6 Best Camping Spots In King Range, California

king range camping
Louise
Louise 
Published
| 3 min read

Nestled in Humboldt County in California, King Range is a stunning mountain range with an expansive portion declared as the King Range National Conservation Area. With its diverse landscapes and abundance of outdoor opportunities, it draws adventure-seeking tourists from all over the country. Hikers and campers will have a field day amid the ancient forests thick with Douglas firs, madrone, and tanoak trees. Sun-seekers and surfers should head over to the western slope, blessed with the turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean. For picture-perfect scenery in King Range National Conservation Area, Shelter Cove is the place to go. It boasts a postcard-worthy view of the ocean converging with the land. Are you planning to go on an adventure in this corner of California? To help you find the perfect home base, browse through this list of the best camping spots in King Range, California.

Tent-only camgrounds

1. Horse Mountain Campground

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

For campers who like no-frills, old-school camping where you set up in the middle of the woods, Horse Mountain Campground is perfect for you. This campground has no toilets, electricity, and water, where adventure-seekers are free to choose a site and set up their tents. Still, there are picnic tables and firepits, convenient for impromptu barbecues. Guests are free to bring their horses and enjoy horseback riding, provided they are mindful of their neighboring campers.

Horse Mountain Campground

Address: U.S. 101 to Redway, west 22 miles on Briceland/Shelter Cove Road, then 6.5 miles north on King Peak Road. (map)

2. Nadelos Campground

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Looking for a dreamy place from camping on your King Range adventure? Why not make Nadelos Campground your home for the weekend. This lovely campground houses eight tent campsites. Each is equipped with amenities, such as vault toilets, tables, and fire rings. Do note that there are no hook-ups or potable water here.

Big groups can rent the whole campground, while small ones can book one or two sites. Campers are expected to book and pay in advance. Interested parties may call the US Land Management Bureau for more information.

Nadelos Campground

Address: 143-1 Chemise Mountain Rd, Whitethorn, CA 95589, USA (map)

RV camgrounds

California Tour Guide

Stephanie Eley

Stephanie Eley

I'm a graduate of ITMI, International Tour Management Institute and 17 years as a licensed Tour Director and Program Director. My expertise began in NYC and Washington, DC where I'm a licensed guide and has expanded to Europe, South America, Cuba and the Western / Southwestern National Parks of the US. I'd love to introduce you for a day or a week to Denver, Colorado and the 4 corners region of the US: Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona! Let's GO!! stepheley@gmail.com

Tours by Stephanie

3. Mattole Campground

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

For tourists who prefer to base themselves on the northern side of King Range, Mattole Campground might pique your interest. It nestles close to the beach, affording travelers plenty of outdoor opportunities. The campground offers 15 campsites, and each one is ideal for tent and RV camping. Although, you have to note that there are no hookups on site. Guests can take advantage of picnic tables and fire rings while setting up camp here.

Mattole Campground has no reservation policies and operates on a first-come-first-served basis.

Mattole Campground

Address: 3750 Lighthouse Rd, Petrolia, CA 95558, United States (map)

4. Tolkan Campground

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Adventurous tourists are fond of Tolkan Campground’s strategic location, proximate to Paradise Royale Mountain Bike Trail and Tolkan Terrain Park. This wheelchair-accessible campground features five trailer campsites and four sites for tent camping. Guests have to bring water and food. For picnics and barbecues, Tolkan Campground has tables, fire rings, and toilets ready for campers. Pro-tip, come early, so you can secure yourself a nice spot as this campground has no online reservation policies.

Tolkan Campground

Address: Whitethorn, CA 95589, United States (map)

5. Wailaki Campground

Wailaki Campground is a paradise for both old-school campers, as well as modern ones with motor homes. It showcases 13 campsites, all ideal for tent and RV camping. Although there is no potable water on site, you can fetch yourself some at the nearby creek if you’re comfortable with drinking natural water. To be safe, it will be best to bring a portable water purifier. With easy access to Chemise Mountain Trailhead, hikers have plenty of incentive to explore the area.

Wailaki Campground operates on a first-come-first-served policy.

Wailaki Campground

Address: Whitethorn, CA 95589, United States (map)

6. Shelter Cove RV Campground & Deli

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

RV full hookups in front of the deli

Posted by Shelter Cove RV Campground and Deli on Saturday, March 9, 2013

Shelter Cove RV Campground & Deli is one of the top-visited campgrounds in King Range. It boasts a breathtaking oceanfront location that treats visitors to stunning scenery, the freshest air in the world, and a tranquil atmosphere. This park is also a hotspot for outdoor opportunities, offering watersports, whale-watching, hiking, and picnicking. Tent campers, as well as RV adventurers, are welcome in Shelter Cove RV Campground & Deli.

Within the park, you’ll find a deli where you can score some tasty bites and fruity drinks and a gift store with souvenirs.

Shelter Cove RV Campground & Deli

Address: 492 Machi Rd, Whitethorn, CA 95589, United States (map)

Website: Shelter Cove RV Campground & Deli

Immerse in nature in King Range

King Range National Conservation Area
Source: Photo by Flickr user Bureau of Land Ma... used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

King Range is a gorgeous natural wonder worth exploring. It has landscapes for all types of outdoor adventures, whether you are into scenic hikes or sunset views. Plus, it has plenty of picturesque camping sites. Choose the best one to make your holiday unforgettable.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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