The best camping near Headwaters Forest Reserve

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Headwaters Forest Reserve adventure.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Headwaters Forest Reserve

95%
(63)

Whispering Redwood Creek

1 site · RV, Tent10 acres · Mc Kinleyville, CA
Nestled within the towering grandeur of California's Redwood Forest, Whispering Redwood Creek offers a serene and enchanting camping experience. This unique site, located at 451 Tip Top Ridge Rd, McKinleyville, invites you to immerse yourself in the profound silence of the forest, where the majestic redwoods not only touch the sky but also absorb the sounds of the world, creating an atmosphere of deep tranquility. Adjacent to a gently percolating creek, the campsite is a harmonious blend of nature's calm and modern convenience. Designed for ease, it features a pull-through arrangement that welcomes all, from the casual weekend camper to the seasoned adventurer. The site is equipped with its own private bathroom, complete with a toilet and running water, ensuring comfort and privacy. As you settle in, you'll find a picnic table waiting, perfect for al fresco meals or evening conversations. The entire campsite is enveloped in a 100% shaded area, courtesy of the immense canopy overhead. This natural umbrella not only provides cool, refreshing shade but also creates a unique, dappled light ambiance that shifts and plays throughout the day. At Whispering Redwood Creek, you're invited to disconnect from the hustle and bustle and reconnect with the timeless rhythm of nature. Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat to rejuvenate your spirit or a quiet base to explore the wonders of the Redwood Forest, this campsite promises an unforgettable stay, where the whispers of the ancient trees and the soft murmur of the creek become the soundtrack of your escape.
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$51
 / night
93%
(138)

Shelter Cove Campground

90 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Whitethorn, CA
Take a deep breath. Experience nature. The drive out to this remote area is well worth it for those who like to fish, crab, dive for abalone or watch for whales. Photographers, hikers and nature lovers will have plenty to do as well. The thick redwood forests surrounding the village are home to bald eagles, Roosevelt elk, black tail deer.....and if you believe the legend, Bigfoot. The rock shoreline makes Shelter Cove a refuge for seals and sea lions, and it boasts some of the world's richest tide pools. There are picnic areas that offer access to the beach or the rocks below the bluffs. Each rate is for four people at a site, access to bathrooms, showers and coin operated washer and dryer. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring (see note below reference firewood). NOTE: State ordinances require firewood to be purchased locally, therefore we source our firewood from the local provider here in the cove. Alan wraps extra big bundles and packs a little kindling in each. Let us know how many we need and we'll deliver right to your site. The campground is open all year. During our busy season, we suggest that you call for reservations and for more information regarding the rates and what they include. Our numbers are listed on our Contact page, our Facebook page and on Instagram. The Lost Coast In the 1920's, when they built the Coast Highway in Northern California, engineers decided a stretch of coast from Northern Mendocino County through the King Range in Humboldt County was too rugged for a road. Thus, this expanse of magnificent coastline was soon isolated and became known as the "Lost Coast". Highly-valued seaside resort. The small community of Shelter Cove, on the coast just below King Range, lies at the core of the Lost Coast. Being cut off from the rest of California has helped Shelter Cove remain a peaceful seaside resort with peerless scenery that is an oasis for outdoor enthusiasts. Diverse wildlife within reach We are home to many deer that like to hang out in the campground and on the golf course. We also have bald eagles, osprey, and foxes. Not to mention our many sea creatures, such as whales, seals, sea lions, otters and fish of many different species. Take a walk on the beach during low tide and enjoy the many tidepools. Events and Functions at Shelter Cove Campground. From May to October we have many different events for those that are looking for something to do. In May we have our Kayak Conventions and Memorial Day celebration. May also starts our Campground Karaoke which takes occasionally on Friday night at 6:00 pm - 9:30 pm. During our holiday celebrations, we have BBQ's with chicken, ribs and fresh oysters. We also offer music for your listening pleasure while you enjoy the beautiful ocean views and the Cape Mendocino lighthouse. Full Hook Up RV Sites Settle your RV into our designated back-in grass sites, tailor-made for RVs under 35 feet. Enjoy full hookups, 30 amp electricity, water, and sewer. Ocean views grace every corner of our campground, creating a serene backdrop for your stay. Each site accommodates up to six people, with a nominal charge for each person beyond four. Book your spot today! Van/Tent Dry Camping Sites Establish your campsite, whether it's a tent, truck camper, van, or RV, in our dry camping area. Water is conveniently accessible at fill stations scattered across the campground, and our guests have access to a communal bathroom with showers. Join us for a delightful blend of nature and comfort at Shelter Cove Campground. Your adventure begins here! Pet Policy All our RV & Tent sites are pet friendly and we allow up to two dogs per reservation for a small fee. We love dogs, but sadly won't be able to accommodate pets that aren't trained or are a nuisance. Additionally, our insurance will not allow "aggressive breeds" that include any mix of: Pit Bull, Rottweiler, Doberman or German Sheppard. Please pick up after your pup and use a leash when at the camp. Thank you in advance for your consideration and help in keeping our camp a mellow and enjoyable place for everyone.
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$25
 / night
99%
(421)

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; 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 property in 1947 from the 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.) Paolo's wife Felicita and their three children stayed behind; they were to follow within the year. In the country outside of Ferndale, California, Paolo 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 their 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 and her sons, 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 2013, we invited the people who had been children in the 1920s and '30s and who had come to this ranch after Sunday Mass to gather with other Italian families for polenta, wine, and music. These old-timers came to our house with photographs and maps and Mass cards and diaries, and shared their memories of a childhood in this place that still embraced 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 to purchase if you need or want it (fresh bread, soup, cobbler). Free firewood, local tips on travel and where to hike or what to visit. Or total solitude. Bring your (most breeds) dogs if you wish (males must be neutered). Starlink internet means you can Zoom in the forest. Walk to the beach along a no-shoulder country road (or drive). 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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$55
 / night
95%
(250)

The Forest Fairy Woods

4 sites · Lodging4 acres · Trinidad, CA
Welcome to my home: My Dad moved here when I was 4, and lived here til he passed away, so this land is very special to me. I've been rebuilding the structures and pouring my heart and soul into it since September of 2019, and I'm very proud of how far it's come. It's definitely a labor of love, and I truly believe I'll be making additions here for the rest of my life. People have been camping in the meadow in the summers 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 cleared out the forest and left the burnt out 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. EXTRAS: If I'm around, I can show you the trails on the property. Extra blankets and towel rentals are available for a small fee, when available.
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$84.15
 / night
95%
(390)

Eel River Escape

18 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents4 acres · Benbow, CA
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. 
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$49.50
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100%
(12)

Lost Coast

2 sites · Lodging11 acres · Petrolia, CA
Welcome to The Lost Coast in Petrolia, CA- WE HAVE TWO SITES-The Garden Cabin AND The Abalone RV. Discover 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, mountain lion, black bear, coyote, raccoon, skunk, and natural beauty, The Lost Coast 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, volunteer fire department, no hospital, and a post office. There is WiFi, limited cell service, so this terrain is rugged, remote, and pristine. Due to the surroundings, there is a standard release form for our guests to sign. Come experience the tranquility and beauty of the Lost Coast at the Garden Cabin – it truly is heaven on earth.
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$90
 / night

The best camping near Headwaters Forest Reserve guide

Overview

About

Start planning your Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument camping trip for a unique taste of Southern California's mountainous allure. The high peaks and deep canyons near your campsite provide opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing. Not far away, Joshua Tree National Park offers another dimension of desert beauty and exploration. A camping trip near Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument is a genuine highland adventure!

Nearby attractions

  • Step back in time while camping at Fort Humboldt State Historic Park. This unique location combines the best of both worlds - enriching history and serene natural beauty for a captivating camping experience.

  • Enveloped by the towering majesty of ancient redwoods, camping at Humboldt Redwoods State Park is truly a humbling experience. It's a magical sanctuary for campers seeking tranquility and awe-inspiring scenery.

  • From the stunning coastline to the refreshing forested campsites, Fort Bragg offers a camping experience that's nothing short of spectacular. Don't miss the mesmerizing Glass Beach!

  • Embark on a coastal camping journey in Eureka. The city's proximity to lush forests, beautiful beaches, and bustling marinas makes it an ideal base camp for diverse outdoor activities.

  • Prepare to be mesmerized by the natural splendor of Six Rivers National Forest. This vast wonderland brims with vibrant wilderness, making it a splendid choice for camping, hiking, and wildlife spotting.

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