The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
If you are looking for a place to camp on California's Lost Coast, consider Wailaki Campground near Whitethorn, California. The Lost Coast is the longest roadless coastline in the United States. This Bureau of Land Management campground is about 16 miles southeast of King Range National Conservation Area and about 7 miles southeast of Little Black Sands Beach. Wailaki Campground is about 10 miles from Sinkyone Wilderness State Park. You can easily explore Redwood National Park, about 125 miles to the north, and Lassen Volcanic National Park, about 245 miles to the east. You can camp under old-growth trees at this campground where there are no services. It is a typical example of Bureau of Land Management campgrounds where you can camp for up to 14 days out of 28 days. This easily accessible campground charges a small fee, but many BLM camping facilities are free. Therefore, you will want to look for BLM camping near me wherever you roam in the western United States and Alaska.
While it can be strenuous to reach the summit of King Peak, you will love the amazing views from the summit. This loop trail in King Range National Conservation Area is easy to follow on its northern end but harder to follow on its southern end. Therefore, many people hike the north part of the loop as an out-and-back trail. The advantage of doing the whole course is that there is an awesome creek to play in near its end. Length: 4.8 miles Intensity: Moderate
This beautiful trail follows an old roadway for about a mile, making it an ideal location for a family hike. Then, it leaves the road and runs up to the top of a ridge, where you will enjoy seeing the views. Finally, it runs through forest and desert areas before reaching the summit of King's Peak.
Length: 14.1 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Follow this trail if you want to summit King's Peak as quickly as possible. It climbs 1,000 feet along its course. It is an out-and-back trail. Length: 3 miles Intensity: Moderate
It is easy to rent a boat in Shelter Cove, California, to go fishing in the Pacific Ocean. Anglers often catch halibut starting in November, rockfish and lingcod starting in May, and albacore tuna beginning in June. Very specific fishing regulations apply, so be sure you know the law.
Sports climbing is available near the Shelter Cove Black Sands Beach Trailhead. From the trailhead, walk across the gravely sand for about 1.3 miles, and you will see the boulders. Since this area is directly on the coast, conditions can be very windy.
King Range National Conservation Area is a terrific place to view wildlife because of its varied ecosystems, including forests, streams and desert. Visitors may see bald eagles, American peregrine falcons, ospreys, spotted owls, Roosevelt elk, otters, gray foxes and black bears while exploring this 68,000-acre facility. The northern elephant seals that weigh up to 4,500 pounds near the Punta Gorda Lighthouse are often the favorite animal of visitors.
Seal Rock Picnic Area is a fabulous place for a picnic, especially from September to January and March to June when the gray whales are migrating. Often, visitors can also view harbor seals and sea lions playing in the sun.
King Range National Conservation Area has three campgrounds that are great places to go RV camping. The Lost Coast Trail starts near Mattole Campground at the north end of the conservation area, near Petrolia, California. Mountain bikers will love camping at Tolkan Campground because it is close to Paradise Royale Mountain Bike Trail and Tolkan Terrain Park. The thick foliage around Nadelos Campground makes it an ideal spot to go birdwatching.
Horse Mountain Campground offers no services, but there are picnic tables and fire rings. You may also want to consider camping at Lacks Creek Management Area, which is nestled under tall redwood trees. This Bureau of Land Management free camping facility is near hiking and mountain biking trails.
Many people coming to this area choose to hike along the Lost Coast Trail. This trail divides into two sections. The northern section runs between Mattole Beach and Black Sands Beach, sticking closer to the coast than the southern section, which runs between Black Sands Beach and Usal Beach, mainly through Sinkyone Wilderness State Park. Walking on areas of wet sand puts a firmer surface under your feet, making it easier to move forward. Taking advantage of free or low-cost camping at Bureau of Land Management campgrounds is a great way to reconnect with nature. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
About 20,000 people explore the Lost Coast annually. Therefore, everyone must clean up after themselves. Review the "Leave No Trace" guidelines before you arrive, so you know what is expected of you. Unattended trash can easily hurt wildlife.
Use U.S. 101 to go to Redway, California. Turn west about 22 miles on Briceland/Shelter Cove Road and go to Chemise Mountain Road. Turn south on Chemise Mountain Road, and you will see the campground in about two miles. Address: Wailaki Campground, Chemise Mountain Road, Whitethorn, California 95589 Ready to visit Wailaki Campground? 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.
