- Camping with Horseback riding
The best camping near Shelter Cove with horseback riding
96% (2.5K) • 44 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Shelter Cove
Mendocino Magic
1. Mendocino Magic
94%
(849)
38mi from Shelter Cove · 167 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Mendocino Magic is a camping, fishing, wedding and outdoor events destination in inland Mendocino county, Northern California, just a few miles off Highway 101 in the heart of the Emerald Triangle. This unique sprawling 600-acre property is home to the largest privately-held reservoir in the North Coast region, perfect for swimming and catch &release fishing. We offer tent camping, RV & Car camping, luxe furnished tents, and cabins for your stay.
Star gaze from the rolling hills of the Mendocino forest, kayak on our private Reservoir, and show off your BBQ skills with included campground amenities.
Reserve your camp site early for the best availability. About half of our 2023 summer weekends are currently sold out.
All Mendocino Magic Campers Enjoy the Following Amenities
- Central Camp with tables, BBQ grills (propane provided), filtered water, and weekend propane fire dish run by staff.
- Portapotty bathrooms with outdoor sinks.
- Outdoor hot showers
- Access to Holland Reservoir, our private lake, for swimming, boating, and catch and release fishing. Kayaks are available at the lake for no additional charge - first come, first served. No lifeguard on duty, bring your own life jackets if you need them.
- Miles of hiking and biking trails through mountainous hillsides and scenic valleys.
- Some of the best stargazing in Northern California with frequent meteor showers.
- Camping supplies delivered to your camp site (for an additional charge), including cooler rentals, ice.
Mackenzie manages the campground with a team of incredible people. In a world increasingly connected in the digital sense, we invite you to come up and get back to your roots, and connect with people the old fashioned way.
Come join us for stargazing, paintball, fishing & swimming, weddings & outdoor events, and camping!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$60
/ night
Ocean-view Redwood Forest Glamping
2. Ocean-view Redwood Forest Glamping
97%
(79)
40mi from Shelter Cove · 18 sites
Welcome to Ocean Forest Retreat.Nestled on a ridge with a stunning ocean view, our retreat offers a serene escape amidst ancient redwoods. Surrounded by thousands of acres of tranquil forest and just minutes from the beach, this is the perfect place to unplug, breathe deeply, and reconnect with nature.
We have four cozy and unique glamping cabins, each with its own charm. The Honeybear and Garden Cabins have French doors that open onto breathtaking forest views, glass door woodstoves, and decks provide the perfect spots to relax and unwind amidst nature. The Earth Cabin is nestled under the majestic redwoods, where you can craft your own culinary adventure with a clay firebrick oven—enjoy baking your own pizza in the heart of the forest! It's surrounded by a covered gathering area with earthen benches and a simple outdoor kitchen. The Redwood TreeCabin has French doors that lead out to a redwood deck, a loft, and a cozy atmosphere that feels like a treehouse.
All cabins come with comfy queen beds, heaters for chilly nights, private outdoor fire pits, hammocks, and solar string lights to illuminate your own little corner of the magical forest. Enjoy stargazing without the glow of city lights! Each cabin has its own private outdoor hot shower under the canopy of redwoods and private composting toilets. The Earth Cabin also offers an outdoor bathtub, where you can soak under the stars.
We're off the grid, so leave your devices behind and enjoy a digital detox. No WiFi or cell service means you can truly unplug and reconnect with nature and yourself. Ideal for meditation, yoga, and finding serenity in the peacefulness of the forest.
We're just a 5 min. drive from Mackerricher State Park’s coastal trails, Ten Mile Beach, and Glass Beach, the Skunk Train, and Fort Bragg’s restaurants and cafes are only ten minutes away. You can spend your days exploring the coast, or simply soaking up the tranquility of our forest.
Our cabins are cozy 10x12 spaces that comfortably fit two people. If you're traveling with friends or family, we welcome additional guests with a fee. Please inquire.
Come join us at Ocean Forest Retreat and let the beauty of nature recharge your soul.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$136
/ night
Meadow Farm & Forest
3. Meadow Farm & Forest
98%
(233)
43mi from Shelter Cove · 9 sites · RVs, Lodging
Meadow Farm is a quiet and creative sanctuary surrounded by the forest. The ocean breezes freshen the air and the pulse of the planet is heard as the surf sounds travel to put us to rest at night..
We are a place for people experimenting with the new old ways to live with low impact and conservation of our precious resources. We offer affordable accommodations, organic gardening, and education on plants and living simply.
We welcome your interest in veganic garden and diet, orchards, and forest trails. Our organic vegetables and fruit may be available if you wish to bring some of our farm to your table.
We can offer you a quiet and peaceful place without social pressures if you wish to "decompress" from city life, jobs or any stressful times. Or come to the communal fire near the bathhouse for sharing some time with family and the few other campers that may be there. Bringing your own wood is welcome.
The coastal bike and hike trails are many. From South of Ft Bragg to the Sand Dunes near Ward Ave. you can travel over 7 miles one way and go down to quiet little beach coves along the way.
Meadow Farm is a nonprofit 501c3 with goals of coastal food security, disaster preparation and sheltering, carbon sequestering and forest restoration. We offer native plant tours on or off site with advance notice.
We like our dog companions! Two McNab collies, Moxie and Shama live here and may bark at first...still very friendly and social with people and other dogs.. There are several dog friendly off-leash areas such as, Noyo North Harbor Beach, Seaside Beach and dog parks in both Ft Bragg and Mendocino. Our farm is dog friendly tho we wish pets to be kept close, must be neutered and friendly to other dogs and people. Please be sure to bury or bag the waste.
Speaking of waste, Meadow Farm strives to reduce waste by avoiding plastic as much as possible, recycling what we can and composting our veggie scraps.
Please bring your own waste receptacles and take them along when you go. We take ours to the Caspar Transfer Station which is open Saturday through Wednesday... the location and hours can be found online.
Our water is from a deep well and we periodically test it for bacteria. It is cold and delicious. Our irrigation pipes that have spigots and hoses at each camp are safe for drinking, cooking and cleaning
Our solar pump moves water into storage tanks that provide all the water to the farm. It is very important that the water valves on your camp spigot is turned off (gently please) to avoid losing 2500 gallons of water in a short time.
If you see a leak or break in a line please contact us immediately. There are also water shut offs for the camps on the west side of the Farm House if you are unable to reach us right away..
When doing dishes we request that you use the strainer to catch food particles from the dish water and toss them in your trash or compost bucket. If you have vegetable waste let us know and we can pick them up for adding to the worm bins or composting piles. We make worm "tea" fertilizer and rich soil from these offerings. No animal products or oil please... a few egg shells are okay.
We do have the usual wildlife though we haven't had problems with them. Ravens will raid your camp if food or bags are left out while you are away.
From dusk to dawn keep children and pets close. We coexist well here with the critters...and glad to have them.
Wishing you a very peaceful and soul refreshing stay at Meadow Farm. Come and allow this natural setting to heal and restore your sense of well-being.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$85
/ night
Sinkyone Wilderness State Park
4. Sinkyone Wilderness State Park
97%
(36)
State park 15mi from Shelter Cove · 87 sites
Hike the Lost Coast and take in the ethereal beauty of this California state park.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Humboldt Redwoods State Park
5. Humboldt Redwoods State Park
98%
(69)
State park 24mi from Shelter Cove · 470 sites
Here’s the thing about this park: it’s home to the tallest trees in the world. As in, on the planet.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Jug Handle Creek Nature Center
6. Jug Handle Creek Nature Center
96%
(5315)
48mi from Shelter Cove · 20 sites · Tents, RVs
Nestled on 33 acres of coastal meadows and forest, Jug Handle Creek Nature Center is a peaceful, nature-centered campground with a rich history and a truly unique landscape. Saved from development in the 1970s, Jug Handle now stands as a thriving nonprofit sanctuary dedicated to education, restoration, and connection with the natural world.
Just a five-minute walk from Jug Handle State Reserve, Jug Handle Beach, and the renowned Ecological Staircase Trail - a rare geological formation that reveals 500,000 years of coastal history - you’ll find yourself immersed in one of Mendocino County’s most remarkable environments.
We offer 11 spacious campsites, each with two picnic tables, a fire ring, parking for two vehicles, and plenty of room for tents. Spread out across open meadows and forest edges, the sites offer privacy, quiet, and the soothing sounds of nature.
Explore on-site nature trails, a native plant nursery, and beautiful woodlands, or simply relax beneath the stars.
A few important things to note:
Due to the close proximity of neighboring livestock, as well as the bountiful wildlife that call this special place home, PETS ARE NO LONGER PERMITTED on the premises.
Firewood is not provided, though there are several roadside stands nearby where it is available for purchase.
You'll be pretty independent here. We provide self-check-in for your convenience. Directions and access information (including the bathroom code!) will be messaged to you prior to your stay.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$45
/ night
Six Rivers National Forest
7. Six Rivers National Forest
97%
(29)
National forest 88mi from Shelter Cove · 281 sites
This park gets its rather self-descriptive name from the six beautiful rivers that flow through its borders, but don’t the name fool you. There is a lot more than just rivers to check out here. More than a million rambling acres of forest take you through foggy and mystical redwood landscapes. Further inland, miles of towering Douglas firs, glacial peaks, and hidden pools just wait to be discovered. Of course, the rivers are the main attraction. You can’t go two feet without tripping over a perfect swimming hole. After your dip, there are plenty of warm rocks to lay out on. Oh, and if the natural beauty doesn’t get you: this was the place where they first spotted Bigfoot. Yeah, the original footage that basically made everyone believe in the hairy bi-ped. That, on its own, is reason enough to check it out
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Shasta-Trinity National Forest
8. Shasta-Trinity National Forest
93%
(137)
National forest 76mi from Shelter Cove · 912 sites
California’s largest national forest offers year-round outdoor adventures and diverse camping options.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
96% (2.5K) • 44 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Shelter Cove
Mendocino Magic
1. Mendocino Magic
94%
(849)
38mi from Shelter Cove · 167 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Mendocino Magic is a camping, fishing, wedding and outdoor events destination in inland Mendocino county, Northern California, just a few miles off Highway 101 in the heart of the Emerald Triangle. This unique sprawling 600-acre property is home to the largest privately-held reservoir in the North Coast region, perfect for swimming and catch &release fishing. We offer tent camping, RV & Car camping, luxe furnished tents, and cabins for your stay.
Star gaze from the rolling hills of the Mendocino forest, kayak on our private Reservoir, and show off your BBQ skills with included campground amenities.
Reserve your camp site early for the best availability. About half of our 2023 summer weekends are currently sold out.
All Mendocino Magic Campers Enjoy the Following Amenities
- Central Camp with tables, BBQ grills (propane provided), filtered water, and weekend propane fire dish run by staff.
- Portapotty bathrooms with outdoor sinks.
- Outdoor hot showers
- Access to Holland Reservoir, our private lake, for swimming, boating, and catch and release fishing. Kayaks are available at the lake for no additional charge - first come, first served. No lifeguard on duty, bring your own life jackets if you need them.
- Miles of hiking and biking trails through mountainous hillsides and scenic valleys.
- Some of the best stargazing in Northern California with frequent meteor showers.
- Camping supplies delivered to your camp site (for an additional charge), including cooler rentals, ice.
Mackenzie manages the campground with a team of incredible people. In a world increasingly connected in the digital sense, we invite you to come up and get back to your roots, and connect with people the old fashioned way.
Come join us for stargazing, paintball, fishing & swimming, weddings & outdoor events, and camping!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$60
/ night
Ocean-view Redwood Forest Glamping
2. Ocean-view Redwood Forest Glamping
97%
(79)
40mi from Shelter Cove · 18 sites
Welcome to Ocean Forest Retreat.Nestled on a ridge with a stunning ocean view, our retreat offers a serene escape amidst ancient redwoods. Surrounded by thousands of acres of tranquil forest and just minutes from the beach, this is the perfect place to unplug, breathe deeply, and reconnect with nature.
We have four cozy and unique glamping cabins, each with its own charm. The Honeybear and Garden Cabins have French doors that open onto breathtaking forest views, glass door woodstoves, and decks provide the perfect spots to relax and unwind amidst nature. The Earth Cabin is nestled under the majestic redwoods, where you can craft your own culinary adventure with a clay firebrick oven—enjoy baking your own pizza in the heart of the forest! It's surrounded by a covered gathering area with earthen benches and a simple outdoor kitchen. The Redwood TreeCabin has French doors that lead out to a redwood deck, a loft, and a cozy atmosphere that feels like a treehouse.
All cabins come with comfy queen beds, heaters for chilly nights, private outdoor fire pits, hammocks, and solar string lights to illuminate your own little corner of the magical forest. Enjoy stargazing without the glow of city lights! Each cabin has its own private outdoor hot shower under the canopy of redwoods and private composting toilets. The Earth Cabin also offers an outdoor bathtub, where you can soak under the stars.
We're off the grid, so leave your devices behind and enjoy a digital detox. No WiFi or cell service means you can truly unplug and reconnect with nature and yourself. Ideal for meditation, yoga, and finding serenity in the peacefulness of the forest.
We're just a 5 min. drive from Mackerricher State Park’s coastal trails, Ten Mile Beach, and Glass Beach, the Skunk Train, and Fort Bragg’s restaurants and cafes are only ten minutes away. You can spend your days exploring the coast, or simply soaking up the tranquility of our forest.
Our cabins are cozy 10x12 spaces that comfortably fit two people. If you're traveling with friends or family, we welcome additional guests with a fee. Please inquire.
Come join us at Ocean Forest Retreat and let the beauty of nature recharge your soul.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$136
/ night
Meadow Farm & Forest
3. Meadow Farm & Forest
98%
(233)
43mi from Shelter Cove · 9 sites · RVs, Lodging
Meadow Farm is a quiet and creative sanctuary surrounded by the forest. The ocean breezes freshen the air and the pulse of the planet is heard as the surf sounds travel to put us to rest at night..
We are a place for people experimenting with the new old ways to live with low impact and conservation of our precious resources. We offer affordable accommodations, organic gardening, and education on plants and living simply.
We welcome your interest in veganic garden and diet, orchards, and forest trails. Our organic vegetables and fruit may be available if you wish to bring some of our farm to your table.
We can offer you a quiet and peaceful place without social pressures if you wish to "decompress" from city life, jobs or any stressful times. Or come to the communal fire near the bathhouse for sharing some time with family and the few other campers that may be there. Bringing your own wood is welcome.
The coastal bike and hike trails are many. From South of Ft Bragg to the Sand Dunes near Ward Ave. you can travel over 7 miles one way and go down to quiet little beach coves along the way.
Meadow Farm is a nonprofit 501c3 with goals of coastal food security, disaster preparation and sheltering, carbon sequestering and forest restoration. We offer native plant tours on or off site with advance notice.
We like our dog companions! Two McNab collies, Moxie and Shama live here and may bark at first...still very friendly and social with people and other dogs.. There are several dog friendly off-leash areas such as, Noyo North Harbor Beach, Seaside Beach and dog parks in both Ft Bragg and Mendocino. Our farm is dog friendly tho we wish pets to be kept close, must be neutered and friendly to other dogs and people. Please be sure to bury or bag the waste.
Speaking of waste, Meadow Farm strives to reduce waste by avoiding plastic as much as possible, recycling what we can and composting our veggie scraps.
Please bring your own waste receptacles and take them along when you go. We take ours to the Caspar Transfer Station which is open Saturday through Wednesday... the location and hours can be found online.
Our water is from a deep well and we periodically test it for bacteria. It is cold and delicious. Our irrigation pipes that have spigots and hoses at each camp are safe for drinking, cooking and cleaning
Our solar pump moves water into storage tanks that provide all the water to the farm. It is very important that the water valves on your camp spigot is turned off (gently please) to avoid losing 2500 gallons of water in a short time.
If you see a leak or break in a line please contact us immediately. There are also water shut offs for the camps on the west side of the Farm House if you are unable to reach us right away..
When doing dishes we request that you use the strainer to catch food particles from the dish water and toss them in your trash or compost bucket. If you have vegetable waste let us know and we can pick them up for adding to the worm bins or composting piles. We make worm "tea" fertilizer and rich soil from these offerings. No animal products or oil please... a few egg shells are okay.
We do have the usual wildlife though we haven't had problems with them. Ravens will raid your camp if food or bags are left out while you are away.
From dusk to dawn keep children and pets close. We coexist well here with the critters...and glad to have them.
Wishing you a very peaceful and soul refreshing stay at Meadow Farm. Come and allow this natural setting to heal and restore your sense of well-being.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$85
/ night
Sinkyone Wilderness State Park
4. Sinkyone Wilderness State Park
97%
(36)
State park 15mi from Shelter Cove · 87 sites
Hike the Lost Coast and take in the ethereal beauty of this California state park.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Humboldt Redwoods State Park
5. Humboldt Redwoods State Park
98%
(69)
State park 24mi from Shelter Cove · 470 sites
Here’s the thing about this park: it’s home to the tallest trees in the world. As in, on the planet.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Jug Handle Creek Nature Center
6. Jug Handle Creek Nature Center
96%
(5315)
48mi from Shelter Cove · 20 sites · Tents, RVs
Nestled on 33 acres of coastal meadows and forest, Jug Handle Creek Nature Center is a peaceful, nature-centered campground with a rich history and a truly unique landscape. Saved from development in the 1970s, Jug Handle now stands as a thriving nonprofit sanctuary dedicated to education, restoration, and connection with the natural world.
Just a five-minute walk from Jug Handle State Reserve, Jug Handle Beach, and the renowned Ecological Staircase Trail - a rare geological formation that reveals 500,000 years of coastal history - you’ll find yourself immersed in one of Mendocino County’s most remarkable environments.
We offer 11 spacious campsites, each with two picnic tables, a fire ring, parking for two vehicles, and plenty of room for tents. Spread out across open meadows and forest edges, the sites offer privacy, quiet, and the soothing sounds of nature.
Explore on-site nature trails, a native plant nursery, and beautiful woodlands, or simply relax beneath the stars.
A few important things to note:
Due to the close proximity of neighboring livestock, as well as the bountiful wildlife that call this special place home, PETS ARE NO LONGER PERMITTED on the premises.
Firewood is not provided, though there are several roadside stands nearby where it is available for purchase.
You'll be pretty independent here. We provide self-check-in for your convenience. Directions and access information (including the bathroom code!) will be messaged to you prior to your stay.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$45
/ night
Six Rivers National Forest
7. Six Rivers National Forest
97%
(29)
National forest 88mi from Shelter Cove · 281 sites
This park gets its rather self-descriptive name from the six beautiful rivers that flow through its borders, but don’t the name fool you. There is a lot more than just rivers to check out here. More than a million rambling acres of forest take you through foggy and mystical redwood landscapes. Further inland, miles of towering Douglas firs, glacial peaks, and hidden pools just wait to be discovered. Of course, the rivers are the main attraction. You can’t go two feet without tripping over a perfect swimming hole. After your dip, there are plenty of warm rocks to lay out on. Oh, and if the natural beauty doesn’t get you: this was the place where they first spotted Bigfoot. Yeah, the original footage that basically made everyone believe in the hairy bi-ped. That, on its own, is reason enough to check it out
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Shasta-Trinity National Forest
8. Shasta-Trinity National Forest
93%
(137)
National forest 76mi from Shelter Cove · 912 sites
California’s largest national forest offers year-round outdoor adventures and diverse camping options.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
E
Emily
2 weeks ago
Tent
With kids
Awesome spot! So spacious and clean. Nice walk to the beach. We’ll be back for sure!
See more
C
Christian
2 weeks ago
Tent
Beautiful quiet spot with clean nice bathrooms and a pit for a campfire. Definitely recommend this spot it’s right off the highway next to the beach and close to all the popular locations.
See more
E
Emma
3 weeks ago
20 ft campervan
Sweetest little camp spot ever!! Quiet. Level spots. Clean bathrooms!! We loved it! Thank you!
See morej
john
3 weeks ago
20 ft campervan
Very nice located campground with easy access to Fort Bragg, Caspar and Mendocino. And just far enough off Route 1 to lose the noise and enjoy nature. Our campground for our 18’ van camper was flat with a fire pit and right by the bathrooms which were very clean. Great spot, felt very safe, overall great experience!! Highly recommend :)
See more
S
Susan
February 2026
Tent
Great little campsite. It was quiet, clean, and sheltered.
See more
Sara
January 2026
Tent
The campground was very clean and easy to negotiate. The restrooms were well lite and clean.
See more
Zojer
January 2026
16 ft car
Lovely campsite that was well taken care of. Most definitely recommend.
See more
M
Monica
January 2026
Tent
We stayed one night at Site #9 and absolutely loved it. This site felt private and thoughtfully laid out, which is exactly why I chose it. There were multiple good spots for a tent (we brought a three-person tent) and a great area for a hammock - we didn’t have time to set ours up, but it was nice to have the option.
The site had excellent shade and a clean, sturdy picnic table. The bathrooms were clean and easy to access - just make sure you note the access code ahead of time, as there is no cell service once you arrive. I had read a few reviews mentioning limited toilet paper, so we brought our own, but there were actually multiple rolls stocked during our stay.
It’s noted that you walk into the site, which initially made me consider bringing a wagon, but it really wasn’t necessary at all… the walk is just a few feet. We also have a rooftop tent on our Jeep gladiator and with just one vehicle, the parking area at Site #9 would have comfortably worked for a rooftop tent setup.
I had also read a previous review mentioning a neighbor’s dog barking. From Site #9, we could hear the dog at times, but it wasn’t excessive and didn’t impact our experience.
The main reasons we booked this spot was to visit Jug Handle Beach, but the campsite itself was so peaceful and lovely that we ended up staying put and just enjoying the space. We appreciated the fire buckets provided for safely putting out our fire. We brought our own firewood since availability can vary, and that worked out.
See more
John
January 2026
16 ft travel trailer
Beautiful campground, top notch bathrooms, wonderful trails
See moreE
Emmalyn
January 2026
Tent
The campgrounds were very beautiful and peaceful. Each campsite is a good one. The bathrooms were especially clean. We would love to stay here again!
See moreE
Elizabeth
January 2026
Tent
With kids
Great camping experience! The trail to the beach was very fun, the beach was beautiful. We camped in the winter and practically had the campground to ourselves. Also, I don't usually comment on bathrooms, but they had the newest, cleanest bathrooms I've ever seen at a campground. :) I thought the farm would be closer but we didn't to figure out where it was, next time.
See moreD
Donna
December 2025
18 ft campervan
Very small and secluded but close to Ft Bragg. We had site #10. Sunny, level, quiet. Perfect.
See more
Kevin
December 2025
Tent
Group trip
Really nice campground, this was my second time going with a group of friends and it was great. They recently put in brand new bathrooms that were really clean and well built. The property is well taken care of, we’ll probably be back again next year!
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E
Elizabeth
December 2025
With pets
Such a cute place to stay! You can hear the ocean and experience the wind through the trees. Accommodations were exactly as described. We would definitely recommend Ben and Grace’s place to stay.
See moreS
Sherissa
November 2025
16 ft car
Great place to camp! Clean restrooms, ample space, close to some great trails. We will definitely be back!
See moreK
Kristen
November 2025
4 ft travel trailer
With kids
Loved it all. Highly recommend. We will be back for sure.
See more
N
Nate
November 2025
Tent
Great camp site. Bathrooms were the nicest and cleanest of any campground I've ever been to. Distance between sites was also nice--no one was too close
See moreM
Michele
November 2025
Tent
Beautiful, spacious site! Quiet, great location. Will definitely stay here again!
See more
R
Ryan
November 2025
With pets
The Cozy Cabin is tiny and adorable - one of those rare properties that is actually exactly as described in its listing. We brought our dog and had a lovely stay. The bed is very comfortable, the cabin is well insulated, well spaced from other dwellings and campsites, the land around it is beautiful, and there are lots of stars to see on a clear night.
Only noteworthy flaw was upon arrival: it was pretty tough to find our way in the dark. Arrive in the daylight if possible until they add clearer night-reflective signage and/or a detailed campsite map!
See more
Cody
November 2025
16 ft car
Really great spot! Love the trail and beach access and the bathrooms are a nice luxury :)
See more
The best camping near Shelter Cove with horseback riding guide
Where to go
King Range National Conservation Area
Shelter Cove is nestled in King Range National Conservation Area, which covers 68,000 acres. Check out Black Sands Beach, and head to Deadman’s Beach for surfing in spring and fall. Or hike to King Peak, then go biking on the Paradise Royale Mountain Bike Trail System. For campers hiking the Lost Coast Trail, there are many wilderness campsites in King Range that sit along it and the coast—snag a backcountry permit for any overnight wilderness camping. RVers can also find campgrounds with parking at trailheads that have fire rings and vault toilets.
Sinkyone Wilderness State Park
Canyons, gray whales, dark sand beaches, tidal pools, sea stacks, and rolling hills—campers will find authentic untamed wilderness in Sinkyone Wilderness State Park. The park stretches along the coast and is home to the lesser-known southern section of the Lost Coast Trail. Backpacking and equestrian camping are the only options in this state park—some campsites have fire rings but most have no amenities and the terrain is too rugged for vehicles. Just outside the park, RVers can set up at pull-through campsites with full hookups and dump stations, as well as restrooms and shower facilities. There are also cabin rentals equipped with kitchenettes, full bathrooms, cable TV, and wifi.
Humboldt Redwoods State Park
Boasting over 100 miles of trails for hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders that range from easy to expert-level, Humboldt Redwoods State Park is alluring to any kind of camper. It’s situated an hour northeast from Shelter Cove and contains the South Fork Eel River—an excellent spot for fishing, boating, and swimming, as well as the renowned Avenue of the Giants. The area offers over 250 campsites to choose from—most feature picnic tables and fire rings as well as access to flush toilets and pay showers. Some campgrounds have corrals for equestrian campers and a few welcome RVs, but there are no hookups or dump stations within the park (the stunning redwood trees certainly make up for it, though).
When to go
The temperate climate of Shelter Cove means campers can enjoy its natural treasures year-round. The shoulder seasons bring cooler temperatures, less-crowded campgrounds, and unique wildlife sightings—migrating gray whales make an appearance in winter and early spring, followed by colorful wildflowers that last into summer. Rain is common from November through March which causes a lot of road and campground closures (especially in Sinkyone Wilderness State Park), so check ahead to ensure access.