer months

m

maggie

August 2025

Weekend Trip to The Fairy Forest

I was passing through Trinidad for a night while driving up to Oregon and this was a lovely place to stop. The bed is comfy and the space feels safe and private. Important to note that since its right by the highway there is consistent highway noise, so if that is an issue for you bring some ear plugs or a white noise machine.

Cute little garden overlooking our tent 🙂

Marsha

August 2025

1 night at The Fairy Forest

Amazing time through and through! Even with a reservation hiccup, Kim was very gracious 🙂 Thank you for a wonderful stay!

They were so adorable. I had to take pictures of them all

Marsha

August 2025

2 nights at The Fairy Forest

The setting for this hip camp experience was truly fairy like. The tent and furnishings were perfect for what we needed. The heater kept us toasty warm on the chilly mornings. And we were even visited by a friendly Fox family 🙂 Kim and her family are very sweet and gracious. There was a mix-up on my end on the dates, and she was even gracious enough to accommodate us for one extra night. I would definitely recommend this hip camp, and I would absolutely stay again!

Silver

August 2025

Weekend Trip to The Fairy Forest

wonderful! great little canvas tent in the redwoods, outdoor shower is simple but gets nice and hot!

Silver

August 2025

1 night at The Fairy Forest

Lovely little canvas tent in the redwoods. Bed is comfy, shower and fire pit are nice too!

S

Shai

August 2025

Weekend Trip to The Fairy Forest

This area was absolutely adorable! I was nervous that we’d be too cold or too hot but everything was absolutely perfect! It felt so cozy and warm in the tent it was truly a beautiful place.

P

Paige

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Fairy Forest

Spot was just what we needed for the night and the kids even got to make s'mores. The tent is big enough to fit two twin blow up beds in addition to the queen, so it was just right for our family of 4!

m

mardie

July 2025

2 nights at The Fairy Forest

I had the most perfect stay at the Magical Forest Garden. The space felt so cozy and peaceful—truly a hidden gem. As a young woman traveling alone, I felt completely safe and comfortable the entire time. The location is incredible—just minutes from the beach and a short drive to explore the incredible Rewoods. Whether you’re looking to explore or simply unwind, this place has the perfect balance of nature and comfort. I can’t wait to come back someday!

B

Bryce

July 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Mystic Forest Campground

Great hosts, excellent location for touring the redwoods, and beautiful tent campsites. They have a great souvenir shop and onsite activities too!

D

Dave

July 2025

With kids

2 nights at Mystic Forest Campground

we loved the RV a lot!! very cozy and a perfect location for the Redwoods!

K

Katie

July 2025

1 night at The Fairy Forest

This place is absolutely gorgeous!!! The images are just as you'll see but the shower is even more magical (make sure to light the candles!) The bed is so comfortable and warm.

Kimberly

July 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Mystic Forest Campground

We loved this campground! We stayed in one of the campers on site. We were there for two nights. The hosts are attentive. It’s a very nice area.

Kristin

July 2025

1 night at The Fairy Forest

My husband and I loved visiting Trinidad during our two-week road trip which led us from Encinitas, CA, to Mt. Shasta, to Bend, Oregon, into Washington for our daughter's wedding. We drove down the Oregon coast and our night at the Fairy Forest was perfect, allowing us to relax by a fire, enjoy the peaceful area and incredible natural beauty, and of course, to sleep soundly in the spacious tent, which was extra cozy with the space heater available. We didn't use the outdoor shower, will save it for a warmer visit! Thank you for providing such a unique and wonderful space.