The best ranch campgrounds near Shelter Cove, California

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for all your camping needs in the United States! If you're looking for a ranch-style camping experience near Shelter Cove, California, we've got you covered. With over 160 options to choose from, you'll find the perfect campsite that suits your preference. Some of our top campsites include Wuss Camp Centerville (166 reviews), Morning Star Ranch (136 reviews), and Lightworks ranch (102 reviews), each offering a unique and memorable experience. Enjoy popular amenities like toilets, campfires, and the ability to bring your furry friends along. Plus, indulge in exciting activities such as wildlife watching, surfing, and snow sports. With an average price per night of $51 and options as low as $27, you're sure to find the perfect camping adventure at Hipcamp.

90% (657)

Top-rated campgrounds

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for all your camping needs in the United States! If you're looking for a ranch-style camping experience near Shelter Cove, California, we've got you covered. With over 160 options to choose from, you'll find the perfect campsite that suits your preference. Some of our top campsites include Wuss Camp Centerville (166 reviews), Morning Star Ranch (136 reviews), and Lightworks ranch (102 reviews), each offering a unique and memorable experience. Enjoy popular amenities like toilets, campfires, and the ability to bring your furry friends along. Plus, indulge in exciting activities such as wildlife watching, surfing, and snow sports. With an average price per night of $51 and options as low as $27, you're sure to find the perfect camping adventure at Hipcamp.

90% (657)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Wendy & John Farm

100%

(571)

40mi from Shelter Cove · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · Ferndale, CA

My aunt and uncle bought the property in 1947 from its first European settler, Paolo Gabrielli, who immigrated in early 1914 from northern Italy with slips of his grapevine in the lining of his coat. (The grapevine still grows over the back deck.) What can you expect? Quiet, beauty, birdsong, ocean roar, widely spaced campsites (only 5 on the 5 acres set aside for camping). Free firewood, local tips on travel and where to hike or what to visit. Or total solitude. Bring your (most non-cattle-chasing breeds) dogs if you wish (males must be neutered). Starlink internet. Walk to the beach of our wild ocean along a no-shoulder country road. We have no visible neighbors, no ambient light or sound. The air is clean and clear and the water is potable from an artesian spring on the property. No electricity at the sites and no generators allowed. (Charge your electronics at the farmhouse.) We offer homemade soup, cobbler, fresh bread, morning coffee as extras; you can order with the booking. The Victorian village of Ferndale is three miles east, as is a beautifully maintained 110-acre town wilderness with hiking trails called Russ Park. A 150-year-old cemetery slopes down a hillside & is filled with 19th century charm and history. Shops and restaurants welcome visitors. There are several bars/a wine bar/and a historic saloon that's as old boy as it was in 1890. A music venue in a restored 19th century church has amazing acoustics and attracts international talent as a top-notch venue (sessions are filmed for PBS) midway between Portland and San Francisco. So, it's a mix of town and country, village and farm, wilderness and bewilderedness. Safe, safe, safe, meaning: you can leave your belongings in your site and when you come back... they're still there :) We welcome the world. One caveat: please arrive before dark. There is no electricity in the campgrounds, and no generators are allowed. You will not be able to reach (or maybe even locate) your site without disturbing others.

2. Briceland Vineyards Ranch

92%

(60)

9.9mi from Shelter Cove · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Redway, CA

Briceland Vineyards Ranch is 57 acres of oak woodlands 5.5 miles west from Redway Ca. on Briceland Thorn Road. This is the one road in and out of the lost coast and leads to Shelter Cove, about 15 miles west. This is about 15 miles to Avenue of the Giants as well. The property is the home of Briceland Vineyards, the first winery in Humboldt based on Humboldt grown grape and the most awarded winery in the county.

3. swimming sanctuary

100%

(4)

19mi from Shelter Cove · 2 sites · Tents, Lodging · Piercy, CA

very private mountain getaway. This is a very remote 40 acres. 1 hour of gravel road from highway 101, accessing up the bell springs road, Alternatively you can access this place from garberville Ca, it takes about 1 hour 15 minutes and is 1/2 paved and 1/2 gravel. This is not for hip campers wanting a quick stop while traveling the highway 101. This is the type of property you want to camp at for a couple of nights and enjoy the peace and quiet of nature and enjoy the 2 and a 1/2 million gallon pond full of life. 3800 Hansen ranch road, Piercy, Ca Piercy Ca 95454 There are several camp sites to choose from. Campers have use of the deck area with chairs and a table. Campers also have access to an electrical plug, and outside water faucet with hot and cold water. The pond is a huge living thing full of birds and dragon flies, and if your lucky you may get to see an otter family with babies.

4. Mail Ridge Camp

22mi from Shelter Cove · 20 sites · Tents, RVs · Garberville, CA

Humboldt county at its finest. Bell Springs Rd in New Harris. Consider basing your next motorcycle adventure here. A great jumping off point trails in Mendo, Humboldt, and Trinity counties. 5 miles north of the Mendocino county line on Bell Springs Road , the original pony express route between San Francisco and Eureka. proximal to the Lost Coast, Avenue of the Giants, Redwood State parks, and 101. One of the best camp spots in the heart of adventure bike paradise. Sprinters welcome too, if you can handle the road and have a sense of adventure. 1 mile from the New Harris General store for gas, and groceries.

5. Red Wing Ranch

94%

(61)

44mi from Shelter Cove · 3 sites · Tents, Lodging · Willits, CA

This property is spectacular with views and great hiking! Learn more about this land: Imagine a place where the songs of red wing blackbirds fill the air. A place where you can see as far as the ocean to the west, the mountains of Humboldt County to the north, the Mendocino National Forest to the east, and the mountains of Sonoma County to the south. This is Red Wing Ranch. While staying at Red Wing Ranch you will have the opportunity to walk on a section of the original stagecoach road, canoe in our private pond, watch the sunset over the Pacific ocean, and star gaze from what feels like a private planetarium. This is perfect for artists, writers, yogis, and those seeking the tranquility of off grid living. We have 40 acres of land with beautiful hiking in every direction. Our campsites have a fire pit, picnic table, and access to an outdoor shower and outdoor kitchen! The accommodation includes staying in a 850 square foot wooden yurt with bamboo floors. The building has a wooden stove and propane wall heat. We also have a fridge, stove for cooking and propane wall heater inside the yurt. There is a futon that sleeps 2 plus a kids size bed, but please bring sleeping bags or bedding. You can also put up two tents next to the yurt for more sleeping. We have now added also an attached kitchen and bathroom to the yurt so we have an indoor shower and full kitchen! There is a detached bathroom with a maintenance free composting toilet and simple outdoor kitchen. You will have access to cooking utensils and cookware, camp stove, and fire pit. There is a solar system so you have access to electricity and wifi. The drive from Willits is 25 minutes, with only the last 5 minutes on a dirt road. You can do the drive in any car, unless the occasional snowy conditions. There is plenty of parking next to the yurt for easy unpacking.. To access the coast you do have to go back through Willits and use highway 20.

6. Jackrabbit Ranch

94%

(68)

39mi from Shelter Cove · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Laytonville, CA

Once a remote cattle range and now a ranch and hermitage ranging from 900' to 2800' in elevation over 590 acres of glorious land, most of it untouched by human hands. Wild windblown oak meadows, pine forests and wildflowers, mud and greenery in winter to a lovely dry golden bronze in summer with access to the North Fork of the Eel River if you have 4wd, AWD, horse or a quad of your own to ride. Sites run from car access to 4wd and even quad access only, all of them rustic and primitive perfect for folks who really want a change from technology. Phone service generally will *not* work on site. Prepare to unplug.

7. Humboldt Hills Experience

98%

(52)

16mi from Shelter Cove · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Redway, CA

2-wheel drive accessible 2 miles up a dirt road. This is an example of a back to the land movement homestead. You can grab an apple, pear, plum, and some eggs. Drive through majestic redwoods and above as you ascend the 2 miles of dirt road to get here. There is much political, musical, and environmental history behind this land which we can share when you arrive.

8. Shangri La

100%

(2)

46mi from Shelter Cove · 2 sites · Lodging · Covelo, CA

Nestled in the Mendocino wilderness the primountain retreat Shangri La …offers fabulous views, of the surrounding mountains ,central to the vista is Black Butte and the valley below on 300 acres of paradise.. Situated on the edge of the Mendocino National Wilderness this incredible gathering spot has many amenities included. There are two ponds on the property many hiking biking roads and trail’s, lovely landscaping and large open areas for camping. Included with the main camp is your own two story mountain cabana that can easily sleep 8-10 people comfortably. Under the living quarters is a fully stocked game room with cable bar and full sized pool table. The covered patio deck is perfect for lounging and and letting the breeze blow through. There is a nice outdoor BBQ zone with fully stocked indoor kitchen at arms reach as well. Nearby are the horseshoe pits and flat areas for tent camping. There is ample parking for your quads trailers and other toys. The driveway is rough for the first half and smooths out nicely once on the property. Be advised an SUV or similar is recommended although the owners would drive their Mercedes and other regular passenger cars up the 2.0 mile driveway to the retreat. Please get in touch about the local Covelo airport if you are a flyer concerning transportation to the property.

9. Camp Larabee - Secluded Redwoods

83%

(3)

26mi from Shelter Cove · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Redcrest, CA

The story starts with the adventure of getting here! Please use any map app to: Holmes, Ca. DO NOT use any map app after this point - IT WILL NOT GET YOU THERE! Once you have made reservations you will receive an email with written directions that must be followed to find this magical place. This property has been in the family since 1922. During a time of no roads just the railroad that passed through, and a river ferry. At the entrance of the property was the town of Skelly, with a post office, train stop, animal corrals and railroad logging spurs. The lands primary use was ranching and timber back then. The flat that the camp ground is located on is the site of the old Larrabee school house after the 1955 flood took out the original school house. The railroad was closed indefinitely in 1996, which changed the entire landscape for this small community. This area is accessible by a low water bridge in the summer months and offers a spot to slip back in time. Today the land is a great example of sustainably harvest redwoods, a project that was established by great grandpa and is still in practice today. The timber surrounds the pastures and farm land that now produces hay. We acquired this land 5 years ago and have spent countless hours restoring the fields, managing the forest and creating a working sustainable environment. It is a very special place and offers peace and quite to those who enjoy the out doors and camping. Just six minutes off the Avenue of the Giants through Holms Flat.

10. Foggy Bottoms Boys Farm

50%

(3)

37mi from Shelter Cove · 1 site · Tent, RV · Ferndale, CA

Immerse yourself in the serenity of our historic 125 acre working dairy farm, just a few miles outside of Ferndale, California! Wake up each morning to breathtaking views of sprawling pastures, where grazing cows create a picturesque scene straight out of a postcard. Spend your days visiting the beautiful Victorian Village of Ferndale, exploring old-growth redwood forests at Humboldt Redwood State Park, or learning the in's and out's of regenerative agriculture here on the farm! As the sun dips below the horizon, gather your loved ones around the crackling campfire to share stories, laughter, and delicious locally-sourced meals. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or simply seeking a peaceful getaway, we have everything you need to make your stay unforgettable!

11. The Payloader

41mi from Shelter Cove · 2 sites · Tents · Mad River, CA

Beautiful rolling hills , close to Ruth lake and mad river swimming ,food and recreation.

Camper favorites near Shelter Cove

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Humboldt Hills Experience

98%

(52)

16mi from Shelter Cove · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Redway, CA

2-wheel drive accessible 2 miles up a dirt road. This is an example of a back to the land movement homestead. You can grab an apple, pear, plum, and some eggs. Drive through majestic redwoods and above as you ascend the 2 miles of dirt road to get here. There is much political, musical, and environmental history behind this land which we can share when you arrive.

Shangri La

100%

(2)

46mi from Shelter Cove · 2 sites · Lodging · Covelo, CA

Nestled in the Mendocino wilderness the primountain retreat Shangri La …offers fabulous views, of the surrounding mountains ,central to the vista is Black Butte and the valley below on 300 acres of paradise.. Situated on the edge of the Mendocino National Wilderness this incredible gathering spot has many amenities included. There are two ponds on the property many hiking biking roads and trail’s, lovely landscaping and large open areas for camping. Included with the main camp is your own two story mountain cabana that can easily sleep 8-10 people comfortably. Under the living quarters is a fully stocked game room with cable bar and full sized pool table. The covered patio deck is perfect for lounging and and letting the breeze blow through. There is a nice outdoor BBQ zone with fully stocked indoor kitchen at arms reach as well. Nearby are the horseshoe pits and flat areas for tent camping. There is ample parking for your quads trailers and other toys. The driveway is rough for the first half and smooths out nicely once on the property. Be advised an SUV or similar is recommended although the owners would drive their Mercedes and other regular passenger cars up the 2.0 mile driveway to the retreat. Please get in touch about the local Covelo airport if you are a flyer concerning transportation to the property.

Camp Larabee - Secluded Redwoods

83%

(3)

26mi from Shelter Cove · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Redcrest, CA

The story starts with the adventure of getting here! Please use any map app to: Holmes, Ca. DO NOT use any map app after this point - IT WILL NOT GET YOU THERE! Once you have made reservations you will receive an email with written directions that must be followed to find this magical place. This property has been in the family since 1922. During a time of no roads just the railroad that passed through, and a river ferry. At the entrance of the property was the town of Skelly, with a post office, train stop, animal corrals and railroad logging spurs. The lands primary use was ranching and timber back then. The flat that the camp ground is located on is the site of the old Larrabee school house after the 1955 flood took out the original school house. The railroad was closed indefinitely in 1996, which changed the entire landscape for this small community. This area is accessible by a low water bridge in the summer months and offers a spot to slip back in time. Today the land is a great example of sustainably harvest redwoods, a project that was established by great grandpa and is still in practice today. The timber surrounds the pastures and farm land that now produces hay. We acquired this land 5 years ago and have spent countless hours restoring the fields, managing the forest and creating a working sustainable environment. It is a very special place and offers peace and quite to those who enjoy the out doors and camping. Just six minutes off the Avenue of the Giants through Holms Flat.

Foggy Bottoms Boys Farm

50%

(3)

37mi from Shelter Cove · 1 site · Tent, RV · Ferndale, CA

Immerse yourself in the serenity of our historic 125 acre working dairy farm, just a few miles outside of Ferndale, California! Wake up each morning to breathtaking views of sprawling pastures, where grazing cows create a picturesque scene straight out of a postcard. Spend your days visiting the beautiful Victorian Village of Ferndale, exploring old-growth redwood forests at Humboldt Redwood State Park, or learning the in's and out's of regenerative agriculture here on the farm! As the sun dips below the horizon, gather your loved ones around the crackling campfire to share stories, laughter, and delicious locally-sourced meals. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or simply seeking a peaceful getaway, we have everything you need to make your stay unforgettable!

The Payloader

41mi from Shelter Cove · 2 sites · Tents · Mad River, CA

Beautiful rolling hills , close to Ruth lake and mad river swimming ,food and recreation.

Stories from the community

L

Linda

November 2025

19 ft campervan

With pets

1 night at Wendy & John Farm

We had a fabulous experience at Wendy and John's. The campsite was perfect under a full moon. We really appreciated the sparkling clean bathroom and shower. The dinner was amazing- a 5 course meal that rivaled any fine dining restaurant we ever experienced! Wendy and John are fantastic hosts in every respect. We enjoyed celebrating the election results together 11/4/25. We look forward to returning again and again.

Orchard to camp in and pick apples from. You can park at flat spot very close by.

S

Shea

October 2025

16 ft car

With pets

1 night at Humboldt Hills Experience

Darryl's farm has great vibes & he's a very accommodating host. I've stayed there twice & will probably stay again. Woke up to deer eating apples in the yard, wild turkeys running around, and a hawk circling the orchard.

R

Rachael

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Humboldt Hills Experience

Hosts were welcoming the farm was beautiful with marvelous view! Nice and quiet place. Highly recommend!

O

Olivia

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Jackrabbit Ranch

This was our second time here and honestly it was even better than the last. Heidi and Matt are so responsive and sweet and make the experience so wonderful and seamless every time. We had some first time campers with us and even they loved it. This property is just so amazing and perfect for having a beautiful weekend to share with friends in raw nature. I can’t recommend this stay enough! The site and spending time in the river is the absolute best although I HIGHLY recommend checking your tires before summitting the rough terrain and steep hills of the property. We got a little stuck but were able to maneuver our way out from the river. Despite that I couldn’t have asked for a better weekend in such a beautiful and serene location. We’ll definitely be back next year too!

P

Paul

September 2025

21 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Camp Larabee - Secluded Redwoods

Amazing campsite! We are privileged that Gina opened up this unique site and made it available for others to experience. (If it was my property, I'd keep it to myself ; ) We stayed with 17' travel trailer and enjoyed being up-close and personal with the majestic redwoods. Sites are very spacious with or without other guests. Water and common areas are well planned and laid out. Gina's property is the perfect getaway to recharge and offers the ideal blend of historic Redwoods, open pastures, and very cool nearby bridges for exploring. Kids were happy, parents were happy, we'll definitely be back.

Elizabeth

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Briceland Vineyards Ranch

Beautiful farm, comfortable bed, and great wine! Thanks for a nice overnight stay.

K

Katherine

August 2025

10 ft pop-up camper

With pets

1 night at Wendy & John Farm

Omg please give yourself the experience of staying with John and Wendy. The place they are sharing is magical. The food, location, peace, and amenities are 100% worth the stop. We will be back! Thank you for everything!

R

Rebecca

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Wendy & John Farm

This will forever be our favorite place to stay! So beautiful and absolutely peaceful.

I hope it’s ok that Logan and I moved this log over by the fire pit.

B

Bonnie

August 2025

2 nights at Briceland Vineyards Ranch

Briceland vineyard gazebo is beautiful! Our host, Andrew, is a super chill, kind and accommodating host. We enjoyed the incredibly comfortable bed and peaceful surroundings nestled in a quaint, small working winery. Even though Andrew was busy he made himself available for all our needs. Thank you Andrew! This was our first reservation we’ve made on the Hipcamp app so we made a few mistakes regarding our stay. The best advice I can give is to ask questions, especially if the add-ons are available and will be provided. We also didn’t know there were no campfires allowed at the time of our reservation, we were dependent on that to cook our food. We did end up leaving a day early but it was at no fault of our host. We were struggling to get up the steps to the bathroom from the gazebo.

Firewood galore for that perfect campfire

S

Siobhan

August 2025

19 ft campervan

With kids

1 night at Wendy & John Farm

The property was easy to find and close to town. John met us as soon as we pulled in and walked us to our parking spot. We reserved dinner in advance and it was delicious! Overall, beautiful spot, welcoming hosts, available but left us to our privacy. The other camping spots were spread out so it felt like our own place for the night.

Tim

August 2025

16 ft car

1 night at Briceland Vineyards Ranch

Remote location with ample room for camping. Host was very nice and greeted me on the way in. Site was just as advertised.

Rick

August 2025

18 ft campervan

1 night at Wendy & John Farm

Wide open space with plenty of amenities and a friendly host. We’d stay there again anytime.

M

Mike

August 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Jackrabbit Ranch

We had a fabulous time at Jack Rabbit ranch. The site was breathtaking and we really had all the privacy we wanted. It was a great spot to just get away. Communication was clear and timely. All wheel or four wheel drive with some ground clearance will make getting to the site much easier. We hope to come back for another stay!

M

Molly

July 2025

Tent

With pets

6 nights at Humboldt Hills Experience

The host was super hospitable, and answered all my questions I had about the area as someone looking to move here, he was always consistent about checking if we need anything (without being over bearing!) and just helpful in general. Beautiful gardens, loved watching the deer graze around the apple trees, all the birds, etc! Very peaceful experience (which is ideal since buying property is up there in terms of stressful life events!)

K

Kevin

July 2025

Tent

3 nights at Wendy & John Farm

This was a great site set amongst other, well-dispersed, sites. Delicious potable water available, hot showers and flush toilets - what more could you want? All sites are adjacent to a large open field, giving plenty of space to run around. John and Wendy are super friendly and accommodating while also giving plenty of privacy. This site is right next to the house, but we never saw or heard anything from there - only saw John while he was out taking care of the camp sites. Will be staying again, and highly recommend!

M

Molly

July 2025

29 nights at swimming sanctuary

I loved staying here, everything was well-equipped and functional, the otters were absolutely adorable. Host was friendly and helpful. Looking forward to coming back!

H

Hilary

July 2025

1 night at Briceland Vineyards Ranch

Andrew and Rosie are just lovely. We did the wine tasting and had a great time. The bed in the gazebo was really exciting after several nights of camping, we loved the beach house vibes inside. We couldn’t have been more excited about the outdoor shower, such a relief to scrub the dirt and mud we had accumulated off before climbing into the huge bed.

Shane

July 2025

Tent

3 nights at Jackrabbit Ranch

Beautiful, spacious property. Definitely off the grid. You will want a car with all wheel drive for your commute.

M

Marisa

July 2025

16 ft car

1 night at Wendy & John Farm

It was a gorgeous campsite and the hosts were super kind! I very much recommend.

Karen

July 2025

16 ft car

With pets

1 night at Wendy & John Farm

Wendy & John have created a true gem of a Hipcamp experience! We were driving up the coast from San Fran and were able to make a last minute booking including the “desperado” dinner. Wow! Highly highly recommend for any group big or small. There were many other campers there but the amount of space made it feel private.