RV campgrounds near King Range National Conservation Area sit along California's rugged northern coast where the mountainous terrain meets the Pacific Ocean. Temperatures fluctuate between 40-65°F year-round with rainfall concentrated between November and May. Campers often contend with limited cell service throughout the region, especially in more remote locations where terrain creates connectivity dead zones.
What to do
Tide pooling and wildlife watching: Shelter Cove Campground offers exceptional coastal access. "We went to sleep and woke up to sea lions and Harbor Seals barking. The road coming in is a beast but in the end is worth it," notes Travis H. The coastal location provides some of the best tide pooling opportunities along this stretch of coast.
Beach exploration: At Westport Beach RV Park and Campground, visitors can camp directly on the bluffs above the ocean. "You are perched out in the open on a bluff above the ocean. So the view and sunsets are epic," reports MarinMaverick. The location serves as a good base for exploring the southern section of the Lost Coast Trail.
Redwood forest activities: Camping among ancient trees provides a different experience from coastal options. "Great big redwoods surrounded you on every side. The staff was helpful whether you met them in the store or on the grounds," writes Tim G. about Giant Redwoods RV & Cabin Destination.
What campers like
River access: Multiple campgrounds feature river access for swimming during summer months. "The site is very well maintained with clean bathroom and laundry facilities. It is in a stunning and tranquil location on the river with nicely spaced sites," reports Georgina E. about her stay at Giant Redwoods RV & Cabin Destination.
Beach proximity: Westport Beach RV Park receives consistent praise for its oceanfront location. "Almost every spot seemed to be pretty nice. Pull throughs seemed a little tight, but all back-ins were spacious. Very clean grounds," writes Randy J. Many sites provide direct beach access for morning walks.
Amenities at remote locations: Despite challenging access roads, many campgrounds maintain full services. "Shelter cove is possibly the most beautiful place I've been! This campground has all the amenities you could need (showers, RV hook ups, etc) with a fully stocked deli area and very attentive staff," reports Michael R.
What you should know
Off-road access required: Many campgrounds require navigating difficult roads. For Usal Beach Campground, campers should prepare for rough conditions: "6 miles of potholes, rough dirt road and some deep puddles and you'll find a beautiful sandy beach with camping spots above the tide and some in the trees for privacy," warns Jake S. Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended.
Limited services: Cell coverage varies dramatically throughout the region. At Giant Redwoods RV & Cabin Destination, one reviewer noted "Excellent WiFi, weak Verizon and no AT&T service." Plan communications accordingly, especially for remote coastal locations.
Weather considerations: The coastal area experiences fog and wind year-round. Tent campers should be particularly prepared: "Being on the bluff when the wind comes in, in a tent with no cover, it can be fierce," notes one Westport Beach camper.
Seasonal closures: Some facilities operate seasonally. Ancient Redwoods RV Park only operates from May through October, while others remain open year-round with reduced services during winter months.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated recreational areas. "The playground was a huge hit with our toddler too, as well as river access," shares Georgina E. about Giant Redwoods RV & Cabin Destination. Several parks offer safe swimming areas during summer.
Wildlife education opportunities: Coastal locations provide wildlife viewing opportunities for children. "We stayed 10 nights all up the west coast and this was the best tide pooling we had," reports Travis H. about Shelter Cove Campground. Morning tidepools often reveal starfish, anemones, and small crabs.
Storage precautions: Some campgrounds have active wildlife that may investigate unattended food. "Animals stole 2 potatoes. No signs for animals," reports Nadiya S. about her stay at Shelter Cove. Use secure food storage containers, especially when camping in forested areas.
Tips from RVers
Road challenges: The approach roads to many rv campgrounds in King Range National Conservation Area require careful navigation. "The road in is a long and windy road but the site is worth the drive," notes Matthew S. about Usal Beach. RVers should research routes thoroughly before arrival, particularly for larger rigs.
Site selection: Richardson Grove RV Park offers dedicated pull-through options for larger vehicles. "Been camping at Richardson Grove RV Park for the past 20+ years. It's a large campground and great for large groups," writes Arturo C. Reservations become essential during summer months and holiday weekends.
Winter camping options: Some parks remain operational year-round. Stafford RV Park maintains full hookups during winter months, though water quality issues may occur. "The water jug we had filled with their water was full of rusty red residue at the bottom," reports Laura M., suggesting bringing filtered water for drinking.
