Gold Bluffs Beach Campground
00 review.
Gold Bluffs Beach Campground
$3.00 - $8.00 / 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
Fees for camping reservations vary by reservation method and site type. Specific fees include a recreation use fee, reservation fee, and cancellation fee. Reservation fees are $8 online, $9 via contact center, and $3 in person. Late cancellations may incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's fees. A no-show will incur a $20 fee and forfeit the first night's use fee.
About this campground
Tucked away where ancient redwoods meet the thundering Pacific, Gold Bluffs Beach Campground offers an extraordinary escape into California's wild coastal frontier. Here, morning mist rolls in from the ocean as Roosevelt elk graze peacefully along the shoreline, creating scenes straight from a nature documentary. Your basecamp provides direct access to the legendary Fern Canyon—where prehistoric-looking walls drip with five-finger ferns—and serves as your gateway to 70 miles of trails winding through Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. The journey here requires navigating narrow dirt roads that wind through towering forests, making this hidden gem accessible only to tents and small vehicles, preserving its pristine, uncrowded character.
Gold Bluffs Beach Campground is oriented towards tent camping. Its location in a natural, undeveloped beach setting underscores its appeal to primitive campers.
Historical SignificanceThis sacred coastline has sheltered indigenous peoples for thousands of years, with the land holding deep cultural significance for local Native American tribes who stewarded these forests long before they became part of the renowned Redwood National and State Parks system. Today, these protected lands safeguard some of Earth's tallest living things—ancient redwood groves that have stood sentinel here for centuries, creating cathedral-like forests that humble all who walk beneath their canopy.
Weather and SeasonsEmbrace the moody beauty of the North Coast, where Pacific storms deliver dramatic seascapes and nourish the lush rainforest ecosystem. Expect temperatures hovering between a crisp 44°F and a mild 54°F, perfect for cozy campfire evenings and invigorating morning beach walks. Ocean winds can gust up to 29 mph, filling the air with salt spray and the rhythmic crash of waves. During peak rain periods, the landscape transforms into a mystical realm of cascading waterfalls and emerald-green ferns, while morning fog creates an ethereal atmosphere that photographers dream about.
ElevationPerched at sea level where forest meets ocean, the campground offers the unique experience of falling asleep to both crashing waves and wind-whispered secrets from towering redwoods above.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to find massive Roosevelt elk silhouetted against the morning surf, their breath visible in the cool coastal air. Gold Bluffs Beach stretches endlessly in both directions, its dark sand contrasting dramatically with white-capped waves and verdant cliffsides draped in coastal vegetation. Just steps from your tent, tidepools reveal miniature worlds at low tide, while the temperate rainforest behind camp erupts with sword ferns, moss-covered maples, and streams that tumble toward the sea. This rare convergence of ecosystems creates an ever-changing canvas of natural beauty.
Geological RegionNestled within Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park's coastal wonderland, Gold Bluffs Beach occupies a remarkable geological intersection where tectonic forces have sculpted dramatic bluffs and hidden canyons. This dynamic landscape showcases millions of years of Earth's artistry—from gold-flecked sand deposits that give the beach its name to the ancient sedimentary cliffs that shelter one of the planet's most biodiverse temperate rainforests. Here, the raw power of the Pacific has carved out a sanctuary where elk roam freely between forest and shore, creating an ecosystem found nowhere else on Earth.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific details on accessibility features were found.
Sites SizeCampground information mentions minimal development with no explicit mention of individual site sizes.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels for campsites are not described.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites closer to the beach offer the best views but may be exposed to wind and weather.
Reserving a campsite
Guests Allowed Per Site
Unknown
Groups
Group camping information is not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online, via contact centers, or in person. Additional services like Scan & Pay are available for first-come, first-served sites.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up and first-come, first-served sites are available but are unstaffed at remote locations.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations before the day of check-in incur a $10 fee. Late cancellations forfeit the first night's fees. No-show reservations incur a $20 fee plus forfeiture of the first night's fees. Reservations cannot be modified or canceled after the check-in date unless allowed by facility-specific rules.
Activities you can enjoy
The campground is ideally suited for nature and adventure enthusiasts. Its proximity to the beach, Fern Canyon, and extensive hiking and biking trails offers a variety of outdoor activities.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities include access to 70 miles of trails within Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, ranging from coastal walks to forested routes. Specific trail details are not provided.Biking
Over 70 miles of biking trails are accessible, offering diverse terrain for cycling enthusiasts.Wildlife viewing
Visitors have the opportunity to observe Roosevelt elk grazing in their natural habitat, a highlight of the campground.Beach activities
The campground's beachfront location allows for activities such as sunbathing and beachcombing, though specific details are not provided.Winter Activities
No details about specific winter activities are mentioned.Water Sports
No information about non-motorized water sports is available.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires may be restricted seasonally due to fire risk. Specific regulations are likely to apply.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include rough ocean conditions, narrow dirt roads, and wildlife encounters, specifically with Roosevelt elk.
Weather forecast
58
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Foggy
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 100%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 2.3 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 emergency services are in Orick, CA, for minor needs, or Eureka, CA, for hospitals and police stations.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo information about trash and recycling facilities at the campground was provided.
Proximity to water featuresClose to the Pacific Ocean, with direct beach access.
Common complaintsLimited accessibility due to narrow and unpaved roads is often noted in reviews.
Campground Map
.
Driving directionsTo reach Gold Bluffs Beach Campground, take the Davison Road / HWY 101 turn-off, which is 3 miles north of Orick, CA. Davison Road continues for ten miles of dirt and gravel. The campground is located a six to seven hour drive north of San Francisco.
Access is on a narrow, single-lane dirt road. Recreational vehicles are not advised, and trailers are prohibited.Nearby places
Orick (3 miles, approximately 10 minutes), Eureka (approximately 40 miles, about 50 minutes by car), Crescent City (approximately 33 miles, about 45 minutes by car)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are available in Orick, CA, which is 3 miles away and offers basic groceries and fuel. For more extensive supplies, Eureka (approximately 40 miles away) offers a larger selection.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Gold Bluffs Beach Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Gold Bluffs Beach Campground are not provided in the source materials. However, it is rated 4.4 for general sentiment.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
No user reviews available to draw positive highlights.
Common Concerns
User complaints are not documented in the source material.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
No user recommendations or tips are available.
Seasonal Insights
Seasonal trends in user reviews are not documented.
Camper Quotes
No direct user quotes are available.
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific reviews or preferences for particular campsites within the campground are not mentioned.
Accessibility Features
No accessibility-specific reviews are provided.
Pet-Friendly Features
No reviews related to pet policies or experiences are available.
Last updated August 10, 2025