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King Range Wilderness Permits (Lost Coast)

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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King Range Wilderness Permits (Lost Coast)

The King Range National Conservation Area spans about 68,000 acres near Honeydew, California. The area covers a massive stretch of untouched coastline, but it's also home to tall peaks, dense forests, dunes, and many beautiful and diverse ecosystems. Visitors to the area, which is also called the Lost Coast, can hike, fish, swim, camp, spot wildlife, or surf. Many people also enjoy climbing King Peak, the highest point in the area.

The King Range NCA was the first NCA in the U.S., and it was designated in 1970. Like many wilderness areas and BLM sites, the King Range Wilderness was set aside to preserve the area's natural beauty, protect wildlife and plants, and offer a way for visitors to view the area and get closer to nature. To find other BLM sites, search online for "BLM camping near me."

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

King Peak Trail

A popular adventure for visitors to the area, this trail offers incredible views of the scenery.

Length: 4.8 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Lost Coast Trail

Located right in the King Range Wilderness, this trail is perfect for backpacking, but visitors can also choose to start and stop at any section for a shorter hike.

Length: 25.3 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Bull Creek Flats Trail

This seasonal trail offers beautiful views of wildflowers during the summer and is great for hiking during the fall.

Length: 8.6 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Saddle Mountain Road

A popular option for OHV riding, this trail is also a great option for hiking, biking, or horseback riding.

Length: 3.5 miles

Intensity: Easy

Grasshopper Mountain Trail

This challenging trail near Honeydew offers incredible opportunities for spotting wildlife.

Length: 14.5 miles

Intensity: Difficult

Fishing and Boating

The South Fork of the Eel River is one of the best local places to fish, swim, or boat. Salmon is the most common catch, but trout are also frequently spotted. Visitors can access the river at Richardson Grove State Park or Humboldt Redwoods State Park.

Climbing

There are dozens of rock climbing opportunities near the King Range Wilderness. Moonstone Beach, for example, provides 44 traditional, sport, top rope, and bouldering options. Sue-meg State Park offers 51 climbs. Most are traditional routes, but there are also many top rope options and some bouldering, sport, and aid routes.

Wildlife Viewing

Visitors to the King Range Wilderness are already in the perfect place to view or photograph wildlife. Birds are generally the most commonly spotted creatures, and local species include bald eagles, peregrine falcons, California brown pelicans, Northern spotted owls, and osprey. Elk, deer, black bears, gray foxes, bobcats, pine martens, newts, and salamander are also common sights.

Picnicking

One of the best nearby picnic areas is the Redwood Creek Picnic Area. This location provides shaded picnic tables and restrooms. Visitors can also head to Richardson Grove State Park. There are shaded picnic tables, and the park provides easy access to hiking, fishing, and swimming options.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

Excellent RV camping is available at Avenue of the Giants Stafford RV Park. The sites are large enough for big RVs, and hookups, showers, and restrooms are available. Giant Redwoods RV is another great option. Full hookups are available, and there is a private beach. BLM RV camping is also available at the Wailaki Campground. There are 13 sites with toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. The campground is wheelchair accessible.

Free Camping

Honeydew Campground is one of the best nearby options for Bureau of Land Management free camping. The campground offers five sites. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring, and toilets are available. Visitors can also camp at the Humboldt County Fairgrounds. There are no hookups, but showers and toilets are available.

RV Rentals Near King Range Wilderness Permits (Lost Coast) Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your King Range Wilderness Permits (Lost Coast) BLM trip

All visitors to the King Range NCA who wish to camp in the area will need a permit. Camping groups must be 15 people or less in size. Camping is limited depending on the season. Sixty campers are allowed from May 15 through September 15, and 30 people are allowed throughout the rest of the year, so plan ahead and get your permit in advance. No permits are required for day use.

When camping in the King Range NCA, visitors must provide a tentative itinerary that states how many days they plan to stay and where they will be traveling. Visitors will also be asked to map out the backcountry camp zones they plan to stop at. If you're part of a commercial or organized group, such as a school group or business group, a different pass, called the Bureau of Land Management Special Recreation Pass, is required.

Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Practicing "Leave No Trace" or tread lightly rules can help to protect Bureau of Land Management campgrounds. Try to limit your impact on the landscape by avoiding popular areas during the highest use times. Camp on stable surfaces with little vegetation, and stay on trails to avoid damaging plants. Don't blaze any new trails unless that is specifically permitted in the area. Avoid making rock cairns or towers. Always eliminate waste away from water sources, and use biodegradable soaps to wash dishes. Pack out everything you bring with you, and never litter. If you see litter, pick it up and dispose of it.

King Range Wilderness Permits (Lost Coast) Location

Take U.S. 101 to Ferndale, and then follow the signs to Petrolia. Once you're in Petrolia, take a right on Lighthouse Road. Continue for about five miles, following signs for the wilderness and Mattole Recreation Site. You can also approach from Shelter Cove. Take the U.S. 101 exit for Redway/Garberville and follow signs for the wilderness until you reach Shelter Cove/King Range NCA.

Ready to visit King Range Wilderness Permits (Lost Coast)? 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.