The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Horse Mountain Primitive Camp sits in the King Range National Conservation Area in California. Campers can set up tents or park RVs at the site for no additional fee. There are picnic tables in the area, and visitors have excellent access to several popular hiking trails. This free primitive camping site is maintained by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a government organization dedicated to protecting the natural landscape of the United States. Horse Mountain Primitive Camp is just a few miles from the coastline, allowing you to fish and explore at your leisure. All visitors planning to take advantage of Bureau of Land Management free camping and stay overnight in the Kings Range must obtain a permit.
If you follow the coastline north for about 162 miles, you'll find the gorgeous Redwood National Park. The Lassen Volcanic National Park is 236 miles to the east. Sixty-one miles away, Fortuna, California, is the largest city in the region. You'll be able to pick up all your necessities from local communities like Shelter Cove and Honeydew.
Start this lovely coastal trail in the morning to avoid the worst of the sun. Enjoy gorgeous views of the ocean as well as an abundance of local wildflowers. This trail ends a short distance away from the Spanish Flat camping area.
Length: 12.4 miles
Intensity: Hard
This trail has a steady incline all the way to the top. Visitors often see snakes in the area as well as bears. It's best to visit in the warmer months to avoid hazardous ice overflows.
Length: 4.8 miles
Intensity: Moderate
You'll likely need a vehicle with four-wheel drive to get to this trail. Once you start hiking, you'll be amazed at the ocean views and wildlife encounters. Dogs are also welcome as long as they're leashed at all times.
Length: 3.5 miles
Intensity: Easy
You can easily travel west from the Horse Mountain Primitive camp to the Pacific Ocean coastline. Surfers and anglers from all around the country congregate in the area to enjoy the brisk sea air and superior recreational opportunities. There are also several smaller water sources like the Mattole River and South Fork Bear Creek that offer steelhead trout and even salmon.
Popular climbing spots in the area include King Peak, Saddle Mountain, Grasshopper Hill, and Shubrick Peak. King Range is full of peaks and ridges, perfect for climbing all year round. While climbing, be aware of any hunters or wild animals in your immediate area. Visit during the mild seasons to take advantage of the moderate temperatures and minimal precipitation.
While out exploring the wilderness, you'll likely encounter elk, deer, foxes, bighorn sheep, and garter snakes. Bald eagles, California quail, and condors are also commonly spotted. If you plan to spend a lot of time near the ocean, you may encounter seals or sea otters lounging on the beach.
The Horse Mountain Primitive Camp is outfitted with free-to-use picnic tables. You can also venture south to use the recreational facilities available at the Tolkan Campground. Feel free to stop and picnic when you're out exploring the trails or forest. Be sure to pack away any trash you bring with you.
The Kings Range National Conservation Area is well-known for its stunning Paradise Royale trail system. Encompassing 23 miles, this system sits right on the Lost Coast and promises a variety of difficulty levels. Ride through peaceful, lush forests or try your hand at steep wall rides and tricky jumps.
There are several affordable RV camping options a short drive away from Horse Mountain Primitive Camp. Bureau of Land Management campgrounds in the area include Honeydew Creek Campground, Tolkan Campground, and Nadelos Campground. Camping on BLM lands is one of the most affordable ways to explore California wilderness. While you search for BLM camping near me, keep in mind that these campgrounds often have limited amenities. Dean Creek Resort and Giant Redwoods RV and Camp are two popular camping options that offer more modern features like showers, laundry facilities, and free Wi-Fi.
Don't miss out on taking advantage of the Bureau of Land Management's free camping sites. The Horse Mountain Primitive Camp is free for every visitor. Tent camping is one of the most popular options in the region. The forest is home to plenty of flat, dry areas perfect for a night of rest. To prevent damage to the landscape, you can only camp on public BLM lands for up to 14 days within a 28-day period.
The best way to hike is with friends or family. Bring plenty of drinking water as well as water purification tablets in case of an emergency. Don't stray from your hiking trail. You may get lost, injured, or cause damage to the natural landscape. If you plan to sleep out in the wilderness, bring food, cookware, and sturdy camping equipment. Sunscreen and bug repellant will help you stay comfortable. Snakes and ticks are common issues for California hikers, so dress accordingly.
Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Protect the BLM lands in California by planning ahead and traveling on durable surfaces. Dispose of your waste properly and never leave debris or food behind. Avoid disturbing pristine areas and instead camp near existing trails and campsites. Respect the natural wildlife as well as the other campers you come across. Preserve the land by leaving all artifacts, rocks, and plants where you found them.
Starting in Fortuna, head south on US Route 101. After about 23 miles, keep right onto Mattole Road. Stay on this road for an additional 22 miles, then turn left onto Wilder Ridge Road. Follow this unpaved road until you can turn right on Horse Mountain Road. Keep straight until you reach your destination.
Address: 768 Shelter Cove Road, Whitethorn, CA 95589
Ready to visit Horse Mountain Primitive Camp? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day of exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night, where you'll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
