Trip · 3-day camping trip
For · Friends and first-time campers
Vibe · Moderate and fun
Reservation · Nope! It's first-come, first serve (FCFS)
Drive · 5.5 hours from SF
Ideal dates · May to October
Pets · Welcome at camp and on trails
King Range is the country's first ever National Conservation Area. This remote 65,000-acre stretch of NorCal coastline is strikingly beautiful. It has 80+ miles of trails spanning from the beach to King Peak (4,088 feet), world-class mountain biking trails and it's home to the popular Lost Coast Trail, a 24.6 mile backpacking trek. The area is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and was deemed a wilderness area in 2006, which is why there are no amenities and minimal signage in the backcountry, and no drinking water at campgrounds, but the "primitive" parts is what makes this one of the most spectacular seascapes in CA.
Official King Range NCA Website
Main image credit: N/A
Each campsite comes with a:
King Range NCA has four campgrounds: Mattole, Tolkan, Nadelos, and Wailiki. They're all FCFS and don't have running water, but they do have picnic tables, fire pits, trash collection, and vault restrooms.
Mattole is the only beachfront campground that gives you access to Mattole River and Mattole Beach. There are only 15 campsites available, which are usually taken on weekends, but emptier on weekdays. Check-out is at 11 AM so arrive as early as you can to snag a campsite just as people are leaving. Once you find an open campsite, park your car at the site, and walk over to the information board to pay your nightly camping fee. Bring cash or checks! The drive to Mattole Campground is on a windy dirt road, which is doable in a 2WD car, but easier in a 4WD.
The King Range coastline was too rugged for Highway 1 to be built so it was pushed inland. Only a few roads can reach what is now called The Lost Coast.
The Mattole and Sinkyone tribes were the area's earliest inhabitants. They thrived on salmon from Mattole River.
The Punta Gorda Lighthouse in King Range NCA was known as the “Alcatraz of lighthouses” because of its remoteness.
A durable and soft flannel shirt that's kid-sized from 6 months to 4T
Clothes
Bezzi's Picks
A cozy sweatshirt for ages 6 months to 4T designed for outdoor exploration.
Clothes
Bezzi's Picks
A sleeping bag designed for kiddos age 2-4 years old
Essential Items
Sleep
A sleeping bag that's designed for toddlers from ages 18-36 months.
Essential Items
Sleep
These are the cushiest sleeping pads we've tried! They come in Extra Wide and Double (for extra cuddles).
Essential Items
Bezzi's Picks
Lean back, and we mean all the way back, in this luxurious camp chair. You'll never want to sit up.
Essential Items
Bezzi's Picks
This colorful tent can fit 4 to 6 people, and is easy to set up and pack out!
Shelters
Bezzi's Picks
Bring a portable toilet to help your toddler stick to their indoor routine.
Self-Care
Self-care
For avid campers, this organizer will keep your kitchen utensils clean and organized.
Kitchen
Kitchen
Enjoy the small town charm and enchanting wilderness in Idyllwild for this beginner camping trip.