Tolkan Campground
4.109 reviewsTolkan Campground
$8.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$15.00
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
The use fee for camping is $8.00 per night according to some descriptions and $15.00 according to others. The discrepancy may be due to updates or different site types. No reservations are allowed as all sites are first-come, first-served. 'First come-first served.'
About this campground
Nestled in the heart of the King Range wilderness, Tolkan Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic backcountry experience. With 4 tent sites and 5 trailer spots thoughtfully dispersed among towering oaks, this intimate campground serves as your gateway to world-class mountain biking on the Paradise Royale Trail and heart-pumping runs at Tolkan Terrain Park. While you'll find essential amenities like clean vault toilets, sturdy fire rings, picnic tables, and bear-proof storage, the absence of running water, electricity, and reliable cell service ensures a true disconnect from the digital world—exactly what many outdoor enthusiasts crave.
Tolkan Campground offers a range of camping options primarily aimed at tent and trailer camping. It is a first-come, first-served campground with no reservation options.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsTolkan's temperate climate welcomes campers throughout the year, with comfortable conditions that rarely reach extremes. Expect pleasantly cool nights averaging 38°F that invite cozy campfire gatherings, while daytime highs around 50°F create perfect conditions for trail adventures. The typically dry air, with dew points hovering near 39°F, means less humidity and more comfortable camping. While occasional rain showers can bring up to 2.2 inches during wetter periods, most days offer ideal weather for exploring the surrounding wilderness. Pack layers for changeable mountain conditions, and you'll be prepared for whatever nature brings.
ElevationPerched within the dramatic peaks and valleys of the King Range, Tolkan Campground offers that coveted mountain atmosphere where the air feels crisper and the stars shine brighter. The mountainous terrain surrounding the campground creates natural amphitheaters of wilderness, providing both shelter and spectacular vantage points for those willing to explore the heights.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to dappled sunlight filtering through a cathedral of ancient oak trees, their massive branches creating a natural canopy over your campsite. Tolkan's remote forest setting within the King Range delivers the kind of pristine solitude that's increasingly rare—where the only sounds are rustling leaves and distant bird calls. Previous visitors consistently marvel at the campground's ability to make you feel wonderfully lost in nature while remaining accessible to incredible recreational opportunities. The surrounding forest creates intimate camping spaces that feel like private woodland retreats, perfect for those seeking genuine tranquility.
Geological RegionSet within the legendary King Range National Conservation Area, Tolkan Campground places you in one of California's last wild frontiers. This rugged landscape of steep mountains, dense oak forests, and dramatic ridgelines sits adjacent to the famed Lost Coast Trail, where the King Range plunges directly into the Pacific. The area's unique geology has created a wilderness so challenging to develop that it remains beautifully untamed—a rare gem where adventurers can experience California's coast as it existed centuries ago.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground is wheelchair accessible.
Sites SizeThe sites are standard in size, accommodating 5 trailer and 4 tent setups.
Sites PrivacySites are secluded and quiet, as noted by multiple reviewers, offering a private camping experience.
Total Campsites9 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites are maintained and kept clean, which is ideal for building fires. 'Sites were maintained and kept clean of debris.'
Best Campsitesnull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
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Check-out
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Stay Limit
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Guests Allowed Per Site
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Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground layout includes 4 tent sites and 5 trailer campsites. It is small and secluded. 'Small secluded campground in King Range.'
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round. 'Paradise Royale Mountain bike trail, Pacific Rim and Tolkan Terrain Park are all open year-round.'
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not applicable.
Walk-in Availability100% availability is on a walk-up basis, first-come-first-served. 'First come-first served.'
Cancellation PolicyCancellations and modifications are not applicable as reservations are not accepted. Sites are first-come-first-served.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Tolkan Campground is a prime destination for outdoor recreation enthusiasts, particularly mountain bikers. The campground provides direct access to the Paradise Royale Mountain Bike Trail and features the Tolkan Terrain Park. Hiking opportunities are also accessible from the campground, including the Horse Mountain Creek Trail. Although the campground does not have water sports or swimming facilities, the surrounding forest offers opportunities for wildlife viewing and enjoying the tranquility of nature.
Hiking
Hiking trails, such as the Horse Mountain Creek Trail, are accessible from the campground. Additionally, the campground is a 45-minute drive from the Lightning Trailhead, which leads to King Peak.Biking
This campground is a "Mountain Bike Heaven," according to one reviewer. Featuring direct access to the Paradise Royale Mountain Bike Trail and Tolkan Terrain Park, it is a highly rated spot for mountain biking enthusiasts. The bike trail and terrain park are open year-round.Wildlife viewing
The secluded and forested setting of the campground makes it ideal for observing local wildlife. However, specific wildlife species are not mentioned.Winter Activities
Activities such as mountain biking and hiking are available year-round, including during the winter.Water Sports
There are no water sports, as the campground lacks lakes or rivers suitable for such activities.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fires are allowed in provided fire rings. 'Sites were maintained and kept clean of debris so we felt comfortable building a fire.'
- Quiet hours begin at 10 PM, ensuring a peaceful environment. 'Quiet time starts at 10 pm.'
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include bears and mosquitoes. 'Bear country so make sure to be in your tent by sunset.' 'Mosquitoes (many).'
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
76
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 41%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 5.8 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
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Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingBear-proof trash cans are available for waste disposal, and users found the trash facilities to be well-maintained.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is not near significant water bodies and has no potable water available. 'No running water.'
Common complaintsComplaints mostly revolve around the lack of potable water and the rough access roads. 'No running water.' 'Road to get there is all dirt and a little rough.'
Hostnull
Campground Map
Driving directionsLocation: U.S. 101 to Redway, west 22 miles on Briceland/Shelter Cove Road, then 3.5 miles north on King Peak Road.
The road to Tolkan Campground includes 22 miles on Briceland/Shelter Cove Road and 3.5 miles north on King Peak Road. King Peak Road is unpaved, and some sections are only wide enough for one car. Reviews suggest the road is rough but doable in a regular sedan if driven carefully. 'Rough road for about 30 minutes but we did it with a Toyota Corolla with low clearance and it was fine, simply driving slowly.' Another reviewer stated: 'Road to get there is all dirt and a little rough. Not recommended for long trailers.'Nearby places
Shelter Cove (approximately 15 minutes drive, location on King Peak Road).
Nearby supplies
Shelter Cove (approximately 15 minutes drive). Supplies like groceries and gas may be available there.
Camper Reviews
4.1
9 reviews
Tolkan Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, Tolkan Campground receives positive reviews for its secluded and tranquil setting, as well as its excellent access to mountain biking trails. The lack of potable water and the rough road leading to the campground are notable drawbacks.
Review Summaries
Based on 9 reviews
What Campers Love
"Nice secluded campground," "Beautiful surroundings," "Quiet, clean, spectacular," and "Mountain Bike Heaven" are among the positive aspects highlighted by users.
Based on 9 reviewsCommon Concerns
The most common complaints include the lack of running water, rough access roads, and an abundance of mosquitoes during certain times of the year.
Based on 9 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend bringing sufficient water due to the lack of potable water. They also advise careful driving on the unpaved, rough road leading to the campground.
Based on 9 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is open year-round, but mosquitoes and other bugs are noted as significant during the summer. Mountain biking is a popular activity in all seasons.
Based on 9 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Vault toilets were clean," "Sites were maintained and wept clean of debris," "Mountain Bike Heaven," and "Awesome campground. Great mountain biking."
Based on 9 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Although no specific site numbers are mentioned in reviews, the campground's maintenance and clean conditions are frequently praised.
Based on 9 reviewsAccessibility Features
Wheelchair accessibility is noted, but no specific reviews address the experiences of visitors with disabilities.
Based on 9 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No feedback specific to pets or pet policies is available from the reviews.
Based on 9 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025