Beach Camping Near Arcata, California, US: 12 Best Beach Campsites 2024

United States
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California
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Arcata

94% (506 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Arcata

Star Hosts in Arcata

11 top beach campgrounds near Arcata

98%

(83)

Camp Prairie

2 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Mc Kinleyville, CA

We have seven beautiful acres just outside of the small town of McKinleyville. Our wooded property is about a mile from Clam Beach and surrounded by idyllic horse ranches, sleepy country roads, and lazy cows grazing in the fog. The site is below towering fir trees draped with hanging lichen and full of bird song.

Wendy & John Farm

6 sites · RVs, Tents80 acres · Ferndale, CA

For Ferndale, the village: check out https://www.visitferndale.com/souvenir-edition About our property: There is a gentle spirit throughout these beautiful 80 acres of evergreen forests and pastures. What can you expect? Quiet, beauty, birdsong, ocean roar, widely spaced campsites (only 5 on the 5 acres set aside for camping), extra stuff if you need or want it (fresh bread, soup, cobbler; quilts, free firewood, local tips on travel and where to hike or what to visit), etc. Or total solitude if you want it. Bring your (most breeds) dogs if you wish. Starlink internet means you can Zoom in the forest. Walk to the beach along a no-shoulder country road (or drive). Teach your toddler how to build a dam in the shallow creek. Read. There are 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, no generators allowed. (Charge your electronics at the farmhouse.) My aunt and uncle bought the p;roperty in 1947 from the first European settler, Paolo Gabrielli, who came to the U.S. in early 1914 from northern Italy with slips of his grapevine in the lining of his coat. Paolo's wife, Felicita, and their three children stayed behind; they were to follow within the year. In the country outside of Ferndale, California, he purchased the property, one mile from the ocean, and built a Tyrolean-style house, a chicken house (with a grappa still under the main floor), an outhouse, a corral, and a barn. He purchased 7 cows. And then, it was August 1914, and the War to End All Wars broke out in Europe. Felicita and the children, living in a village on the Austrian border, were interned in a prison camp in Austria with the rest of the village's residents. The Gabriellis' young daughter died there. Six years passed before Felicita, Virgil and Louis were able to join Paolo in America. In 1938, Virgil--Fr. Gino--became the first Ferndale boy to serve Mass in his hometown church. Felicita died in 1940, and Paolo closed the dairy and moved into Ferndale. In 2014, we invited the people who had been children in the 1920s and '30s who had come to this ranch after Sunday Mass to gather with other Italian families for polenta, wine, and music. They came with photographs and maps and Mass cards and diaries, and shared their memories of a childhood in this place that still loved them. What can you expect? Quiet, beauty, birdsong, ocean roar, widely spaced campsites (only 5 on the 5 acres set aside for camping), extra stuff if you need or want it (fresh bread, soup, cobbler; quilts, free firewood, local tips on travel and where to hike or what to visit), etc. Or total solitude if you want it. Bring your (most breeds) dogs if you wish. Starlink internet means you can Zoom in the forest. Walk to the beach along a no-shoulder country road (or drive). Teach your toddler how to build a dam in the shallow creek. Read. There are 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, no generators allowed. (Charge your electronics at the farmhouse.)

93%

(38)

Historic Farm Humboldt Bay

2 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Loleta, CA

Come share the beauty of this historic farming and ranching heritage. Camping spot surrounded by mature cedars on 2 acres overlooking Humboldt Bay. You have full access to a hot bath/shower bathroom, and kitchen in the main house. There is plenty of sights and scenery including biking and kayak trails, estuary birdwatching, and close to the south jetty beaches.. this is a special place. Southport is located between Ferndale and Eureka, in a small farming community called Loleta. This is a hobby farm with ducks, geese, chickens, sheep, dog, and cats.

97%

(19)

Bayside chicken farm

1 site · TentBayside, CA

We have a long acre with a dozen chickens, greenhouses, a yurt, and a lot of plans for the future. We hope to one day renovate the old shed into rentals along with a bathroom/kitchen unit, but for now it's only camping.Learn more about this land:We are in the process of developing an area to host travelers, and currently we have a basic camping area and facilities just outside of the center of Arcata. We have a compost toilet, drinking water, and a number of chickens who may visit you (fresh eggs also available). Also provide a table to cook on and a seating area to catch the last sun of the day (if it's not overcast). We are not an option for people sleeping in their vehicles (2-3 minute walk from parking area to camping area). We only rent out one spot per night so you will have the area to yourselves.

The Dune House

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Manila, CA

This is a darling little house located in the rural community of Manila between Arcata and Eureka. It's just a short walk away from the edge of the continent with soaring sea birds, crashing waves, and miles and miles of rugged dunes. The cottage is fully set up for comfortable living, including linens and towels, and it has a private back yard with a fire pit and lounging chairs. You can sleep out in the back yard and hear the waves crashing... or move inside above the radiant heated floors and stretch out in one of the three fully made-up beds. Shower... laundry... full kitchen

94%

(24)

Woods, Waves & Wags/Hipcamp

5 sites · Lodging, Tents1 acre · Klamath, CA

GLAMPING near the REDWOODS and OCEAN! Near Prairie Creek National Park. A private home property with an active Airbnb and now Hip Camp! Come pitch your tent ,Car camp, or book a room! Very Close to the Beach and Redwoods and "Trees of Mystery" Park. We have Yard games, Fire pits, and are Dog friendly!.

100%

(2)

The Cabin at Humboldt Bay

1 site · Lodging14 acres · Samoa, CA

The Cabin at Humboldt Bay Social Club is a tiny, rustic space. Its outdoor kitchen and shower, Laveo Dry Flush toilet, and lovely views provide a "glamping" experience on Humboldt Bay. The Cabin is located on the 22-acre Oyster Beach, part of Humboldt Bay Social Club. Humboldt Bay Social Club is a vacation rental resort, boutique hotel, event space and Lobby Bar. The Cabin is a short walk to the beach with views of the eucalyptus grove all around. The interior of the cabin is lined with maple plywood and features a cozy seating area with a small fold-down leather futon and two loft sleeping areas. The kitchen and shower are outside on the covered deck. The outdoor kitchen has a small propane oven with cooktop, a farm sink and a mini-fridge. It is outfitted with cookware and diningware. The outdoor shower is enclosed on the porch (hot water is provided with an on-demand water heater). A gas fireplace heats the cabin. The small indoor bathroom features a Laveo Dry Flush toilet.

Explore the Trinity Alps!

23 sites · Lodging, RVs122 acres · Junction City, CA

Don Ellis has owned and managed the Strawhouse Resorts since 1998. Don and Julia continue to work hard side-by-side to bring much value to the community. They have helped the businesses in the area by not only increasing the visitors to Big Flat and surrounding areas, but also by collaborating with many groups to join in making the community of Big Flat a real destination Hot Spot. Strawhouse Resorts has also provided job opportunities, which has allowed several talented folks the ability to live and thrive in such a beautiful location. We are a huge supporter of the local artists, so when you come into the cafe', you are greeted by the popular talent of the area! Our 2,000 sq. ft. patio overlooks the stunning Trinity River, so you have the perfect dining experience. You might even get to watch a bald eagle or osprey fly by as you enjoy your meal! We are committed to bringing quality service, organic coffees roasted on-site in micro-batches, excellent food, lodging, and recreational resources to all of our customers and community, while being socially, spiritually, and environmentally responsible.

95%

(141)

Otter Space

13 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents38 acres · Orick, CA

The Otter Space Conference Center was purchased in 2002 by Dr. Peter Alsop as a place of peace and healing, where human service professionals have come to train with Dr. Alsop and learn how to help children and families cope with issues such as chemical dependency, loss and grief, child abuse and trauma. We are located on the Yurok reservation right on the Klamath River just outside Orick, CA. The name Otter Space comes from a family of otters that live just down river. It’s also combination of “Artist’s Space” and “Outer Space” and implies the importance of thinking “out of the box” and valuing music and the arts in healing and living our lives fully, as well as the need to pass on earth and people-friendly skills to help our children survive into the future. We are "off the grid", through a Redwood forest and over a mountain down into the Klamath River valley. We have a 5 acre meadow, and orchard with 50 trees, peaches pears, apples, cherries, plums, pluots, apricots and grapes. We are right on the Klamath river. It's a great place to come and recharge your internal batteries. (We have solar panels and generators to charge our other kind of batteries, because we're off-grid!) There is virtually no telephone service and our internet is only available for extreme emergencies. Our Main House was built in 1952 and retains the flavor of the 50’s. It houses a kitchen, dining hall, a living room, two bedrooms and a bathroom with a bathtub and shower. Our log-built Lodge overlooks the Klamath River with 3 bedrooms, a full kitchen, bathroom and wrap-around covered porch. Our Pumpkin & Blue Cottages each sleep 4-5 people. They are close to the double Yellow Shower house and toilets, and they have hot and cold running water, a propane cooktop, and a wood stove for heat. We do NOT have refrigeration, and our solar batteries or generator provides us lights at night. Campers who use our Cottages may use their own sleeping bags, but we have beds with mattresses and pillows and clean bedding. We also have an Upper Barn bedroom and half-bath rental. Our two-story Riverview Yurt appeals to folks who want a full kitchen, a private shower and flush toilet overlooking the Klamath river from our 50 x 50 foot upper deck. Luscious to sit outside and watch the river flow by during the day, and to let the water lull you to sleep at night. For families (up to 8), folks who like to fish, or old friends who just want a very special get-away. Each of our six campsites have a picnic table and a fire pit. Our Maple River, Grotto River and Pepperwood River sites overlook the gorgeous Klamath River. Our Morning Meadow, Orchard Meadow, and Deer Meadow sites are close to our 5 acre meadow where blacktail deer graze in the evenings. We have a Yellow double Shower House with two separate sides, each with a toilet, sink and shower and on demand hot water, so folks don't have to wait. There's also a new Camp Shower at the corner of the orchard for our campers, along with two outhouses for camper use, one at the bottom of the road down to the meadow, and another in the woods just past Deer Meadow Camp. Feel free to pee outside (with discretion if there are other campers present)! For solid waste, please use the appropriate accommodations. Please be considerate of others. We see lots of wildlife; silver foxes, a bald eagle and a family of river otters downstream, vultures, blue heron, occasionally an osprey will fly overhead clutching a freshly caught salmon and call to each other to brag about it! There are rare sightings of timid black bears who run from humans, but sometimes can be seen grazing in the meadow with the black-tail deer. We're surrounded by old logging trails made by the lumber companies 80 years ago when they clear cut the old growth redwood on our side of the mountain, and now it's completely reforested with 200 ft tall Doug Fir, Madrone, Cedar, Oak, other pine species and Pepper wood trees, and we have written permission from the Green Diamond company to allow guest to hike on their adjacent properties.

92%

(6)

Lost Coast Tower

1 site · Lodging2 acres · Petrolia, CA

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 small double Murphy bed which measures 4 ft wide. It is 6.5 ft long from headboard to footboard, and has a foam mattress on a wooden board. If you are quite tall it may not be comfortable due to the footboard. This room also has a long sofa, Deco chairs, redwood window seats and a long cherrywood table. 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 kitchen area includes a Wedgewood stove. There is also a sink upstairs for easy teeth brushing etc. The spring water is excellent for drinking. The lower storey also houses water tanks, wrapped in canvas painted by a local artist.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 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 5.30pm, 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 7 years with many 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!

100%

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The Garden Cabin

1 site · Lodging11 acres · Petrolia, CA

Welcome to the Garden Cabin, your peaceful retreat nestled just 4 miles from the pristine Lost Coast of California. Situated in the remote and unspoiled wilderness of the National King Range, this area boasts 35 miles of undeveloped coastline and the renowned Lost Coast Trail, perfect for hiking and enjoying the serene beachfront. Surrounded by abundant wildlife and breathtaking natural beauty, the Garden Cabin offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you're seeking solitude in nature or adventurous exploration along the rugged coastline, this remote area provides endless opportunities for relaxation and adventure. Nearby amenities include a quaint Sunday morning cafe, a small store, and a post office, ensuring that you have access to the essentials while still enjoying the wide-open spaces and pristine wilderness of this hidden gem. Come experience the tranquility and beauty of the Lost Coast at the Garden Cabin – it truly is heaven on earth.

Dog-friendly getaways

93%

(38)

Historic Farm Humboldt Bay

2 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Loleta, CA

Come share the beauty of this historic farming and ranching heritage. Camping spot surrounded by mature cedars on 2 acres overlooking Humboldt Bay. You have full access to a hot bath/shower bathroom, and kitchen in the main house. There is plenty of sights and scenery including biking and kayak trails, estuary birdwatching, and close to the south jetty beaches.. this is a special place. Southport is located between Ferndale and Eureka, in a small farming community called Loleta. This is a hobby farm with ducks, geese, chickens, sheep, dog, and cats.

Explore the Trinity Alps!

23 sites · Lodging, RVs122 acres · Junction City, CA

Don Ellis has owned and managed the Strawhouse Resorts since 1998. Don and Julia continue to work hard side-by-side to bring much value to the community. They have helped the businesses in the area by not only increasing the visitors to Big Flat and surrounding areas, but also by collaborating with many groups to join in making the community of Big Flat a real destination Hot Spot. Strawhouse Resorts has also provided job opportunities, which has allowed several talented folks the ability to live and thrive in such a beautiful location. We are a huge supporter of the local artists, so when you come into the cafe', you are greeted by the popular talent of the area! Our 2,000 sq. ft. patio overlooks the stunning Trinity River, so you have the perfect dining experience. You might even get to watch a bald eagle or osprey fly by as you enjoy your meal! We are committed to bringing quality service, organic coffees roasted on-site in micro-batches, excellent food, lodging, and recreational resources to all of our customers and community, while being socially, spiritually, and environmentally responsible.

The Cabin at Humboldt Bay

1 site · Lodging14 acres · Samoa, CA

The Cabin at Humboldt Bay Social Club is a tiny, rustic space. Its outdoor kitchen and shower, Laveo Dry Flush toilet, and lovely views provide a "glamping" experience on Humboldt Bay. The Cabin is located on the 22-acre Oyster Beach, part of Humboldt Bay Social Club. Humboldt Bay Social Club is a vacation rental resort, boutique hotel, event space and Lobby Bar. The Cabin is a short walk to the beach with views of the eucalyptus grove all around. The interior of the cabin is lined with maple plywood and features a cozy seating area with a small fold-down leather futon and two loft sleeping areas. The kitchen and shower are outside on the covered deck. The outdoor kitchen has a small propane oven with cooktop, a farm sink and a mini-fridge. It is outfitted with cookware and diningware. The outdoor shower is enclosed on the porch (hot water is provided with an on-demand water heater). A gas fireplace heats the cabin. The small indoor bathroom features a Laveo Dry Flush toilet.

Bayside chicken farm

1 site · TentBayside, CA

We have a long acre with a dozen chickens, greenhouses, a yurt, and a lot of plans for the future. We hope to one day renovate the old shed into rentals along with a bathroom/kitchen unit, but for now it's only camping.Learn more about this land:We are in the process of developing an area to host travelers, and currently we have a basic camping area and facilities just outside of the center of Arcata. We have a compost toilet, drinking water, and a number of chickens who may visit you (fresh eggs also available). Also provide a table to cook on and a seating area to catch the last sun of the day (if it's not overcast). We are not an option for people sleeping in their vehicles (2-3 minute walk from parking area to camping area). We only rent out one spot per night so you will have the area to yourselves.

Wendy & John Farm

6 sites · RVs, Tents80 acres · Ferndale, CA

For Ferndale, the village: check out https://www.visitferndale.com/souvenir-edition About our property: There is a gentle spirit throughout these beautiful 80 acres of evergreen forests and pastures. What can you expect? Quiet, beauty, birdsong, ocean roar, widely spaced campsites (only 5 on the 5 acres set aside for camping), extra stuff if you need or want it (fresh bread, soup, cobbler; quilts, free firewood, local tips on travel and where to hike or what to visit), etc. Or total solitude if you want it. Bring your (most breeds) dogs if you wish. Starlink internet means you can Zoom in the forest. Walk to the beach along a no-shoulder country road (or drive). Teach your toddler how to build a dam in the shallow creek. Read. There are 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, no generators allowed. (Charge your electronics at the farmhouse.) My aunt and uncle bought the p;roperty in 1947 from the first European settler, Paolo Gabrielli, who came to the U.S. in early 1914 from northern Italy with slips of his grapevine in the lining of his coat. Paolo's wife, Felicita, and their three children stayed behind; they were to follow within the year. In the country outside of Ferndale, California, he purchased the property, one mile from the ocean, and built a Tyrolean-style house, a chicken house (with a grappa still under the main floor), an outhouse, a corral, and a barn. He purchased 7 cows. And then, it was August 1914, and the War to End All Wars broke out in Europe. Felicita and the children, living in a village on the Austrian border, were interned in a prison camp in Austria with the rest of the village's residents. The Gabriellis' young daughter died there. Six years passed before Felicita, Virgil and Louis were able to join Paolo in America. In 1938, Virgil--Fr. Gino--became the first Ferndale boy to serve Mass in his hometown church. Felicita died in 1940, and Paolo closed the dairy and moved into Ferndale. In 2014, we invited the people who had been children in the 1920s and '30s who had come to this ranch after Sunday Mass to gather with other Italian families for polenta, wine, and music. They came with photographs and maps and Mass cards and diaries, and shared their memories of a childhood in this place that still loved them. What can you expect? Quiet, beauty, birdsong, ocean roar, widely spaced campsites (only 5 on the 5 acres set aside for camping), extra stuff if you need or want it (fresh bread, soup, cobbler; quilts, free firewood, local tips on travel and where to hike or what to visit), etc. Or total solitude if you want it. Bring your (most breeds) dogs if you wish. Starlink internet means you can Zoom in the forest. Walk to the beach along a no-shoulder country road (or drive). Teach your toddler how to build a dam in the shallow creek. Read. There are 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, no generators allowed. (Charge your electronics at the farmhouse.)

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Beach camping near Arcata guide

Overview

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping adventures near Arcata, California! With over 360 options available in this area that are perfect for beach lovers, you'll be sure to find the perfect spot for your next getaway. Whether you're looking for a beachside campsite, a cozy cabin, or a rustic RV spot, we've got you covered. And with popular campsites like Cedar Bloom (1299 reviews), Redwood Retreat (180 reviews), and Wuss Camp Centerville (166 reviews), you can trust that you'll have an amazing experience. Plus, our campsites offer a range of amenities like cooking equipment, showers, and trash facilities, so you can enjoy your time in nature with ease. And with activities like horseback riding, hiking, and boating nearby, there's always something fun to do. So pack your bags and get ready for a memorable camping experience near Arcata, California!