Camping Near Eureka

For many years, my husband Garth and I have traveled the western states in our little 24-foot motorhome, along with our golden retriever Chase (and occasionally our cat!). In this and subsequent RVCYOB articles, I’ll share with you our experiences, our opinions on the best campsites to reserve, clever camping gear and gizmos, tried-and-true hacks, secret hikes, camp recipes, camping with pets and kids, things to avoid, and things you won’t want to miss. I hope you’ll enjoy traveling with us.

We’re moving farther up into the redwoods now—to Trinidad on the California coast just north of Eureka and Arcata—to a verdant private campground tucked into the redwoods, complete with a fern-lined meandering creek. Aptly named Emerald Forest, the owners consider it a sanctuary of peace, tranquility, and happiness. I couldn’t agree more. And what better time than right now to take yourself on a forest retreat?

Trinidad marked the turn-around on our Redwoods Trip. Garth wanted to revisit his old surf spots. I was all in. More camping in the redwoods? Yes, please! Emerald Forest didn’t disappoint. We pulled off the road into the shade and quiet of those towering giants and forgot about the outside world. The campground was beautiful. We’d made the right choice.

The variety of accommodations under the trees was impressive. A circle of quaint cabins with window boxes surrounds a grassy lawn and gazebo (dogs okay in some cabins). The RV sites are just 20’-25’ wide—back-in or pull-through, full or partial hookups, and there’s even a cul-de-sac just for pop-ups. The tent-only area across the creek is so spacious, lush, and wooded that it made me long for those bygone days of backpacking.

The camp bathrooms blew me away—besides clean tile showers with nice hot water, there are heated floors! What? Chase, our golden retriever, was more impressed with the three grassy dog runs. There’s also a clubhouse, video arcade, horseshoes, camp store, and strong WiFi—we easily streamed a Forty Niner game. We won! RVs sites are a reasonable $42-$57/night with the best being #20, #8, #5, #22, #6, #86, #92, and #93 (last two have some road noise). Go to www.emeraldforestcabins.com.

Have I talked you into going? Wait! There’s more! Must Do #1: You can easily walk or drive just 1 mile to Trinidad Head (elev. 380’)—a rocky promontory like Morro Rock in Morro Bay but with a few salient differences. This one is covered in lush vegetation, and you can walk to the top—with your dog! A relatively easy, 1.7 mile loop trail weaves through mystical tree tunnels, then pops out at vista points along the way for views of the Pacific and Trinidad Bay.

A spur trail leads to the lighthouse (open one day a month, first Saturdays). Trinidad Head’s connection to the mainland creates a popular beach to the north (dogs allowed), and Trinidad Bay to the south, with a protected fishing port by the seaside town of Trinidad. If you’re familiar with Morro Bay on the California coast, you’ll have to agree that Trinidad is Morro Bay’s doppelganger!

In town, you’ll find Murphy’s grocery, Chevron gas, Victorian houses, shops, and eateries. Must Do #2: Have breakfast or lunch at Beachcomber Café. Its food and dog-friendly patio are clearly popular with locals. Two paws up from Chase who felt responsible for scarfing up all the crumbs left behind by a young family. I heartily recommend the ciabatta sandwich with baked egg puff, caramelized onions, and ham—The Beach Bun. I’d go back up there just for that.

Must Do #3: Drive to the Sequoia Park Zoo in Eureka (30 min) to experience the Redwood Sky Walk! Elevated bridges and platforms let you walk among the redwood treetops at 100’ above the forest floor. It’s not scary—it’s an opportunity of a lifetime! And you’ll talk about it for days. Sky Walk is included in your admission ticket to this small zoo with well-designed exhibits (adults $25). Don’t miss crawling through the clear tube in the otter tank.

After looking at all the animals, get some lunch at the cafe, and switch to people-watching—equally entertaining. Next, drive to Old Town Eureka and explore. Walk around the famous Carson Mansion built in 1884—considered the grandest Victorian home in the United States, and the most photographed. We took over fifty! Unfortunately, no admittance—it’s now owned by a private club.

Take the bridge over to Samoa for Must Do #4: Eat at Samoa Cookhouse (1890) when it reopens after renovations (2026?). Everyone at home will ask you if you did this. So do it, if you can. Then drive south on the strand as far as you can to the entrance of Humboldt Bay. Park, walk the breakwater, enjoy the view, then drive north along Samoa Blvd all the way to Arcata. Take G St to Arcata Plaza to enjoy music and strolling through fun, funky stores. Then drive over to Cal Poly Humboldt, find metered parking along B St or Rossow St for Must Do #5: Walk around that beautiful woodsy campus. Then return to camp and relax.

I hope you’re enjoying traveling with us on our Redwoods Trip. For other campgrounds, just click the RV Camping in Your Own Backyard tab.