Samoa Dunes
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Samoa Dunes is centrally located at the end of the Samoa Peninsula. History buffs will want to visit the ammunition bunkers built during World War II. You will also find a motocross track, North Jetty Beach, and a 4x4 rock-crawling course. RVers can camp at the adjacent Samoa Boat Ramp and Campground, which offers 13 sites without hookups. Bunker Road is paved at the main entrance, but other roads at the recreation area are loose sand and have some water crossings. All the camping spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Quick Facts About RVing in Samoa Dunes
• RV Friendly: Yes • Max RV Length: 35 feet • Camping Type: Developed campground • Reservations: No • Hookups: No • Dump Station: None onsite • Potable Water: Yes • Cell Service: Spotty • Pets: Allowed • Roads: Paved and dirt • Best Season: Summer and early fall
Why RV Travelers Love This BLM Area
• Over 140 acres of open terrain with sand trails and a 4x4 rock-crawling course • World War II ammunition bunkers • Proximity to the Samoa Cookhouse and the redwood parks • Ocean beach access and waterfront camping • Water-related recreation, including fishing and boating
What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
Samoa Beach Trail
Samoa Beach Trail is at the Samoa Dunes BLM site and offers a hike along the ocean on a sandy trail. Besides spotting numerous sea birds, you can collect shells and sand dollars. Length: 3.5 miles Intensity: Easy
Hishari's Trail
Hishari's Trail is about 20 minutes away, near Eureka. The trail follows an Elk River estuary and passes through the Elk River Wildlife Sanctuary. Parts of it are paved, and it is a popular way to get exercise among hikers and bikers. Length: 2.7 miles Intensity: Moderate
Fishing and Boating
Samoa Boat Ramp County Park is adjacent to Samoa Dunes, and there is a parking lot with 30 spots for vehicles with trailers and restrooms. In addition, there is a boat ramp to access Humboldt Bay. Anglers can cast off the shore or the jetty to try their luck catching bluefish, sea bass, or redfish.
Wildlife Viewing
Samoa Dunes is a sanctuary for many wildlife species. It's particularly loved by birdwatchers, with the potential to spot coastal birds like the Western Gull, Great Blue Heron, and Brown Pelican. A recommended spot for wildlife viewing is Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge, located about 20 miles from Samoa Dunes.
Picnicking
There are several scenic picnic spots throughout the Samoa Dunes area. One such location is Manila Community Park, a lovely place with picnic tables, playgrounds, and a disc golf course. It's located just 2 miles east of Samoa Dunes. Alternatively, at the nearby Peninsula picnic area, you can enjoy views of the bay while you eat.
OHV Riding
Samoa Dunes may be most popular for its OHV trails. The staging area has an unloading ramp, restroom, tables, grills, and a scenic overlook. You can also access the trails from Samoa Boat Ramp County Park. Once unloaded, riders can explore 140 acres of open terrain, including a one-way track, a rock crawling course, and a beach area. Eureka Dunes is also open to OHV use, has an additional 75-acre riding area, and is located 1 mile north of the BLM site.
Bureau of Land Management Camping
RV Camping 
Samoa Boat Ramp County Park has 13 sites suitable for RVs. It has no hookups, but there are coin-operated showers available. If you're searching for more amenities than BLM RV camping offers in the area near Samoa Dunes, there are several excellent options. Redwood Acres RV Campground in Eureka provides a variety of amenities, such as full hookups, showers, laundry facilities, and Wi-Fi. In addition, this campground is next to the Redwood Acres Fairgrounds, a venue for many local events. Mad River Rapids RV Park is 13 miles from Samoa Dunes and features full hookups, a heated swimming pool, and a dog park.
Developed Campgrounds
The Samoa Boat Ramp and Campground is the developed campground at Samoa Dunes, featuring 13 dry camping sites. These RV sites accommodate RVs up to 35 feet. Reservations aren't required to RV camp, and the camping spots are first-come, first-served. The campground features restrooms and coin-operated showers with hot water. The nightly camping fee is $30. There is heavy coastal rain during winter, and the campground and unpaved roads can become muddy and hazardous.
Dispersed Camping
Dispersed camping isn't permitted at Samoa Dunes. However, BLM free camping is available at Redwood National Park, about 45 miles north.
Is This BLM Area Good for Your RV?
• Camper Vans: Camper vans are a solid choice for this trip. They will comfortably fit in the campground sites and are maneuverable for day trips into the surrounding area. • Travel Trailers: You can set up your travel trailer at the campground, then explore the Samoa Dunes. This is an excellent option if you have a four-wheel-drive pickup that can handle sandy roads. • Fifth Wheels: Fifth wheels may not be the right choice for Samoa Dunes. Most exceed the 35-foot restriction to stay at the campground. • Class A Motorhomes: Class A RVs are too large for the Samoa Boat Ramp and Campground. However, you could camp at Mad River Rapids RV Park, which is less than 15 minutes away and features full hookups. • Class B Motorhomes: These motorhomes are a popular choice for families and groups of friends. However, most models will not be able to navigate into the recreation area. • Class C Motorhomes: Class C motorhomes are suitable if under 35 feet, and they are easy to drive. They can handle most road conditions moderately well, but are not up to the challenge of the sandy roads found in the Samoa Dunes.
Free Camping 
Bureau of Land Management free camping is available at Redwood National Park, about 45 miles north of Samoa Dunes. In addition, once you have arrived at Samoa Dunes, search "BLM camping near me" on your smartphone or tablet to locate other dispersed camping options.
RV Rentals Near Samoa Dunes Plan your next adventure
Planning your Samoa Dunes BLM trip
Planning your Samoa Dunes BLM trip involves preparing for various weather conditions, as the coastal climate can be unpredictable. It's recommended to bring along your hiking gear, binoculars for wildlife viewing, fishing equipment if you plan on angling, and of course, all the necessary camping equipment for your stay. If you are planning on taking advantage of the OHV riding areas, ensure you are aware of the regulations. For example, you must have protective helmets, and motorcycles must be equipped with a spark arrestor. BLM camping in the Samoa Dunes area of California offers an opportunity to enjoy the unique natural beauty of this region. It is also a budget-friendly way to enjoy your vacation. However, camping in areas with few or no amenities takes careful planning. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
What RV Travelers Should Know Before Arriving
Water spigots with potable water are available at Samoa Boat Ramp and Campground for fresh water. Grocery stores, camping supply stores, and Shell and Texaco gas stations are all within 8 to 12 minutes of the campground. If you need to empty your gray and black water tanks, there is a dump station at Redwood Acres RV Park about 14 minutes away. Trash bins are available throughout the campground so you do not need to pack out your garbage. Cellular reception is spotty, so you should download any maps you need before arriving.
Leave No Trace 
Remember to practice "Leave No Trace" principles while enjoying the Samoa Dunes and the various camping spots in the area. Before leaving your campsite, clean up after yourself and pack out any trash if no garbage cans are available. In addition, vegetation is delicate in coastal areas, so watch out for signs and stay on designated trails when hiking, biking, or OHV riding.
Samoa Dunes Location
Samoa Dunes Recreation Area is located along the North Spit of Humboldt Bay in Eureka, CA. From U.S. Hwy 101 at Eureka, take Hwy 255 across the Samoa Bridge. Turn south onto New Navy Base Road. Drive about four miles to the parking area. Address: Samoa, CA 95564; Latitude/Longitude: 40.7629, -124.226 Ready to visit Samoa Dunes? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night where you'll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here's a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
Plan Your Day at Samoa Dunes
• Morning: Book an ATV rental before your trip or bring yours with you. Browse our Toy Hauler Blog for tips for traveling with an ATV. Start your morning by navigating the 140 acres of open terrain and the 4x4 rock-crawling course. Stop and enjoy the breathtaking beach views. • Afternoon: In the afternoon, drive to the Samoa Dunes Beach Viewpoint. You'll enjoy views of North Jetty, the Pacific Ocean, Humboldt Bay, and local wildlife. During your excursion, stop and visit the Humboldt Bay Maritime Museum. • Evening: In the evening, return to your RV and enjoy the sunset. You can prepare a meal at your campsite or cross the bridge to indulge in local cuisine.
Nearby Attractions
• Samoa Cookhouse: Samoa Cookhouse is an old lumberjack cookhouse, offering family-style meals that are all you can eat. You'll find a logging museum onsite that is free to visit. The cookhouse is a 7-minute commute from Samoa Dunes. • Sue-meg State Park: Sue-meg State Park is 41 minutes away and offers tide pools, a Yurok village, and ocean overlooks. You can RV camp at this state park, but it doesn't offer hookups and has a 31-foot limit. • Sequoia Park Zoo and Redwood Sky Walk: The Sequoia Park Zoo and Redwood Sky Walk is 14 minutes away. It offers a scenic walkway with a canopy of redwoods and 150 animal species. • Eureka's Old Town and Carson Mansion: Eureka's Old Town and Carson Mansion is just 10 minutes from Samoa Dunes. The Carson Mansion is an elegant Victorian property with a scenic boardwalk by Humboldt Bay. You can also visit the Romano Gabriel Wooden Sculpture Garden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there fire restrictions at Samoa Dunes? Yes, there are fire restrictions. You cannot build a campfire anywhere except in the designated fire rings. Smoking is not allowed at Samoa Dunes. Stay informed about fire ban announcements during dry seasons as wildfire risks can be high. Can you park an RV on the sand at Samoa Dunes? Parking and camping are strictly prohibited on the sand and at the dunes. However, parking is available at the designated day-use parking lot. Are RV camping reservations necessary? You aren't required to book a reservation to stay at the Samoa Boat Ramp and Campground. The 13 RV sites are first-come, first-served. You should arrive early as these camping spots fill up quickly. Are generators allowed at the campground at Samoa Dunes? You can use a generator at the Samoa Boat Ramp and Campground only. You must observe quiet hours between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. What's the best season to visit Samoa Dunes for RV camping? It is best to visit Samoa Dunes in the summer and early fall because there is a lower risk of rain, and the coastal winds are milder. These seasons are also ideal for exploring the recreation area with ATVs and other OHVs.
Rent the Right RV for This Trip
When planning your trip to Samoa Dunes, you'll need to rent the right RV for the best experience. An RV that is less than 35 feet long is the best choice for camping at the adjacent Samoa Boat Ramp and Campground. When choosing your RV, be mindful that high winds near the ocean can make travel with taller rigs challenging. Browse RV rentals in Eureka to find the best model for your Samoa Dunes trip.