The best mountainous camping near Crescent City

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California's northernmost coastal city, Crescent City is a good spot to fuel up on gas or pick up supplies if you're making your way down from the Pacific Northwest to visit the nearby redwood forests. The compact city also has a few historic attractions of note, including the Battery Point Lighthouse, which dates back to the 1850s, and the remnants of the SS Emidio, which ran aground in the area in 1942. The Trees of Mystery, a roadside attraction featuring a canopy walk and a gondola, is less than a half-hour drive away. You’ll have plenty of sights to see by day before heading back to your Crescent City area campground come nightfall.

96% (1.9K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Crescent City

2. Free Your Mind Camping

90%
(101)
11mi from Crescent City · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to the Wild West Coast! Where the mountains meet the sea. The campground is remotely located on private property and perfectly located for excursions to the Pacific Ocean, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, the Smith River National Recreation Area, and the Pacific Coast Ranges and mountain lakes such as the Devil's Punchbowl, Buck Lake, and Raspberry Lake. Relax and free you mind while camping on 120+ acres of private property under starry skies with almost no light or noise pollution. You are not alone on the mountain as other people live here in the wild. You only have access to the campground and a nearby pond. A locked gate with code access. The road to get there is two and a half miles up the mountain, the first mile is paved and the other mile and a half is gravel. The road is maintained by the county and used daily by others that live and work here. In the surrounding area you can enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, surfing, beachcombing, birdwatching, and countless other outdoor activities. French Hill Trail is a few more miles up the mountain road. The campsites have picnic tables and fire rings, and campers are provided with 5 gallons of potable water. An outdoor, COLD-water Artesian shower, out in the open mountain air with the wild things and an outhouse with a compost toilet are also provided. Bundles of firewood are available for an extra charge when you book your campsite. The campsites are set within a deciduous and pine forest at about 1913 feet in elevation. There is a pond on the property, but its purpose is for wildlife habitat ONLY, so water activities are NOT allowed. NO swimming, NO fishing, NO boating, NO trapping, etc. The wild things live here! The property owner has a dog, three cats, and a menagerie of yard birds such as turkeys, peacocks, guinea hens, chickens, ducks, geese, etc. They do make noise! Kirk has lived off-grid for over twenty years and holds a wealth of information about the Gasquet/Del Norte County area. Perhaps the most interesting feature of the property is that it has had documented Sasquatch encounters over the past twenty years that have been published in "Tribal Bigfoot" (D. Paulides 2009). Kirk can tell you about his experiences with this and other phenomena on the property.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$41
 / night

3. Camp Jade River

96%
(284)
11mi from Crescent City · 1 site · Tent, RV
The rugged terrain of far northern California is one of the few mostly untouched places left to retreat to. Come dwarf yourself under the magnificent giant redwoods and be struck with awe by the mesmerizing jade colored Smith River. The property is a mere 20 minutes from some of the world's tallest trees. Come check out Stout Grove, a rarely crowded gem of the Redwood National and State Parks. The grove is a part of Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park which is the least developed and most impressive park of the four. From your campsite you will have a lovely view of a large bend of the Smith River. It boasts impressive runs of chinook and steelhead, and is host to many other native species. Keep an eye out for bear, mink, and otters! And secure any food or attractants at night. Our property gives you the chance to disconnect from daily life and recalibrate. Use our site as an extended getaway for some peace and quiet, or a launch point to the variety of local attractions. 
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$45
 / night

6. Klamath’s Best Kept Secret

94%
(473)
20mi from Crescent City · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Tucked away at the edge of the Klamath Glen neighborhood, our family-owned campground has been welcoming guests for over 40 years. Surrounded by towering trees in the heart of Redwood National Forest and just a few minutes from the Pacific Ocean, this is a true hidden gem on California’s North Coast. We offer a rustic, old-fashioned camping experience. It’s a mix of open field and scattered trees, with both RVs and tent campers on site. Neighbors will be nearby, but the vibe is quiet and relaxed—especially in the off-season, when you might have the place nearly to yourself. The Klamath River is just over the levee—a short walk from your site—with great access for fishing, swimming, or simply relaxing by the water. The river is world-famous for salmon and steelhead fishing (license required). August and September are peak fishing months, so expect a few early morning engines from folks heading out. We’re only 4 miles off Highway 101, far enough to enjoy peace and quiet without traffic noise. Wildlife is part of the experience here, so please stash your food at night to keep critters out of camp. Outdoor lovers will find plenty to explore nearby—hiking and biking trails, the Trees of Mystery, Jet Boat Tours, and, of course, miles of redwood forest to get lost in. A few things to note: Firewood available Cell service can be spotty, depending on your carrier. Free Wi-Fi is available and reaches most of the campground. Electric car charging is $10 per charge. Please arrange ahead of time—50 amp service is limited, and you’ll need your own adapters. Well-behaved pets are welcome. Kids and laughter are always welcome. Dry camping, 30 Amp and 50 Amp pull-through sites available if you are going to be coming in after 10pm , just shoot me a text and let me know and I will give you instructions as long as you send me the text before 9:00 PM
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$26
 / night

7. Redwoods Bend Retreat

95%
(153)
34mi from Crescent City · 14 sites · Tents, Lodging
The Redwoods Bend Retreat is a place to get away from it all. Located on the Yurok reservation right on the Klamath River just outside Orick, CA, we are "off the grid", through a Redwood forest and over a mountain down into the Klamath River valley. We have a 5 acre meadow, and orchard with 50 trees, peaches pears, apples, cherries, plums, pluots, apricots and grapes. We are right on the Klamath river. It's a great place to come and recharge your internal batteries. There is no cellphone service and none of our sites have internet service. Our Main House was built in 1952 and retains the flavor of the 50’s. It houses a kitchen, dining hall, a living room, two bedrooms and a bathroom with a bathtub and shower. Our log-built Lodge overlooks the Klamath River with 3 bedrooms, a full kitchen, bathroom and wrap-around covered porch. Our Pumpkin and Blue Cottages. They are close to the double Yellow Shower house and toilets, and they have hot and cold running water, a propane cooktop, and a wood stove for heat. We do NOT have refrigeration, and our solar batteries or generator provides us lights at night. Campers who use our Cottages may use their own sleeping bags, but we have beds with mattresses and pillows and clean bedding. We also have an Upper Barn bedroom and half-bath rental. Our two-story Riverview Yurt appeals to folks who want a full kitchen, a private shower and flush toilet overlooking the Klamath river from our 50 x 50 foot upper deck. Luscious to sit outside and watch the river flow by during the day, and to let the water lull you to sleep at night. For families (up to 8), folks who like to fish, or old friends who just want a very special get-away. Each of our six campsites have a picnic table and a fire pit. Our Maple River, Grotto River and Pepperwood River sites overlook the gorgeous Klamath River. Our Morning Meadow, Orchard Meadow, and Deer Meadow sites are close to our 5 acre meadow where blacktail deer graze in the evenings. We have a Yellow double Shower House with two separate sides, each with a toilet, sink and shower and on demand hot water, so folks don't have to wait. There's also a new Camp Shower at the corner of the orchard for our campers, along with two outhouses for camper use, one at the bottom of the road down to the meadow, and another in the woods just past Deer Meadow Camp. We see lots of wildlife; silver foxes, a bald eagle and a family of river otters downstream, vultures, blue heron, occasionally an osprey will fly overhead clutching a freshly caught salmon and call to each other to brag about it! There are rare sightings of timid black bears who run from humans, but sometimes can be seen grazing in the meadow with the black-tail deer. We're surrounded by old logging trails made by the lumber companies 80 years ago when they clear cut the old growth redwood on our side of the mountain, and now it's completely reforested with 200 ft tall Doug Fir, Madrone, Cedar, Oak, other pine species and Pepper wood trees, and we have written permission from the Green Diamond company to allow guest to hike on their adjacent properties.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$110
 / night

8. Osprey’s Perch

93%
(21)
45mi from Crescent City · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
The Salmon River watershed is among the cleanest in the world. There are plenty of hiking trails and beautiful places to experience. Osprey’s Perch is set up well for serving as a base camp for local activities like hunting, fishing, kayaking, rafting, day hiking, or just spending time on the river at one of the few private access points in existence. Camp is set up in a way that enables you to roast some brussel sprouts, or bake a pie if you so desire. I mean, how many camps offer that! The commercial gas range also serves as a great backup when fire restrictions are in effect! I hope you enjoy your stay and if you have any questions please reach out! Learn more about this land: Osprey’s perch is a small campsite perched above the Salmon River. The pit toilet is just downhill from the camp at the end of a trail winding down through the meadow and to the right. There is private access to secluded swimming and fishing holes on the lower Salmon River down the meadow trail and to the left. A bridge provides shelter from rain if needed. The area is known for its world class steelhead fishing and is unparalleled in its natural beauty. The elk even stop by occasionally on a late winter/early spring morning if you are lucky enough to get the timing right… I hope you enjoy our most recently additions, tent pads on a nice deep bed of chips, and a dog run for your best friend!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$36
 / night

9. Klamath River Village

97%
(15)
46mi from Crescent City · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Located in a small valley in historic Humboldt County, Klamath River Village is a ten-acre family homestead that is now open to Hip-Campers! The natural beauty of the land, tucked between the legendary Klamath river and six rivers national forest, ensures a memorable experience for anyone seeking adventure in the great outdoors, or just a relaxing weekend with the family! Our camp sites have been carefully selected with an eye towards accentuating the natural features and beauty of the landscape, as well as preserving privacy. All sites are within view of the river, with some being located directly on the bank. These sites are cleaned and maintained by the property's live-in, full time caretaker who tidies up after every group leaves and ensures visitors receive the best experience possible. Have a question, concern? Did something break? He’s always available to come fix whatever problem you’ve encountered. You’ll never experience a dirty, or dysfunctional site at the Klamath River Village, leaving you in peace to contemplate the natural beauty of this historic region, with its misty mountains, verdant forests, and rushing river. If jaw dropping scenery and quiet isolation appeal to you, Klamath River Village is the perfect location for your next camping trip.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$40
 / night

11. Cornerstone Ranch

97%
(758)
48mi from Crescent City · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Cornerstone Ranch is a pristine Ranch of about 500 acres on the Rogue River and against the Pacific Ocean offering too many experiences to count. You can even bring your horse... FYI, Hipcamps map for site locations is not correct. Two go next to the driveway and the other four follow the creek. From the South GPS is very accurate to our driveway. Coming from the North, GPS may drop you a few driveways away as that is the property line. Keep driving about another 1/8th mile until you see the large red "Cornerstone Ranch" sign. That is our driveway. Welcome... The ranch offers 6 different campsites. Campfires are allowed (outside of burn bans), and there is a toilet in off season and Port-A-Potties during the summer on site as well. Reviews from guests: "During the night we could hear Elk and the nearby nature! When we woke up we got to visit with the horses, use the really clean port-potty, and chat with Bonnie and Chris the Hosts. They have tons of recommendations, but our favorite was the Indian creek cafe across the river. The areas so great and clean and the host cares about their guests! Would recommend!"
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$39
 / night

California's northernmost coastal city, Crescent City is a good spot to fuel up on gas or pick up supplies if you're making your way down from the Pacific Northwest to visit the nearby redwood forests. The compact city also has a few historic attractions of note, including the Battery Point Lighthouse, which dates back to the 1850s, and the remnants of the SS Emidio, which ran aground in the area in 1942. The Trees of Mystery, a roadside attraction featuring a canopy walk and a gondola, is less than a half-hour drive away. You’ll have plenty of sights to see by day before heading back to your Crescent City area campground come nightfall.

96% (1.9K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Crescent City

2. Free Your Mind Camping

90%
(101)
11mi from Crescent City · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to the Wild West Coast! Where the mountains meet the sea. The campground is remotely located on private property and perfectly located for excursions to the Pacific Ocean, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, the Smith River National Recreation Area, and the Pacific Coast Ranges and mountain lakes such as the Devil's Punchbowl, Buck Lake, and Raspberry Lake. Relax and free you mind while camping on 120+ acres of private property under starry skies with almost no light or noise pollution. You are not alone on the mountain as other people live here in the wild. You only have access to the campground and a nearby pond. A locked gate with code access. The road to get there is two and a half miles up the mountain, the first mile is paved and the other mile and a half is gravel. The road is maintained by the county and used daily by others that live and work here. In the surrounding area you can enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, surfing, beachcombing, birdwatching, and countless other outdoor activities. French Hill Trail is a few more miles up the mountain road. The campsites have picnic tables and fire rings, and campers are provided with 5 gallons of potable water. An outdoor, COLD-water Artesian shower, out in the open mountain air with the wild things and an outhouse with a compost toilet are also provided. Bundles of firewood are available for an extra charge when you book your campsite. The campsites are set within a deciduous and pine forest at about 1913 feet in elevation. There is a pond on the property, but its purpose is for wildlife habitat ONLY, so water activities are NOT allowed. NO swimming, NO fishing, NO boating, NO trapping, etc. The wild things live here! The property owner has a dog, three cats, and a menagerie of yard birds such as turkeys, peacocks, guinea hens, chickens, ducks, geese, etc. They do make noise! Kirk has lived off-grid for over twenty years and holds a wealth of information about the Gasquet/Del Norte County area. Perhaps the most interesting feature of the property is that it has had documented Sasquatch encounters over the past twenty years that have been published in "Tribal Bigfoot" (D. Paulides 2009). Kirk can tell you about his experiences with this and other phenomena on the property.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$41
 / night

3. Camp Jade River

96%
(284)
11mi from Crescent City · 1 site · Tent, RV
The rugged terrain of far northern California is one of the few mostly untouched places left to retreat to. Come dwarf yourself under the magnificent giant redwoods and be struck with awe by the mesmerizing jade colored Smith River. The property is a mere 20 minutes from some of the world's tallest trees. Come check out Stout Grove, a rarely crowded gem of the Redwood National and State Parks. The grove is a part of Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park which is the least developed and most impressive park of the four. From your campsite you will have a lovely view of a large bend of the Smith River. It boasts impressive runs of chinook and steelhead, and is host to many other native species. Keep an eye out for bear, mink, and otters! And secure any food or attractants at night. Our property gives you the chance to disconnect from daily life and recalibrate. Use our site as an extended getaway for some peace and quiet, or a launch point to the variety of local attractions. 
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$45
 / night

6. Klamath’s Best Kept Secret

94%
(473)
20mi from Crescent City · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Tucked away at the edge of the Klamath Glen neighborhood, our family-owned campground has been welcoming guests for over 40 years. Surrounded by towering trees in the heart of Redwood National Forest and just a few minutes from the Pacific Ocean, this is a true hidden gem on California’s North Coast. We offer a rustic, old-fashioned camping experience. It’s a mix of open field and scattered trees, with both RVs and tent campers on site. Neighbors will be nearby, but the vibe is quiet and relaxed—especially in the off-season, when you might have the place nearly to yourself. The Klamath River is just over the levee—a short walk from your site—with great access for fishing, swimming, or simply relaxing by the water. The river is world-famous for salmon and steelhead fishing (license required). August and September are peak fishing months, so expect a few early morning engines from folks heading out. We’re only 4 miles off Highway 101, far enough to enjoy peace and quiet without traffic noise. Wildlife is part of the experience here, so please stash your food at night to keep critters out of camp. Outdoor lovers will find plenty to explore nearby—hiking and biking trails, the Trees of Mystery, Jet Boat Tours, and, of course, miles of redwood forest to get lost in. A few things to note: Firewood available Cell service can be spotty, depending on your carrier. Free Wi-Fi is available and reaches most of the campground. Electric car charging is $10 per charge. Please arrange ahead of time—50 amp service is limited, and you’ll need your own adapters. Well-behaved pets are welcome. Kids and laughter are always welcome. Dry camping, 30 Amp and 50 Amp pull-through sites available if you are going to be coming in after 10pm , just shoot me a text and let me know and I will give you instructions as long as you send me the text before 9:00 PM
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$26
 / night

7. Redwoods Bend Retreat

95%
(153)
34mi from Crescent City · 14 sites · Tents, Lodging
The Redwoods Bend Retreat is a place to get away from it all. Located on the Yurok reservation right on the Klamath River just outside Orick, CA, we are "off the grid", through a Redwood forest and over a mountain down into the Klamath River valley. We have a 5 acre meadow, and orchard with 50 trees, peaches pears, apples, cherries, plums, pluots, apricots and grapes. We are right on the Klamath river. It's a great place to come and recharge your internal batteries. There is no cellphone service and none of our sites have internet service. Our Main House was built in 1952 and retains the flavor of the 50’s. It houses a kitchen, dining hall, a living room, two bedrooms and a bathroom with a bathtub and shower. Our log-built Lodge overlooks the Klamath River with 3 bedrooms, a full kitchen, bathroom and wrap-around covered porch. Our Pumpkin and Blue Cottages. They are close to the double Yellow Shower house and toilets, and they have hot and cold running water, a propane cooktop, and a wood stove for heat. We do NOT have refrigeration, and our solar batteries or generator provides us lights at night. Campers who use our Cottages may use their own sleeping bags, but we have beds with mattresses and pillows and clean bedding. We also have an Upper Barn bedroom and half-bath rental. Our two-story Riverview Yurt appeals to folks who want a full kitchen, a private shower and flush toilet overlooking the Klamath river from our 50 x 50 foot upper deck. Luscious to sit outside and watch the river flow by during the day, and to let the water lull you to sleep at night. For families (up to 8), folks who like to fish, or old friends who just want a very special get-away. Each of our six campsites have a picnic table and a fire pit. Our Maple River, Grotto River and Pepperwood River sites overlook the gorgeous Klamath River. Our Morning Meadow, Orchard Meadow, and Deer Meadow sites are close to our 5 acre meadow where blacktail deer graze in the evenings. We have a Yellow double Shower House with two separate sides, each with a toilet, sink and shower and on demand hot water, so folks don't have to wait. There's also a new Camp Shower at the corner of the orchard for our campers, along with two outhouses for camper use, one at the bottom of the road down to the meadow, and another in the woods just past Deer Meadow Camp. We see lots of wildlife; silver foxes, a bald eagle and a family of river otters downstream, vultures, blue heron, occasionally an osprey will fly overhead clutching a freshly caught salmon and call to each other to brag about it! There are rare sightings of timid black bears who run from humans, but sometimes can be seen grazing in the meadow with the black-tail deer. We're surrounded by old logging trails made by the lumber companies 80 years ago when they clear cut the old growth redwood on our side of the mountain, and now it's completely reforested with 200 ft tall Doug Fir, Madrone, Cedar, Oak, other pine species and Pepper wood trees, and we have written permission from the Green Diamond company to allow guest to hike on their adjacent properties.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$110
 / night

8. Osprey’s Perch

93%
(21)
45mi from Crescent City · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
The Salmon River watershed is among the cleanest in the world. There are plenty of hiking trails and beautiful places to experience. Osprey’s Perch is set up well for serving as a base camp for local activities like hunting, fishing, kayaking, rafting, day hiking, or just spending time on the river at one of the few private access points in existence. Camp is set up in a way that enables you to roast some brussel sprouts, or bake a pie if you so desire. I mean, how many camps offer that! The commercial gas range also serves as a great backup when fire restrictions are in effect! I hope you enjoy your stay and if you have any questions please reach out! Learn more about this land: Osprey’s perch is a small campsite perched above the Salmon River. The pit toilet is just downhill from the camp at the end of a trail winding down through the meadow and to the right. There is private access to secluded swimming and fishing holes on the lower Salmon River down the meadow trail and to the left. A bridge provides shelter from rain if needed. The area is known for its world class steelhead fishing and is unparalleled in its natural beauty. The elk even stop by occasionally on a late winter/early spring morning if you are lucky enough to get the timing right… I hope you enjoy our most recently additions, tent pads on a nice deep bed of chips, and a dog run for your best friend!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$36
 / night

9. Klamath River Village

97%
(15)
46mi from Crescent City · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Located in a small valley in historic Humboldt County, Klamath River Village is a ten-acre family homestead that is now open to Hip-Campers! The natural beauty of the land, tucked between the legendary Klamath river and six rivers national forest, ensures a memorable experience for anyone seeking adventure in the great outdoors, or just a relaxing weekend with the family! Our camp sites have been carefully selected with an eye towards accentuating the natural features and beauty of the landscape, as well as preserving privacy. All sites are within view of the river, with some being located directly on the bank. These sites are cleaned and maintained by the property's live-in, full time caretaker who tidies up after every group leaves and ensures visitors receive the best experience possible. Have a question, concern? Did something break? He’s always available to come fix whatever problem you’ve encountered. You’ll never experience a dirty, or dysfunctional site at the Klamath River Village, leaving you in peace to contemplate the natural beauty of this historic region, with its misty mountains, verdant forests, and rushing river. If jaw dropping scenery and quiet isolation appeal to you, Klamath River Village is the perfect location for your next camping trip.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$40
 / night

11. Cornerstone Ranch

97%
(758)
48mi from Crescent City · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Cornerstone Ranch is a pristine Ranch of about 500 acres on the Rogue River and against the Pacific Ocean offering too many experiences to count. You can even bring your horse... FYI, Hipcamps map for site locations is not correct. Two go next to the driveway and the other four follow the creek. From the South GPS is very accurate to our driveway. Coming from the North, GPS may drop you a few driveways away as that is the property line. Keep driving about another 1/8th mile until you see the large red "Cornerstone Ranch" sign. That is our driveway. Welcome... The ranch offers 6 different campsites. Campfires are allowed (outside of burn bans), and there is a toilet in off season and Port-A-Potties during the summer on site as well. Reviews from guests: "During the night we could hear Elk and the nearby nature! When we woke up we got to visit with the horses, use the really clean port-potty, and chat with Bonnie and Chris the Hosts. They have tons of recommendations, but our favorite was the Indian creek cafe across the river. The areas so great and clean and the host cares about their guests! Would recommend!"
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$39
 / night

Camper favorites near Crescent City

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The best mountainous camping near Crescent City guide

Where to go

The California Redwoods

Crescent City makes a great base for exploring the redwood Forest, named for the mammoth species of trees that dominate here, some of which are over a thousand years old. Here you can cruise along the 32-mile Avenue of the Giants to get great views of the forest, hike along the quiet Tall Trees Grove Trail, or even drive your car through a hollowed-out tree.

The California Coast Ranges

The coastal mountains inland from Crescent City Range offer ample opportunities for camping and backpacking, with a mix of deciduous and coniferous forests interspersed with streams and lakes. Much of the northern part of the range is preserved as the Klamath National Forest and the Six River National Forest.

Oregon's South Coast

Crescent City is less than a half-hour drive from the border with Oregon and offers easy access to what's arguably the prettiest stretch of the state's dramatic coastline. Spots worth visiting include the gorgeous Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor and the city of Coos Bay, known for its ample crabbing opportunities.

When to go

Crescent City has a temperate climate, with highs in the mid-50s in winter and in the mid-60s in summer. Winters here are considerably rainier than in the summer months, however, with an average of 14 days of rain in December and barely any showers at all in July and August. If you plan to hike or camp in the nearby redwoods, and don’t want to deal with summer crowds, consider visiting in September or early October.