Barnside Campground
01 reviewSinkyone Wilderness State Park, Briceland Thorn Road, Whitethorn, CA 95589
Barnside Campground
$5.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
Fees range from $5 per person per night for environmental and horse camps, payable at Needle Rock or Jones Beach. The refurbished barn at Needle Rock costs $30 per night and accommodates up to eight people.
About this campground
Hidden along California's legendary Lost Coast, Barnside Campground beckons adventurers seeking true wilderness solitude. This primitive camping haven within Sinkyone Wilderness State Park offers an escape from civilization, where towering Douglas-fir forests meet dramatic black sand beaches. Here, environmental campsites blend seamlessly into one of the West Coast's last untouched frontiers, promising an authentic back-to-nature experience far from the crowds and comforts of modern life.
Barnside Campground offers primitive camping facilities, aligning with the wilderness setting of Sinkyone State Park. RVs and trailers are not recommended due to the unpaved, steep, and narrow road conditions.
Historical SignificanceThese windswept shores have witnessed millennia of human stories, from the Sinkyone people who established permanent villages and followed seasonal hunting traditions across these coastal terraces, to the ambitious late 19th-century loggers who left behind weathered remnants of their shipping infrastructure. Today's visitors walk in the footsteps of generations who found sustenance, shelter, and spiritual connection in this rugged landscape.
Weather and SeasonsMorning fog drifts through the Douglas-firs like nature's own curtain, typically lifting by mid-morning to reveal spectacular coastal vistas. Summer brings perfect camping weather with temperatures hovering between 45°F and 75°F, while the rainy season transforms the landscape from November through May, with temperatures settling between 35°F and 55°F. Winter storms can render access roads impassable, adding to the area's reputation as a seasonal sanctuary for those willing to plan ahead.
ElevationWhile specific elevation details await discovery, Barnside's position along the coastal terraces offers campers a unique vantage point where forest meets sea, creating dramatic elevation changes that define the Lost Coast's legendary terrain.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to the bugle of Roosevelt elk echoing through morning mist, or watching harbor seals play in the surf below your clifftop perch. Barnside's steep coastal Douglas-fir forests create a emerald backdrop for obsidian-black sand beaches, while seasonal wildflower displays paint the meadows in vibrant hues. Tidal pools reveal miniature worlds at low tide, and soaring raptors patrol the thermals above, making every moment a potential wildlife encounter.
Geological RegionBarnside Campground sits at one of Earth's most dynamic geological crossroads within the Lost Coast region of Sinkyone Wilderness State Park. This is where three massive tectonic plates—the Pacific, North American, and Gorda—converge at the Mendocino Triple Plate Junction, creating the seismically active foundation for the area's dramatic topography. The result is a landscape of steep coastal mountains, mysterious black sand beaches formed from ancient seafloor sediments, and rugged beauty that has resisted development for generations.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAs noted in official materials, "No trails in this park are Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible."
Sites SizeSites are primitive and not categorized by size.
Sites PrivacySites are clustered and provide limited privacy but benefit from a remote wilderness environment.
Total Campsites8 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites based on proximity to trails and privacy preferences. Early morning fog enhances the scenic beauty of some sites.
Best CampsitesUser reviews and official sources do not specifically identify standout campsites within Barnside Campground.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in available from sunrise to sunset.
Check-out
Checkout is by noon.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay duration is not explicitly mentioned. General California State Park regulations apply.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 8 guests are permitted per site.
Groups
Group camping facilities are not described at Barnside Campground. No group permits are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is primitive with environmental campsites dispersed along trails and near the coastline.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round, but accessibility may be restricted during wet weather due to road conditions.
Reservation PlatformsReservations for environmental camps and the Needle Rock barn can be made by mail or at the Needle Rock Visitor Center.
Walk-in AvailabilityEnvironmental campsites are first-come, first-served. The barn at Needle Rock is reservable, likely limiting walk-up availability.
Cancellation PolicyNo specific cancellation policy stated for Barnside Campground.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Barnside Campground offers opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and experiencing the remote Lost Coast Trail. Reviewers and official sources alike highlight the rugged terrain and unique wildlife as standout features.
Hiking
The Lost Coast Trail runs through the park, covering 22 miles in Sinkyone Wilderness SP. It is described as rugged and strenuous, with "views from the trail [that] depend on the thickness of the fog cover."Fishing
Fishing is permitted in coastal streams and rivers within the park. Salmon and steelhead are noted as common species.Wildlife viewing
The campground offers excellent opportunities to view Roosevelt elk, black bears, mountain lions, and various marine mammals, as noted by official sources.Beach activities
Visitors can enjoy black sand beaches, tide pools, and occasional sightings of purple garnet sands.Winter Activities
Winter activities are limited, but migrating whales can be observed from mid-January to mid-April.Water Sports
Water sports are not highlighted in the authoritative sources.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires are permitted only in designated fire rings; portable stoves are allowed in specified areas.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include encounters with Roosevelt elk, particularly during mating season in the fall, and cold ocean waters which can be deadly. Black bears and mountain lions are occasionally sighted.
Active alertsNone noted, but roads can become impassable in wet weather.
Weather forecast
65
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 76%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 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 Garberville (36 miles away) and Whitethorn (20 miles away). Medical assistance can be sought through local clinics or hospitals in nearby towns.
Good to know
Peak season datesNo peak season dates explicitly stated, though summer weather is cited as more favorable for camping.
Trash and recycling"Dispose of trash properly. Practice the 'Pack it in — pack it out' rule." Campers must carry out all waste and are encouraged to use airtight containers for food storage to prevent wildlife encounters.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is near black sand beaches and tidal pools. Rocky coves host seals, and nearby streams support salmon during runs.
Common complaintsChallenges due to impassable roads during wet weather and lack of potable water are commonly noted.
HostNo specific campground host noted for Barnside Campground; visitors are directed to the Needle Rock Visitor Center for assistance.
Campground Map
Sinkyone Wilderness State Park, Briceland Thorn Road, Whitethorn, CA 95589
Driving directionsTo reach the north end of the wilderness, travel 36 miles southwest from Garberville/Redway on Briceland Road. Briceland Road transitions to Mendocino County Road 435; note that the final 3.5 miles are unpaved, steep, and narrow. Roads can become impassable in wet weather. RVs and trailers are not recommended due to difficult conditions.
Road access to Barnside Campground is challenging. The final stretch is unpaved and narrow, with steep terrain. This road may be impassable during wet weather, and RVs or trailers are highly discouraged.Nearby places
Garberville (approx. 36 miles southwest) and Whitethorn (approx. 20 miles southeast) are the closest population centers.
Nearby supplies
Garberville offers grocery stores, fuel, and camping supplies. Whitethorn provides limited supplies but is closer geographically (approx. 20 miles southeast).
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Barnside Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews emphasize the remote and tranquil setting of the campground, making it ideal for those seeking solitude. Chelsea Foell described it as "100% best camping trip ever!" highlighting the quiet and beautiful nature of her experience.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
"Quiet, beautiful," and "wonderful" are recurring themes in user reviews, particularly the isolation and natural beauty of the campground.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
The lack of potable water and limited cell phone service are potential drawbacks noted in official sources, though not specifically cited by users.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Plan ahead to bring potable water and a bear canister for food storage. Campers should avoid trails if they have pets and ensure they have adequate supplies in case of road closures.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer months are ideal for camping, with temperatures ranging from 45 to 75 degrees and fog clearing by mid-morning, as described in authoritative sources. Winter camping is less favorable due to...
Based on 1 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Camped here with my kids and no one was around. It was wonderful." - Chelsea Foell
Based on 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
No reviews specifically addressing individual campsites are available.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility is noted as limited throughout the park; no user reviews address this specifically.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Dogs are allowed but not on trails, as stated in official sources. No user reviews mention pet experiences.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025