Wailaki Campground | California
Surrounded by old growth firs, brimming with native flora this is the ideal spot for those looking for solitude and relaxation while staying on a paved road. Bear Creek runs through the campground (treat any water source before drinking.) Provides access to the Southern Lost Coast Trail & Sinkyone Wilderness via the Chemise Mountain Trail. Be sure to check current weather conditions and be aware of low hanging branches or dead trees that can fall during high winds.
Hours and Seasons Closed seasonally during the winter months contact the King Range Visitor Center for updated information 707-986-5400.
Features and Services Facilities Day-use area, picnic tables, bear-proof trash cans & fire rings
- Access and Parking: 24' camper limit. Wheelchair accessible. No OHV access. No hook-ups
- Cell Service: None
- Toilets: Vault
- Drinking Water: None (campground is near creek; treat water before drinking)
- Pets: Leash
- Camping: 13 campsites
- Nearby Amenities: Wailaki Campground is located just off of Shelter Cove Road, a short 10 minute drive from the town of Shelter Cove. One hour drive from Redway, Ca and directly next to Nadelos Campground with an adjoining foot path.
- Permits and Reservations Campground sites are non-reservable and available on a first come first serve basis. $15 per night. Please fill out permit at the kiosk and deposit fees in envelope in iron ranger.
- Recreation Opportunities: Trailhead for the Bear Creek Nature Trail which connects to Wailaki Campground. Trailhead alternative for the Chemise Mountain Trail.
Respect and Protect Please practice responsible outdoor ethics to ensure that future visitors can appreciate this remarkable site.
Accessibility Description (ABA/ADA)
View images of accessibility features in a new window.
There is no cell phone reception at this site.
A shaded kiosk on natural ground near the entrance to the site lists campground regulations, describes check-in procedures, and provides safety information, all of which should be easily viewable from a sitting position.
A packed-gravel road connects the campground’s 13 individual campsites with 4 single-vault toilets distributed across the site. Erosion may cause a lip between the gravel paths through the campground and the concrete pads near the toilets’ entrance. Be aware that leaf debris can conceal the potential lip.
Although not all of the 13 campsites are designated as accessible, they’re all on relatively flat terrain with packed gravel. Each campsite has parking for at least one vehicle. Most of the sites have picnic tables with extended ends to accommodate wheelchair users and a fire ring with grill attachment. Visitors should exercise caution due to sloping surfaces and potentially slippery leaf debris, both at the campsites and on the gravel pathways through the campground.
Along the nearby Bear Creek Nature Trail, composed of packed dirt and forest litter, angled interpretive signs can be viewed from a sitting position. They provide details about local flora and fauna, the history of cultural practices in the area, and the larger King Range National Conservation Area.
Descriptions and photos uploaded October 2026. Please note that actual on-the-ground conditions may vary due to natural events (e.g., weather, wildfires, erosion), normal wear and tear, or site improvements.
Contact Us
Activities
Geographic Coordinates
Directions
Location: U.S. 101 to Redway
West 22 miles on Briceland/Shelter Cove Road
south 2 miles on Chemise Mountain Road.
Fees
$15.00 per campsite per night
First-come, first-served