Little Jackass Creek Campground
02 reviewsSinkyone Wilderness State Park, Briceland Thorn Road, Whitethorn, CA 95589
Little Jackass Creek Campground
$5.00 - $5.00
Campsite Fees
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
Environmental camps, including Little Jackass Creek Campground, cost $5 per person per night. Payments can be made at the Jones Beach gate, Needle Rock Visitor Center, or by mail to the California Department of Parks and Recreation, 1600 US 101, Box No. 8, Garberville, CA 95542.
About this campground
Tucked away in the untamed wilderness of Sinkyone State Park, Little Jackass Creek Campground beckons adventurers seeking solitude far from civilization's reach. This hike-in primitive sanctuary sits cradled between towering Douglas-fir slopes and windswept coastal prairies, where the only sounds are creek water tumbling over ancient stones and wind whispering through the canopy. With no running water and a pack-it-out ethos, this rugged retreat demands self-sufficiency but rewards visitors with an authentic wilderness experience few places can still offer.
Little Jackass Creek Campground is a primitive hike-in camping area, catering primarily to backpackers and those seeking a minimalist wilderness experience.
Historical SignificanceFor millennia, the Sinkyone people called these coastal forests and prairies home, their presence woven into every creek bend and ridgeline long before European ships appeared on the horizon. The landscape still whispers their stories, even as it bears the marks of more recent history—weathered stumps from the logging era and old fence lines from ranching days serve as monuments to the 19th and 20th centuries' attempts to tame this wild coast. Today, the land has reclaimed much of its original character, offering visitors a glimpse into both its ancient past and its resilient present.
Weather and SeasonsMorning mists roll in from the Pacific like clockwork during summer months, wrapping the campground in ethereal fog before burning away to reveal brilliant days with temperatures climbing from crisp 45-degree dawns to pleasant 75-degree afternoons. When winter storms sweep the coast from November through May, the landscape transforms into a moody masterpiece of rain-soaked forests and dramatic skies, with mercury hovering between a brisk 35 and mild 55 degrees—perfect weather for those who find beauty in nature's more tempestuous moods.
ElevationThe terrain here defies the timid, with trails that plunge and soar through Sinkyone's dramatic topography. Each steep climb rewards hikers with commanding views where the continent crashes into the Pacific, creating a landscape of breathtaking verticality. The park's rugged coastal mountains create natural amphitheaters and hidden valleys, ensuring that every turn of the trail reveals new perspectives of this untamed shoreline.
Natural Features and SceneryLittle Jackass Creek murmurs through the campground, its waters carving a gentle path through a landscape that shifts dramatically from intimate forest groves to expansive coastal prairies. Ancient Douglas-firs tower overhead, their massive trunks creating cathedral-like spaces, while tanbark oaks add their distinctive presence to the woodland tapestry. The legendary Lost Coast Trail winds nearby, offering encounters with majestic Roosevelt elk grazing in meadows, gray whales breaching offshore during migration season, and tide pools teeming with life along the rocky, surf-battered shoreline.
Geological RegionPerched above the Lost Coast—California's most remote and geologically fascinating shoreline—the campground sits near the infamous Mendocino Triple Plate Junction, where three tectonic plates grind against each other in an eternal geological dance. This seismic activity has sculpted a landscape of extraordinary drama: jet-black sand beaches born from ancient volcanic rock, towering coastal bluffs that drop precipitously to the churning Pacific, and steep mountainsides cloaked in primeval Douglas-fir forests. It's a place where the earth's raw power is palpable, creating a backdrop of unmatched ruggedness and beauty.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground does not support ADA-accessible facilities, and accessibility features are minimal due to its primitive nature.
Sites SizeCampsites are small and designed for tent camping; these are primitive hike-in campsites.
Sites PrivacySites are spaced out to provide a reasonable level of privacy, consistent with wilderness camping.
Total Campsites4 campsites
Recommended CampsitesTent camping only. Sites are well-suited for hikers seeking solitude.
Best CampsitesSites #1 through #4 at Little Jackass Creek are popular among visitors for proximity to natural features.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
No more than 8 people per site. Maximum consecutive nights allowed per reservation is not explicitly stated.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Sites accommodate up to six people.
Groups
No group sites are explicitly mentioned for Little Jackass Creek Campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutLittle Jackass Creek Campground consists of four hike-in primitive campsites.
Open and Closed SeasonSinkyone Wilderness State Park is open year-round, but accessibility may be limited in winter months due to road conditions.
Reservation PlatformsReservations for campsites can be made through the California Department of Parks and Recreation, either at the Visitor Center or by mail.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are first-come, first-served, but availability is not guaranteed during peak seasons.
Cancellation PolicyReservation cancellations are handled directly through the California Department of Parks and Recreation.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Little Jackass Creek Campground offers outdoor recreational activities suitable for nature lovers. Activities include hiking along the Lost Coast Trail, wildlife observation, and general relaxation in a remote wilderness setting.
HikingThe Lost Coast Trail passes through the area, offering challenging terrain with steep inclines and breathtaking views of the coastline. The trail is described as rugged and strenuous, suitable for experienced hikers and backpackers.
Wildlife viewingCampers can observe Roosevelt elk, migrating whales offshore from mid-January to mid-April, and a variety of bird species including raptors. Marine mammals like sea lions and harbor seals may also be visible along the shoreline.
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed only in designated fire rings.
- Quiet hours are enforced between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include ticks, bears, mountain lions, and rough ocean conditions. Campers are advised to use repellent and check for ticks after hiking. Roads may be impassable during wet weather.
Active alertsThere are no current alerts, but conditions may vary seasonally.
Weather forecast
60
°F
Aug 2
Saturday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 62%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 6.6 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
The nearest emergency services are located in Whitethorn, Garberville, and Redway. Medical emergencies may require transport to facilities in these areas.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo trash or recycling facilities are provided. Campers must pack out all waste.
Proximity to water featuresLittle Jackass Creek runs near the campground, providing scenic views.
Common complaintsSome visitors complain about difficult road access and lack of potable water.
HostNo campground hosts are listed for this area.
Campground Map
Sinkyone Wilderness State Park, Briceland Thorn Road, Whitethorn, CA 95589
Driving directionsFrom the north end of the wilderness (Needle Rock), drive 36 miles southwest of Garberville/Redway on Briceland Road. Take Briceland Road west from Redway, which transitions into Mendocino County Road 435. Note that the last 3.5 miles are unpaved, steep, and narrow. Roads may be impassable in wet weather.
The roads to the park are steep, narrow, and unpaved for the last few miles. They may become impassable during wet weather and are not suitable for RVs or trailers.Nearby places
Garberville (36 miles, approximately 1-hour drive), Redway (36 miles), Whitethorn (25 miles to Highway 101).
Nearby supplies
Supplies such as groceries, camping gear, and fuel can be obtained in Garberville or Redway, approximately 36 miles away from the park.
Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
Little Jackass Creek Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews for Little Jackass Creek Campground highlight its remote and rugged nature. Many campers appreciate the solitude and connection to nature, while some note the primitive amenities as a challenge.
Review Summaries
Campers praised the serene and untouched wilderness, breathtaking views along the Lost Coast Trail, and opportunities for wildlife observation. The shared pit toilets were noted as functional.
Some visitors expressed frustration over the lack of potable water and cell phone reception. Others found the hike-in nature of the campsite challenging, particularly with heavy gear.
Campers strongly recommend bringing sufficient water and supplies, as there are no nearby sources for these essentials. A bear canister for food storage is also advised.
Reviews suggest that summer months are ideal for hiking, with fog clearing by mid-morning. Winter conditions can make access difficult due to impassable roads.
1. 'The fog-muffled sounds and fragrances produce an aura of great mystery.' 2. 'Be extremely careful around the majestic Roosevelt elk—they can be especially dangerous.' 3. 'The Sinkyone lets you go...
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The campground consists of four hike-in sites (#1, #2, #3, and #4), each accommodating up to six people. All sites are described as primitive, with shared pit toilets and fire rings.
Accessibility is minimal, and individuals with disabilities may find the terrain and facilities difficult to navigate.
Pets are not allowed at Little Jackass Creek Campground, except for service animals.
Last updated July 20, 2025