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Shelter Cove Campground

Shelter Cove Campground, near Reno, Nevada, is a unique spot that offers a blend of nature and comfort right by the ocean. With 103 sites available, it’s a great place for both tent campers and RV enthusiasts, featuring full hookups and easy access to drinking water.

This campground is known for its stunning views and proximity to a rocky beach where you can spot seals and explore tide pools. Visitors have mentioned enjoying the local deli and café, which serves up good food and snacks, making it convenient for those who want to grab a bite without leaving the area. As one camper noted, “You get a great view of sunsets and can walk down to the cliffside to check out the seals.”

While the road leading to the campground can be a bit challenging, the journey is worth it for the breathtaking scenery and the chance to unwind in a peaceful setting. The campground allows pets, so you can bring your furry friends along for the adventure.

If you're looking to escape the heat, Shelter Cove offers cooler temperatures thanks to its coastal location. Plus, it’s a short drive to attractions like Black Sands Beach and Humboldt National Forest, perfect for those wanting to explore the great outdoors. Whether you're here for a weekend or a longer stay, Shelter Cove Campground has plenty to offer for a memorable getaway.

Description

Located on the beautiful Lost Coast, we have an amazing view of the Pacific ocean! Our campground has 103 RV & tent spaces. We have a store that includes a deli, souvenirs, apparel, & much more! Come join us at the Cove!

Location

Shelter Cove Campground is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

Discover us nestled in the heart of the Lost Coast, just 45 minutes off Hwy 101 at Garberville. Take the Redway/Garberville exit from Hwy 101. Follow Redwood Drive to Briceland Road, turning west, and stay on Briceland Road; it seamlessly becomes Shelter Cove Road. Enjoy the scenic drive through winding paths and ancient redwoods. Exercise caution the last few miles as you drop down to the Lost Coast. Take it easy, use those low gears, and be mindful not to overheat your brakes. If towing a larger RV, ensure your trailer brakes are in top-notch condition—trust us; you'll need them here. Continue all the way to the end of Shelter Cove Dr then turn left on Upper Pacific. Do not go through the residential streets they are very steep and hard to pass with an RV. If you have any questions about the drive in give us a call.

Address

492 Machi Road
Whitethorn, CA 95589

Coordinates

40.0237325 N
124.0681662 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

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

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • WiFi
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • Pull-Through Sites
  • 30 Amp Hookups

Reviews

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1 Star

34%
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12%

4.0

out of 5

9 Reviews

Reviewed Oct. 24, 2024

Lost Coast Trail

This was the only place in shelter cove to stay for the night on our multi day lost coast trip and it was fine for what it is A camp ground with hookups for rvs The general store had great burgers The sunset was amazing

Site94
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Shelter Cove Campground by John L., October 24, 2024
  • Review photo of Shelter Cove Campground by John L., October 24, 2024
  • Review photo of Shelter Cove Campground by John L., October 24, 2024
Reviewed May. 8, 2024

California, not Nevada

They may have a post office box in Reno but the Pacific Ocean is a bit of a hike from Reno!

Hi Pete C.,

We are so sorry for the confusion. We are not sure how our address got changed from the physical address of our campground in Shelter Cove, to our billing address, anyways we've updated this for future guests. If this has caused you any problems please give us a call at (707)842-0918 so we can make it right.

Reviewed Jul. 19, 2023

View with animals

Nice view, cold at night in july. Had to park outside the regular spots bc came in late. But nice. Animals stole 2 potatoes. No signs for animals. Overall fair.

Sitecame late, close to parking and beach.
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Shelter Cove Campground by Nadiya S., July 19, 2023
Reviewed Aug. 12, 2020

Great place to stay

This campground has a little bit of everything. 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.

  • Review photo of Shelter Cove Campground by Zachary C., August 12, 2020
  • Review photo of Shelter Cove Campground by Zachary C., August 12, 2020
  • Review photo of Shelter Cove Campground by Zachary C., August 12, 2020
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Jul. 23, 2020

The only game in town.

Shelter Cove is a must see - a very unique community. The coastline doesn’t get much better than this. The RV Park is really just a large dirt lot that has likely seen better days, but it is a great location and well worth spending some time here. Road down is a bit challenging, especially the last 7 miles. Windy and steep so take your time.

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Reviewed Oct. 13, 2019

Nice campgrounds near a rocky beach with seals

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. It is not a fun ride (unless you're on a motorcycle perhaps), but once you get there it's worth it.

We enjoyed our stay here, you get a great view of sensets and can walk down to the cliffside to checkout the seals or take the staircase all the way down for a closer view or check out the tide pools. The locals are really friendly, the deli has good food plus snacks and beer/wine. They had karaoke during our stay, but they sadly announced this will not be a thing in the future.

Reviewed Aug. 31, 2018

Simple, Secluded, Cliffside

Shelter Cove campground is in Shelter Cove CA. It is a small campsite in a small town write on the cliffs of the Pacific Ocean. It is not particularly well-maintained, but it was perfect for someone like me who just wants a place to put a tent or RV and enjoy the cool air and rocky beach. There is even a rock where seals chill and sunbathe. It was not too expensive for each night and dogs are allowed, but there is a one dollar charge for each night spent.

It is a great way to escape the warm summers because it is a lot colder than inland due to the closeness to the sea. It is also nearby the famous Black Sands Beach. It is in pretty close proximity to Humboldt National Forest and The Avenue of the Giants. It can be used as a simple, cheap base camp if you are planning to do the three day Lost Coast Trail. I loved staying here for a few days. There is also a cool lighthouse you can check out and get some history on it. Every night and morning I spent time overlooking the water on top of the cliffs. There is a picnic table you can use.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Shelter Cove Campground by Gabrielle C., August 31, 2018
  • Review photo of Shelter Cove Campground by Gabrielle C., August 31, 2018
  • Review photo of Shelter Cove Campground by Gabrielle C., August 31, 2018
Reviewed Jul. 30, 2018

Good and Bad

First of all this is a fisherman’s campground. It looks a little rough. It has the basics. The bathrooms weren’t spectacular. And the road to get there is AWFUL. However, this area has the most fantastic beach scenes. There are seals there and a lighthouse. Tide pools. There is karaoke at the deli that goes pretty late into the night. The staff is very very friendly. Probably the nicest people from our whole trip. Black sands beach is right up the road as well.

  • The beach just down from the campground. Definitely walking distance.
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much does it cost to camp at Shelter Cove Campground?

    Camping at Shelter Cove Campground can cost between $25.00 and $65.00 depending on the site.

  • Does Shelter Cove Campground have RV hookups?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Shelter Cove Campground has 30 amp electric hookups, water hookups and sewer hookups.

  • What is the max vehicle length at Shelter Cove Campground?

    Shelter Cove Campground allows vehicles up to 39 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Shelter Cove Campground?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Shelter Cove Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Shelter Cove Campground have wifi?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Shelter Cove Campground does have wifi.