Abalone Campground
4.7914 reviews4150 Patrick’s Point Dr, Trinidad, CA 95570
Abalone Campground
$8.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Day-use parking fee is $8 per vehicle. Campsite fees vary by type and availability.
About this campground
Nestled within the embrace of towering redwoods, Abalone Campground at Sue-meg State Park offers an enchanting retreat where ancient forests meet the Pacific coast. This tranquil haven sits perched atop dramatic coastal bluffs, where each campsite is thoughtfully tucked among lush vegetation, creating intimate spaces that feel worlds away from everyday life. The whisper of ocean breezes through the canopy and the distant rhythm of waves create nature's perfect soundtrack for your coastal camping adventure.
Abalone Campground offers tent camping with accessible and private sites screened by forest plants. Group camping sites are not mentioned, and no cabin or glamping options are available.
Historical SignificanceStep into living history on the ancestral lands of the Coastal Yurok People, where centuries of indigenous heritage come alive through carefully preserved cultural sites. Visitors can explore a meticulously reconstructed Yurok plank-house village, offering rare insights into traditional coastal life and architectural ingenuity. Wander through the native plant garden, where each species tells a story of traditional uses, from medicine to basketry, connecting you to thousands of years of sustainable living along this spectacular coastline.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the mystical beauty of California's north coast, where summer days bring gentle temperatures between 40-65°F and winter maintains its mild character at 35-55°F. The legendary coastal fog adds an ethereal quality to your stay, rolling in during twilight hours and lingering through dawn, creating magical mornings where the forest emerges slowly from its misty veil. This ever-present marine layer keeps the landscape perpetually green and creates dramatic, photographer-worthy moments throughout your visit.
ElevationPerched at coastal elevations where forest meets sea, the campground offers the perfect vantage point for experiencing the dramatic interface between land and ocean.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in one of Earth's most magnificent ecosystems, where dense Sitka spruce forests create cathedral-like groves beneath a temperate rainforest canopy. From your clifftop perch, sweeping ocean vistas unfold before you, while hidden trails lead to secret tide pools teeming with colorful marine life. This rare convergence of old-growth forest and rugged coastline creates endless opportunities for discovery, from spotting Roosevelt elk in misty meadows to watching gray whales migrate past offshore.
Geological RegionDiscover California's legendary coast redwood country, where nature has crafted a masterpiece of biodiversity on this dramatic ocean headland. Ancient forests of Sitka spruce mingle with western hemlock, shore pine, Douglas fir, and red alder, creating a complex tapestry of life that has evolved over millennia. This unique geological setting, where tectonic forces have lifted former seafloor into towering bluffs, provides the foundation for one of the planet's most productive and awe-inspiring temperate rainforest ecosystems.
Campsite details
AccessibilitySites #65, #68, and #69 are accessible with firm tent surfaces, picnic tables, fire circles, and nearby accessible restrooms.
Sites SizeReviews state sites are spacious.
Sites PrivacySites are described as private and secluded, screened by forest plants.
Total Campsites85 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor privacy, users recommend site #31. Sites screened by vegetation provide a quieter experience.
Best CampsitesSites #65, #68, and #69 are listed as accessible and equipped with firm tent surfaces, accessible tables, and fire circles.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2PM
Check-out
12 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit of 15 days per calendar year.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 8 persons per campsite including children.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are screened by forest vegetation with accessible sites designated.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsReservations available at ReserveCalifornia.com and by phone (800-444-7275).
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up registration available at the park kiosk; specific availability for Abalone Campground is not detailed.
Cancellation PolicyReservations must be canceled within the official ReserveCalifornia guidelines; specific penalty details are not provided.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers hiking trails such as the Rim Trail with ocean views, nearby tide pools, and whale-watching opportunities. Swimming and boating are discouraged due to dangerous ocean currents. Campfire talks and Junior Ranger programs are available during summer, enriching the camping experience.
Hiking
The Rim Trail provides a coastal bluff experience and access to tide pools.Biking
Paved roads within the campground are suitable for biking.Wildlife viewing
Whale-watching and sightings of sea lions are highlights.Beach activities
Agate hunting and tide pool exploration are popular activities at nearby beaches.Cultural and Educational Programs
Campground visitors can join guided hikes, campfire talks, and Junior Ranger programs in summer.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires restricted to designated fire pits. Firewood available for purchase or can be brought, but collection of wood onsite is prohibited.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsCoastal trails may involve steep descents. Ocean currents are dangerous; swimming is not advised. The park is located in a tsunami zone.
Active alertsNo active alerts reported.
Weather forecast
55
°F
Aug 24
Sunday
Foggy
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 100%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 3.4 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Foggy
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest hospital: Mad River Community Hospital in Arcata (20 miles away). Police station: Trinidad City Police Department (5 miles away). Ranger station: On-site at Sue-meg State Park.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are available, but no recycling details are provided.
Proximity to water featuresClose to Palmer's Point tide pools and coastal bluff views.
Common complaintsBathrooms are described as old and in need of updates, though generally clean. Proximity of sites can lead to noise issues depending on neighbors.
HostCamp hosts available on-site; specific contact information is not listed.
Campground Map
4150 Patrick’s Point Dr, Trinidad, CA 95570
Driving directionsThe park is located 25 miles north of Eureka and 56 miles south of Crescent City, accessible via Highway 101.
Accessible year-round from Highway 101 on paved roads.Nearby places
Eureka (25 miles, approx. 30 minutes drive)
Crescent City (56 miles, approx. 1-hour drive)
Arcata (20 miles, approx. 25 minutes drive).
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel available in Trinidad (5 miles away). Larger selections in Eureka (25 miles away).
Camper Reviews
4.8
14 reviews
Abalone Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews praise the campground for its privacy, cleanliness, and serene ocean-side environment. Accessibility features, spacious sites, and proximity to hiking trails are highlighted. Negative feedback includes outdated bathrooms and noisy neighbors.
Review Summaries
Based on 14 reviews
What Campers Love
Sites are private, clean, and spacious, with easy coastline access and nearby hiking trails. Family-friendly amenities include fire pits and food cupboards.
Based on 14 reviewsCommon Concerns
Bathrooms are outdated. Noise issues may arise depending on neighboring campers.
Based on 14 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Site #31 is noted for its privacy. Trails leading to tide pools may be steep and challenging.
Based on 14 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer reviews emphasize campfire talks and Junior Ranger programs. Fall and spring are recommended for better weather and clearer days.
Based on 14 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Family favorite. Most of the campsites are screened from each other by forest plants." - Mariko Cronin; "Quietest ocean side campground I've ever stayed at." - Michael; "Bathrooms and showers are...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #31 is highlighted for its privacy.
Based on 14 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessible campsites #65, #68, and #69 are praised for their features.
Based on 14 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are welcome in the campground but restricted from trails and beaches.
Based on 14 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025