Is Wailaki Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Wailaki Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

What is the best time to visit Wailaki Campground?

Wailaki Campground is open Closed until March 1, 2025.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Wailaki Campground?

Wailaki Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Wailaki Campground have?

Wailaki Campground has 13 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Wailaki Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Wailaki Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Wailaki Campground?

Wailaki Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Wailaki Campground

3.71

28 reviews

Top 7%Fall

Peace & Quiet

Featured in:Forest Camping Utah

Quick Facts

1,906 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Closed until March 1...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on BLM Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,906 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Closed until March 1...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on BLM Official Website

Get Directions

Wailaki Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Provider

(707)986-5400BLM_CA_Web_KR@blm.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Wailaki Campground

40.0196, -124.0035

Weather at Wailaki Campground

Best Time to Camp at Wailaki Campground

Best season: fall. Fall brings the driest, most stable weather and the clearest forest air, making it ideal for hiking and wildlife viewing among the old-growth firs (typical daytime highs around 50–65°F and nights 30–45°F). Trails are less muddy than spring and insect activity has dropped, so creekside walks along Bear Creek are especially pleasant; crowds thin after Labor Day so sites feel very peaceful. Note that some hunting seasons run in autumn in parts of Northern California—wear high-visibility clothing on Peak months: October, September, May, April Avoid: January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 7% in US

Overview explicitly lists fall as best season: driest, most stable weather and clearest forest air.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Closed until March 1, 2025.

About Wailaki Campground

Wailaki Campground is a small BLM site in the Utah foothills offering secluded tent, RV, and primitive camping among old-growth firs near Bear Creek. The campground provides vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables with a 14-day stay limit. Visitors hike nearby trails, watch wildlife, and enjoy creekside walks in a quiet, shaded setting that feels remote despite road access.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall brings the driest, most stable weather and the clearest forest air, making it ideal for hiking and wildlife viewing among the old-growth firs (typical daytime highs around 50–65°F and nights 30–45°F). Trails are less muddy than spring and insect activity has dropped, so creekside walks along Bear Creek are especially pleasant; crowds thin after Labor Day so sites feel very peaceful. Note that some hunting seasons run in autumn in parts of Northern California—wear high-visibility clothing on Peak months: October, September, May, April Avoid: January, February

Elevation1906 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground shelters under a canopy of ancient firs, some reaching over 200 feet. Bear Creek runs nearby, carving through gentle terrain covered in native ferns and moss-covered logs. The old-growth forest creates deep shade and a layered ecosystem typical of Northern California's coastal ranges. Reviews consistently mention the beautiful, quiet trees and the secluded feel of the setting.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging accommodations are available at Wailaki Campground.

Programs & ActivitiesThere is no mention of cultural or educational programs at the campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Guests Allowed Per Site

Guests allowed per site unspecified.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsCampground is non-reservable.

AccessibilityThe campground is wheelchair accessible, with accessible campsites and facilities.

Site SizeThe 13 campsites are standard size, suitable for tents or trailers.

PrivacyThe campground is described as quiet and secluded, surrounded by old-growth firs and native flora. Campsites offer a good degree of privacy.

Total Campsites13 campsites

Recommended SitesRemote. Carry water.

Amenities available

Wailaki Campground offers a range of basic but essential amenities. It features 13 campsites equipped with picnic tables and fire rings. Vault toilets are available for campers. There is no potable water on-site, and visitors are advised to treat water from the nearby Bear Creek before drinking. The campground does not provide electrical hookups, water hookups, or sewer hookups. Accessibility features include wheelchair-accessible campsites and facilities. The campground includes bear-proof trash cans for waste disposal. There is no camp store, Wi-Fi, or laundry facilities.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.7

28 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...

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,"...

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...

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