The best private sites RV parks 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.

98% (31)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. The Swimming Hole On Red Cap Creek

98%

(28)

37mi from Arcata · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · Orleans, CA

The Angel Ranch est. 1918 The Swimming Hole on Red Cap Creek and the Angel Ranch Horse Camp Totally Private and secluded camping and RV sites surrounded by wilderness on pristine Red Cap Creek ( major salmon spawning stream) that flows out of the Trinity Alps Wilderness. Short trail to Private on property swimming hole with beautiful clean creek water flowing out of the wilderness. Private beach for sunbathing or just hanging out and staying cooled off. Delicious cool Spring water and power at each campsite, 3 flush toilets and 2 hot showers onsite. Fire pit and picnic tables. 3 RV sites and 3 tent sites including one group site. Large tent rental available. Pets allowed off leash. 3 RV sites with power and spring water.

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.

98% (31)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. The Swimming Hole On Red Cap Creek

98%

(28)

37mi from Arcata · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · Orleans, CA

The Angel Ranch est. 1918 The Swimming Hole on Red Cap Creek and the Angel Ranch Horse Camp Totally Private and secluded camping and RV sites surrounded by wilderness on pristine Red Cap Creek ( major salmon spawning stream) that flows out of the Trinity Alps Wilderness. Short trail to Private on property swimming hole with beautiful clean creek water flowing out of the wilderness. Private beach for sunbathing or just hanging out and staying cooled off. Delicious cool Spring water and power at each campsite, 3 flush toilets and 2 hot showers onsite. Fire pit and picnic tables. 3 RV sites and 3 tent sites including one group site. Large tent rental available. Pets allowed off leash. 3 RV sites with power and spring water.

Stories from the community

M

Margaret

September 2025

24 ft Class C

2 nights at The Swimming Hole On Red Cap Creek

This property is beautifully set with views of the mountains and forests all around (we got an amazing sunset!) and a stream / swimming hole with little beach right below. The hosts were incredibly welcoming, meeting us when we arrived to help us get situated, talking with us (also giving plenty of space and alone time, but always available and helpful if we needed anything), even offering fresh fruit and vegetables from their trees and garden. They have a friendly dog and horse which roam the property. Our stay was very enjoyable, peaceful, and relaxing. The only possible downside is that it's somewhat challenging to get to--it's remote, and the handful of miles toward the end down a narrow, winding, at times unpaved (in one relatively short stretch, and then once on the property itself) road with occasional places to pass were a nail-biter, especially driving an RV--but the drive in and out was incredibly scenic and worth the experience in between.

Mathew

August 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to The Swimming Hole On Red Cap Creek

The hosts were so sweet, they offered us firewood, fresh tomatoes, and recommended amazing hiking spots around the area! The site is very open and the creek is an easy walk to get to. I enjoyed every second if my stay here and would recommend anyone to try this place out for themselves!

K

Keith

August 2025

2 nights at The Swimming Hole On Red Cap Creek

The camp hosts were incredibly warm, welcoming, and truly went above and beyond to make us feel at home. Their kindness touched our hearts and created an unforgettable experience. The campsite itself is utterly breathtaking, nestled in a secluded, mountainous haven that feels like a hidden paradise. The stream flowing through their property is simply awe-inspiring, its soothing sound amplifying the natural beauty surrounding us. We fell in love with their adorable family pets, Cocoa and Cowboy, who greeted us with joyful enthusiasm and genuine affection. If you're longing to escape the chaos and immerse yourself in the pure magic of nature, this is the place where dreams come alive.

D

Dane

July 2025

19 ft Class C

2 nights at The Swimming Hole On Red Cap Creek

The sound of the creek will take away all your stress. The swimming hole is beyond epic. They went above and beyond with fresh baked cookies and veggies from their garden! He even brought us extra ice and offered all the firewood we needed. I have a big dog and they even put there dog away so mine could be free! The horse is just walking around the property and is super nice. Thanks again for an amazing stay!🇺🇸

R

Rebecca

July 2025

24 ft Class C

With kids

1 night at The Swimming Hole On Red Cap Creek

This campsite is in a really remote location with level ground that made setting up easy. The hosts were available, friendly, and helpful without being intrusive. We were honored to be welcomed into their beautiful private paradise. The swimming hole was magical. Really beautiful and refreshing. We had a hard time leaving and are already talking about booking another trip back.

R

Rica

July 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Swimming Hole On Red Cap Creek

We really enjoy our stay in Wayne’s Property, especially the kids and also thank to his wife’s Delicious Chocolate chip cookies, the kids loves it. Wayne and his wife greeted us and give us instructions about our campsite when we arrived, location is very nice, it is surrounded with trees in the middle of the mountain, plus the swimming hole is a bonus. We will recommend the campsite to our friends and we will be back!!

s

sara

July 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Swimming Hole On Red Cap Creek

I loved camping on Wayne’s property! It was beautiful to say the least. Wayne and his wife were more than welcoming, they brought us ziplock bags because we forgot some!! They brought us cookies and were amazing. For the property it’s beautiful, Wayne has an amazing creek with a beautiful view of the mountains. Very close to the Redwoods and high way 101!! I would stay there again!!

Erikah

June 2025

Tent

With kids

2 nights at The Swimming Hole On Red Cap Creek

Away from the noise of, well anything but animals and flowing water! So refreshing.

Angel

May 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to The Swimming Hole On Red Cap Creek

Amazing campsite. We had a great time here and enjoyed the swimming hole and all the amenities that Wayne provided. I didn’t get to meet Wayne since I arrived later but my friends who arrived first said he was super kind and welcoming. Would absolutely stay here again and recommend this site to all. Thank you Wayne for sharing your property with the community!

Z

Zoe

March 2025

Tent

With pets

5 nights at The Swimming Hole On Red Cap Creek

Wayne and his wife were super sweet and attentive. The land was beautiful and I made besties with a horse and a dog. The river was beautiful and the bathroom and drinking water was a luxury that us camping girls aren't used to! Wayne made sure after a down pour we had wood that would light even when wet and we felt super taken care of! So much fun and such a pretty area! 10/10