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CAR CAMPING at a dedicated group site — drive right in and park close to camp! This is a true group site, so we're all together in one spot with limited walking required to reach your tent area with gear.
Hikes are flat and easy with virtually no elevation change on well-maintained, level trails — perfect for little legs and for families carrying kids. We'll make plenty of stops along the way to explore, snack and play.
Hikes are jogging stroller friendly (not recommended for regular strollers). We'll have plenty of time to go at our own pace.
The river is steps from camp — no hiking required to get to the water.
Kayaking requires no prior experience — your Humboats guide handles all instruction and outfitting. Kids 2+ paddle with a parent in a double kayak.
All activities are family-friendly and suitable for all ages.
Recommend packing light for easier setup and more fun!
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SUBJECT to CHANGE due to weather, change in trail conditions, etc.
Friday, May 22
4 PM: Check-in begins
5 PM: Set up camp, kids explore the redwood grove, set up the Water Engineer fog catcher
5:30 PM: Family dinner
7 PM: Campfire — s'mores, stories, get to know each other
Saturday, May 23
9 AM: Short drive to forest for a morning hike through the world's largest old-growth redwood forest
12 PM: Return to camp for lunch
Afternoon: Nature badge activities at camp + free time exploring the river
Evening: Campfire, stargazing, s'mores, music, poop bingo!
Sunday, May 24
9 AM: Depart for kayaking in Eureka (~45 min drive)
Morning/midday: Guided Humboldt Bay Eco-Tour + lunch in Eureka on the water
2 PM: Return to camp
Late afternoon: Short drive to stunning forest + play at the river beach nearby
Evening: Last night campfire + informal talent show — pack as much as possible tonight!
Monday, May 25
Morning: Break camp
Quick stop at a classic roadside surprise right on the way south 🌲🚗
On the road by 11 AM
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FLAT FEE FOR WEEKEND
EARLY BIRD PRICING — SAVE $50! (until April 12, 2026, 10 PM):
Single-income family*: $375
Dual-income family*: $450
PRICING AFTER APRIL 12:
Single-income family*: $425
Dual-income family*: $500
*FAMILY means you, your partner and kids. One tent + car per family.
After 2 kids, $25 charge for each additional child to cover treats, badge, and educational materials
No refunds are provided
Camping trip takes place rain or shine
SPOTS ARE LIMITED: The only way to hold your place is by completing the sign-up form and making payment
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HUMBOLDT BAY ECO-TOUR KAYAKING FEE (separate from FAS guiding fee)
The Humboldt Bay Eco-Tour is a fully guided adventure operated by Humboats Kayaking Adventures, a family-run outfitter based at Woodley Island Marina in Eureka. Your Humboats guide — a trained naturalist and certified instructor — will be with you every step of the way, from outfitting and paddling instruction to leading you past the ancestral home of the Wiyot people, ancient shell mounds, the world-famous egret rookery, harbor seals, bald eagles, and Great Blue Herons. This is a terrific paddle in Northern California! Gear and instruction are included. Tour is approximately 60–90 minutes on the water. (Ages 2+, kids paddle with a parent in a double kayak)
A note for families with infants (under 30 lbs): Life vests for the smallest paddlers may have limited availability. We've included a weight question on the sign-up form so we can work with Humboats ahead of time to make sure every little one is properly fitted and safe on the water. 🚣
Pricing (gratuity for your Humboats guide included):
Adults (14+): $55 per person
Kids 13 & under: $45 per person
How much will kayaking cost for your family?
1 adult = $55
1 adult + 1 child = $100
2 adults + 1 child = $155
2 adults + 2 children = $200
2 adults + 3 children = $245
Payment Instructions: Pay Miranda via Venmo or Zelle: 650-888-2765
Label your payment: "KAYAKING - [Your Name] - [Number of adults] adults, [Number of kids] kids"
Examples:
"KAYAKING - Martinez Family - 2 adults, 1 kid" + pay $155
"KAYAKING - Chen Family - 2 adults, 2 kids" + pay $200
"KAYAKING - Leitsinger Family - 1 adult, 2 kids" + pay $145
Please include your name if different from your social media handle on Venmo or if your partner is paying via Zelle!
Note: Humboats can accommodate up to 34 paddlers per session. If we have more than 34 participants sign up for kayaking, we'll work with the vendor to find the best solution, such as staggered start times.
Not into kayaking? No worries — an alternative activity will be offered at camp for families who prefer to stay. Details to come!
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Add this adventure to your cart and checkout!
Join the WhatsApp chat: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FYML7kQUgY9DAc7oCfyIWw
Complete loaner kit request: https://bit.ly/loanerkit
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🚗 Car camping — park right next to your tent site at our dedicated group site for up to 40 people. We have the whole place to ourselves!
🏕️ Tent camping only — no RVs or trailers permitted
🔒 Food storage lockers at site (bear country — all food must be stored!)
🔥 Fire rings with grill and picnic tables (campfire subject to park conditions at time of trip; we can use a gas stove for s'mores if needed)
🚽 Modern flush toilets and drinking water on site
🚿 Hot pay showers available at a nearby campground
🌊 South Fork Eel River steps away
🌉 Summer bridge providing access to miles of backcountry trails
🗑️ Standard campground trash facilities
💡 No electricity or lighting at this site — please bring headlamps or lanterns for evenings! -
What We Provide
We are focused on providing the best family camping experience possible by offering families the chance to join a community of like-minded families who love the outdoors. We handle all the planning for busy parents, organizing well-planned, fun and educational activities like hiking, kayaking and caving, while providing camp classic experiences like S'mores and stories around the campfire, plus arts and crafts. Our goal is to create memorable adventures while managing all the logistics so you can focus on making memories with your family.
Campsite Reality & Expectations
We work hard to secure the best available campsites for our group while managing the realities of California's extremely competitive camping landscape. Booking campsites in California is challenging, with only seconds to secure anything when reservations open, if availability exists at all.
Campsite conditions vary significantly and may include:
Different ground surfaces (grass, dirt, or gravel)
Sloped or uneven terrain
Varying levels of shade (from heavily wooded to open sun)
Different views and proximity to water features
Natural wildlife including wasps, insects, and other critters
Varying noise levels from other campers
Different facility conditions and accessibility
Parking offsite: In some cases, families will have to park in overflow parking when number of vehicles exceed the maximum per site. Overflow parking could be a walk or drive away. The guide will drive you to your car if need be.
Group camping logistics: When group campsites aren't available, we book individual campsites as close together as possible, though proximity cannot always be guaranteed. In these situations, we designate one site as "Camp HQ" for group activities like S'mores, arts and crafts, and community gatherings. You may need to walk or drive short distances between your assigned campsite and Camp HQ.
Weather and environmental factors: Outdoor conditions including weather, temperature, and natural elements are beyond our control and can affect your camping experience.
Agreement
We do not make promises about specific campsite features, views, terrain, or conditions. Our commitment is to secure the best available sites and provide exceptional programming and community experiences. By booking with us, you acknowledge and accept these conditions as part of the authentic outdoor camping experience.
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This campsite has a maximum of 8 vehicles — so carpooling is important! With up to 40 participants, we'll need an average of 3–4 people per car. We'll coordinate carpooling through our WhatsApp group ahead of the trip so families from the same area can connect and ride together.
A few things to know:
No RVs or trailers — the access road has a limited turnaround area
No vehicles over 24 feet please
Driveway surface is gravel
The 3h45 drive from the South Bay makes carpooling not just practical — it's part of the fun! 🚗 We'll set up a carpooling thread in WhatsApp closer to the trip date.
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Late May in the redwoods means warm afternoons and cool nights.
Expect daytime highs in the mid-to-high 60s with overnight lows in the high 40s to low 50s. A season-3 sleeping bag is perfect. Layers are your best friend. The river will be refreshing — bring a towel and water shoes!
I'll be keeping an eye on the weather and will advise you as we get closer to the trip. If you prepare you'll be warm. Tips on staying warm in cooler temps: https://mommymehiking.myshopify.com/blogs/news/10-winter-camping-tips-or-how-to-stay-warm -
🗺️ All logistics and planning
🥾 Guided adventures
📖 Digital guide with natural and cultural history of the area
✅ Camping checklist
⛺ Assistance with camp setup
🪡 A patch as a memento of the camping trip
🏅 Nature stickers earned through activities
📓 Simple nature journals for kids
🎨 Arts and crafts for the kids
🔍 Scavenger hunt and educational activities
🍫 S'mores
🪵 Firewood and charcoal
🩹 First-aid kit
🔧 Tent repair and similar supplies
🎒 Loaner kit of hiking gear (48-hour notice) — I have items for kids and adults, including single/double jogging strollers, Baby Bjorn infant carrier, toddler backpack carrier, beach wagons, and more. Complete the loaner kit request form -
🍕 Food: We can potluck the side dishes if people want
🚣 Kayaking (add-on, priced separately — see above)
🏕️ Camping gear (though I have some hiking gear and limited camping gear that you can rent: loaner kit request form)
🧴 Personal items — toiletries, medications, clothing, etc.
WHERE WE ARE STAYING