Redwood Camping Near Rio Dell, CA: 12 Best Redwood Campgrounds Near Rio Dell

Looking to get outdoors and experience the beauty of nature? Look no further than camping near Rio Dell, California with Hipcamp. With over 375 options in this scenic location, you'll have plenty of choices to find the perfect campsite. And with prices starting as low as $20 per night, camping is an affordable adventure. Check out top campsites like Jug Handle Creek Farm (1479 reviews), Mendocino Magic (410 reviews), and Wuss Camp Centerville (166 reviews) for some tried and true options. Whether you're into biking, surfing, or whitewater paddling, you'll find the perfect activities to suit your adventurous spirit. Plus, popular amenities like potable water, cooking equipment, and campfires will make your camping experience even more enjoyable. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable camping trip!

99% (1K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Rio Dell

Looking to get outdoors and experience the beauty of nature? Look no further than camping near Rio Dell, California with Hipcamp. With over 375 options in this scenic location, you'll have plenty of choices to find the perfect campsite. And with prices starting as low as $20 per night, camping is an affordable adventure. Check out top campsites like Jug Handle Creek Farm (1479 reviews), Mendocino Magic (410 reviews), and Wuss Camp Centerville (166 reviews) for some tried and true options. Whether you're into biking, surfing, or whitewater paddling, you'll find the perfect activities to suit your adventurous spirit. Plus, popular amenities like potable water, cooking equipment, and campfires will make your camping experience even more enjoyable. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable camping trip!

99% (1K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Rio Dell

1. Bayside Cabin

98%

(315)

25mi from Rio Dell · 1 site · Lodging

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!

2. Wendy & John Farm

100%

(571)

13mi from Rio Dell · 7 sites · Tents, RVs

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. Eel River Escape

95%

(414)

38mi from Rio Dell · 19 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

This property is conveniently located in historic highway 101. It's 4.5 terraced acres overlooking the south fork Eel River. It is adjacent to the Reggae on the River and Northern Nights festival sites. It's less than a mile from the tourist attraction One Log house and Richardson Grove state park. The property is a permitted educational cannabis farm implementing regenerative agriculture practices.We have several accommodation options! You can stay in our fully furnished bell tent tucked away in a charming garden. It has a full bed with foam topper, charge station, lounge chair, fan or heater, wireless speaker, and wifi. The property has hot outdoor shower and viewing bluff overlooking Eel river. Enjoy convenient hwy 101 location close to state park and dispensary. Wake up, dine and stroll in this dreamy garden! We also have camping and  RV sites that have morning shade, and epic views and two levels of camping area. 

4. Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park

58%

(6)

26 sites · Redcrest, California

The Force is strong in this small, secluded park down by the river.

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5. Humboldt Redwoods State Park

98%

(69)

470 sites · Redcrest, California

Here’s the thing about this park: it’s home to the tallest trees in the world. As in, on the planet.

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6. Camp Johneaux

100%

(1)

29mi from Rio Dell · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Small cabin with a fridge/freezer, cook stove and oven, propane heater, hot shower/clawfoot tub and a standard size futon mattress (currently occupied). Tent site is available. Please bring your own tent & bedding. Electricity is available, but no WiFi. The pit-toilet is shared with cabin tenants. There is also a delightful, private swimming hole on the property enjoyed seasonally. Close to ancient giant redwood grove and Redway Beach on the Eel River. Approximately 17 miles from Shelter Cove and 25 miles from the Sinkyone Wilderness Reserve. The King’s Peak is a great hike with awesome views of the Pacific and rugged Lost Coast. Close to Avenue of the Giants which offers an array of gorgeous loop trails from easy to moderate, through magnificent ancient redwood groves.

7. Humboldt Hills Experience

98%

(52)

28mi from Rio Dell · 5 sites · Tents, RVs

2-wheel drive accessible 2 miles up a dirt road. This is an example of a back to the land movement homestead. You can grab an apple, pear, plum, and some eggs. Drive through majestic redwoods and above as you ascend the 2 miles of dirt road to get here. There is much political, musical, and environmental history behind this land which we can share when you arrive.

8. Lost Coast Tower

94%

(9)

15mi from Rio Dell · 1 site · Lodging

The Tower is hidden away on top of a hill in the Mattole Valley, a steep 500-foot switchback hike through Douglas firs on a trail built especially to reach it. It is set within its own hilltop meadow. The property is about 2 acres all in all, with the main house just down below at the bottom of the trail where I live. More about the trail up (as the Tower is not just about destination, it's about how you get there and turning everything into an adventure): A series of large ceramic sculptures punctuate the trail up. My father, whose idea the tower was, commissioned Jim Danisch, a great potter who lived in the Mattole, to build a series of sculptures for the Millennium. That New Year, hundreds of people from around the area came to the Tower and climbed up the hill to celebrate with a fireworks display people still talk about. Greg Smith, one of the craftsmen who built the tower, tells the story of how his 95 year old ailing mother walked proudly to the top and died a week later after achieving her final ascent. A special booklet compiled by Dansich is in the Tower for perusal, so you can read about what each sculpture represents (they are symbolic of life in the valley thousands of years ago) and how you might contemplate their significance in your life. The property was designed in collaboration with local craftspeople by my late father, a radical journalist who wandered into the valley in 1990 and stayed. When he bought the house, the land it came with included a big hill behind the house. How he got up there in the first place to have the idea for the Tower, I don't know, but he did, and the result is a totally unique embodiment of a vision. My father thought that in general people were a bit timid and conservative about expressing themselves through their properties, and that a place could be an expression of your personality. He was a 'Why Not?' type of guy - why shouldn't the place you live in express your loves and interests, as far as possible? For example, his identity as a writer and as a writer from a family of writers is announced by his father's Remington typewriter atop a totem pole near the entrance to the Tower trail - you might miss it, but it's there, happily rusting for eternity. Reliefs on the Cider house, a square terracotta structure with a gold-leafed domed roof, depict his life there. He championed originality, and you can feel his indelible spirit in every detail of the Tower and surrounding property. Learn more about this land: Enjoy total seclusion and privacy in this unusual Lost Coast hideaway. Accessible only by a STEEP 500-ft trail, you must be fairly fit to appreciate this remote spot. The climb will take you to a two-storey 'tower' built around two water tanks. The Mattole River is just over the road below. Enjoy the spectacular bird life. The remote Mattole Beach is just six miles away and makes for great hiking and beachcombing.  **Important Check-in info** The Tower is a property that preferably needs a guide to show you up there initially. It is hidden, and you’ll benefit from a quick orientation up there. Check-in before dark, please, due to the trail. The upper storey of the Tower has a Full (double) sized bed, smaller than a Queen, and comfy. Line-dried fresh-smelling bedding. This room also has a long sofa, Deco chairs, redwood window seats and a long cherrywood table.  There is also a sink upstairs for easy teeth brushing etc. The Tower is on two floors, connected by an outside staircase. So *PLEASE NOTE* that as the bathroom is on the lower floor you will need to go down the *outside* stairs to the bathroom.  Downstairs is the bathroom, shower and kitchen in one open plan room. The lower storey also houses water tanks, wrapped in canvas painted by a local artist. The spring water is excellent for drinking.  Relax beneath the stars in the outdoor in-ground copper bath tub, with plenty of space for two and a small surrounding deck for glasses of wine, or take a hot shower outside, looking out onto the hills.  Enjoy ceramicist Jim Danisch's sculptures punctuating the trail. In collaboration with Petrolia's craftspeople, the Tower was designed by my father, a writer and lover of art.  For groceries, the local Petrolia store has most basics (including a gas pump) but its provisions are limited so please bring your own special groceries if you want more than basic. Please note there are ZERO bars and restaurants in Petrolia. Bear in mind that the Petrolia Store closes at 5pm, so be sure to bring groceries with you if you're arriving later than that, especially for that first night's dinner!  At the bottom of the hill is the main house, where I will be on hand to help out as best I can with any queries and extra conveniences. Details and directions upon booking.  To enable a real break and total relaxation, there is no WiFi! There is very limited cell service in Petrolia. There is a landline available for your private use in the Tower.   Petrolia is off the beaten track and lies at the end of a very winding, rugged road with potholes a-plenty. Ordinary cars can make it, but if you are hiring a car you will be better off hiring an all wheel car that is not too low off the ground.  Be prepared for a real rural retreat. The tower is right in the wilderness atop a hill, so be prepared to hear and see animals around. Please note that I have been hosting on another platform for many years with lots of happy guests.  Please google The Lost Coast Tower to see those reviews, to get a sense of the place from a guest's perspective . Thank you!

9. Six Rivers National Forest

97%

(29)

281 sites · Hoopa, California

This park gets its rather self-descriptive name from the six beautiful rivers that flow through its borders, but don’t the name fool you. There is a lot more than just rivers to check out here. More than a million rambling acres of forest take you through foggy and mystical redwood landscapes. Further inland, miles of towering Douglas firs, glacial peaks, and hidden pools just wait to be discovered. Of course, the rivers are the main attraction. You can’t go two feet without tripping over a perfect swimming hole. After your dip, there are plenty of warm rocks to lay out on. Oh, and if the natural beauty doesn’t get you: this was the place where they first spotted Bigfoot. Yeah, the original footage that basically made everyone believe in the hairy bi-ped. That, on its own, is reason enough to check it out

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10. Sue-meg State Park (Patrick's Point State Park)

99%

(52)

172 sites · Big Lagoon, California

Natural wonders meet Native American history at this coastal park.

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11. Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area

87%

(20)

248 sites · Leggett, California

An arboreal Eden straddles Highway 101 in Northern California.

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Public campgrounds near Rio Dell

58%

(6)

Grizzly Creek Redwoods Campground

8mi from Rio Dell · 26 sites · Tents, RVs · in Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park

Hamilton Barn Environmental Camp

11mi from Rio Dell · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · in Humboldt Redwoods State Park

The 'Big Trees' area about .5 down the road

100%

(9)

Albee Creek Campground

11mi from Rio Dell · 252 sites · Tents, RVs · in Humboldt Redwoods State Park

100%

(2)

Baxter Environmental Camp

11mi from Rio Dell · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · in Humboldt Redwoods State Park

100%

(8)

Cuneo Creek Campground

12mi from Rio Dell · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · in Humboldt Redwoods State Park

Marin Garden Club Group Camp

15mi from Rio Dell · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Humboldt Redwoods State Park

Site 25 by the highway, lots of space in each site

98%

(21)

Burlington Campground

17mi from Rio Dell · 55 sites · Tents, RVs · in Humboldt Redwoods State Park

100%

(11)

Williams Grove Group Camp

19mi from Rio Dell · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · in Humboldt Redwoods State Park

94%

(18)

Hidden Springs Campground

20mi from Rio Dell · 146 sites · Tents, RVs · in Humboldt Redwoods State Park

75%

(4)

Mad River Campground

35mi from Rio Dell · 25 sites · Tents, RVs · in Six Rivers National Forest

East Fork Campground

35mi from Rio Dell · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · in Six Rivers National Forest

Fir Cove Campground

39mi from Rio Dell · 14 sites · Tents, RVs · in Six Rivers National Forest

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Campsite (farthest from bathrooms, by creek) most private

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kelsey

3 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

J

Jerrica

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Bayside Cabin

The cabin is so quaint and beautiful. It’s quite cold this time of year so starting a fire was imperative! The shower and outdoor space was lovely and the slugs were the sweetest visitors. Ted and Emily were responsive hosts — thanks for much for an unforgettable experience!

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Drew

November 2025

4 nights at Bayside Cabin

My stay at Ted and Emily’s cabin was so peaceful, exactly what I was looking for! Directions were very clear, cabin was well cared for, and boy can that wood stove heat the room!! Emily and Ted were fantastic hosts, I definitely will be back next time I’m in the area.

T

Tzuni

November 2025

With pets

1 night at Bayside Cabin

So beautiful, romantic, and equipped! It really has everything you could need while remaining pretty minimalist. The steamy outdoor shower on a cold morning was healing, and the privacy of the toilet was ideal (totally worth it to walk outside the cabin for a moment, and you’re still totally protected from rain and dirt on the couple of steps it takes to reach it.) Can’t wait to come back.

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Fiona

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Bayside Cabin

We love Ted and Emily’s place! It’s so cozy and wonderfully located. It has everything you need and is the perfect little getaway for a relaxing trip.

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Alex

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Bayside Cabin

Cool place - was exactly as advertised! Wood fireplace kept me warm, fresh well water on tap, and an outdoor shower. Great for one or two people who plan on spending their time adventuring and not hunkering down until they have used all the daylight.

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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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Lisa

November 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Bayside Cabin

This glamping situation rocks! It is unassuming, super quiet, simple, with wood and windows. The bonus is there is running water, a toilet and a shower.

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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Abby

November 2025

With pets

2 nights at Bayside Cabin

Had a wonderful stay! Would definitely recommend to anyone looking for some glamping in the area.

A

Alissa

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Bayside Cabin

Cute cabin - really nice to have heat (wood stove), electricity, and a real sink, shower, toilet. This is my oversight but reiterating the alert to others: they do not provide bedding! The pics all show a made bed so I guess my brain just glazed over that part in the description. Glad they left dry wood, kindling and a throw blanket for the cool night. Slept with a strong fire going and my jacket as a pillow. Could be improved: Whole place smelled a little bit like cat pee. Looks dreamy in the warmer months. Under 10 mins to downtown arcata.

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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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Kim

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Bayside Cabin

My husband and I absolutely loved this magical space! Even in such a short stay this place gave to us serenity, inspiration, wonderment, and peace. It definitely made for a sweet celebration of my birthday that I will cherish forever! Thank you! We will definitely return soon!

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Joshua

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Bayside Cabin

Beautiful cabin. Enjoyed our stay. The fire place works great.

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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.

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Debbie

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Bayside Cabin

We had an absolutely wonderful stay at this cabin! The location was peaceful, private, and surrounded by beautiful scenery, the perfect spot to relax and disconnect. Our host was incredibly welcoming and responsive, and offered great local tips. Highly recommend this spot to anyone looking for a quiet escape in nature!

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Ariana

October 2025

With pets

2 nights at Bayside Cabin

The sweetest cabin in the most convenient location! This camp had everything we needed - hot shower, flushing toilet, and a simple, cozy outdoor kitchen setup. Only 5-10 minutes from the hub of Arcata. The cabin felt really private and was nestled in the most darling grove of aspens. Would recommend and would love to come back!

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.

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Kat

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Bayside Cabin

Nice cute affordable place to stay. I really liked the hot outdoor shower and the signature banana slugs. My dog didnt want to leave this place or Humboldt in general! Cute little porch and was very quiet to read etc. Also included sink and lots of kitchen utensils etc. It was very chill! Ted the host is friendly and makes sure you feel welcome!

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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!