The best camping near Lake Earl Wildlife Area, CA

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Discover the serene beauty of Lake Earl and its abundant wildlife.  

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Top-rated campgrounds

Free Your Mind Camping

90%
(101)
9.7mi from Lake Earl Wildlife Area · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Gasquet, CA
Welcome to the Wild West Coast! Where the mountains meet the sea. The campground is remotely located on private property and perfectly located for excursions to the Pacific Ocean, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, the Smith River National Recreation Area, and the Pacific Coast Ranges and mountain lakes such as the Devil's Punchbowl, Buck Lake, and Raspberry Lake. Relax and free you mind while camping on 120+ acres of private property under starry skies with almost no light or noise pollution. You are not alone on the mountain as other people live here in the wild. You only have access to the campground and a nearby pond. A locked gate with code access. The road to get there is two and a half miles up the mountain, the first mile is paved and the other mile and a half is gravel. The road is maintained by the county and used daily by others that live and work here. In the surrounding area you can enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, surfing, beachcombing, birdwatching, and countless other outdoor activities. French Hill Trail is a few more miles up the mountain road. The campsites have picnic tables and fire rings, and campers are provided with 5 gallons of potable water. An outdoor, COLD-water Artesian shower, out in the open mountain air with the wild things and an outhouse with a compost toilet are also provided. Bundles of firewood are available for an extra charge when you book your campsite. The campsites are set within a deciduous and pine forest at about 1913 feet in elevation. There is a pond on the property, but its purpose is for wildlife habitat ONLY, so water activities are NOT allowed. NO swimming, NO fishing, NO boating, NO trapping, etc. The wild things live here! The property owner has a dog, three cats, and a menagerie of yard birds such as turkeys, peacocks, guinea hens, chickens, ducks, geese, etc. They do make noise! Kirk has lived off-grid for over twenty years and holds a wealth of information about the Gasquet/Del Norte County area. Perhaps the most interesting feature of the property is that it has had documented Sasquatch encounters over the past twenty years that have been published in "Tribal Bigfoot" (D. Paulides 2009). Kirk can tell you about his experiences with this and other phenomena on the property.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$41
 / night

Camp Jade River

96%
(284)
12mi from Lake Earl Wildlife Area · 1 site · Tent, RV · Crescent City, CA
The rugged terrain of far northern California is one of the few mostly untouched places left to retreat to. Come dwarf yourself under the magnificent giant redwoods and be struck with awe by the mesmerizing jade colored Smith River. The property is a mere 20 minutes from some of the world's tallest trees. Come check out Stout Grove, a rarely crowded gem of the Redwood National and State Parks. The grove is a part of Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park which is the least developed and most impressive park of the four. From your campsite you will have a lovely view of a large bend of the Smith River. It boasts impressive runs of chinook and steelhead, and is host to many other native species. Keep an eye out for bear, mink, and otters! And secure any food or attractants at night. Our property gives you the chance to disconnect from daily life and recalibrate. Use our site as an extended getaway for some peace and quiet, or a launch point to the variety of local attractions. 
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$45
 / night

AtRivers Edge RV Resort

95%
(11)
17mi from Lake Earl Wildlife Area · 70 sites · RVs, Lodging · Harbor, OR
With Chetco River frontage, a picturesque setting, friendly atmosphere and great fishing, AtRivers Edge RV Resort is “The Southern Oregon Coast’s own Brigadoon.” AtRivers Edge RV Resort can be a challenge to find, but we offer the peace and tranquility you seek at the end of a long day’s drive. Our riverside setting stretches ½ mile along the Chetco and is designed to sooth frayed nerves and rejuvenate the human spirit. Nestled in the Chetco River Valley, we are just out of the wind and fog belt and enjoy a temperate maritime climate all year. We reside in southern Oregon’s renowned “Banana Belt” and invite you to vacation with us and enjoy the scenic beauty and soothing sounds of the Chetco River. AtRivers Edge RV Resort takes pride in providing a serene environment that can accommodate our independent guests. Many of the great people who stay with us are very social and focused on having fun. Our clubhouse usually has activities such as potlucks, bingo, card playing, crafts, group functions and special events during our busy seasons. Many planned activities are available in the local area as well and schedules of these walking tours, exhibitions, festivals and events can be found in our local newspaper’s website www.currypilot.com.
Pets
Toilets
Full Hookups
from 
$60
 / night

The best camping near Lake Earl Wildlife Area, CA guide

Overview

About

Just south of the Oregon border on the extreme northern California Coast, Lake Earl rests alongside grassy dunes and the crashing waters of the Pacific Ocean. Split by the borders of Tolowa Dunes State Park and Lake Earl Wildlife Area, the lake itself is one of the most essential locations for maintaining California's seabird population.


Technically a lagoon, Lake Earl will fill with fresh water from the surrounding areas and only occasionally breach through to the ocean. This unique ecosystem is home to several endangered and threatened species of bird, making it a necessary stop for birdwatching on any camping trip.

When to go

The best time to visit Lake Earl Wildlife Area is during the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the migratory birds are in abundance. Summer offers warm days perfect for boating, while winter can be less ideal due to heavier rains and cooler temperatures.

Know before you go

  • Check the local weather and prepare for changing conditions when planning your visit.
  • Be aware of wildlife in the area; observe from a distance and do not feed the animals.
  • Ensure you have the necessary permits for fishing or hunting, and familiarize yourself with the regulations.
  • Restrooms and boat launching facilities are available, enhancing your day-use experience.
  • For more information or assistance, contact the wildlife area at (707) 487-0541.

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