Little Jackass Creek Campground

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

Quick Facts

177 ft

Price

$5/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Opens California Department of Parks and Recreation 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
Little Jackass Creek Campground
$5.00 - $5.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Environmental camps, including Little Jackass Creek Campground, cost $5 per person per night. Payments can be made at the Jones Beach gate, Needle...
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Standard Site Fee$5.00
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

2 Google reviews

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"Reviews for Little Jackass Creek Campground highlight its remote and rugged nature. Many campers appreciate the solitude and connection to nature, while some note the primitive amenities as a challenge."

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Campground Map

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

Little Jackass Creek Campground

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

Driving directionsFrom the north end of the wilderness (Needle Rock), drive 36 miles southwest of Garberville/Redway on Briceland Road. Take Briceland Road west from Redway, which transitions into Mendocino County Road 435. Note that the last 3.5 miles are unpaved, steep, and narrow. Roads may be impassable in wet weather.
The roads to the park are steep, narrow, and unpaved for the last few miles. They may become impassable during wet weather and are not suitable for RVs or trailers.
Nearby places
Garberville (36 miles, approximately 1-hour drive), Redway (36 miles), Whitethorn (25 miles to Highway 101).
Nearby supplies
Supplies such as groceries, camping gear, and fuel can be obtained in Garberville or Redway, approximately 36 miles away from the park.

Best Time to Camp at Little Jackass Creek Campground

Morning mists roll in from the Pacific like clockwork during summer months, wrapping the campground in ethereal fog before burning away to reveal brilliant days with temperatures climbing from crisp 45-degree dawns to pleasant 75-degree afternoons. When winter storms sweep the coast from November through May, the landscape transforms into a moody masterpiece of rain-soaked forests and dramatic skies, with mercury hovering between a brisk 35 and mild 55 degrees—perfect weather for those who find beauty in nature's more tempestuous moods.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer noted as ideal: morning fog burns off and hiking conditions improve.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Fall likely pleasant but description gives limited specifics about seasonality.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Seasonal wildflowers and migrating whales enhance spring appeal.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Park open year-round but winter road conditions can limit access and make it difficult.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Sinkyone Wilderness State Park is open year-round, but accessibility may be limited in winter months due to road conditions.
  • Current Alerts: There are no current alerts, but conditions may vary seasonally.

About Little Jackass Creek Campground

Tucked away in the untamed wilderness of Sinkyone State Park, Little Jackass Creek Campground beckons adventurers seeking solitude far from civilization's reach. This hike-in primitive sanctuary sits cradled between towering Douglas-fir slopes and windswept coastal prairies, where the only sounds are creek water tumbling over ancient stones and wind whispering through the canopy. With no running water and a pack-it-out ethos, this rugged retreat demands self-sufficiency but rewards visitors with an authentic wilderness experience few places can still offer.
Little Jackass Creek Campground is a primitive hike-in camping area, catering primarily to backpackers and those seeking a minimalist wilderness experience.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
No more than 8 people per site. Maximum consecutive nights allowed per reservation is not explicitly stated.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Little Jackass Creek Campground offers outdoor recreational activities suitable for nature lovers. Activities include hiking along the Lost Coast Trail, wildlife observation, and general relaxation in a remote wilderness setting.
HikingThe Lost Coast Trail passes through the area, offering challenging terrain with steep inclines and breathtaking views of the coastline. The trail is described as rugged and strenuous, suitable for experienced hikers and backpackers.
Wildlife viewingCampers can observe Roosevelt elk, migrating whales offshore from mid-January to mid-April, and a variety of bird species including raptors. Marine mammals like sea lions and harbor seals may also be visible along the shoreline.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include ticks, bears, mountain lions, and rough ocean conditions. Campers are advised to use repellent and check for ticks after hiking. Roads may be impassable during wet weather.
Active AlertsThere are no current alerts, but conditions may vary seasonally.
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 Little Jackass Creek Campground

Reviews

0.0
0 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Little Jackass Creek Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews for Little Jackass Creek Campground highlight its remote and rugged nature. Many campers appreciate the solitude and connection to nature, while some note the primitive amenities as a challenge.
Review Summaries

What Campers Love

Campers praised the serene and untouched wilderness, breathtaking views along the Lost Coast Trail, and opportunities for wildlife observation. The shared pit toilets were noted as functional.

Common Concerns

Some visitors expressed frustration over the lack of potable water and cell phone reception. Others found the hike-in nature of the campsite challenging, particularly with heavy gear.

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers strongly recommend bringing sufficient water and supplies, as there are no nearby sources for these essentials. A bear canister for food storage is also advised.

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest that summer months are ideal for hiking, with fog clearing by mid-morning. Winter conditions can make access difficult due to impassable roads.

Camper Quotes

1. 'The fog-muffled sounds and fragrances produce an aura of great mystery.' 2. 'Be extremely careful around the majestic Roosevelt elk—they can be especially dangerous.' 3. 'The Sinkyone lets you go...
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Site-Specific Reviews

The campground consists of four hike-in sites (#1, #2, #3, and #4), each accommodating up to six people. All sites are described as primitive, with shared pit toilets and fire rings.

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is minimal, and individuals with disabilities may find the terrain and facilities difficult to navigate.

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not allowed at Little Jackass Creek Campground, except for service animals.

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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