Gold Bluff Beach Campground

Star4.53
201 reviews
Romantic GetawayScenic ViewsGreat Hiking

Quick Facts

16 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

26 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ShowersWiFi

Opens California Department of Parks and Recreation site

Official Website
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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
Gold Bluff Beach Campground
$35.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$35 per night for campsites, free showers and WiFi available.
Standard Site Fee$35.00
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

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Reserve California
Provider
707-464-6101NoCoastRedwoodsInfo@parks.ca.gov
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What Campers Say

4.53

Top-Rated

Based on 201 reviews

264 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanshowershiking

"Overall, Gold Bluffs Beach Campground is highly rated for its scenic beachfront location, proximity to Fern Canyon, and clean facilities. Many campers called it their favorite campground on the California coast."

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Campground Map

Gold Bluff Beach Campground

41.3837, -124.0696

Driving directionsGold Bluff Beach Campground is accessed via Davison Road, which is located 3 miles north of Orick off of Highway 101. The road is narrow, unpaved, and presents challenges such as sharp turns and deep ruts.
Davison Road is unpaved, narrow, and includes sharp edges. Vehicles must meet a maximum width of 8 feet and length of 24 feet. Trailers are not allowed.
Nearby places
50 miles north of Eureka (approximately 1 hour by car), 25 miles south of Crescent City (approximately 30 minutes by car).
Nearby supplies
Closest town for supplies, camping gear, and groceries is Orick. Firewood is available at the campground for $10 per bushel, or alternately in Klamath.

Best Time to Camp at Gold Bluff Beach Campground

Summer mornings arrive wrapped in mystical coastal fog, with temperatures dancing between 40-75°F as the marine layer lifts to reveal brilliant afternoons. Winter transforms the landscape into a moody masterpiece, with temperatures hovering between 35-55°F and Pacific storms bringing dramatic skies and refreshing rains. Year-round, campers should expect dewdrops on tent flies by dawn—nature's reminder that you're camping where ocean meets forest.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 14% in CA

Warm afternoons, dramatic sunsets; peak season with reservations recommended.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Likely excellent scenic and hiking conditions; less specific review detail than summer.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring likely offers good wildlife and hiking access; specific seasonal notes limited.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Winter brings cold, windy nights and thorny ground but moody, dramatic scenery.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Reservations recommended months in advance for peak season; specific dates not provided.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round.
  • Current Alerts: Fern Canyon is currently closed. Newton B. Drury Parkway is closed on select days for Hike and Bike Day.

About Gold Bluff Beach Campground

Where the Pacific meets ancient redwoods, Gold Bluff Beach Campground offers an extraordinary escape into California's wild coast. This intimate, peaceful retreat places you steps from crashing waves and minutes from the otherworldly Fern Canyon, creating the perfect basecamp for those seeking solitude and natural wonder. Wake to the sound of surf and sea birds in this small, carefully preserved coastal sanctuary where tent camping feels like a return to simpler times.
Gold Bluffs Beach Campground primarily caters to tent and primitive camping. It is geared toward minimal facilities and beachfront access.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 30 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
WiFi
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Food storage lockers

Activities you can enjoy

Gold Bluffs Beach Campground provides a variety of outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, wildlife viewing, and beach exploration. It is located near the Fern Canyon trail, which is highly recommended by visitors. "Close to both the Beach and Fern Canyon and miles of hiking," said one camper.
HikingThe campground is a great starting point for hikes, including the Fern Canyon trail, which is 1.5 miles away. "Nearby Fern Canyon is a must-do hike," noted one reviewer. Hikes vary in difficulty from easy to strenuous.
FishingFishing opportunities include surf perch fishing, which has been positively mentioned by users. "Great surf perch fishing," according to one camper.
Wildlife viewingRoosevelt elk are frequently seen grazing near the campground. Other wildlife includes foxes, skunks, and sea lions. "We saw dolphins, seals, and pelicans diving for fish right in front of us!" said one user.
Beach activitiesCampers can enjoy sunsets, beach walking, and wildlife viewing along the shore. "Beautiful sunsets on the ocean," said one reviewer.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include windy conditions, thorny ground vegetation in winter, and wildlife like skunks and elk.
Active AlertsFern Canyon is currently closed. Newton B. Drury Parkway is closed on select days for Hike and Bike Day.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food lockers are provided at all campsites to secure food and deter wildlife.

Weather at Gold Bluff Beach Campground

Reviews

4.5
201 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Gold Bluff Beach Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, Gold Bluffs Beach Campground is highly rated for its scenic beachfront location, proximity to Fern Canyon, and clean facilities. Many campers called it their favorite campground on the California coast.
Review Summaries
Based on 201 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include clean facilities, breathtaking views, proximity to hiking trails, and abundant wildlife. "Clean bathrooms, free hot showers/water," and "Beautiful sunsets on the ocean," were...
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Based on 201 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues include thorny ground in winter, windy conditions, rough access roads, and occasional lack of firewood availability. "Grass turns into thorny ground in winter," and "Road in is kind of...
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Based on 201 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing a tarp for condensation, securing tents against wind, and reserving spots months in advance due to limited availability. "Bring a tarp to keep your items dry," said one...
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Based on 201 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter camping experiences include cold, windy nights and thorny ground conditions. Summer visits highlight the beauty of sunsets and warmer temperatures, though fog is common in the mornings and...
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Based on 201 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Simply the best tent campground on the ocean to be found on the west coast of the United States," said one reviewer. "Bathrooms were spotless with warm water," noted another.
Based on 201 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites 3, 4, 5, 7, 13, 19, and 26 are highlighted as the best for views and wind protection. "Site 13 is possibly the best site there," said one reviewer.
Based on 201 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible campsites and facilities are available, with hard-packed dirt and gravel surfaces. "Accessible combination restrooms with showers are available," said one user.
Based on 201 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed. "Watch for thorns on the ground in the sites. My dog hated it," warned one camper.
Based on 201 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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