Wheeler Campground

Star4.82
14 reviews
Sinkyone Wilderness State Park, Whitethorn, CA 95589

Quick Facts

72 ft

Price

$5 - $25/night

Booking

First-Come

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
Wheeler Campground
$5.00 - $25.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Environmental and horse camps are $5 per person per night. Payments can be made at Needle Rock Visitor Center or via mail to California Department of...
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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

4.82

Top-Rated

Based on 14 reviews

10 Google reviews

Most mentioned

locationbeach

"User reviews of Wheeler Campground are overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing the site's natural beauty and solitude. It is described as serene, with breathtaking views and opportunities for reflection."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Sinkyone Wilderness State Park, Whitethorn, CA 95589

Wheeler Campground

Sinkyone Wilderness State Park, Whitethorn, CA 95589

Driving directionsFrom the north end of the wilderness (Needle Rock): Drive 36 miles southwest of Garberville/Redway on Briceland Road. Briceland Road transitions into Mendocino County Road 435, with the last 3.5 miles being unpaved, steep, and narrow. From the south end (Usal Beach): Take PCH north approximately one hour from Ft Bragg or 15 miles west of Leggett from Highway 101. Look for mile marker 90.88 on PCH, then turn north for approximately six miles onto an unpaved, steep, and narrow road. Roads may be impassable during wet weather.
Access to the campground involves steep and narrow unpaved roads, which can become impassable in wet weather. RVs and trailers are not recommended due to the challenging terrain.
Nearby places
Garberville: ~36 miles southwest (~1.5 hours)
Fort Bragg: ~1 hour north via PCH
Leggett: ~15 miles west via PCH.
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be found in Garberville (~36 miles away).

Best Time to Camp at Wheeler Campground

Morning fog drifts through the redwoods like ghostly fingers during summer months, typically burning off by mid-morning to reveal comfortable temperatures between 45-75°F. From November through May, Pacific storms roll in with cleansing rains, painting the landscape in vibrant greens while temperatures hover between 35-55°F. Each season brings its own magic—wildflowers carpet the prairies in spring, while winter storms create spectacular ocean displays visible from your campsite.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Fog typically burns off mid-morning; reviewers cite summer as an ideal season.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Fall not specifically highlighted; likely pleasant but less noted than spring/summer.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring is noted as ideal in reviews with good views and wildlife activity.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Winter accessibility is limited; roads can be impassable and sites are primitive.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Day-use areas are open sunrise to sunset. Campsites operate year-round but are subject to seasonal road closures due to weather conditions.
  • Current Alerts: None currently reported.

About Wheeler Campground

Perched on the edge of California's Lost Coast, Wheeler Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness escape within Sinkyone Wilderness State Park. Here, environmental campsites and horse camps nestle among ancient forests while dramatic black sand beaches stretch below towering coastal bluffs. The turquoise Pacific crashes against the rugged shoreline, creating a symphony that echoes across windswept prairies where Roosevelt elk graze in the morning mist. This is camping as it was meant to be—raw, remote, and breathtakingly beautiful.
Wheeler Campground caters to primitive camping and is suitable for tent camping. Other types like RV camping, glamping, or cabin accommodations are not provided.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-out
Checkout time is noon.
Stay Limit
  • Checkout time is noon
  • pay in advance for campsite use.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors to Wheeler Campground can engage in hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring the Lost Coast Trail. The region's remote and rugged terrain offers exceptional opportunities for solitude and nature immersion.
HikingThe Lost Coast Trail, which runs through Sinkyone Wilderness State Park, provides both day hiking and backpacking opportunities. According to official sources, the trail spans 22 miles within the park and is described as strenuous and not recommended for beginners.
Wildlife viewingThe campground is located within a region rich in wildlife, including Roosevelt elk, black bears, and marine mammals. Visitors are cautioned to maintain distance from elk, especially during mating and calving seasons.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include unpredictable ocean conditions, weather-dependent road accessibility, ticks, and wildlife encounters with Roosevelt elk, black bears, or mountain lions.
Active AlertsNone currently reported.
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 Wheeler Campground

Reviews

4.8
14 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Wheeler Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of Wheeler Campground are overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing the site's natural beauty and solitude. It is described as serene, with breathtaking views and opportunities for reflection.
Review Summaries
Based on 14 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the campground's scenic location, proximity to black sand beaches, and its ability to offer solitude. Users appreciate the stocked latrine and mention the campground's...
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Based on 14 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints focus on the lack of potable water and the need to pack out trash, which aligns with its primitive setup.
Based on 14 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Recommendations include bringing a water filter for stream water, packing extra supplies due to the area's remoteness, and respecting wildlife such as Roosevelt elk.
Based on 14 reviews

Seasonal Insights

User reviews suggest spring and summer as ideal seasons for visiting Wheeler Campground, with fog clearing by mid-morning for stunning views. Winter accessibility is limited due to impassable roads...
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Based on 14 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The views are breathtaking. The black sand beach with waves crashing provides a comforting and meditative environment." "Can’t wait to go back." "Absolutely beautiful spot to camp."
Based on 14 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No site-specific reviews with designated site numbers are provided.
Based on 14 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility issues are highlighted, as the campground lacks features for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 14 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but reviews do not provide additional insights into pet-specific experiences.
Based on 14 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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