Clam and Moonstone Beaches
Moonstone Beach courtesy of www.flickr.com (top) and Clam Beach just north of McKinleyville.
Clam Beach County Park
Hwy 101 North of McKinleyville- - Camp right on the beach at this popular park, easily accessible from Highway 101 just a dozen miles north of Eureka.
Very few parks in California allow camping right on the beach, but Clam Beach County Park is one of them. A wide and long stretch of flat shoreline, Clam Beach is part of a continuous ocean frontage that connects with Mad River Beach County Park to the south and Little River State Beach to the north. It's just minutes away from the town of McKinleyville, where all of your picnic, camping and beach supplies are available. MAP
There are two parking and camping areas, north and south, along the frontage road. The facilities are minimal but, hey, it's the beach! The ocean topology here creates a long flat wave slope suitable for surfing. Sand castles and kite flying are particularly popular on this beach as well. Hike/bike the Hammond Trail.
Located 7 1/2 miles north of Arcata (near McKinleyville) off HWY 101 (exit Clam Beach Park off-ramp).
Day use is free and camping is first come/first serve basis. 12 Tent sites and 15 RV spaces. For more info
Moonstone Beach
Moonstone Beach is just south of Trinidad, a small fishing town. Beautiful vistas of headlands and rocky coves surround this beach. A great spot for surfing, surf kayaking and just walking, this beach has it all --- rocks to climb, tide pools, sea caves, plenty of sand and the Little River for boating and swimming.The Moonstone Grill restaurant is located on a slight bluff overlooking the beach. Take the Westhaven exit off Highway 101 to Moonstone Beach Rd.
Dogs are allowed on the waveslope under voice command, or bring your horse.
Directions: Clam Beach : Clam Beach Exist off Hwy 101 North of Mckinleyville
Moonstone Beach : North of Clam Beach - Westhaven exit off Hwy 101 to Moonstone Beach Rd.,