The best camping near Eureka, California.

Eureka, a friendly city in Northern California, offers a getaway like no other. By day, stroll by ornate Victorian mansions and cruise the harbor. At night, return to your Redwood Coast campsite and sleep among the world’s tallest trees. Within a few miles of town, a wealth of public lands and shoreline RV parks with Wi-Fi welcome campers of all types.

Just across Humboldt Bay, Samoa County Park offers 25 tent sites and 13 RV sites. Come early—all sites are first-come, first-served. Get on the water from the boat launch, and rent an ATV to ride the local sand dunes. At Clam Beach State Campground, try clamming and horseback riding.

Prefer to sleep surrounded by nature? Pick from four developed campgrounds with picnic tables in Redwood National and State Parks. For a real off-grid escape, get a free permit from the national park and hit the trail. Eight backcountry sites allow tent camping deep in the forest.

From your campsite or RV resort, it’s a short drive to the fun in Eureka and Fortuna. The misty trails at the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge are ideal for hiking and birding. Learn about the struggles of Native Americans and settlers at Fort Humboldt State Historical Park. Along the shore, you’ll find fishing, hiking, biking, and boating.

The key to comfortable camping in Eureka is simple: warm, waterproof gear. This part of the coast is cool year-round; summer days usually top out in the 60s. From October to April, a great rain jacket keeps you dry on the trail or in camp.