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The best family-friendly camping near McKinleyville

·
97% (2K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Mystic Forest Campground

1. Mystic Forest Campground

98%
(941)
43mi from McKinleyville · 25 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Klamath, CA
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$29
 / night
Klamath’s Best Kept Secret

2. Klamath’s Best Kept Secret

94%
(473)
39mi from McKinleyville · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Klamath, CA
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
Wendy & John Farm

3. Wendy & John Farm

100%
(571)
30mi from McKinleyville · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · Ferndale, CA
My aunt and uncle bought the property in 1947 from its first European settler, Paolo Gabrielli, who immigrated in early 1914 from northern Italy with slips of his grapevine in the lining of his coat. (The grapevine still grows over the back deck.) What can you expect? Quiet, beauty, birdsong, ocean roar, widely spaced campsites (only 5 on the 5 acres set aside for camping). Free firewood, local tips on travel and where to hike or what to visit. Or total solitude. Bring your (most non-cattle-chasing breeds) dogs if you wish (males must be neutered). Starlink internet. Walk to the beach of our wild ocean along a no-shoulder country road. We have 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 and no generators allowed. (Charge your electronics at the farmhouse.) We offer homemade soup, cobbler, fresh bread, morning coffee as extras; you can order with the booking. The Victorian village of Ferndale is three miles east, as is a beautifully maintained 110-acre town wilderness with hiking trails called Russ Park. A 150-year-old cemetery slopes down a hillside & is filled with 19th century charm and history. Shops and restaurants welcome visitors. There are several bars/a wine bar/and a historic saloon that's as old boy as it was in 1890. A music venue in a restored 19th century church has amazing acoustics and attracts international talent as a top-notch venue (sessions are filmed for PBS) midway between Portland and San Francisco. So, it's a mix of town and country, village and farm, wilderness and bewilderedness. Safe, safe, safe, meaning: you can leave your belongings in your site and when you come back... they're still there :) We welcome the world. One caveat: please arrive before dark. There is no electricity in the campgrounds, and no generators are allowed. You will not be able to reach (or maybe even locate) your site without disturbing others.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$45
 / night
The Fairy Forest's Glampy Tent

4. The Fairy Forest

95%
(298)
9mi from McKinleyville · 4 sites · Lodging · Trinidad, CA
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.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$90
 / night
BIGFOOT FLAT on Willow Creek

5. BIGFOOT FLAT on Willow Creek

99%
(289)
20mi from McKinleyville · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$40
 / night
97% (2K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Mystic Forest Campground

1. Mystic Forest Campground

98%
(941)
43mi from McKinleyville · 25 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Klamath, CA
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$29
 / night
Klamath’s Best Kept Secret

2. Klamath’s Best Kept Secret

94%
(473)
39mi from McKinleyville · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Klamath, CA
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
Wendy & John Farm

3. Wendy & John Farm

100%
(571)
30mi from McKinleyville · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · Ferndale, CA
My aunt and uncle bought the property in 1947 from its first European settler, Paolo Gabrielli, who immigrated in early 1914 from northern Italy with slips of his grapevine in the lining of his coat. (The grapevine still grows over the back deck.) What can you expect? Quiet, beauty, birdsong, ocean roar, widely spaced campsites (only 5 on the 5 acres set aside for camping). Free firewood, local tips on travel and where to hike or what to visit. Or total solitude. Bring your (most non-cattle-chasing breeds) dogs if you wish (males must be neutered). Starlink internet. Walk to the beach of our wild ocean along a no-shoulder country road. We have 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 and no generators allowed. (Charge your electronics at the farmhouse.) We offer homemade soup, cobbler, fresh bread, morning coffee as extras; you can order with the booking. The Victorian village of Ferndale is three miles east, as is a beautifully maintained 110-acre town wilderness with hiking trails called Russ Park. A 150-year-old cemetery slopes down a hillside & is filled with 19th century charm and history. Shops and restaurants welcome visitors. There are several bars/a wine bar/and a historic saloon that's as old boy as it was in 1890. A music venue in a restored 19th century church has amazing acoustics and attracts international talent as a top-notch venue (sessions are filmed for PBS) midway between Portland and San Francisco. So, it's a mix of town and country, village and farm, wilderness and bewilderedness. Safe, safe, safe, meaning: you can leave your belongings in your site and when you come back... they're still there :) We welcome the world. One caveat: please arrive before dark. There is no electricity in the campgrounds, and no generators are allowed. You will not be able to reach (or maybe even locate) your site without disturbing others.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$45
 / night
The Fairy Forest's Glampy Tent

4. The Fairy Forest

95%
(298)
9mi from McKinleyville · 4 sites · Lodging · Trinidad, CA
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.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$90
 / night
BIGFOOT FLAT on Willow Creek

5. BIGFOOT FLAT on Willow Creek

99%
(289)
20mi from McKinleyville · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$40
 / night

Stories from the community

Campsite (farthest from bathrooms, by creek) most private
k
kelsey
2 weeks ago
16 ft car
With pets
Weekend Trip to Wendy & John Farm
Very sweet people, cute property dog, quiet and private campsites :) they supplied firewood/fire starter, toilets, and hot showers! Great deal and would definitely come back again
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Our backyard while we were here.
M
Marcel
2 weeks ago
16 ft travel trailer
4 nights at Klamath’s Best Kept Secret
Accurately described by the host and easy to find. Accessible on public roads and pull onto a solid grass area. Electric hook up and water worked well. Also a serviceable picnic table. Bathrooms with showers had hot water, were clean and well maintained. Site was pretty quiet (just two visitors) and occasional dog barks from the residents. It worked well for four nights and I'd come back.
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BIGFOOT FLAT on Willow Creek
Avatar
Sara
3 weeks ago
Tent
With pets
2 nights at BIGFOOT FLAT on Willow Creek
Beautiful property just off of 299. During the day you can hear cars, but it’s very quiet at night. No other campers were there during my stay, Shannon let me pick my spot. Site #3 on the end is more private and less rocky for tent camping.
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The tent at night with a queen size bed inside, table for two, a mirror, clothing rack, dehumidifier and space heater.
M
Megan
3 weeks ago
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.
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Klamath’s Best Kept Secret
R
Robert
November 2025
Tent
3 nights at Klamath’s Best Kept Secret
Great place - I went in the off season so was pretty empty. But right next to boat launch area. Warm showers and bathrooms short walk from area. Great place even for tent camping. Host was super helpful when I didn’t follow the directions well in the rain.
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Top of Levy
C
Christopher
November 2025
Tent
Weekend Trip to Klamath’s Best Kept Secret
Great spot, flat campground with a nice bathroom. Just what I needed.
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Mystic Forest Campground
A
Adiel
November 2025
Tent
With pets
4 nights at Mystic Forest Campground
Great location, surroundings, and amenities. So much to do and see all within an hour drive. Will definitely stay here again.
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Mystic Forest Campground
S
Salem
November 2025
Tent
With pets
2 nights at Mystic Forest Campground
The campground was very secluded while still being in a very convenient location (laundry and trash very close by!). You’re right next to a trail and the nature views were gorgeous! Just remember to bring your bug spray, lol!
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Top of Levy
A
Alyssa
November 2025
Tent
With pets
Weekend Trip to Klamath’s Best Kept Secret
Patti is the best! So responsive, kind and welcoming. The space is beautiful too, with big trees and the river near by. It was about 20 to get to the Newton B scenic Road. Don’t miss it! Traveled with our dog and 21’ travel trailer. No issues with access. Do note there are skunks around at night; they keep mole and voles populations down and are a part of the community too- just be aware. Also saw a few curios big neighbor dogs when we walked our pup up along the service road by the park in the morning. No trouble though. Had a great experience and would certainly stay again if we return. Thanks again Patti 🙏
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Site #16
C
Coco
November 2025
Tent
Weekend Trip to Mystic Forest Campground
The campground was amazing! It was just as beautiful as the pictures and had great amenities. The showers and game room were perfect. We didn't spend much time at the campground itself because there were so many beautiful hikes and things to see around the area. I would definitely recommend staying here!
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Wendy & John Farm
V
Vanessa
November 2025
Tent
Weekend Trip to Wendy & John Farm
Or 3rd time staying at Wendy & John’s! This will be our yearly tradition. Can’t wait to bring the rest of the family. Hosts are always amazing
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Wendy & John Farm
L
Linda
November 2025
19 ft campervan
With pets
1 night at Wendy & John Farm
We had a fabulous experience at Wendy and John's. The campsite was perfect under a full moon. We really appreciated the sparkling clean bathroom and shower. The dinner was amazing- a 5 course meal that rivaled any fine dining restaurant we ever experienced! Wendy and John are fantastic hosts in every respect. We enjoyed celebrating the election results together 11/4/25. We look forward to returning again and again.
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The tent at night with a queen size bed inside, table for two, a mirror, clothing rack, dehumidifier and space heater.
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.
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BIGFOOT FLAT on Willow Creek
Avatar
Cristina
October 2025
Tent
With pets
2 nights at BIGFOOT FLAT on Willow Creek
Every time I come back here I fall in love even more with the area. Shannon and Tim go above and beyond as hosts. They always make me feel safe and informed. The colors right now are magical. Listening to the leaves falling on my tent is indescribable! The grass is green and the stars were beautiful. Saw the most amazing shooting star. You can not ask for a better place to relax and for me it’s a reset. Truly one of my favorite place in the world! Book it! U will not regret it
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Mystic Forest Campground
E
Elizabeth
October 2025
Tent
With pets
2 nights at Mystic Forest Campground
Nice host. Large forested tent area. Clean bathroom.
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Mystic Forest Campground
Avatar
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.
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Mystic Forest Campground
Avatar
Janice
October 2025
Tent
1 night at Mystic Forest Campground
We loved our stay here!! The land is absolutely gorgeous, being right in the Redwoods and literally around the corner from the Trees of Mystery. The hosts, Patrick and Maya, were the sweetest humans and so much fun to chat with! They have a stocked camp store, a game room with tons of books, and ping pong and such, and a ton of cool Redwood trees and tree stumps scattered throughout the camp. Our tent site, #16, was just inside the forest but felt very private on the other side of the trees from the RVs. We are really looking forward to paying them another visit!
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Campsite (farthest from bathrooms, by creek) most private
J
Julie
October 2025
Tent
With pets
Weekend Trip to Wendy & John Farm
Wendy and John are the best! The land is simply gorgeous and even though you're just a few minutes from town you really feel like you've gotten away. The creek provides a lovely background, free firewood is such a treat and the bathroom/showers make it so luxurious. We can't wait to go back!
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Mystic Forest Campground
D
Diego
October 2025
Tent
Weekend Trip to Mystic Forest Campground
Amazing campsite. Loved that it’s so close to a ton of trails. Beautiful scenery all around can’t wait to come back!
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Mystic Forest Campground
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!
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Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Popular McKinleyville trips

Big rig friendly camping
Glamping with wifi provided
Dog-friendly RV parks & camping
Camping
Tiny homes
Forest camping
Camping with fishing
Camping with a private bathroom

Top parks near McKinleyville

Tolowa Dunes State Park
Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park
Russian Gulch State Park
Redwood National Park
Butano State Park
Modesto Reservoir Regional Park
Castle Rock State Park
Big Basin Redwoods State Park

Top cities near McKinleyville

Ukiah
Chico
Klamath Falls
Medford
San Jose
Sacramento
Reno
Albany

Best camping near me

Best tent camping near me
Best RV camping near me
Best glamping near me