Pelican State Beach RV & Campground Guide
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Pelican State Beach is located in Del Norte County in California and is famous for being the state's northernmost beach. This undeveloped site is on the Oregon border, and it offers plenty of gorgeous ocean views. The small and secluded beach is perfect for walking and beachcombing. You can find the beach 21 miles north of Crescent City on Highway 101, near the town of Smith River. It's a remote but stunning place to visit, where the Oregon and California coastline meet.
Spring 86-60 F
Summer 89-74 F
Fall 88-63 F
Winter 78-56 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Pelican State Beach
Pelican State Beach doesn't have any on-site RV parks or campgrounds.
What to Do at
Pelican State Beach
Pelican State Beach is a secluded and beautiful gem that offers nature lovers a wide range of activities. The beach is an ideal destination if you love beachcombing and beach walking. The unique rock formations and driftwood scattered over the sand set the background for beautiful nature shots. If you are interested in marine life, you may spot birds and aquatic species while walking in the park. This small, picturesque beach is a must-visit for anyone seeking tranquility and natural beauty.
Fishing
Surf fishing is a popular activity at this park. Common catches include striped bass, California surfperch, salmon, and halibut. Your chances of hooking a fish are higher in the early morning or an hour before dusk.
Geocaching
Geocaching involves searching for a hidden object using GPS coordinates posted on a website. At Pelican State Beach, you can enjoy geocaching while taking in the beautiful ocean views. Once you find a cache, you can sign the logbook and take a souvenir. However, don't forget to bring a family-friendly item to leave in its place for the next treasure hunter.
Nature Watching
Pelican State Beach is home to various marine life, including sea lions and harbor seals. Visitors to the beach can often spot these animals frolicking in the waves or lounging on the sandy shore. The beach is also a great place for bird watching since it is home to a large number of pelicans, seagulls, and sandpipers. You might want to bring your binoculars to spot these beautiful creatures in their coastal habitat.
Stargazing
Stargazing at Pelican State Beach can be a mesmerizing experience due to its remote location and lack of light pollution. The beach's open sky provides a perfect canvas for the stars to shine brightly at night.
Flora and Fauna
As the park's name suggests, this beach is named after the beautiful pelicans that are commonly seen near the rocky cliffs and shoreline. These magnificent birds can spotted perched on the sand, soaring high in the sky, or diving into the ocean for fish. While exploring, you will also see golden bushes, horseweed, and saltgrass.
Hiking
If you're up for a bit of hiking, you can explore a 1.8-mile out-and-back trail that starts at the parking lot near Smith River. The trail is considered an easy route and takes you through a beautiful forested area. You'll see plenty of wildflowers, birds, and other wildlife along the way. At the trail's end, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the ocean and the surrounding coastline.
Swimming
Pelican State Beach is a great location to swim, and you have a wide stretch of sand to enjoy. While swimming at this state park is a refreshing experience, the water can be quite chilly, even during the summer months. You may want to bring a wetsuit if you plan to take a dip.
How to Get to
Pelican State Beach
Pelican State Beach is located in Del Norte County, California. If you want to check out this secluded park, you can take a scenic drive north on Highway 101 from Eureka. The drive will take about two hours. Once you are half a mile from the state border on Highway 101, turn west onto White Rock Loop Road and follow the signs to Pelican State Beach.
Entering Pelican State Beach
The park is open 24 hours a day. Pelican State Beach welcomes visitors on foot or by bike, along with passenger vehicles and RVs. However, dogs are not allowed on the beach, except for service animals. Since the park is located in a remote area, you will not find many amenities like other state parks. With that in mind, plan ahead for your visit.
Pelican State Beach Entry Fee : $0.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Pelican State Beach
The best time to visit Pelican State Beach is during the summer when the weather is warm and sunny. If you plan to swim, the water can still be chilly even during this time.
Pelican State Beach is home to several marine creatures, including sea lions, harbor seals, and pelicans. You can often spot these animals frolicking in the waves or sunning themselves on the beach. If you are lucky, you may even see whales out in the Pacific Ocean.
Pelican State Beach doesn't have any on-site RV campgrounds, but several nearby options are available.
While there are no camping spots directly at Pelican State Beach, the nearby RV parks may require reservations. These private campgrounds set their own prices based on space and the season.
Pets are not allowed on the beach at Pelican State Beach. However, you are allowed to bring your service animal when you visit.