Centerville Beach County Park
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About Centerville Beach County Park in Ferndale, California
Centerville Beach County Park gives access to a long sandy beach that stretches from the parking area north all the way to the mouth of the Eel River. Behind the beach is a mixture of farmlands, meandering sloughs, and marshy wetlands. This is a great place to go beachcombing and bird-watching.
To get here, turn onto Ocean Ave in the town of Ferndale and follow this road, which becomes Centerville Road, until it meets the ocean and turns south. A parking area is provided at this location right behind the beach. There is an opening that allows vehicles and ATV’s to drive right onto the beach, but it is recommended to have four-wheel drive to avoid an expensive towing bill. It’s possible to drive north for about five miles if the tide is out. Rules require vehicles to stay in the wave slope and avoid private property behind the beach. Horses and dogs are allowed on the beach. Fires are also allowed at Centerville Beach, but camping is not. A large white cross can be seen on the bluff at the south end of the beach. This cross is a California Historical Landmark that commemorates the 38 people who died in the shipwreck of the mail ship SS Northerner on January 6, 1860. Seventy passengers and crew members were saved as the captain beached the ship at Centeville Beach and locals came to their aid.
- Address
- Centerville Rd
Ferndale, CA 95536 - Park Name
- Centerville Beach County Park
- Owner
- County Park
- Pet Details
- Dogs allowed off-leash
- Fees
- Free parking
- Activities
- Beachcombing, Birdwatching, Equestrian Use, Beach Driving, Bonfires
- Amenities
- Toilets, Driftwood
Nearby Beaches
Fleener Creek Beach
1.1 miles away
Fleener Creek Beach is a wonderful hiking and beachcombing spot not far from Eureka. The Fleener Creek Trail is...
Guthrie Creek Beach
2.1 miles away
Guthrie Creek Beach is an off-the-beaten-path destination near Eureka. It’s a little-known sandy strip with a creek sometimes flowing...
Crab County Park Beach
4.6 miles away
Crab County Park is a small Humboldt County Park with beach access at the mouth of the Eel River....
Nearby Attractions
Nearby Lodging
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Reviews
In 1969 I was sent to Centerville Beach, Ferndale, CA for temporary duty. My ship was still in Vietnam Waters at that time. Two others from Boot Camp arrived with me. I lucked out because the Chief Petty Officer who managed all the base facilities was from the same area I came from in NJ. He literally gave me the keys to all base facilities, Gas Station, The enlisted man’s club, beer, soda, gasoline etc., etc. He sent the other tow guys to work in the kitchen. Centerville Beach was beautiful and the experience spoiled me somewhat. All good things come to an end and I shipped out to Vietnam on the USS Oriskany Aircraft Carrier months later. I am proud to have served, and lucky to spend some time in Centerville Beach, Ferndale, CA.