Ashley J.
Scout
ScoutBenbow KOA & Golf Course
Decent Camp Spot
Shared group showers, small dog park, ok park for kids to play on. Water spickets at group sites. Friendly people.. decently well kept
Dog-Friendly Camping near Whitethorn, CA
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Shelter Cove Campground accommodates tent and RV campers with pets at its oceanfront property in Whitethorn. The campground features full hookups for RVs, a general store with deli, and welcomes dogs with a small nightly pet fee. Neighboring sites sit fairly close together on a large dirt lot that overlooks dramatic Pacific coastline where campers can observe seals and sea lions. Richardson Grove State Park Campground also permits pets and offers more secluded sites among redwood trees along the Eel River, providing tent sites, RV spaces with hookups, and cabins that accept dogs. Both campgrounds require pets to remain leashed at all times. Animals occasionally visit campsites at night, with one camper noting wildlife stole potatoes from their supplies at Shelter Cove. Campground data and reviews near Whitethorn, California is regularly updated on The Dyrt.
The steep, winding road to Shelter Cove presents a challenging 10-mile drive of narrow switchbacks, but rewards pet owners with access to incredible tidepooling opportunities and ocean views where dogs can enjoy supervised beach access. Richardson Grove provides access to redwood hiking trails suitable for leashed pets and Eel River swimming spots during summer months, though water levels decrease by August. King Range Conservation Area offers more rustic camping options for dogs and their owners but requires bringing water as the system has been unreliable. Wildlife encounters are common throughout the region's campgrounds, with rattlesnakes reported on trails in the Lost Coast area, making vigilant pet supervision essential. Dogs must be kept on leash in all campgrounds to prevent wildlife interactions and respect neighboring campers.
Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Whitethorn (72)
1. Richardson Grove State Park Campground
"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."
from $35 - $200 / night
Check Availability2. Benbow KOA & Golf Course
"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. "
3. Shelter Cove Campground
"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."
from $25 - $65 / night
Check Availability4. Usal Beach Campsites — Sinkyone Wilderness State Park
"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."
5. Hidden Springs Campground — Humboldt Redwoods State Park
"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
Check Availability6. Burlington Campground — Humboldt Redwoods State Park
"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."7. Giant Redwoods RV & Cabin Destination
"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)."
from $65 - $85 / night
Check Availability8. Usal Beach Campground
"The road itself is rough and could be very unsettling for anyone trying to do this trip in a vehicle without good off-road clearance. The ruts can be big and cause bottoming out of street cars."
"We chose the latter, and even with the number of other parties near us, we were still able to find a fairly secluded spot."
9. Burlington Campground — Humboldt Redwoods State Park
"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!"
"The shade from the redwoods makes this a cool haven from the hot California summers. Campsites are mostly shaded. Campsites are large with good fire pits and picnic tables."
from $35 / night
Check Availability10. King Range Conservation Area
"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."
Drive Time
- 3 hrs from Santa Rosa, CA
- 4 hrs 12 min from Redding, CA
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Whitethorn, CA
50 Photos of 72 Whitethorn Campgrounds
John L.
Shelter Cove Campground
Toni K.
Richardson Grove State Park Campground
Jessica S.
Benbow Lake State Recreation Area Campground
Jeff B.
Dean Creek Resort
Robert S.
Usal Beach Campground
SpentBrassOffroad B.
Usal Beach Overlook
Kathleen D.
Giant Redwoods RV & Cabin Destination
Kathy B.
Burlington Campground — Humboldt Redwoods State Park
Travis C.
Westport Beach RV Park and Campground
Laura M.
Stafford RV Park
Frances L.
Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park Campground
Annie M.
Van Duzen County Park - Pamplin Grove
Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Whitethorn, CA
539 Reviews of 72 Whitethorn Campgrounds
- Colleen E.
TravelerGiant Redwoods RV & Cabin Destination
Quiet Redwoods Getaway
This is a beautiful campground in Meyer’s Flat, CA. The area of Myers Flat is a little “sketchy” but the campground is very well kept and they close the gates at night which is nice. There are nice little cabins on site as well as RV sites. We stayed for 3 nights and it was very enjoyable. 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 didn’t swim due to the algae warning for northern CA) It’s along Eel River. There’s also a great market and coffee shop nearby that we took advantage of! (pricey but the only place around) The staff is so kind and Vicki was a great help while we made our reservation over the phone. Overall, we would stay again!
Scott M.ScoutBenbow KOA & Golf Course
Okay
It’s a ok place to stay. There are a lot of cats on property which got our dog riled up. Good location to see area attractions. Hookups we’re good. Seems like a lot of extended guests in cabins. If we stay again we’ll get a pull through site rather than back in. It didn’t help that we had a family with 2 ATVs staying in a cabin right by us and they’re kids (guessing ages 10-14) would drive around the camp for hours at a time. First time I’ve seen that at a koa.
Queeriam A.
GuideVan Duzen County Park - Pamplin Grove
Best place to camp!
Incredible views, quiet, easy river access, pet and kid friendly, showers, on site friendly hosts, and the best trails through old growth that you rarely get in a campground. It’s a magical place, and affordable. Worth sacrificing the cell signal, there’s a pay phone in the entry lot. I’ve been twice now, and can’t wait to go back.
Hayley K.
LegendWoodside RV Park
Loud and Jam packed with people
At $30 per night for a tent, this campground is a bit intense.
This is a drive up site. The online source for it is outdated but the site is a good place to stop if you just need a space for the night.
It is a combo trailer park, RV sites, and Tents sites so the navigation might be a little tricky in parts. There are power sites and water sources placed around the area.
There is a bath house in the middle of the park but if you are camped in the tent sites, it is pretty far away.
There are a couple porta potties set up that are closer to the tent sites.
Cash or check only here. No cards taken.
Make sure you check the pet rules too, they are very strict on them. We were lucky enough to not have our dogs with us this trip.
The sites are pretty secluded by shrubs so you do get a sense of privacy in places. The turns driving around might make RV camping a little tricky.
- Hayley K.Legend
Pomo RV Park & Campground
Incredibly friendly camp hosts and LOTS of space
Talk about secluded. Even though you are so close to town this is off the beaten path and you can’t even get into this campground unless you have a reservation. The front building shows all the sites available and even has maps ready for pick up when you arrive to the campground.
There is a shower house and Laundry building in the center of the campground.
Sites are a bit tight together but have adequate privacy utilizing trees and shrubs.
The loops are well laid out but would be tight for a longer RV to come into.
Ideal for couples since tent camping is $35 per night for 2 people, and extra adult is $17.50. And $1 per pet per night.
Ross F.TravelerRichardson Grove State Park Campground
Clean
Pros: Clean campsites spaced apart reasonably with picnic tables and fire pits. Clean bathrooms. Beautiful redwoods.
Cons: no dogs allowed on the walking trails. $35 for a tent site is a lot but I’m coming to realize that’s pretty much what it costs in California. Firewood is $10.
Katie S.GuideGrizzly Creek Redwoods State Park Campground
Camping amongst giants
Amazing campground nestled amongst the heart of the Redwood Trees. Lots of shade throughout area but limited privacy due to proximity of sites and road noise. Bathhouse has water and basic shower amentities. Nice hiking trails to explore the Redwoods within walking distance of campground. Great location to explore the forest and access the rugged California coastline.
Erin S.LegendHidden Springs Campground — Humboldt Redwoods State Park
Family friendly campground beneath the redwoods
I stayed here in late July for three nights with my 6 year old daughter and our 3 friends. Site 13 was easily large enough for four tent set-ups in separate areas of the site, though none of them were completely level. There are three kinds of sites in the campground - those backed against the woods or the fence separating the campground from the ranger houses, those in the middle, and those next to the Ave of the Giants. The ones with the most room and privacy were backed up against the woods/fence, and we were in one of those sites. Each sites has a metal fire barrel (with half grate), a picnic table, and enough room to park two vehicles. Each site also has redwoods growing in them and often large stumps (many with steps cuts into them for climbing). Water spigots are available about every other site.
This was a very family friendly campground. My daughter and her friend loved playing among the trees and stumps, and riding her scooter around the loop. Rangers frequently walked/drove around the campground and a camp host went around every morning to check sites and car tags. Of the three nights we were here, only one was kinda loud with music and voices, but they went subdued around 11 pm. The only other bother were the three dogs in the adjacent camp that were.... well, dogs (they barked a lot). Road noise was present but not distracting.
The location was great. You could stroll over to the visitor center (rangers set up on the outside over the weekend) or across the street to the nature trails. A short drive takes you into Myers Flat or Founders Grove, and you are smack in the middle of the Ave of the Giants. I would have given this campground 5 stars, if it wasn't for the comfort stations (bathrooms). They had a sewage backup/clog the day we arrived, so we didn;t have showers for the time of our stay. They brought in port-a-potties within hours of the restrooms being closed, but not sinks or soap. With CV-19, I was not happy about not having a clean restroom facility.
Despite this, however, I was glad I went. The area was beautiful and peaceful. We went strolling around the redwoods and swimming in the Eel River (south fork). Would recommend.
Guide to Whitethorn
Whitethorn camping sites span the misty intersection of Northern California's coastal and forest biomes at approximately 1,250 feet elevation. The region's unique microclimate creates cool year-round temperatures, rarely exceeding 75°F even in summer months. Winter camping sees frequent rainfall with nighttime temperatures often dropping into the 40s, requiring adequate insulation for comfortable overnight stays.
What to do
Tidepooling exploration: Coastal camping near Shelter Cove provides exceptional marine observation opportunities. At Shelter Cove Campground, campers experience remarkable marine wildlife encounters. "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., who rated the campground's tidepooling opportunities as the "best tide pooling we had" during coastal travels.
Redwood hiking: The ancient forests surrounding Whitethorn offer numerous trail options. At Burlington Campground in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, visitors can access numerous redwood groves directly from their sites. "Threaded throughout the giant redwoods, this campground is just a hop skip and a jump away from the avenue of the giants," reports Rachel A., adding that "towering trees cast shadows at all times of day—dress warm!"
Beach camping: For campers seeking direct coastal access, Usal Beach offers primitive camping right on the shoreline. "You can choose to shelter in the wooded areas or setup right on the beach. Beware of the deep sand. Lots of folks get stuck here, so drive carefully," warns Chris N., who appreciated the unique combination of forest and beach camping options at this secluded location.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many pet-friendly campgrounds near Whitethorn feature exceptional wildlife viewing. At Mackerricher State Park Campground, campers regularly spot marine mammals. "Sunset was fantastic and at sunrise, sea lions were out playing and sunning on rocks which were fun to watch," reports Melissa W., who appreciated the oceanfront location.
River swimming: Summer visitors with pets enjoy the cooling waters of the Eel River. According to Jim M., Richardson Grove State Park features "an authentic redwoods campground" with "many different loops in the park" and access to swimming holes. Nikki T. adds that "water shoes are highly recommended" when visiting the river access points, noting the park "sits right on the Eel River just south of the Avenue of the Giants."
Coastal privacy: For those seeking more isolated camping with their pets, Usal Beach provides remarkable seclusion. "I started coming around the end of March. The trail can be a little rough if it's been raining," reports Robert S., who recommends "4x4 during the wet seasons and some recovery gear just in case" but finds the challenging access creates a more private experience.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to some of Whitethorn's most scenic camping requires preparation. The road to Usal Beach Campground demands careful navigation. "The road was a bit rougher than expected (took us roughly 45 min from the paved road to camp). People made it down in mini vans but I personally wouldn't try it," advises Connor M., highlighting the trade-off between accessibility and seclusion.
Seasonal considerations: Water levels in swimming areas fluctuate significantly throughout the camping season. At Giant Redwoods RV & Cabin Destination, summer visitors note dramatic changes in river conditions. "River access with swimming hole. Very close to Avenue of the Giants. But be aware that the river is quite low," cautions Margie C. in her August visit report.
Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds fill quickly during summer months. At Burlington Campground, Patrick M. reports: "We arrived in early March, mid-afternoon, and still had a few choices on a first-come, first-served basis." Visiting during shoulder seasons increases camping options without reservations.
Tips for camping with families
Look for educational opportunities: Families with pets benefit from campgrounds with interpretive resources. Burlington Campground's location provides easy access to learning experiences. "The campground is right by the Visitors Center so you have easy access to the wifi, free coffee in the morning, and lots of educational opportunities," explains Kelsey M., noting the convenient proximity for families needing amenities.
Consider noise levels: When camping with children and pets near Whitethorn, campground location affects sleep quality. Richardson Grove State Park Campground offers varied site options. "The campsites here are enormous and provide plenty of separation from fellow campers. There are many close hikes and swimming in the nearby Eel river. There is noise from the highway," notes Jessica B., highlighting the trade-off between accessibility and peace.
Check shower facilities: Family campers with pets appreciate clean bathing options after beach or river activities. Taylor A. at Burlington Campground appreciates that the facility has "bathrooms with electricity and flushing toilets" and notes it's "easily accessible and has all of the basic needs," making multi-day stays with families more comfortable.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: RV campers with pets should research site dimensions carefully. At Giant Redwoods RV & Cabin Destination, David M. found "the options here run the gamut from tent sites, cabins, W/E hookups and even some full hookups with sewer. They also have a dump station, bathrooms/laundry." He notes the park is "very well kept up, friendly hosts, and very nice sites" making it suitable for various RV sizes.
Hookup availability: Many pet-friendly campgrounds near Whitethorn offer limited hookups. April Y. at Benbow KOA recommends specific sites: "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." She advises that "all hookups are at the very back of your site so the power posts are slightly in the way when pulling in."
Driving precautions: The coastal roads around Whitethorn require careful navigation with larger vehicles. Christy S. cautions about Shelter Cove: "Road down is a bit challenging, especially the last 7 miles. Windy and steep so take your time." This consideration becomes particularly important for RVers traveling with pets who need regular breaks.
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