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Established Camping

Wailaki Campground

5 Reviews

Wailaki Campground, near Whitethorn, California, is a peaceful spot that invites you to unwind in nature. With its remote location, it’s perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy some tranquility.

This campground offers basic amenities, including vault toilets and trash disposal, but you’ll need to bring your own water and supplies. Visitors have noted the importance of bug spray, especially with the lush surroundings, and many have enjoyed cooking on camping stoves since fires aren’t allowed. As one camper mentioned, “Bring your Bear mace and watch your small animals at dawn and dusk,” highlighting the wildlife presence in the area.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the nearby trails provide stunning views and opportunities for exploration. Reviewers have raved about the epic walking trails and the chance to get lost in the beauty of the woods. Just keep in mind that it can get pretty cold at night, so pack accordingly.

While the campground is first-come, first-served, many have found it easy to secure a spot, especially during the week. The lack of light and noise pollution makes it a great place for stargazing and enjoying the sounds of nature. If you’re looking for a cozy retreat away from it all, Wailaki Campground is definitely worth a visit.

Description

Bureau of Land Management

BLM Land — Arcata Field Office

CAMPGROUND DETAILS 13 campsites Wheelchair accessible Group site available on first come first serve basis Fire rings, picnic tables, bear-proof trash cans, vault toilets Trailhead for the Bear Creek Nature Trail which connects to Wailaki Campground Trailhead alternative for the Chemise Mountain Trail No OHV access.__NO HOOK-UPS. NO POTABLE WATER Wailaki Campground is located just off of Shelter Cove Road, a short drive from the town of Shelter Cove. Surrounded by old growth firs, brimming with native flora this is the ideal spot for those looking for solitude and relaxation. Bear Creek runs through the campground (treat any water source before drinking.)__Provides access to the Southern Lost Coast Trail & Sinkyone Wilderness__via the Chemise Mountain Trail. Be sure to check current weather conditions and be aware of low hanging branches or dead trees that can fall during high winds.

Fee Info

$15.00 per campsite per night First-come, first-served

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Location

Wailaki Campground is located in California

Directions

Location: U.S. 101 to Redway West 22 miles on Briceland/Shelter Cove Road south 2 miles on Chemise Mountain Road.

Coordinates

40.01958 N
124.003487 W

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

WiFi
Unknown
Verizon
Unknown
AT&T
Unknown
T-Mobile
Unknown

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Trash
Drinking Water
Toilets
Alcohol

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

2 hrs 57 min from Santa Rosa
4 hrs 9 min from Redding

Mary K.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 24, 2021

Great!

Off the beaten track but nice, safe, clean. $8 a night or $4 if you have an interagency pass. Large vault toilets. No water. There's a general store ~10 minutes away if you drive towards Shelter Cove. Bring your bug spray! Pretty quiet during the week but it filled up by Saturday. Solo female traveler thumbs up for chill vibes.

Month of VisitAugust

Deleting App D.

Legend

Reviewed Feb. 23, 2021

Very peaceful and relaxing

Had a great time and even got lost in the woods. Epic walking trails and priceless views of the Ocean. You can get lost easy so always bring water and a flashlight. Park Rangers were polite and gave great information. I met a few locals and few pot holes. Make sure you don't bring the lowriders. The General store is a little pricey and make sure you bring extra water and toilet paper. House before Campsite sales firewood for $10 a bundle. Bring your Bear mace and watch your small animals at dawn and dusk. This is one of those places where you can really unwind and be in nature. I would suggest getting a few walking poles and getting lost for a few days.

Deleting App D.

Legend

Reviewed Jan. 22, 2021

In the Dark alone.

Dispersed Paid Camping. You sit all day waiting for someone to show up so you can pay and get a bunch of fines that you not aware of till last minute. I sat afraid all night waiting for $300+ ticket. You need Bear Mace and a permit. Then online it says first come first serve. Mountain Lions are biggest threat at night. I finally left this place. It was cold cause the creek nearby and worried sick for Park Ranger and Mountain Lions. Met a few great locals out collecting Mushrooms. Great hiking trails nearby. Not that dispersed many people driving and hiking by and everyone can see your business. Not really private. Restrooms have no lights or soap and water. No showers or running water.

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Anton Y.

Traveler

Reviewed Nov. 6, 2020

Beautiful, remote, cosy

My group and I stopped here while road tripping up to oregon from Los Angeles. There are no amenities like water or phone service but this spot really is special. Takes about an hour or so of driving from the nearest town, into the woods, to get here but it really is worth it. The site is very much so accessible and is nestled next to a small creek in the woods. Bears are common out there so lock up all your food well! No light or noise pollution in the slightest. There were no fires allowed but we cooked on our camping stove in the back of the jeep. All in all, for tent/hammock camping, this is a wonderful spot to drive in and cosy up for the night. While it's nice during the day, it gets pretty cold at night! Because it's so remote you're likely to find a spot regardless of the time of year but it's by no means a secret or hidden spot. Since it's first come first serve and outside of service, you have no way of knowing how full it is until you arrive. We believe we had neighbors but they were out of earshot so we weren't sure how many others there were, since the sites are pretty private and it's hard to see far through the thick trees.

Month of VisitOctober

Stephanie S.

Traveler

Reviewed Jun. 29, 2020

Little camp by a stream

This camp was where we stayed when we were trying to stay at Tolkan but it was full. Not yet knowing about the dispersed site at horse mountain just a bit further up the road from Tolkan we stayed here.
We arrived late and spent just one night but it had everything we needed. We found a spot easily and bathrooms were close.
Lots of little mosquitoes trying to suck our blood 😅 so bring bug spray as it’s by a lush stream!! $8 per night

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