Wailaki Campground

Star3.96
28 reviews

Quick Facts

1,906 ft

Price

$8 - $15/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Closed until March 1...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly
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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
Wailaki Campground
$8.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Rates are listed as $8 or $15 per campsite per night. First-come, first-served. Food storage locker fees not mentioned.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
(707)986-5400BLM_CA_Web_KR@blm.gov
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What Campers Say

3.96

Mixed Reviews

Based on 28 reviews

29 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quiethiking

"Reviews highlight Wailaki Campground's remote and peaceful setting, affordability, and access to hiking trails. However, the lack of potable water, the presence of mosquitoes, and steep access roads are commonly noted drawbacks."

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Campground Map

Wailaki Campground

40.0196, -124.0035

Driving directionsU.S. 101 to Redway, west 22 miles on Briceland/Shelter Cove Road, south 2 miles on Chemise Mountain Road.
Access is described as steep and winding, potentially challenging due to curvy and bumpy roads, with elevation changes from 700 to 2200 feet.
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are unavailable, but reviewers suggest stocking up on food and water prior to arrival due to the remote nature of the site.

Best Time to Camp at Wailaki Campground

Mother Nature keeps things interesting at Wailaki, where coastal weather patterns create a dynamic camping experience. Cool temperatures prevail year-round, making this an ideal summer retreat from inland heat. Pacific winds sweep through the forest canopy, bringing the fresh scent of ocean air and occasional dramatic weather. Rain can arrive unexpectedly, transforming the forest into a misty wonderland—so pack layers and waterproof gear to stay comfortable as conditions shift from crisp mornings to breezy afternoons.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Cool retreat from inland heat but mosquitoes are noted as particularly problematic in summer.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall offers scenic beauty and solitude; fewer mosquito complaints than summer.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring offers solitude and scenic forest views; cool temperatures year-round noted.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed until March 1, 2025.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Closed until March 1, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: Closed due to hazardous trees, pending reopening 2025

About Wailaki Campground

Nestled among towering old-growth firs, Wailaki Campground offers an intimate escape with 13 thoughtfully positioned campsites. Each site comes equipped with everything you need for a comfortable wilderness stay: sturdy fire rings for evening gatherings, picnic tables for outdoor dining, and bear-proof storage to keep wildlife wild. Modern vault toilets ensure convenience without compromising the natural setting. Adventure beckons right from your tent flap, with direct access to two spectacular trails—the challenging Chemise Mountain Trail and the legendary Lost Coast Trail, where hikers can explore California's most remote and untouched coastline.
Wailaki Campground offers a range of camping accommodations, including tent and trailer campsites with no hookups. It is a first-come, first-served campground with no reservation system.
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Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Wailaki Campground offers opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and nature exploration. It serves as a trailhead for the Bear Creek Nature Trail and provides access to the Chemise Mountain Trail, which connects to the Southern Lost Coast Trail and the Sinkyone Wilderness.
HikingThe campground serves as a trailhead for the Chemise Mountain Trail and the Bear Creek Nature Trail. Trails offer access to the Southern Lost Coast Trail and Sinkyone Wilderness. Some trails feature steep elevation changes, so hikers should be prepared for challenging terrain.
Wildlife viewingThe natural surroundings, including old-growth firs and native flora, offer opportunities for wildlife observation. Specific species are not mentioned.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquito prevalence, steep and curvy roads, dead trees during high winds.
Active AlertsClosed due to hazardous trees, pending reopening 2025
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Wailaki Campground

Reviews

4.0
28 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Wailaki Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews highlight Wailaki Campground's remote and peaceful setting, affordability, and access to hiking trails. However, the lack of potable water, the presence of mosquitoes, and steep access roads are commonly noted drawbacks.
Review Summaries
Based on 28 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users appreciate the campground's secluded and quiet atmosphere, affordability at $8 per night, and proximity to hiking trails. "Hidden gem close to the Lost Coast Trail," says one user. Another...
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Based on 28 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the lack of potable water, as one reviewer states, "They shut the water off about 5 years ago." Mosquitoes are highlighted as a significant issue: "A million mosquitoes,"...
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Based on 28 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring all necessary supplies, including water and food, as the campground is remote. A screened canopy is recommended to deal with mosquitoes. Check weather conditions before visiting due to...
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Based on 28 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest that mosquitoes are particularly problematic during the summer months. Visitors often mention the beauty and solitude of the setting as consistent highlights across seasons.
Based on 28 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The hikes have steep elevation changes so be prepared." "Very few people, very isolated, very peaceful." "A screened canopy is a must!" "Worth the trip and definitely worth the money."
Based on 28 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific site numbers are mentioned in reviews, though the campground's overall cleanliness and peaceful atmosphere are praised.
Based on 28 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground is wheelchair accessible, though no specific feedback from users with disabilities is available.
Based on 28 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews about pets or pet policies are available.
Based on 28 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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