Nadelos Campground

4.00

12 reviews

Quick Facts

1,903 ft

Price

$8 - $120/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Temporarily closed a...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens BLM King Range Visitor Center site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

1,903 ft

Price

$8 - $120/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Temporarily closed a...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens BLM King Range Visitor Center site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Nadelos Campground

$8.00 - $120.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping fees range from $8 per site per night for individual campsites to $120 per night for group reservations.

Standard Site Fee$15.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$120.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

707-986-5400BLM_CA_Web_KR@blm.gov

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What Campers Say

4.00

Satisfactory

Based on 12 reviews

10 Google reviews

Most mentioned

sites

Some mention

cell service

"User reviews reveal mixed sentiments about the campground. While some appreciate its size, accessibility, and natural beauty, others noted safety concerns, particularly in the off-season. Noise disturbances and lack of cell service were also mentioned."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Nadelos Campground

40.0219, -124.0066

Driving directionsU.S. 101 to Redway, west 22 miles on Briceland/Shelter Cove Road, south 1.5 miles on Chemise Mountain Road.

Access is straightforward via paved roads, but the Chemise Mountain Road may have low-hanging branches or dead trees during high winds.

Nearby places

Shelter Cove, approximately 10 minutes by car.

Nearby supplies

Downtown Shelter Cove, which offers basic supplies within 10 minutes of the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Nadelos Campground

The King Range's coastal climate brings its own personality to Nadelos, where morning mists often give way to crisp afternoons and weather can shift from sunshine to showers with little warning. Moderate winds whisper through the forest canopy year-round, while winter and spring months can deliver substantial rainfall that transforms the landscape into a verdant wonderland. The area's reputation for sudden weather changes means savvy campers come prepared with layers and rain gear, checking forecasts frequently to make the most of their stay in this dynamic environment.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is noted as the most recommended season with fewer isolation concerns and better conditions.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

Coastal mists and variable weather; generally less recommended than summer per reviews.

Spring(Mar-May)

2.5 / 5

Variable weather and noted closure/hazard-tree issues; spring not highlighted as peak season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Temporarily closed (May 2023) for hazard trees; coastal storms and hazards make winter less suitable.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Temporarily closed as of May 2023 due to hazard trees.
Current Alerts: Temporarily closed as of May 2023 due to hazard trees.

About Nadelos Campground

Tucked away in the southern reaches of the King Range National Conservation Area, Nadelos Campground invites adventurers to experience the untamed beauty of California's Lost Coast region. This hidden gem offers a back-to-basics camping experience where towering forests draped in emerald moss create a natural cathedral, and the gentle murmur of a nearby creek provides the perfect soundtrack for your wilderness retreat. Well-appointed with essential amenities including vault toilets, fire rings, and sturdy picnic tables, the campground serves as your basecamp for exploring the surrounding wilderness. Bear-proof trash receptacles ensure safe coexistence with local wildlife, while direct access to the challenging Chemise Mountain Trail and the family-friendly Bear Creek Nature Trail puts adventure right at your tent flap.

This campground is primarily designed for tent camping with options for group reservations. No facilities for RVs, cabins, or glamping are available.

Historical SignificanceWhile specific historical records for Nadelos remain unchronicled, the campground rests within the greater King Range, a region steeped in the heritage of indigenous peoples and later shaped by logging and conservation efforts that preserved this pristine wilderness for future generations.

Weather and SeasonsThe King Range's coastal climate brings its own personality to Nadelos, where morning mists often give way to crisp afternoons and weather can shift from sunshine to showers with little warning. Moderate winds whisper through the forest canopy year-round, while winter and spring months can deliver substantial rainfall that transforms the landscape into a verdant wonderland. The area's reputation for sudden weather changes means savvy campers come prepared with layers and rain gear, checking forecasts frequently to make the most of their stay in this dynamic environment.

ElevationNestled within the varied topography of the King Range, Nadelos Campground sits at an elevation that provides a perfect balance of accessibility and mountain atmosphere, though specific elevation data has not been documented.

Natural Features and SceneryStep into a world where ancient Douglas firs and redwoods stretch skyward, their massive trunks cushioned by carpets of velvet moss that glow jade-green in filtered sunlight. The campground's crown jewel is its babbling creek, which winds through the forest like a liquid ribbon, creating peaceful pools and miniature cascades that invite quiet contemplation. This lush microclimate supports a tapestry of ferns, sorrels, and woodland wildflowers, while overhead, the dense canopy provides natural shelter and transforms even the brightest days into a soft, dappled light show.

Geological RegionNadelos Campground occupies a privileged position in the southern King Range National Conservation Area, part of California's legendary Lost Coast where the mountains meet the sea in dramatic fashion. This unique geological setting creates the perfect conditions for the temperate rainforest environment that defines the campground, with its combination of coastal moisture, protected valleys, and ancient soils nurturing one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the West Coast.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Not specified.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Not specified.

Groups

Group camping is available for a minimum of 20 and a maximum of 60 people. The entire campground can be reserved at $120 per night, with applications and fees due 30 days in advance. Group reservations are not available during major holiday weekends.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutEight campsites close to the parking area.

Reservation PlatformsReservations for group use can be requested through BLM King Range Visitor Center (707-986-5400).

Walk-in AvailabilityIndividual campsites are non-reservable and available on a first-come, first-served basis when the campground is not reserved for group use.

Cancellation PolicyGroup reservation cancellations incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's fee if made less than 14 days before arrival.

AccessibilityThe campground is wheelchair accessible, as explicitly stated in the official description.

Site SizeCampsites are suitable for tents and group use. One user noted they are 'good-sized campsites.

PrivacyCampsites are clustered close to a parking lot, as mentioned by a user: '6 campsites all close to the parking lot.' Privacy may be limited due to proximity.

Total Campsites8 campsites

Recommended SitesSites near the parking lot are convenient but may lack privacy.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

The campground provides access to various outdoor activities, including hiking trails such as the Chemise Mountain Trail and Bear Creek Nature Trail. It is near the Southern Lost Coast Trail and Sinkyone Wilderness, offering ample opportunities for nature exploration.

HikingThe Chemise Mountain Trail and Bear Creek Nature Trail are accessible from the campground. These trails connect to nearby campgrounds and wilderness areas, making them a highlight for hikers. Specific details about trail length or difficulty are not provided.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include low-hanging branches and hazard trees that may fall during high winds. Mosquitoes are prevalent as per user reviews.

Active AlertsTemporarily closed as of May 2023 due to hazard trees.

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.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed in designated fire rings.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not specified.

Emergency ServicesBLM King Range Visitor Center (707-986-5400), nearest emergency services unknown.

Trash & RecyclingBear-proof trash cans are provided for waste disposal.

Water FeaturesLocated near Bear Creek; water must be treated before consumption.

Camp HostManaged by BLM King Range; contact number provided.

Weather at Nadelos Campground

Reviews

4.0

12 reviews

Satisfactory

Nadelos Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews reveal mixed sentiments about the campground. While some appreciate its size, accessibility, and natural beauty, others noted safety concerns, particularly in the off-season. Noise disturbances and lack of cell service were also mentioned.

Review Summaries

Based on 12 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciated the 'good-sized campsites' and described the campground as 'fantastic' for group use. Another user recommended it as a site for those 'looking to be out of the sun.'

Based on 12 reviews

Common Concerns

Concerns included noise disturbances from late-night parties ('woken up around 12:30 to loud laughing and music') and the spooky, isolated atmosphere during the off-season. One reviewer highlighted...

Based on 12 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to visit during the busy summer season to avoid isolation and noise concerns. Treat water from the creek before drinking, and prepare for potential mosquito activity, as noted in...

Based on 12 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer appears to be the most recommended season for a better camping experience, given the busy atmosphere and reduced concerns about isolation.

Based on 12 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Good-sized campsites. I was the only one there during the week.' - 'Hasn’t had running water since 2018. Has 2 vault toilets.' - 'Be careful for mosquitoes!'

Based on 12 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No reviews specify particular site numbers as the best or worst. However, the proximity of sites to the parking lot and potential noise were common themes.

Based on 12 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground's wheelchair accessibility is confirmed in the official description, but no user reviews specifically address the experience of campers with disabilities.

Based on 12 reviews