Jones Beach Campground
01 reviewBriceland Thorn Road, Whitethorn, CA 95589
Jones Beach Campground
$5.00 - $25.00
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
Day-use parking costs $8 per vehicle at Jones Beach. Overnight camping fees are $5 per person per night for environmental campsites, payable at Jones Beach gate or by mail. Needle Rock Campground costs $25 per night.
About this campground
Where the wild Pacific meets untamed wilderness, Jones Beach Campground beckons adventurers to one of California's last frontiers. Nestled within the remote Sinkyone Wilderness State Park, this primitive camping haven sits along the legendary Lost Coast—a rugged stretch of coastline so steep and wild that even Highway 1 had to detour inland. Here, black sand beaches stretch beneath towering Douglas-fir forests, and Roosevelt elk roam freely through coastal prairies. This is camping for those who crave true solitude, where the only sounds are crashing waves and calling seabirds, and the nearest convenience is miles away.
Jones Beach Campground exclusively provides primitive and environmental camping opportunities, consistent with the wilderness ethos of Sinkyone State Park.
Historical SignificanceFor thousands of years before any European eyes glimpsed these shores, the Sinkyone people called this dramatic coastline home, thriving in harmony with the land and sea. Their ancient presence still echoes through the wilderness, from shell middens along the beaches to the traditional names that grace the landscape. Today, the renowned Lost Coast Trail winds through their ancestral territory, allowing modern visitors to walk in the footsteps of California's first coastal inhabitants while experiencing one of the state's most pristine and culturally significant wilderness areas.
Weather and SeasonsThe Lost Coast dances with dramatic weather year-round, creating an ever-changing coastal canvas. Summer mornings often begin shrouded in mysterious fog that burns away by midday, revealing crystalline views and comfortable temperatures between 45-75°F—perfect for coastal exploration. From November through May, Pacific storms sweep through with rejuvenating rains, bringing temperatures down to a brisk 35-55°F. Pack layers for any season, as the coast's moods can shift from sun-drenched to fog-wrapped in moments.
ElevationThe campground's coastal setting provides an intimate sea-level experience where the forest meets the shore, though specific elevation details await discovery by those who venture here.
Natural Features and SceneryPrepare for a landscape that defies expectations at every turn. Steep Douglas-fir forests cascade down to meet windswept coastal prairies, where wildflowers paint the bluffs in seasonal splashes of color. Below, beaches of striking black sand—created from iron-rich Franciscan bedrock—stretch between rocky outcroppings, occasionally revealing pockets of rare garnet sand that sparkle like jewels. This is prime wildlife territory: majestic Roosevelt elk graze the meadows at dawn, harbor seals bask on offshore rocks, and from December through April, migrating gray whales pass so close to shore you can spot them without binoculars.
Geological RegionJones Beach Campground sits atop one of Earth's most geologically fascinating regions within Sinkyone Wilderness State Park. The Lost Coast's dramatic landscape owes its existence to the nearby Mendocino Triple Plate Junction, where three massive tectonic plates converge in a constant geological dance. This seismic activity has sculpted steep coastal bluffs that plunge dramatically to the sea, while the iron-rich Franciscan bedrock—ground by millennia of wave action—creates the region's signature black sand beaches. Occasional deposits of garnet sand add splashes of burgundy to the shoreline, making this one of California's most geologically diverse coastal camping destinations.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe park's official statement mentions that no wheelchair-accessible activities exist at this undeveloped wilderness campground. Accessibility improvements are ongoing.
Sites SizeSites are designed for small groups, accommodating a maximum of 8 people per site as per park regulations.
Sites PrivacySites are spread across the environmental camping area, providing a degree of privacy inherent to the wilderness setting. However, specific user reviews do not elaborate further on privacy levels.
Total Campsites8 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose a site with ocean views or along the Lost Coast Trail for optimal scenery and access to hiking.
Best CampsitesNo specific campsite details provided.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time is at sunrise.
Check-out
Checkout time is at noon.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay of 8 people per site.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No more than 8 people per site.
Groups
There are no details about group camping specific to Jones Beach Campground. General park regulations require a Group Use Permit for groups of nine or more.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground has environmental campsites catering primarily to hikers and bikers.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round. Access may be seasonally affected due to impassable roads during wet weather.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at Jones Beach gate or by mail to California Department of Parks and Recreation.
Walk-in AvailabilitySome campsites are first-come, first-served, especially environmental campsites catering to hikers and bikers.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation policy specific details are not provided but reservations are confirmed in advance.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Jones Beach Campground offers access to activities that highlight the natural beauty and rugged features of Sinkyone Wilderness State Park. Its proximity to the Lost Coast Trail makes it a key camping location for hikers and backpackers. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with potential sightings of Roosevelt elk, osprey, and coastal marine mammals. The park’s remote and pristine environment underscores the appeal to nature enthusiasts.
HikingJones Beach Campground serves as an entry point to the Lost Coast Trail, a 22-mile stretch within Sinkyone Wilderness State Park described as 'rugged, strenuous, and not recommended for beginner backpackers or hikers.' The trail traverses steep mountains and sloping prairies, offering stunning views that depend on the presence or absence of fog cover. The remote nature of the trail demands thorough preparedness.
FishingVarious fish species such as steelhead, salmon, and other coastal varieties inhabit the streams and rivers in Sinkyone Wilderness, making fishing a potential activity near Jones Beach Campground.
Wildlife viewingJones Beach Campground offers abundant opportunities for observing wildlife. Notable species include Roosevelt elk, osprey, peregrine falcons, and marine mammals such as sea lions and harbor seals during their haul-out activities. Guests are advised to observe wildlife from a safe distance.
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed only in designated areas. Firewood must be purchased at the visitor center or brought in.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include steep trails, ticks, and unpredictable coastal weather. Wildlife such as black bears and Roosevelt elk can pose dangers.
Active alertsNo current alerts, but roads may be seasonally impassable due to wet weather.
Weather forecast
66
°F
Aug 2
Saturday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 45%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 8.4 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
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
Emergency response may be delayed due to the remote location. The closest medical facilities and emergency services are likely in Garberville or Redway, over 30 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesNo specific peak season dates provided.
Trash and recyclingVisitors are required to haul out their own trash as part of the wilderness camping ethos. Trash receptacles are not provided, and recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is near Jones Beach, characterized by black sand and rocky shorelines.
Common complaintsComplaints often involve road conditions, which can be impassable during wet weather.
HostNot provided.
Campground Map
Briceland Thorn Road, Whitethorn, CA 95589
Driving directionsFrom the north end of the wilderness near Needle Rock, drive 36 miles southwest of Garberville/Redway on Briceland Road, which becomes Mendocino County Road 435. The last 3.5 miles are unpaved, steep, and narrow. Roads may be impassable in wet weather. From the south end near Usal Beach, take PCH approximately one hour north of Ft Bragg or 15 miles west of Leggett from Highway 101. Look for mile marker 90.88 on PCH and turn north for approximately 6 miles onto the unpaved, steep, narrow road.
Road access is challenging; the final approach involves unpaved, steep, and narrow roads that may become impassable during wet weather. RVs and trailers are not recommended.Nearby places
Garberville (36 miles southwest, travel time approximately 1 hour)
Redway (similar distance and travel time)
Ft Bragg (approximately 1 hour north from Usal Beach)
Leggett (15 miles west from Usal Beach, travel time approximately 30 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be found in nearby towns like Garberville or Redway, approximately 36 miles away. No supplies are available near the campground itself.
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Jones Beach Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
The user experiences for Jones Beach Campground are overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing solitude, natural beauty, and the immersive wilderness experience characteristic of Sinkyone Wilderness.
Review Summaries
"Quiet, beautiful, 100% best camping trip ever," writes Chelsea Foell in her review, underscoring the campground's tranquil and undisturbed environment.
No complaints specific to Jones Beach Campground were documented in user reviews.
Visitors suggest bringing ample water and supplies due to the lack of developed facilities. Preparing for emergencies where communication may not be possible is highly recommended.
Winter months are highly praised for whale watching opportunities. Summer is characterized by picturesque views once the morning fog lifts, though preparedness for rugged trails is consistently...
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"Camped here with my kids and no one was around. It was wonderful. Quiet, beautiful. 100% best camping trip ever!"—Chelsea Foell.
No site-specific reviews were provided. However, the campground adheres to the park-wide regulation of accommodating a maximum of 8 people per site.
Accessibility concerns are evident as there are currently no wheelchair-accessible activities at Jones Beach Campground, as per the official park statement.
Pets are allowed at the campground but must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet. They must also be confined to tents or vehicles at night, aligning with park regulations.
Last updated July 20, 2025