Dry Lagoon E- Campground
4.1010 reviews115336 Highway 101 North Trinidad, CA 95570
Dry Lagoon E- Campground
$20.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$20.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Each primitive hike-in campsite at Dry Lagoon costs $20 per night, as per specified reservation data.
About this campground
Nestled within the enchanting Humboldt Lagoons State Park, Dry Lagoon Primitive Hike-In Campground beckons adventurous souls seeking an authentic wilderness experience. This secluded sanctuary sits amid a vibrant marshland ecosystem, where coastal dunes meet ancient forests in a dramatic tapestry of Northern California's untamed beauty. Here, the journey truly is the destination—accessible only by foot, these primitive campsites offer a rare opportunity to disconnect from the modern world and immerse yourself in nature's rhythms. With minimal facilities, this is camping at its purest, where the rustling marsh grasses and distant ocean waves provide the only soundtrack you'll need.
Dry Lagoon E-Campground is a primitive hike-in campground with minimal facilities, designed for campers seeking a rustic experience.
Historical SignificanceStep into a landscape rich with human history, where the echoes of the past whisper through the marshland grasses. In the early 1900s, ambitious farmers drained this ancient lagoon, attempting to transform wetlands into productive cropland. Nature, however, had other plans—the farming ventures ultimately failed, and the land gradually reclaimed its original marshland character. Long before these agricultural attempts, the Yurok people thrived here, their lives intimately connected to these waters. For generations, this sacred landscape served as both a bountiful fishing ground and a ceremonial site, where traditions were passed down and the rhythm of life followed the seasons of salmon and ceremony.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the mystical dance of coastal weather at Dry Lagoon, where summer mornings wrap the landscape in a ethereal blanket of fog that slowly lifts to reveal sun-drenched afternoons. The ever-changing sky creates a photographer's paradise, with dramatic light filtering through the mist. Winter transforms the campground into a moody retreat, where frequent rains nourish the marshlands and create a lush, emerald landscape. The mercurial nature of the weather here—shifting from sunshine to mist within hours—adds an element of adventure to every camping trip, reminding visitors to come prepared for nature's whims.
ElevationThe campground rests at sea level, where the gentle rise and fall of the coastal plain creates an intimate connection with the nearby Pacific Ocean and surrounding wetlands.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where diverse ecosystems converge in spectacular fashion. The campground sits at the heart of a natural amphitheater, surrounded by windswept coastal dunes that give way to dense forests of spruce and pine. The marshland itself teems with life—watch for majestic Roosevelt elk grazing in the morning mist, their massive forms emerging like prehistoric ghosts from the fog. Overhead, the sky becomes a highway for countless migratory birds, from elegant herons to swift-flying ducks, all drawn to this vital wetland habitat. The interplay of textures—from the soft marsh grasses to the gnarled coastal scrub—creates an ever-changing canvas that shifts with the light and seasons.
Geological RegionDry Lagoon forms part of an extraordinary geological wonder—the largest lagoon system in the United States. This remarkable landscape emerged from the powerful forces of tectonic plate collisions, creating a unique coastal environment where freshwater marshes, ancient sand dunes, verdant forests, windswept prairies, and hardy coastal scrub converge. The dynamic interplay between land and sea has sculpted this region over millennia, resulting in a complex ecosystem that supports an incredible diversity of plant and animal life. Here, visitors can witness firsthand the ongoing geological drama of the Pacific Coast, where the earth's forces continue to shape and reshape this spectacular wilderness.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo wheelchair-accessible activities or features are mentioned. Accessibility improvements are stated to be ongoing at the park level.
Sites SizeThe primitive campsites are standard-sized and cater to hikers seeking minimalistic setups.
Sites PrivacyThe hike-in nature of the campground provides relative privacy due to its remote location.
Total Campsites6 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUser reviews suggest avoiding the hike-in trails due to poor conditions; using kayaks or boats for access may be preferred.
Best CampsitesSpecific sites are not identified as better than others. All are primitive hike-in sites.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in starts at 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out time is 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limited to 1 night per reservation period, based on campsite-specific details.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum occupancy per campsite is 6 people.
Groups
No information is provided regarding group campsites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutPrimitive hike-in sites are dispersed in marshland habitats. Trail conditions are reportedly overgrown and obstructed.
Open and Closed SeasonDry Lagoon Primitive Hike-In Campground is closed due to budget cuts, and may not be open regularly.
Reservation PlatformsSelf-pay registration at Stone Lagoon Visitor Center.
Walk-in AvailabilityCampground is currently closed, and walk-up availability is not indicated.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations not mentioned. Reservation details suggest self-pay registration at Stone Lagoon Visitor Center.
Amenities available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The Dry Lagoon area offers opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, wildlife viewing, and exploring the California Coastal Trail. Boating and fishing are available in nearby lagoons.
Hiking
The California Coastal Trail runs near Dry Lagoon, providing moderate hiking opportunities with views of dunes, berry bushes, wildflowers, and crashing waves. Some trails are reported as overgrown and challenging, with fallen trees obstructing paths, as noted by one user: 'The trail in was absolutely overgrown. Not recommended.'Fishing
Fishing is available in nearby lagoons, but specific details for Dry Lagoon are limited. Anglers may need barbless hooks, and licenses are required for those aged 16 and older.Boating
Boating opportunities are available at nearby lagoons but not explicitly stated at Dry Lagoon. Stone Lagoon, for instance, has rentals for kayaks and paddleboards.Wildlife viewing
Dry Lagoon supports marshland habitats attracting migrating birds and wildlife such as elk. The park hosts more than 200 bird species, including bald eagles and snowy plovers.Beach activities
Visitors can enjoy six miles of bird and whale watching along the beach. However, rogue waves and rip currents make activities like surfing or ocean swimming too dangerous.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly mentioned for Dry Lagoon. Weather conditions in winter, such as fog and rain, may deter casual camping.Water Sports
Kayaking and paddleboarding are available at nearby locations like Stone Lagoon, but not explicitly at Dry Lagoon.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires and grills are not allowed. Primitive sites lack fire pits.
- Quiet hours not explicitly mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsCampground requires hiking through overgrown trails, which may have fallen trees and other obstacles. User reviews highlight challenging trail conditions.
Active alertsDry Lagoon Primitive Hike-In Campground is currently closed due to budget cuts.
Weather forecast
57
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Foggy
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 100%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 1.6 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 is in Eureka, 40 miles south. Police and ranger services available in Trinidad, approximately 10 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesNo specific peak season dates are mentioned, but warmer months are recommended based on reviews.
Trash and recyclingNo information is provided regarding trash and recycling facilities. Campers should plan to pack in and pack out their waste.
Proximity to water featuresDry Lagoon is part of the larger lagoon system, offering proximity to marshland and coastal water bodies.
Common complaintsUser reviews cite overgrown trails, downed trees, and challenging access as recurring issues. Lack of functional heat in cabins during colder months is also noted.
HostNo host information available.
Campground Map
115336 Highway 101 North Trinidad, CA 95570
Driving directionsLocated 40 miles north of Eureka and 55 miles south of Crescent City, CA on Highway 101. The campground is near mile marker 115.3, close to the Stone Lagoon Visitor Center.
Highway 101 is the main access road. The route includes severe curves and narrow areas, requiring cautious driving. Sections may be challenging for larger vehicles.Nearby places
Eureka (40 miles, approximately 45 minutes)
Crescent City (55 miles, approximately 1 hour)
Trinidad (approximately 10 miles, 15 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Groceries and supplies available in Trinidad, 10 miles away. For more extensive shopping, Eureka offers larger stores about 40 miles south.
Camper Reviews
4.1
10 reviews
Dry Lagoon E- Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the remote and primitive experience at Dry Lagoon E-Campground but also mention challenges such as overgrown trails and limited amenities.
Review Summaries
Based on 10 reviews
What Campers Love
Users praised the scenic beauty and quiet environment of the Humboldt Lagoons State Park area. One user stated, 'Beautiful place to camp among the Redwoods!' Another said, 'Gorgeous and the drive is...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints focused on the lack of accessible trails and poor maintenance. A user commented, 'The trail in was absolutely overgrown. Get a kayak or boat; it will be more pleasant.' Another review...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend bringing extra bedding during cold months due to lack of heating and choosing to kayak or boat in instead of hiking to avoid overgrown trails.
Based on 10 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground experiences cold weather in winter, making it less suitable for camping. Spring, summer, and early fall are likely better seasons for enjoying the mild climate and birdwatching...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
'The trail in was absolutely overgrown. Not recommended.' - Brad Harris. 'Beautiful, loved the camp ground and the host there was so helpful and polite!!' - Eileen Moore. 'Gorgeous and the drive is...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Several reviews mentioned the primitive sites, but no specific site numbers were highlighted as better or worse.
Based on 10 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically addressed accessibility features.
Based on 10 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically addressed pet-related policies or experiences.
Based on 10 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025