Barnside Campground

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Sinkyone Wilderness State Park, Briceland Thorn Road, Whitethorn, CA 95589
Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietGreat Hiking

Quick Facts

138 ft

Price

$5 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Barnside Campground
$5.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $5 per person per night for environmental and horse camps, payable at Needle Rock or Jones Beach. The refurbished barn at Needle Rock...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$5.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Reserve California
Provider
(707) 247-3318NoCoastRedwoodsInfo@parks.ca.gov
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What Campers Say

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Limited Reviews

Based on 0 reviews

34 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquiet

"User reviews emphasize the remote and tranquil setting of the campground, making it ideal for those seeking solitude. Chelsea Foell described it as "100% best camping trip ever!" highlighting the quiet and beautiful nature of her experience."

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Campground Map

Sinkyone Wilderness State Park, Briceland Thorn Road, Whitethorn, CA 95589

Barnside Campground

Sinkyone Wilderness State Park, Briceland Thorn Road, Whitethorn, CA 95589

Driving directionsTo reach the north end of the wilderness, travel 36 miles southwest from Garberville/Redway on Briceland Road. Briceland Road transitions to Mendocino County Road 435; note that the final 3.5 miles are unpaved, steep, and narrow. Roads can become impassable in wet weather. RVs and trailers are not recommended due to difficult conditions.
Road access to Barnside Campground is challenging. The final stretch is unpaved and narrow, with steep terrain. This road may be impassable during wet weather, and RVs or trailers are highly discouraged.
Nearby places
Garberville (approx. 36 miles southwest) and Whitethorn (approx. 20 miles southeast) are the closest population centers.
Nearby supplies
Garberville offers grocery stores, fuel, and camping supplies. Whitethorn provides limited supplies but is closer geographically (approx. 20 miles southeast).

Best Time to Camp at Barnside Campground

Morning fog drifts through the Douglas-firs like nature's own curtain, typically lifting by mid-morning to reveal spectacular coastal vistas. Summer brings perfect camping weather with temperatures hovering between 45°F and 75°F, while the rainy season transforms the landscape from November through May, with temperatures settling between 35°F and 55°F. Winter storms can render access roads impassable, adding to the area's reputation as a seasonal sanctuary for those willing to plan ahead.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 14% in CA

Summer cited as ideal: temperatures 45–75°F and fog tends to clear by mid-morning.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Milder conditions and scenery remain good; fewer explicit notes but still favorable.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Seasonal wildflowers and salmon runs boost appeal; weather can be variable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Winter is less favorable due to rain and restricted road/access in wet weather.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: No peak season dates explicitly stated, though summer weather is cited as more favorable for camping.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round, but accessibility may be restricted during wet weather due to road conditions.
  • Current Alerts: None noted, but roads can become impassable in wet weather.

About Barnside Campground

Hidden along California's legendary Lost Coast, Barnside Campground beckons adventurers seeking true wilderness solitude. This primitive camping haven within Sinkyone Wilderness State Park offers an escape from civilization, where towering Douglas-fir forests meet dramatic black sand beaches. Here, environmental campsites blend seamlessly into one of the West Coast's last untouched frontiers, promising an authentic back-to-nature experience far from the crowds and comforts of modern life.
Barnside Campground offers primitive camping facilities, aligning with the wilderness setting of Sinkyone State Park. RVs and trailers are not recommended due to the unpaved, steep, and narrow road conditions.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in available from sunrise to sunset.
Check-out
Checkout is by noon.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay duration is not explicitly mentioned. General California State Park regulations apply.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Barnside Campground offers opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and experiencing the remote Lost Coast Trail. Reviewers and official sources alike highlight the rugged terrain and unique wildlife as standout features.
HikingThe Lost Coast Trail runs through the park, covering 22 miles in Sinkyone Wilderness SP. It is described as rugged and strenuous, with "views from the trail [that] depend on the thickness of the fog cover."
FishingFishing is permitted in coastal streams and rivers within the park. Salmon and steelhead are noted as common species.
Wildlife viewingThe campground offers excellent opportunities to view Roosevelt elk, black bears, mountain lions, and various marine mammals, as noted by official sources.
Beach activitiesVisitors can enjoy black sand beaches, tide pools, and occasional sightings of purple garnet sands.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include encounters with Roosevelt elk, particularly during mating season in the fall, and cold ocean waters which can be deadly. Black bears and mountain lions are occasionally sighted.
Active AlertsNone noted, but roads can become impassable in wet weather.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Barnside Campground

Reviews

0.0
0 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Barnside Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews emphasize the remote and tranquil setting of the campground, making it ideal for those seeking solitude. Chelsea Foell described it as "100% best camping trip ever!" highlighting the quiet and beautiful nature of her experience.
Review Summaries

What Campers Love

"Quiet, beautiful," and "wonderful" are recurring themes in user reviews, particularly the isolation and natural beauty of the campground.

Common Concerns

The lack of potable water and limited cell phone service are potential drawbacks noted in official sources, though not specifically cited by users.

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Plan ahead to bring potable water and a bear canister for food storage. Campers should avoid trails if they have pets and ensure they have adequate supplies in case of road closures.

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are ideal for camping, with temperatures ranging from 45 to 75 degrees and fog clearing by mid-morning, as described in authoritative sources. Winter camping is less favorable due to...
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Camper Quotes

"Camped here with my kids and no one was around. It was wonderful." - Chelsea Foell

Site-Specific Reviews

No reviews specifically addressing individual campsites are available.

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is noted as limited throughout the park; no user reviews address this specifically.

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are allowed but not on trails, as stated in official sources. No user reviews mention pet experiences.

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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