Bear Harbor Campground

Star4.82
14 reviews
Sinkyone Wilderness State Park, Briceland Thorn Road, Whitethorn, CA 95589
Peace & QuietGreat Hiking

Quick Facts

194 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
Bear Harbor Campground
$5.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $5 per person per night for environmental campsites to $30 per night for accommodations at the Needle Rock Barn.
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

4.82

Top-Rated

Based on 14 reviews

10 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsbeach

"Overall, campers praise Bear Harbor Campground for its breathtaking natural beauty and secluded environment. The rugged terrain and lack of modern amenities are viewed as an integral part of its wilderness experience."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

Bear Harbor Campground

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

Driving directionsFor Bear Harbor Campground, access is primarily via Briceland Road west from Redway, transitioning into Mendocino County Road 435. The last 3.5 miles are described as unpaved, steep, and narrow, with potential impassability during wet weather, particularly for passenger cars or RVs.
Access to the campground is challenging due to unpaved, steep, and narrow roads that may become impassable in wet weather. RVs and trailers are not recommended.
Nearby places
Whitethorn, CA (25 miles, approximately 45 minutes), Garberville, CA (36 miles, approximately 45 minutes), Leggett, CA (approximately 1 hour when heading north on Pacific Coast Highway)
Nearby supplies
Supplies, including food and camping essentials, are recommended to be brought from Garberville or Leggett, as the park lacks developed facilities for purchasing goods.

Best Time to Camp at Bear Harbor Campground

Summer mornings at Bear Harbor begin wrapped in mystical coastal fog, creating an ethereal atmosphere that gradually lifts by mid-morning to reveal temperatures perfect for exploration (45-75°F). As autumn transitions to winter, the campground transforms into a moody masterpiece, with November through May bringing dramatic storms and refreshing rains. Winter temperatures hover between 35-55°F, creating ideal conditions for storm watching and experiencing the coast's wild, untamed character.

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

Summer offers mild temps (45–75°F) and lifted morning fog—most popular season.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open year-round; fall is workable but wet weather can begin to affect access.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring visits possible and scenic; wet weather may impact trails and access at times.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Winter storms and wet weather can affect accessibility and conditions.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Not explicitly provided, though summer months are popular due to better weather.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: The campground is open year-round, but accessibility may be affected by seasonal wet weather.
  • Current Alerts: No current alerts noted, but roads may become impassable during winter or wet weather.

About Bear Harbor Campground

Tucked away in the untamed Sinkyone Wilderness State Park, Bear Harbor Campground stands as one of California's last true frontiers. Here, where the legendary Lost Coast Trail winds through ancient forests to meet the Pacific, adventurers discover a world of black sand beaches and towering cliffs that time forgot. This remote sanctuary offers the rarest of modern luxuries: complete disconnection from the digital world and total immersion in raw, unspoiled nature.
Bear Harbor Campground caters to primitive camping enthusiasts and offers environmental campsites with minimal infrastructure.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in time is noon.
Check-out
Check-out time is noon.
Stay Limit
No maximum consecutive nights mentioned.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Bear Harbor Campground is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts seeking hiking, wildlife viewing, and the serene beauty of the Lost Coast. It offers access to the Lost Coast Trail, which spans 22 miles within Sinkyone Wilderness State Park, providing breathtaking views and invigorating hikes. Seasonal sightings of migrating whales, Roosevelt elk, and other wildlife are highlights of camping here.
HikingThe campground provides direct access to the Lost Coast Trail, which traverses steep coastal bluffs and prairie landscapes. Hikers should be prepared for rugged terrain and changing weather conditions.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities include sightings of Roosevelt elk, black bears, mountain lions, and migrating whales. Bird enthusiasts may observe raptors such as peregrine falcons, osprey, and golden eagles.
Beach activitiesBlack sand beaches are accessible near the campground, providing opportunities for beachcombing, photography, or simply enjoying the view.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsElk can be aggressive during mating season and protective during calving. Black bears and mountain lions are occasionally seen. The rugged terrain poses risks during wet conditions.
Active AlertsNo current alerts noted, but roads may become impassable during winter or 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 Bear Harbor Campground

Reviews

4.8
14 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Bear Harbor Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, campers praise Bear Harbor Campground for its breathtaking natural beauty and secluded environment. The rugged terrain and lack of modern amenities are viewed as an integral part of its wilderness experience.
Review Summaries
Based on 14 reviews

What Campers Love

- "Phenomenally beautiful! The greatest appeal is that it is not heavily trafficked." (Joshua Hupp) - "Absolutely beautiful spot to camp." (Ken Barber) - Scenic views of black sand beaches and...
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Based on 14 reviews

Common Concerns

No significant complaints are highlighted in user reviews, indicating overall satisfaction with the campground.
Based on 14 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Bring a water filter to purify water from nearby streams. - Prepare for limited cell reception and bring a physical map or guide.
Based on 14 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews generally highlight the beauty of the campground's natural surroundings, with specific references to its appeal during the warmer months. Winter visits are less common but may offer unique...
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Based on 14 reviews

Camper Quotes

- "The campsite is great. There is even a latrine stocked with TP." (Joshua Hupp) - "My favorite campground." (Fabien Lannoye) - "Stayed here in '97 for 5 days with college friends. Gorgeous site."...
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Based on 14 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Users praise the general setup and secluded nature of the campsites but do not specifically mention individual site numbers.
Based on 14 reviews

Accessibility Features

No accessibility-specific reviews are available.
Based on 14 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are allowed, but must be leashed at all times and confined to tents or vehicles at night.
Based on 14 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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