Parks & Trails

Parks and Campgrounds

Day Use 

All parks and trails operated by Humboldt County are open for day use. Day use hours are posted at each park. Parking areas are open but may be subject to vehicle limits (especially at Swimmers Delight). Restrooms are open and cleaned regularly. Day-use fees are required at A.W. Way, Big Lagoon, Freshwater, and Van Duzen County Parks.

Freshwater Park 

The Freshwater Park playground, creek access, and volleyball court are open. Freshwater Park's seasonal dam has been successfully installed and the swimming area at Freshwater Park is open for public use. In the future, there may be summers when the dam cannot be installed due to low water flows. In addition, dam installation may need to be delayed until juvenile coho salmon have out-migrated. In addition to the swimming area, Freshwater Park amenities include an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible playground, accessible routes to the volleyball court, picnic areas, and other locations throughout the park, and creek access.

The gazebo area at Freshwater Park will be open for group reservations from April 1 through November 30, 2023. People seeking to make a reservation for the gazebo area at Freshwater Park can call 707-445-7651.

Single Site Campgrounds 

Campgrounds at Big Lagoon, Clam Beach, Samoa, Swimmers Delight (Van Duzen), and A.W. Way are open. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Pamplin Grove Group Campground 

The Pamplin Grove group campground at Van Duzen County Park will be available for reservations from May 1 through October 30, 2023. People seeking to make a reservation at Pamplin Grove can call 707-445-7651. The payment deadline will be established at the time of booking. The maximum stay is seven days. Humboldt County Parks reserves the right to close portions of the Grove or cancel reservations due to high winds, wildfire, flooding, threats of falling limbs or trees, or other reasons.

Responsibilities

The Humboldt County Parks and Trails system features 17 park units (nearly 950 acres) and the five-mile-long Hammond Trail in McKinleyville. County Parks include ten beach parks, five parks with river access, five boat ramps, and five campgrounds.

Parks and Trails staff operate and maintain recreational facilities and manage the land for public safety and resource protection and conservation. Humboldt County’s park and trail policies place an emphasis on providing recreational opportunities which are highly accessible to the public and protecting park resources from incompatible uses. County parks and trails are managed to provide multiple recreational opportunities for people of all income levels and physical abilities. Parks contribute to the quality of life and public health for county residents and provide opportunities for high-quality recreation experiences.

Parks and Trails staff maintain park facility infrastructure including restrooms, water and wastewater systems, showers, campsites, caretaker residences, boat ramps, parking areas, playground equipment, a seasonal dam, signs and fences, and various amenities.  Staff is also participating in planning efforts to consider development of regional trails and community forests. Park and trail maintenance also relies on various volunteer groups such as the Sheriff’s Work Alternative Program, CAL-FIRE, California Conservation Corps, Probation Department Juvenile Assigned Work Service, Boy Scouts, Hammond Volunteer Trail Stewards, and other community organizations for clean-up activities and other special projects.

  1. County Parks
  2. McKay Community Forest
  3. Hammond Trail
  4. Humboldt Bay Trail
  5. Annie & Mary Trail
  6. Arcata Bottom Bike Route

Humboldt County's parks are located along the Pacific Ocean and the Eel, Van Duzen, Mattole, and Mad rivers. County parks offer camping, picnicking, swimming, fishing, boating, beachcombing, and clamming for the enjoyment of County residents and visitors.
 
Specific Information on Humboldt County Parks and Facilities

Humboldt County Parks & Trails