5 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Shelter Cove Campground permits dogs at its coastal campsites with a nominal fee of one dollar per night. The campground offers 103 sites for tent and RV camping along the rugged coastline, with full hookups and camp amenities including showers, toilets, and trash service. Black sands beach is located nearby, providing opportunities for tide pooling with pets on leash. The campground serves as a convenient base for those planning to hike the Lost Coast Trail with dogs. Animals occasionally visit campsites, so secure food properly to prevent wildlife encounters.
King Range Conservation Area welcomes pets at its primitive campsites nestled near the Pacific Ocean. Large pieces of driftwood trees act as natural barriers between campsites and the beach sand, creating defined spaces for camping with dogs. The area requires campers to bring their own water, as the water system has experienced past issues. Nearby trails provide access to black sand beaches and cliffside views where dogs can explore on leash. The coastal location experiences significant wind and temperature fluctuations, so dressing in layers is advisable when camping with pets. Richardson Grove State Park Campground offers additional pet-friendly options with enormous campsites providing ample separation from fellow campers, though highway noise is noticeable at times.
"It was not too expensive for each night and dogs are allowed, but there is a one dollar charge for each night spent."
"It’s pretty much right on the ocean and next to a golf course. Has a store/deli with restrooms and an outdoor eating area with a music stage. Would stay here again anytime."
Available this weekend
from $25 - $65 / night
"The most beautiful spot to brake down in Northern California."
"The little river close by helped keep us cool. Not to far from town. And lots of big foot shops around."
Available this weekend
from $35 - $200 / night
"Camp site 12 backs up to a fence (houses or cabins occupied behind the fence) and had decent space from other sites. Large picnic table, bear locker and tall fire pit on site."
"You'll hear a tiny bit of highway traffic, but not much. It's really serene, especially if you can grab a site that's farther off the road.
Access to nearby trails is obviously exceptional."
"Driving and biking along Avenue of the Giants was the highlight of this area! There is a little dog park, volleyball court, playground, swimming area."
"We had a hilarious encounter with a cat that was in the cabin when we arrived which we wrote about in the Cabin #2 Guest Journal before we left (see picture uploaded)."
Campground full this weekend
from $65 - $85 / night
"Campsite was pleasant, though the neighbors were loudly coughing the whole time and we could hear dogs barking all night."
"There is a redwood grove hiking trail behind the campsites that takes you from one end of the campground to the other."
from $35 / night
"However, it’s a perfect location for avenue of the giants. Pet friendly, showers, trails close by."
"Walking distance to the visitor center and other great hikes. Dog-friendly, clean restrooms/coin showers, and relatively private sites - some more than others. Beautiful surroundings!"
Available this weekend
from $35 / night
"Shared group showers, small dog park, ok park for kids to play on. Water spickets at group sites. Friendly people.. decently well kept"
"They smiled, said "hello," and were all genuinely positive. There's a golf course nearby if that is of interest, and a stream for fishing within walking distance. "
"But make sure you only go during the week, because of the rowdiness, hell raising, dune driving doing donuts, drunken idiots that are there on the weekends."
"Some nice hikes close by."
"Short walk to the ocean or mouth of the Mattole River. Seismic area, so the sand on the river is never the same if you go more than once a year. Bathrooms near the campground. No showers."
"If you do not like the sound of nearby rifle fire, avoid visiting this campground during hunting season."
"Heck of a drive getting here, but worth the trek. I absolutely would not recommend hauling a camper up here. One way, winding road off of highway 1 that was actually pretty well marked."
"Road was not in bad condition if you have off road setting/lift/good tires. Quite a few other groups there. Saw a pod of orcas in the morning. Does get cold and damp due to the location/fog/ocean."
GuideRough getting here but worth the struggle! Had it to ourselves during the week left Friday. Very windy at night but great sunny in the day. No cell service (Verizon) for me but starlink was fine. Headed out now because we heard it might rain but and that one way dirt road will be a nightmare!
ScoutBeautiful. Not too many people. I would only take a 4x4x
RangerTired from the drive over the mountains rolled in here for a secure night of sleep. Plenty of spots. Electric water, flushers, but bring your quarters for the shower.
RangerHeck of a drive getting here, but worth the trek. I absolutely would not recommend hauling a camper up here. One way, winding road off of highway 1 that was actually pretty well marked. No service or amentities. Pack in and pack out! Both wide open spots near the beach or you can tuck your vehicle in by the trees with about a 1/4 mile walk to the beach. There was some group event going on and individuals who brought dirt bikes, so it was not quiet/peaceful, but the scenery made up for that. No marked sites, but plenty of fire pits to show where others have camped in the past. Lots of beautiful birds.
TravelerSuper quite place with large sites. We stayed along the river so we could hear the river running at night.
RangerOnly Madrone loop sites 37-76 open now during winter. Can't reserve online... first-come first-served pay at site. Checks or cash in envelope. 20% occupancy on Wednesday night mid-October. Most sites paved... only a handful sufficiently level without blocks for RV. Flush toilets and hot-cold water sinks in clean restrooms. Showers take tokens. Very dark and quiet at night under beautiful redwood canopy. Would stay again.
RangerBathrooms were terrible but views were awesome. Right off the US1 with picnic tables, bear boxes, and fire rings.
ScoutThis us a great overnight stop on us 101. Clean bathrooms and coin operated showers. Nice but short walks to feel River. No dogs on trails. Bummer. Not for big rigs, 24' max size. Dark in the redwood forest. Not much sun for solar. Very informative visitor center. Overall a good stop
GuideI read the reviews but decided to try it anyway, bringing my 42 foot rig, a 1960 Chevy C20 with a 21' Geo Pro camper that has a 3' cargo hitch on the back. I made it down and back, and if I could call my past self I would say not to do it at all. Aside from the aggressive bouncing that throws all your stuff everywhere (male sure to stow everything tight) the problem for a rig, even one with good ground clearance, is there are long very narrow sections of the road with no pull outs so if you happen to meet someone coming the other way, one of you needs to back up for a long way, either up or down very windy and rutted roads until you find one. And it does have very steep areas, and the pot holes are pretty dramatic at times. Near the end, the road grade was so steep that I cooked my brakes and was still sliding down the road with very little traction. Then I came upon two very deep pothole/ruts (would have been fun in a jeep), one in front of the other and offset so that there was a big hump to high center on, no mater which way you took it. Going down I was able to control my speed and get by ok but one the way up I had to hit it with some speed, and bent the hell out of one of my stabilizers which caught the dirt coming up and over. But if you do bring a rig, there are eventually good places to get turned around, but you'd better hope you don't break down along the road because you'll cause quite the traffic jam for both directions. I stayed at the site just before the bridge but there are many more sites down farther. And be sure to check out the Cathedral Trees, there is a trail that is marked there near that bridge. There is no cell service here.
Camping near King Range National Conservation Area involves navigating dramatic elevation changes between coastal areas and inland terrain. Temperatures can fluctuate significantly, dropping as much as 20 degrees from day to night even during summer months. The region experiences heavy winter rainfall with accumulations of 100-200 inches annually, creating muddy conditions on trails and campsites from November through April.
Beach exploration: 2-mile hike to tide pools from Burlington Campground provides access to marine ecosystems. "The entire area is incredible and if you have time, take a slow drive through the trees. Ask the rangers for good local hikes and take lots of stops along the turnouts," advises Michael I.
River swimming: Eel River access available at Hidden Springs Campground with shallow, safe areas for wading. "Walk down to the river for stone skipping, wading fun. Also the river hike on the opposite side of the river was amazing, we didn't run into another hiker, so peaceful," reports Steve A.
Fishing: Seasonal salmon and steelhead runs attract anglers in late fall through winter. "There's a golf course nearby if that is of interest, and a stream for fishing within walking distance," notes James W. about the surrounding area.
Wildlife viewing: Sea lion colonies visible from several vantage points near the coast. "We went to sleep and woke up to sea lions and Harbor Seals barking," shares Travis H. after visiting the area.
Spacious campsites: Extra room for equipment at many locations provides comfort. "The campsites here are enormous and provide plenty of separation from fellow campers," according to Jessica B. who stayed at Richardson Grove State Park Campground.
Clean facilities: Maintained bathrooms with hot showers available at most established campgrounds. "Bathrooms were adequate, floors were often wet, but most had soap and lights, which you don't always get. Showers coin-operated, hot and good pressure," explains Stephanie O.
River access: Swimming holes within walking distance of several campgrounds. "The campground had an accessible river right next to it. Great big redwoods surrounded you on every side," shares Tim G. about his experience at Giant Redwoods RV & Cabin Destination.
Natural features: Unique landscape elements enhance camping experiences. "Sites were reasonably private and tucked amongst towering redwoods. Right off Avenue of the Giants, this campground is a great location to explore some spectacular old growth redwoods and the Eel river nearby," says Amber D.
Weather preparation: Significant temperature changes require layered clothing and appropriate gear. "Dress in layers. Nestled in with large pieces of driftwood trees acting as berms between your campsite and the beach sand," advises Rhonda W. about camping at King Range Conservation Area.
Shower costs: Token-operated facilities at most state park campgrounds require quarters. "Showers require tokens. This seems pretty standard in California State Parks but it's successful at deterring us from showering every night. One token gives 4 minutes of showering. Each token is $1," explains Mea H.
Road conditions: Steep, winding routes to coastal areas require careful driving. "The road coming in is a beast but in the end is worth it," warns Travis H., while another camper elaborates, "When the other reviews say the road in sucks, they don't explain why. The road is about 10 miles of steep switchbacks on a narrow poorly maintained road."
Seasonal concerns: Winter closures affect campground availability from November through April. "We arrived in early March, mid-afternoon, and still had a few choices on a first-come, first-served basis," reports Patrick M. about early season camping options.
Dog friendly campgrounds King Range National Conservation Area: Bring short leashes for rocky trails. "This is a must-stop if you enjoy foresty camping in the trees. Threaded throughout the giant redwoods, this campground is just a hop skip and a jump away from the avenue of the giants," shares Rachel A.
Kid-friendly activities: Climbing opportunities on natural features. "There are lots of old redwood stumps to explore and climb on for kids. The Gould nature hike is easy and informative with lots of interesting sites," recommends Steve A.
Safety concerns: Wildlife awareness needed for families with small children. "This campground is VERY kid friendly, probably a bit more than we were after since we left our 2 kiddos out of this trip for some solo time," notes Jessica D. about Benbow KOA.
Educational opportunities: Junior ranger programs available at visitor centers. "The visitor center is adjacent to the campground. The entire campground is ALWAYS in the shade because of the tree density," explains Taryn S., highlighting amenities families appreciate.
Site selection: End spots offer easiest access for larger vehicles. "I suggest a premium patio site since they are on the ends of the rows along the exit of the 1 way street. They are the easiest to pull into from your row. Big rigs may have some maneuvering otherwise," advises April Y.
Generator restrictions: Many pet-friendly campgrounds near King Range Conservation Area prohibit generators, affecting power options. "No hookups here but the dry camp is well worth your time. Tons of shade so don't expect your solar panels to keep your battery charged," mentions Troy L.
Parking challenges: Tight turning radiuses require planning. "We are in a 42' 5th wheel and we're glad to not have had neighbors when we moved in. All hookups are at the very back of your site so the power posts are slightly in the way when pulling in. Driving in the grass is unavoidable," warns April Y.
Dump station availability: Limited facilities require planning ahead. "The dump station has a mandatory fee of $10. You pay with a credit card. When payment is approved, the cap to the dump hole unlocks," explains Mea H. about her experience at Mackerricher State Park Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near King Range National Conservation Area?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near King Range National Conservation Area is Shelter Cove Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 12 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near King Range National Conservation Area?
TheDyrt.com has all 73 dog-friendly camping locations near King Range National Conservation Area, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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