Nadelos Campground
04 reviewsNadelos Campground
$8.00 - $120.00 / 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$120.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Camping fees range from $8 per site per night for individual campsites to $120 per night for group reservations.
About this campground
Tucked away in the southern reaches of the King Range National Conservation Area, Nadelos Campground invites adventurers to experience the untamed beauty of California's Lost Coast region. This hidden gem offers a back-to-basics camping experience where towering forests draped in emerald moss create a natural cathedral, and the gentle murmur of a nearby creek provides the perfect soundtrack for your wilderness retreat. Well-appointed with essential amenities including vault toilets, fire rings, and sturdy picnic tables, the campground serves as your basecamp for exploring the surrounding wilderness. Bear-proof trash receptacles ensure safe coexistence with local wildlife, while direct access to the challenging Chemise Mountain Trail and the family-friendly Bear Creek Nature Trail puts adventure right at your tent flap.
This campground is primarily designed for tent camping with options for group reservations. No facilities for RVs, cabins, or glamping are available.
Historical SignificanceWhile specific historical records for Nadelos remain unchronicled, the campground rests within the greater King Range, a region steeped in the heritage of indigenous peoples and later shaped by logging and conservation efforts that preserved this pristine wilderness for future generations.
Weather and SeasonsThe King Range's coastal climate brings its own personality to Nadelos, where morning mists often give way to crisp afternoons and weather can shift from sunshine to showers with little warning. Moderate winds whisper through the forest canopy year-round, while winter and spring months can deliver substantial rainfall that transforms the landscape into a verdant wonderland. The area's reputation for sudden weather changes means savvy campers come prepared with layers and rain gear, checking forecasts frequently to make the most of their stay in this dynamic environment.
ElevationNestled within the varied topography of the King Range, Nadelos Campground sits at an elevation that provides a perfect balance of accessibility and mountain atmosphere, though specific elevation data has not been documented.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a world where ancient Douglas firs and redwoods stretch skyward, their massive trunks cushioned by carpets of velvet moss that glow jade-green in filtered sunlight. The campground's crown jewel is its babbling creek, which winds through the forest like a liquid ribbon, creating peaceful pools and miniature cascades that invite quiet contemplation. This lush microclimate supports a tapestry of ferns, sorrels, and woodland wildflowers, while overhead, the dense canopy provides natural shelter and transforms even the brightest days into a soft, dappled light show.
Geological RegionNadelos Campground occupies a privileged position in the southern King Range National Conservation Area, part of California's legendary Lost Coast where the mountains meet the sea in dramatic fashion. This unique geological setting creates the perfect conditions for the temperate rainforest environment that defines the campground, with its combination of coastal moisture, protected valleys, and ancient soils nurturing one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the West Coast.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground is wheelchair accessible, as explicitly stated in the official description.
Sites SizeCampsites are suitable for tents and group use. One user noted they are 'good-sized campsites.'
Sites PrivacyCampsites are clustered close to a parking lot, as mentioned by a user: '6 campsites all close to the parking lot.' Privacy may be limited due to proximity.
Total Campsites8 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites near the parking lot are convenient but may lack privacy.
Best CampsitesNo specific campsites were highlighted.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Not specified.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Not specified.
Groups
Group camping is available for a minimum of 20 and a maximum of 60 people. The entire campground can be reserved at $120 per night, with applications and fees due 30 days in advance. Group reservations are not available during major holiday weekends.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutEight campsites close to the parking area.
Open and Closed SeasonTemporarily closed as of May 2023 due to hazard trees.
Reservation PlatformsReservations for group use can be requested through BLM King Range Visitor Center (707-986-5400).
Walk-in AvailabilityIndividual campsites are non-reservable and available on a first-come, first-served basis when the campground is not reserved for group use.
Cancellation PolicyGroup reservation cancellations incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's fee if made less than 14 days before arrival.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground provides access to various outdoor activities, including hiking trails such as the Chemise Mountain Trail and Bear Creek Nature Trail. It is near the Southern Lost Coast Trail and Sinkyone Wilderness, offering ample opportunities for nature exploration.
Hiking
The Chemise Mountain Trail and Bear Creek Nature Trail are accessible from the campground. These trails connect to nearby campgrounds and wilderness areas, making them a highlight for hikers. Specific details about trail length or difficulty are not provided.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings.
- Quiet hours are Not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include low-hanging branches and hazard trees that may fall during high winds. Mosquitoes are prevalent as per user reviews.
Active alertsTemporarily closed as of May 2023 due to hazard trees.
Weather forecast
80
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 33%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7.4 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
BLM King Range Visitor Center (707-986-5400), nearest emergency services unknown.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingBear-proof trash cans are provided for waste disposal.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near Bear Creek; water must be treated before consumption.
Common complaints"Off-season is dreary and spooky"; "No potable water"; "Safety concerns due to remote location and lack of cell service."
HostManaged by BLM King Range; contact number provided.
Campground Map
Driving directionsU.S. 101 to Redway, west 22 miles on Briceland/Shelter Cove Road, south 1.5 miles on Chemise Mountain Road.
Access is straightforward via paved roads, but the Chemise Mountain Road may have low-hanging branches or dead trees during high winds.Nearby places
Shelter Cove, approximately 10 minutes by car.
Nearby supplies
Downtown Shelter Cove, which offers basic supplies within 10 minutes of the campground.
Camper Reviews
0.0
4 reviews
Nadelos Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews reveal mixed sentiments about the campground. While some appreciate its size, accessibility, and natural beauty, others noted safety concerns, particularly in the off-season. Noise disturbances and lack of cell service were also mentioned.
Review Summaries
Based on 4 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciated the 'good-sized campsites' and described the campground as 'fantastic' for group use. Another user recommended it as a site for those 'looking to be out of the sun.'
Based on 4 reviewsCommon Concerns
Concerns included noise disturbances from late-night parties ('woken up around 12:30 to loud laughing and music') and the spooky, isolated atmosphere during the off-season. One reviewer highlighted...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers are advised to visit during the busy summer season to avoid isolation and noise concerns. Treat water from the creek before drinking, and prepare for potential mosquito activity, as noted in...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer appears to be the most recommended season for a better camping experience, given the busy atmosphere and reduced concerns about isolation.
Based on 4 reviewsCamper Quotes
- 'Good-sized campsites. I was the only one there during the week.' - 'Hasn’t had running water since 2018. Has 2 vault toilets.' - 'Be careful for mosquitoes!'
Based on 4 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
No reviews specify particular site numbers as the best or worst. However, the proximity of sites to the parking lot and potential noise were common themes.
Based on 4 reviewsAccessibility Features
The campground's wheelchair accessibility is confirmed in the official description, but no user reviews specifically address the experience of campers with disabilities.
Based on 4 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No information about pet policies or pet-related experiences was identified.
Based on 4 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025