The winding road down to Shelter Cove drops through ten miles of steep switchbacks before delivering campers to this clifftop campground perched directly above the Pacific Ocean. Sites occupy a large dirt lot that functions more as a staging area for coastal exploration than a manicured retreat. The proximity to crashing waves and barking sea lions creates a soundtrack that defines the experience here.
RV sites accommodate rigs up to 39 feet with full hookups, while tent campers can claim spots throughout the property. The layout places neighboring sites close together, though occupancy rarely reaches capacity outside summer holidays. Gabrielle C. notes spending time "overlooking the water on top of the cliffs" each morning and evening, taking advantage of the elevated vantage point above the rocky shoreline.
An on-site general store and deli provides meals, supplies, and occasional evening karaoke sessions. Tide pooling opportunities draw many visitors, with harbor seals and sea lions visible from the cliff edge or accessible via a staircase leading down to water level. The nearby lighthouse offers historical context, while Black Sands Beach extends the coastal exploration options. July nights require warm layers despite the summer season.
The challenging access road demands careful navigation, particularly the final seven miles of narrow, poorly maintained pavement with steep grades. Animals occasionally visit campsites after dark, so secure food storage proves essential. The campground accepts reservations and allows pets for an additional dollar per night. For those seeking campgrounds near Whitethorn, this remote outpost serves as an effective base for Lost Coast Trail adventures or extended coastal stays where the ocean takes center stage.
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!
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Private CampgroundShelter Cove Campground is located in California
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
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 5/1/26- VerizonNo Coverage
AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/1/26
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 5/1/26
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/1/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
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
