The best family-friendly campgrounds near Rio Dell, California

If you're looking for a family-friendly camping experience near Rio Dell, California, Hipcamp has over 160 options for you to choose from. With accommodations ranging from tent camping to RV parks, you're sure to find the perfect fit. Some of the top campsites in the area include Jug Handle Creek Farm with 1479 reviews, Shangri-La with 287 reviews, and Trinity Outpost Wilderness Resort with 221 reviews. You'll have access to amenities like potable water, pet-friendly sites, and showers. Plus, you can enjoy activities such as whitewater paddling, exploring historic sites, and wind sports. With an average price per night of $45 and options as low as $25, camping near Rio Dell is both affordable and unforgettable.

97% (1.1K)

Top-rated campgrounds

If you're looking for a family-friendly camping experience near Rio Dell, California, Hipcamp has over 160 options for you to choose from. With accommodations ranging from tent camping to RV parks, you're sure to find the perfect fit. Some of the top campsites in the area include Jug Handle Creek Farm with 1479 reviews, Shangri-La with 287 reviews, and Trinity Outpost Wilderness Resort with 221 reviews. You'll have access to amenities like potable water, pet-friendly sites, and showers. Plus, you can enjoy activities such as whitewater paddling, exploring historic sites, and wind sports. With an average price per night of $45 and options as low as $25, camping near Rio Dell is both affordable and unforgettable.

97% (1.1K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Shelter Cove Campground

93%

(230)

33mi from Rio Dell · 90 sites · Tents, RVs · Whitethorn, CA

Welcome to Shelter Cove Campground, your gateway to California’s breathtaking Lost Coast! Nestled in the seaside village of Shelter Cove, our campground offers the perfect blend of rugged coastal adventure and laid-back comfort. Settle into one of our spacious RV sites and wake up to salty sea breezes and the sound of waves just steps away. Our campground is ideally located for nature lovers and explorers. We’re directly across from public access to the cove and just a short stroll from dramatic tide pools, picnic areas overlooking the ocean, and the iconic Cape Mendocino Lighthouse. Surfing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding are popular pastimes here, and for land-based adventure, the nearby hiking trails and scenic overlooks are sure to impress. On-site, you’ll find everything you need for a convenient and relaxing stay. Our full deli and store keep you fueled with tasty meals, snacks, local wines, microbrews, and essential supplies. Join us on select weekend evenings for movie nights and lively karaoke on the patio! We even welcome traveling musicians to share their tunes with fellow campers. Whether you’re here for a quiet getaway, an outdoor adventure, or a bit of both, Shelter Cove RV Campground invites you to unwind and experience the natural beauty of the Northern California coast. Breathe in the ocean air, soak in the sunsets, and make yourself at home.

2. Wendy & John Farm

100%

(571)

13mi from Rio Dell · 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.

3. BIGFOOT FLAT on Willow Creek

99%

(288)

36mi from Rio Dell · 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.

4. The Fairy Forest

95%

(297)

40mi from Rio Dell · 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.

Stories from the community

Campsite (farthest from bathrooms, by creek) most private

k

kelsey

5 days 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

V

Vanessa

3 weeks ago

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

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.

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.

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

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!

d

deanne

October 2025

10 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Shelter Cove Campground

Kind and gracious hosts and an immaculate property. The location and the views are stunning- will definitely be back.

A

Alex

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Wendy & John Farm

Great setup! Service was pleasant and would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a good camp sight.

s

steven

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Shelter Cove Campground

Solid for what it is, friendly host, gorgeous beach

Ann-Marie

October 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Wendy & John Farm

Lovely large field. Great shower and bathroom. We really enjoyed the fruit crumble we ordered in advance. Our dog loved the grassy field and got along well with the resident dog. Ferndale was movie perfect. Super coffee shop and some good restaurant options. Beach was close by for a long walk. 10 out of ten.

R

Rebecca

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Wendy & John Farm

What a wonderful stay! Wendy and John (and Louie the dog!) are warm, generous hosts! Our Tucked Away camping spot was just right as we made our way up the coast. It was a delight to go to sleep with the sounds of the ocean and wake to birds singing and cattle lowing. Shower was warm with excellent water pressure. Definitely recommend adding on Wendy’s delicious soup! Stop looking at your options! This is the one!

J

Jim

September 2025

16 ft car

1 night at Wendy & John Farm

Great place to camp and great hosts. I am so glad I found the unique and charming spot

D

Doug

September 2025

19 ft campervan

2 nights at Wendy & John Farm

We were so glad we booked two nights at Wendy and John Farm! The setting was gorgeous, peaceful and pleasant. Wendy and John were great hosts - kind, accommodating and helpful. The sites are well spaced out, offering privacy, and the property is beautiful making it a tranquil setting. Being less than a mile from the beach the weather was perfect! It was also nice to find above standard bathroom facilities in two flushing restrooms. Highly recommend the dinner and dessert that are offered. We did both our first night and it was so nice to have that waiting for us after a day of travel and then set up. Wendy put together two fabulous dishes for us, going above and beyond what we expected. My only regret about this place is that it’s so far from home. Would love to come back more often as it was truly a delightful place to be for a couple days. Give it, and then, a FIVE STAR rating.

J

Jenn

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Wendy & John Farm

We chose to add the firewood package & morning coffee service. It was lovely & so was the spot. Level, short walking trail for your dog & quiet.

C

Calista

September 2025

Weekend Trip to The Fairy Forest

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

R

Rick

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to BIGFOOT FLAT on Willow Creek

Shannon was prompt, helpful, and personable—the site is well-maintained and perfect for out-of-town tent campers. I’d highly recommend it.

Kristiina

September 2025

Tent

1 night at BIGFOOT FLAT on Willow Creek

We were the only ones there so Shannon allowed us to pick whatever site we like, and we ended up with the site 4. Can’t really beat the sound of the creek. Loved the oversized portapotty, it felt and seemed as clean as possible a portapotty could be. We got some glimpses of the stars which was pretty.

P

Peter

September 2025

Tent

2 nights at Wendy & John Farm

Beautiful site with great energy. Calming and peaceful. Very short drive from the ocean. I will be back again.

p

philip

September 2025

25 ft campervan

3 nights at BIGFOOT FLAT on Willow Creek

We were very fortunate to have the whole place to ourselves for 3 nights . Everything was very well looked after with fresh water and great clean toilet. The camp itself is wonderful and I would be happy to return and to recommend others to visit a least once .

B

Brad

September 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Wendy & John Farm

Charmingly rustic and tucked away in a peaceful spot, Wuss Camp was exactly what I needed on my trip. The site was quiet and spacious, and provided a relaxing place to stay after a long day on the road. Wendy was a magnificent host — and even came out to greet me and my dog despite our late arrival. Don’t miss the add-on options either. I ordered the Desperado and couldn’t have been happier. This site is perfect for anyone seeking unplugged relaxation paired with thoughtful, friendly hospitality.