Discover the best forest campgrounds near Ferndale, California

United States
—
California
—
Ferndale

98% (1464 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Ferndale

Under $50

Available this weekend

98%

(105)

The Redwood Stumphouse

1 site · Lodging8 acres · Eureka, CA

94%

(185)

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%

(305)

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; quilts, 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 p;roperty in 1947 from the first European settler, Paolo Gabrielli, who came to the U.S. in early 1914 from northern Italy with slips of his grapevine in the lining of his coat. Paolo's wife, Felicita, and their three children stayed behind; they were to follow within the year. In the country outside of Ferndale, California, he 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 a 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, 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 2014, we invited the people who had been children in the 1920s and '30s who had come to this ranch after Sunday Mass to gather with other Italian families for polenta, wine, and music. They came with photographs and maps and Mass cards and diaries, and shared their memories of a childhood in this place that still loved 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 if you need or want it (fresh bread, soup, cobbler; quilts, 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.)

100%

(73)

Humboldt Experience Farmstay

6 sites · Lodging34 acres · Carlotta, CA

We offer off-grid and mostly offline farmstay retreats at our self-reliant, educational, permaculture farm. We are a digital detox environment and welcome guests who are looking to unplug and recharge. A farm tour on arrival is included. Guests are invited to help with gardening, animal chores, food preservation, and other farm activities Monday thru Friday from 9-noon. Information on self-reliance, living off the grid, and farming knowledge is shared while participating in morning farm activities. A farm meal prepared from our gardens is included in the booking and served at 1PM. There are options for a variety of dietary preferences. All accommodations have been custom build by Munro. Much of the lumber comes from trees on the the land and is hand milled and planed giving each cabin the warm beauty of natural wood. All guests are invited to enjoy the wood fired sauna, meditation grove, forest hikes and swimming on Van Duzen river. The property is gated. You must text the host before arriving to confirm plans a minimum of 2 days before arriving. Munro 707-572-8200. Limited cell service in the area, communicate ahead. Host generally meets guests at Swain's Flat Outpost and Garden Center, around mile marker 20, on highway 36.

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 Top 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.

12 top forest campgrounds near Ferndale

99%

(305)

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; quilts, 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 p;roperty in 1947 from the first European settler, Paolo Gabrielli, who came to the U.S. in early 1914 from northern Italy with slips of his grapevine in the lining of his coat. Paolo's wife, Felicita, and their three children stayed behind; they were to follow within the year. In the country outside of Ferndale, California, he 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 a 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, 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 2014, we invited the people who had been children in the 1920s and '30s who had come to this ranch after Sunday Mass to gather with other Italian families for polenta, wine, and music. They came with photographs and maps and Mass cards and diaries, and shared their memories of a childhood in this place that still loved 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 if you need or want it (fresh bread, soup, cobbler; quilts, 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.)

93%

(37)

Historic Farm Humboldt Bay

2 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Loleta, CA

Come share the beauty of this historic farming and ranching heritage. Camping spot surrounded by mature cedars on 2 acres overlooking Humboldt Bay. You have full access to hot showers, bathroom, and kitchen in the main house There is plenty of sights and scenery including biking & 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 chickens, goats, horse, dog, and cats.

97%

(161)

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!

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 Top 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.

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%

(132)

13th St Treehouse

1 site · Lodging1 acres · Eureka, CA

Inspired by the playful energy of a treehouse, and utilizing the foundational strength of the redwoods, to create a home above the forest floor. Glamping in a tree! Queen size bed and propane heat. Small stove provided, storage cubbies, and internet. This is an “Off the Grid” experience, located at the end of a quite street by Coopers Gulch. Does not accommodate big cooking projects, there is no sink, nor a kitchen set up. There is a spigot for hand washing, teeth brushing, etc. Check out the great places to eat locally, or buy take-out to eat on the deck. We provide a kettle and a selections of tea. NO electricity. However, there is a solar powered battery unit with USB ports and appliance plugins. 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!

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.

98%

(76)

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.

The Redwood Stumphouse

1 site · Lodging8 acres · Eureka, CA

Humboldt Experience Farmstay

6 sites · Lodging34 acres · Carlotta, CA

We offer off-grid and mostly offline farmstay retreats at our self-reliant, educational, permaculture farm. We are a digital detox environment and welcome guests who are looking to unplug and recharge. A farm tour on arrival is included. Guests are invited to help with gardening, animal chores, food preservation, and other farm activities Monday thru Friday from 9-noon. Information on self-reliance, living off the grid, and farming knowledge is shared while participating in morning farm activities. A farm meal prepared from our gardens is included in the booking and served at 1PM. There are options for a variety of dietary preferences. All accommodations have been custom build by Munro. Much of the lumber comes from trees on the the land and is hand milled and planed giving each cabin the warm beauty of natural wood. All guests are invited to enjoy the wood fired sauna, meditation grove, forest hikes and swimming on Van Duzen river. The property is gated. You must text the host before arriving to confirm plans a minimum of 2 days before arriving. Munro 707-572-8200. Limited cell service in the area, communicate ahead. Host generally meets guests at Swain's Flat Outpost and Garden Center, around mile marker 20, on highway 36.

100%

(4)

Live Edge

1 site · Lodging3 acres · Trinidad, CA

Relax on 3 expansive acres with sunny meadows and some hidden forest nooks. The property has a remote feel to it but is just minutes from the quaint coastal town of Trinidad. A beautiful walk down quiet country road takes you to Secret Beach. Fresh vegetables from the garden are available for your use. A number of beaches nearby allow for surfing, kayaking, and swimming. We are located 5 miles from Sumeg State Park with beautiful hikes, vistas, beaches, and indigenous historical sites.

100%

(43)

Radio Ranch

7 sites · Lodging30 acres · Burnt Ranch, CA

Welcome nature lovers, adventurers, foragers, outdoor-enthusiasts, rock hounds, bird watchers, and tree huggers. If you love to fish, hike, forage, raft, swim, kayak, camp, go tubing, or explore, Radio Ranch is a must-experience respite in the woods. We are conveniently located between Portland, OR and San Francisco, CA, between Eureka, CA and Redding, CA. We are 15 minutes from Willow Creek, 1 hour from HWY 101 and 2.5 hours from I-5. Our one of a kind, 100% off-grid luxury campsites offer complete privacy and views you can't get anywhere else! Each site is located creek-side. Take in the sights and sounds of our *two* large waterfalls on a hike through 30 beautiful acres. Our light show at dusk lasts approximately 3 hours each evening because we believe that nighttime should be just as beautiful as the day. Breathtaking views of Ironside Mountain make a gorgeous backdrop for weddings, events, and photoshoots. Each site rental comes with shared access to gorgeous, modern off-grid showers, restrooms, and an outdoor kitchen with BBQs and a wood-fired pizza oven plus public space that is Instagram worthy. Free WIFI is also included, so it is perfect for remote workers. Check-in is contactless and simple. We only allow 2-10 guests on the property at once, so it's peaceful and quiet and feels like it's all yours! Don't wait to book because space is very limited. Treat yourself to a stay with us. Radio Ranch is the perfect place to get away from it all, while still having it all. Relax and rejuvenate at Radio Ranch. *Recommended for ages 21+. Children under 21 must be accompanied by a guardian. Pets are welcome for a small pet fee! This is an off-grid experience, meaning there are no electrical outlets. We recommend bringing a backup battery to charge devices. This experience may not be suitable for those who need electricity for medical equipment.

Star Hosts in Ferndale

99%

(150)

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.

13th St Treehouse

1 site · Lodging1 acres · Eureka, CA

Inspired by the playful energy of a treehouse, and utilizing the foundational strength of the redwoods, to create a home above the forest floor. Glamping in a tree! Queen size bed and propane heat. Small stove provided, storage cubbies, and internet. This is an “Off the Grid” experience, located at the end of a quite street by Coopers Gulch. Does not accommodate big cooking projects, there is no sink, nor a kitchen set up. There is a spigot for hand washing, teeth brushing, etc. Check out the great places to eat locally, or buy take-out to eat on the deck. We provide a kettle and a selections of tea. NO electricity. However, there is a solar powered battery unit with USB ports and appliance plugins. 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!

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 Top 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; quilts, 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 p;roperty in 1947 from the first European settler, Paolo Gabrielli, who came to the U.S. in early 1914 from northern Italy with slips of his grapevine in the lining of his coat. Paolo's wife, Felicita, and their three children stayed behind; they were to follow within the year. In the country outside of Ferndale, California, he 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 a 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, 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 2014, we invited the people who had been children in the 1920s and '30s who had come to this ranch after Sunday Mass to gather with other Italian families for polenta, wine, and music. They came with photographs and maps and Mass cards and diaries, and shared their memories of a childhood in this place that still loved 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 if you need or want it (fresh bread, soup, cobbler; quilts, 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.)

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.

Dog-friendly getaways

93%

(37)

Historic Farm Humboldt Bay

2 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Loleta, CA

Come share the beauty of this historic farming and ranching heritage. Camping spot surrounded by mature cedars on 2 acres overlooking Humboldt Bay. You have full access to hot showers, bathroom, and kitchen in the main house There is plenty of sights and scenery including biking & 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 chickens, goats, horse, dog, and cats.

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; quilts, 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 p;roperty in 1947 from the first European settler, Paolo Gabrielli, who came to the U.S. in early 1914 from northern Italy with slips of his grapevine in the lining of his coat. Paolo's wife, Felicita, and their three children stayed behind; they were to follow within the year. In the country outside of Ferndale, California, he 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 a 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, 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 2014, we invited the people who had been children in the 1920s and '30s who had come to this ranch after Sunday Mass to gather with other Italian families for polenta, wine, and music. They came with photographs and maps and Mass cards and diaries, and shared their memories of a childhood in this place that still loved 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 if you need or want it (fresh bread, soup, cobbler; quilts, 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.)

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!

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.

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 Top 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.

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(6)

Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park

Redcrest, California

Forest camping near Ferndale guide

Overview

Welcome to Hipcamp, the go-to website for finding the perfect camping experience near Ferndale, California! With over 585 options available in the area, you'll have no trouble finding a campsite nestled in the beautiful forest terrain. Looking for highly rated campsites? Check out Jug Handle Creek Farm (1479 reviews), Mendocino Magic (410 reviews), and Trinity Outpost Wilderness Resort (221 reviews). With popular amenities like showers, cooking equipment, and campfires, you'll have all the comforts of home while enjoying the great outdoors. And if you're into wildlife watching, off-roading (OHV), or climbing, you're in for a treat! So pack your gear and get ready for an unforgettable camping adventure.