The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
King Range National Conservation Area Recreation Site lies adjacent to Sinkyone State Park near Leggett, California. This is a great place to hike in the Outer Northern California Coast Ranges System, especially in the spring when wildflowers cover the hillsides. Many come to this location to surf and fish on California's Lost Coast. This area is also popular with mountain bikers as the 24-mile-long Paradise Royale Mountain Bike Trail System runs through this conservation area.
King Range National Conservation Area is about 260 miles east of Lassen Volcanic National Park, about 300 miles north of Pinnacles National Park and about 130 miles south of Redwood National Park. When visiting this region, consider staying in Bureau of Land Management campgrounds. These campgrounds where you can stay for up to 14 days usually offer minimal services, but they are often free or have only a minimal fee. Search for "BLM camping near me" whenever you travel in the western United States.
This trail running from Mattole Beach to Black Sands Beach can be very windy, so plan it so that the wind is at your back to push you along. At least three places along this trail are impassible at high tide, so you need to plan your adventure to start hiking within two hours of high tide. This will allow you to pass through these areas at low tide when tidepooling is wonderful. There are streams crossing this trail about every two miles.
Length:24.6 miles
Intensity: Strenuous
This family-friendly hike starts at the Needle Rock Visitor Center in Sinkyone State Park and runs to Jones Beach. At the beginning of this hike, enjoy views of the ocean surging through Needle Rock. Then, you will want to breathe deeply as you pass through a eucalyptus grove. Finally, you will reach the beach, an excellent spot for landscape photography.
Length: 1 mile
Intensity: Easy
This trail starts at the north end of Usal Beach Campground and passes by Timber Point, one of the area's tallest hills. You will love the scenic views of Anderson Gulch at the end of this trail.
Length: 5 miles
Intensity: Moderate
The 193-mile-long Eel River is a terrific spot for a fall or winter fishing expedition. The South Fork and the main stream are exciting places to fish for Sacramento pike, minnow, and lamprey. Note that all fishing in this area is catch-and-release, and you will need a California fishing license.
Salt Point State Park is a terrific place to go climbing on seaside cliffs. This park also offers some climbs in a forested setting. There are over 30 named routes along with some boulder problems. Some of the climbs are best done at low tide.
B. Bryan Preserve is a great spot to see African hoof stock, including giraffes, zebras, and antelope. While the main focus of the preserve is protecting wild animals, you can also spot many local animals as you drive through the park or while on a guided tour.
The deck near the pond at Underwood Park near Leggett is a fantastic place for a picnic. You will love watching the ducks and geese who use this pond as a resting spot while migrating. Getting to the deck is fun because you drive or walk through a large chandelier tree. This park has been welcoming guests since 1922.
There are five campgrounds for RV camping at King Range National Conservation Area. Mattole Campground is at the north end of the conservation area and a very short way off U.S. Highway 101. There are no hookups, but each site has a fire ring and picnic table.
Tolkan Campground is on King Peak Road. Each site has a picnic table and fire rings but no hookups. Some of the sites at this campground are ADA-compliant. Nadelos Campground is near a creek, where you can collect water to treat. This campground on Chemise Mountain Road offers no hookups. Groups can reserve this entire campground. Wheeler Campground is also ADA-compliant. This campground offers no hookups, but there is a nearby creek where you can get water to treat.
Bureau of Land Management free camping is available at Horse Mountain Campground at King Range National Conservation Area. This area off King Peak Road is a fantastic place to boondock, especially if you want to climb King Peak. While you need a 30-foot or shorter RV, you can camp on Usual Beach near Hales Grove, California, for free.
King Range National Conservation Area contains many hiking trails where tides can be challenging. Plan your hike so that you never hike in water deeper than 3 feet or in areas where the water rises faster than your ability to reach higher ground. When hiking across creeks, cross as far away from any waves as possible. Use a tide chart to help determine the best time to start and end your hike. Especially along the Lost Trail, three areas can only safely be hiked for 30 minutes daily, so timing your hike is essential.
Regardless of what you go to King Range Conservation Area to do, you will build beautiful memories of spending time on California's Lost Coast. Before starting out, take a minute and read more about BLM camping.
King Range National Conservation Area is a protected wilderness and one of the few remaining natural areas along the Pacific Ocean. Therefore, you want to help keep this area pristine by cleaning up after yourself. Those that come behind you will appreciate your efforts.
There are several ways to access King Range National Conservation Area. In order to get there from U.S. 101, take the Ferndale Exit and go towards Ferndale. Once in this city, Mattole Road south towards Petrolia. Turn right on Lighthouse Road. In about five miles, you will see the Mattole Recreation Site, which is part of King Range National Conservation Area, on your right.
Address: King Range National Conservation Area Project Office, 768 Shelter Cove Road, Whitethorn, California 95589
Ready to visit King Range National Conservation Area? 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 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.
