Coastal Lagoon Recreation on California’s Redwood Coast — Big Lagoon Shoreline, Fishing and Non-Motorized Boating on 1,500-Acre Big Lagoon, Day-Use Beach and Picnic Areas, Wildlife Viewing for Shorebirds and Waterfowl, Adjacent to Big Lagoon County Park Campground, Part of the Humboldt Lagoons Complex, 7 Miles North of Trinidad, Humboldt County Northern California
Harry A. Merlo State Recreation Area is a state recreation area on the south and east shores of Big Lagoon in Humboldt County, northern California, approximately 7 miles north of Trinidad, managed by California State Parks. The park features shoreline access on 1,500-acre Big Lagoon — a coastal lagoon separated from the Pacific Ocean by a narrow sand spit, fishing access for cutthroat trout and seasonal species, non-motorized boating including kayaking and canoeing on sheltered lagoon waters, day-use beach areas and picnic facilities, wildlife viewing for shorebirds, waterfowl, and harbor seals, adjacency to Big Lagoon County Park which provides campground facilities, and a location within the broader Humboldt Lagoons complex along one of California’s most dramatic coastlines.
Big Lagoon is one of three large coastal lagoons along the Humboldt County coast — together with Stone Lagoon and Freshwater Lagoon, they form the Humboldt Lagoons complex. These bar-built lagoons are separated from the Pacific by narrow sand spits, creating sheltered calm water that contrasts dramatically with the crashing surf just yards away.
The recreation area is primarily day-use — for overnight camping, the adjacent Big Lagoon County Park offers tent and RV sites with direct lagoon access.
Things to Do
- Kayaking/Canoeing — sheltered lagoon, calm water
- Fishing — cutthroat trout, seasonal species
- Beach/Picnicking — lagoon-side day-use areas
- Wildlife viewing — shorebirds, waterfowl, seals
- Camping — at adjacent Big Lagoon County Park
Site Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | ~7 mi N of Trinidad, Humboldt County, CA |
| Lagoon | Big Lagoon — ~1,500 acres |
| Type | Day-use — camping at adjacent County Park |
| Boating | Non-motorized — kayak, canoe |
| Part Of | Humboldt Lagoons complex |
| Managed By | California State Parks |
| Coordinates | 41.1639° N, 124.1442° W |
Frequently Asked Questions
Nearby Attractions
Trinidad — nearby — has the Trinidad Head lighthouse and the HSU Telonicher Marine Laboratory. Patrick’s Point State Park — 5 miles north — has sea stacks and a Yurok village recreation. Prairie Creek Redwoods SP — 15 miles north — has elk and fern canyons. Eureka — 20 miles south.
Can you camp at Harry A. Merlo State Recreation Area?
Harry A. Merlo State Recreation Area on Big Lagoon in Humboldt County is a day-use area — no camping is available on-site. For overnight stays, the adjacent Big Lagoon County Park offers tent and RV campsites with direct lagoon access. The recreation area provides shoreline access on the 1,500-acre coastal lagoon, kayaking and canoeing on sheltered waters, fishing for cutthroat trout, and wildlife viewing for shorebirds and harbor seals. Located about 7 miles north of Trinidad on California’s Redwood Coast.
Last updated: May 2026
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Su-Meg State Park is a short drive away, and Sue-meg State Park is a short drive away.
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for California state parks online at reservecalifornia.com.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Harry A. Merlo State Recreation Area
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Dogs are permitted in California State Parks only in developed areas — campgrounds, picnic areas, parking lots and paved roads — and are prohibited on most trails, beaches and undeveloped areas unless specifically designated as dog-friendly.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Maximum 6-foot leash at all times; dogs may not be left unattended.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Dogs are prohibited on most state beaches; only beaches specifically designated as dog-allowed permit them (varies by park).
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are generally not allowed in buildings or cabins; overnight campers must keep dogs inside a tent or vehicle at night.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Designated dog-friendly trails and beaches vary park by park; misrepresenting a pet as a service animal is a misdemeanor.
Are dogs allowed at Harry A. Merlo State Recreation Area?
Dogs are permitted in California State Parks only in developed areas — campgrounds, picnic areas, parking lots and paved roads — and are prohibited on most trails, beaches and undeveloped areas unless specifically designated as dog-friendly. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via parks.ca.gov. More: California state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Harry A. Merlo State Recreation Area
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
