Boat ramp guide
Samoa Boat Ramp County Park
Samoa, Humboldt County, CA
Overview
Samoa Boat Ramp County Park is a Humboldt County launch and campground on the bay side of the Samoa Peninsula, across Humboldt Bay from Eureka. To get there from Eureka, take Highway 255 west across the Samoa Bridge, then follow New Navy Base Road about 5 miles south.
The ramp
The ramp launches into Humboldt Bay. The state facility listing shows about 30 parking spaces for cars with trailers, with restrooms and campsites next door. The County lists no day-use fee.
Camping
The campground is first-come, first-served with no reservations, and stays are capped at seven nights. The County lists a $30 camping fee. Facilities include fire pits, picnic tables, restrooms and two hot coin-operated showers, and a camp host lives on site.
Who uses it
The ramp gives trailer boaters direct access to Humboldt Bay. The Samoa Dunes Recreation Area, with its ocean beaches and OHV trails, is right next door.
What's different about boating here
Humboldt Bay has strong tidal currents and wide mudflats that dry at low tide. The harbor entrance bar can be dangerous when swells build. Check tides, the bar forecast and conditions before you head toward the entrance.
Getting there & access
By road
From Eureka, take Highway 255 west across the Samoa Bridge, turn left and continue about 5 miles south on New Navy Base Road to the park.
Launching
The ramp launches directly into Humboldt Bay. The state listing shows about 30 car-and-trailer spaces but no boarding floats, so plan to beach or hold the boat while you park.
On the bay
Mudflats dry at low tide and tidal currents run hard in the channels. Check tides before you launch and know where the main channel is.
Camping
Sites are first-come, first-served with no reservations and a seven-night maximum. A camp host lives on site.
Amenities
- Launch ramp — Single public ramp into Humboldt Bay
- Trailer parking — About 30 car-and-trailer spaces
- Campground — Tent and RV sites, first-come, first-served
- Showers — Two hot coin-operated showers
- Restrooms — ADA-accessible restrooms
- Picnic tables and fire pits — At campsites
Rules & official resources
- Camping is first-come, first-served with a seven-night maximum stay
- Camping fee is $30; there is no day-use fee
- California Boater Card required for all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, since January 1, 2025
- Children under 13 must wear a life jacket on a moving vessel under California law
Common boat service needs here
Freshwater flush and engine service
Trailer boats used in Humboldt Bay's salt water need engine flushes and regular service to prevent corrosion.
Find Marine Mechanics & Engine Service providers →Trailer and boat transport
Many boats here are trailered in from inland Humboldt and Trinity counties, so trailer repair and transport are common needs.
Find Boat Transport, Towing & Delivery providers →Washdown
Salt and mud from launching at a ramp without floats builds up on hulls and trailers; regular washing protects both.
Find Boat Detailing & Washing providers →Guides & FAQs
Nearby providers
No providers listed near this location yet — check back soon.
Sources
Last verified October 6, 2026