Alder Trail Campground

Star0
5 reviews
Great Hiking

Quick Facts

92 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

null

Cell

Unknown

Pets

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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Alder Trail Campground
$15.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The campground charges a flat rate of $15.00 per night.
Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$15.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

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Limited Reviews

Based on 5 reviews

3 Google reviews

Most mentioned

locationhiking

Some mention

dusty

"User reviews of Alder Trail Campground emphasize its simplicity and proximity to both the Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail and the coast. While many appreciate its creekside location and potential for stargazing, criticisms often center around dusty conditions and lack of privacy."

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Campground Map

Alder Trail Campground

37.1151, -122.2688

Driving directionsnull
The campground is accessible from Highway 1 by parking in a lot near the coast and hiking or biking in. "You might have to open and close the gate at Hwy 1 to access the parking lot."
Nearby places
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Nearby supplies
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Best Time to Camp at Alder Trail Campground

Blessed with remarkably mild conditions year-round, Alder Trail enjoys a gentle climate that welcomes outdoor enthusiasts in every season. Weekly rainfall rarely exceeds a whisper at just 0.125 inches, while winter brings only the lightest dustings of snow averaging less than half an inch per week. The consistently dry air and moderate breezes averaging 5.54 mph create perfect camping conditions, though occasional gusts up to 28.87 mph remind visitors of nature's playful spirit. This temperate microclimate makes for comfortable camping whether you're seeking summer adventure or winter solitude.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Mild summer climate but dry-season 'deep dust' detracts from appeal.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Mild conditions year-round; fall may be dry and dusty per reviews.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring likely greener and pleasant; stargazing still possible when skies are clear.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Described as having remarkably mild year-round weather; winter not highlighted for activities.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: null
  • Current Alerts: null

About Alder Trail Campground

Nestled alongside a babbling creek just inland from the Pacific coast, Alder Trail Campground offers adventurous souls a true wilderness escape. This rustic, hike-in sanctuary serves as the crown jewel for backpackers completing the legendary Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail, where weary hikers find solace in its primitive charm and the soothing sounds of flowing water. Here, the modern world fades away, replaced by the simple pleasures of campfire conversations and starlit nights.
Alder Trail Campground offers primitive camping, making it ideal for hikers and those seeking a minimalistic experience. It is accessed exclusively by hiking or biking in from nearby trails or parking areas.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
02:00 pm
Check-out
12:00 pm
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 15 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Food storage lockers
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

While Alder Trail Campground emphasizes simplicity and primitive camping, its creekside location offers unique outdoor opportunities. 'The creek runs along the campground and is easily accessible,' making it a scenic highlight for campers. Stargazing is possible in the clearing on clear nights, but no structured activities or tours are mentioned.
HikingHiking is a key activity at Alder Trail Campground, as it serves as a stop on the Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail. Campers can also hike or bike in from Hwy 1 along nearby trails.
BikingBiking to the campground from Hwy 1 is a noted option for accessing Alder Trail Campground.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts"Sites close to the pit toilet might have to deal with that smell." In dry weather, the ground is very dusty with deep dust in some areas.
Active Alertsnull
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
Food Storage RequiredBear boxes are available for food storage.

Weather at Alder Trail Campground

Reviews

0.0
5 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Alder Trail Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of Alder Trail Campground emphasize its simplicity and proximity to both the Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail and the coast. While many appreciate its creekside location and potential for stargazing, criticisms often center around dusty conditions and lack of privacy.
Review Summaries
Based on 5 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects noted by users include the campground's accessibility via hiking or biking, beautiful creekside location, and potential for stargazing in clear weather.
Based on 5 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include dusty ground conditions during dry weather, lack of privacy due to closely spaced sites, no potable water, and the absence of tables or fire rings.
Based on 5 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing water due to lack of on-site drinking water and suggest stargazing in the clearing between campsites on clear nights. Staying away from pit toilet-adjacent sites is advised...
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Based on 5 reviews

Seasonal Insights

During dry weather, the campground experiences 'deep dust,' making it less appealing for some users. Clear nights provide excellent stargazing opportunities, though seasonal changes in weather could...
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Based on 5 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Alder Camp is less than two miles from the coast. You need a reservation and spots are first come first served." "Trash cans and a pit toilet are the primary facilities provided." "The creek runs...
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Based on 5 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews suggest avoiding areas near the pit toilet due to unpleasant smells. Sites closer to the creek might offer better views and ambiance.
Based on 5 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews addressing accessibility features were found.
Based on 5 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies and experiences are not mentioned in any available sources.
Based on 5 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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