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The best camping near Black Sands Beach, CA

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Top-rated campgrounds near Black Sands Beach

  • Jug Handle Creek Nature Center
  • Site 1 near the fire pit / outdoor kitchen area.
  • Jug Handle Creek Nature Center

Jug Handle Creek Nature Center

96%
(5291)
20 sites · Tents, RVs · Caspar, CA
Nestled on 33 acres of coastal meadows and forest, Jug Handle Creek Nature Center is a peaceful, nature-centered campground with a rich history and a truly unique landscape. Saved from development in the 1970s, Jug Handle now stands as a thriving nonprofit sanctuary dedicated to education, restoration, and connection with the natural world. Just a five-minute walk from Jug Handle State Reserve, Jug Handle Beach, and the renowned Ecological Staircase Trail - a rare geological formation that reveals 500,000 years of coastal history - you’ll find yourself immersed in one of Mendocino County’s most remarkable environments. We offer 11 spacious campsites, each with two picnic tables, a fire ring, parking for two vehicles, and plenty of room for tents. Spread out across open meadows and forest edges, the sites offer privacy, quiet, and the soothing sounds of nature. Explore on-site nature trails, a native plant nursery, and beautiful woodlands, or simply relax beneath the stars. A few important things to note: Due to the close proximity of neighboring livestock, as well as the bountiful wildlife that call this special place home, PETS ARE NO LONGER PERMITTED on the premises. Firewood is not provided, though there are several roadside stands nearby where it is available for purchase. You'll be pretty independent here. We provide self-check-in for your convenience. Directions and access information (including the bathroom code!) will be messaged to you prior to your stay.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$45
 / night
  • Shelter Cove Campground
  • Shelter Cove Campground
  • Shelter Cove Campground

Shelter Cove Campground

93%
(230)
90 sites · Tents, RVs · Whitethorn, CA
Welcome to Shelter Cove Campground, your gateway to California’s breathtaking Lost Coast! Nestled in the seaside village of Shelter Cove, our campground offers the perfect blend of rugged coastal adventure and laid-back comfort. Settle into one of our spacious RV sites and wake up to salty sea breezes and the sound of waves just steps away. Our campground is ideally located for nature lovers and explorers. We’re directly across from public access to the cove and just a short stroll from dramatic tide pools, picnic areas overlooking the ocean, and the iconic Cape Mendocino Lighthouse. Surfing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding are popular pastimes here, and for land-based adventure, the nearby hiking trails and scenic overlooks are sure to impress. On-site, you’ll find everything you need for a convenient and relaxing stay. Our full deli and store keep you fueled with tasty meals, snacks, local wines, microbrews, and essential supplies. Join us on select weekend evenings for movie nights and lively karaoke on the patio! We even welcome traveling musicians to share their tunes with fellow campers. Whether you’re here for a quiet getaway, an outdoor adventure, or a bit of both, Shelter Cove RV Campground invites you to unwind and experience the natural beauty of the Northern California coast. Breathe in the ocean air, soak in the sunsets, and make yourself at home.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$25
 / night
  • Wendy & John Farm
  • Sunset on the beach, one mile away.
  • Wendy & John Farm

Wendy & John Farm

100%
(574)
7 sites · Tents, RVs · Ferndale, CA
My aunt and uncle bought the property in 1947 from its first European settler, Paolo Gabrielli, who immigrated in early 1914 from northern Italy with slips of his grapevine in the lining of his coat. (The grapevine still grows over the back deck.) What can you expect? Quiet, beauty, birdsong, ocean roar, widely spaced campsites (only 5 on the 5 acres set aside for camping). Free firewood, local tips on travel and where to hike or what to visit. Or total solitude. Bring your (most non-cattle-chasing breeds) dogs if you wish (males must be neutered). Starlink internet. Walk to the beach of our wild ocean along a no-shoulder country road. We have no visible neighbors, no ambient light or sound. The air is clean and clear and the water is potable from an artesian spring on the property. No electricity at the sites and no generators allowed. (Charge your electronics at the farmhouse.) We offer homemade soup, cobbler, fresh bread, morning coffee as extras; you can order with the booking. The Victorian village of Ferndale is three miles east, as is a beautifully maintained 110-acre town wilderness with hiking trails called Russ Park. A 150-year-old cemetery slopes down a hillside & is filled with 19th century charm and history. Shops and restaurants welcome visitors. There are several bars/a wine bar/and a historic saloon that's as old boy as it was in 1890. A music venue in a restored 19th century church has amazing acoustics and attracts international talent as a top-notch venue (sessions are filmed for PBS) midway between Portland and San Francisco. So, it's a mix of town and country, village and farm, wilderness and bewilderedness. Safe, safe, safe, meaning: you can leave your belongings in your site and when you come back... they're still there :) We welcome the world. One caveat: please arrive before dark. There is no electricity in the campgrounds, and no generators are allowed. You will not be able to reach (or maybe even locate) your site without disturbing others.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$45
 / night
  • Ten Mile Creek (early summer)
  • Riverside Bluffs Camp 4
  • Ten Mile Creek (early summer)

Black Oak Ranch

96%
(249)
32 sites · Tents, RVs · Laytonville, CA
Now open for group camping! Black Oak Ranch has hosted music festivals on our beautiful 150 acre property for more than 30 years, including The Hog Farm Pignic, Earthdance, Kate Wolf Music Festival, and the Hog Farm Hideaway. Conveniently located just off of Highway 101 in Mendocino County, Black Oak Ranch offers beautiful flat campsites full of majestic old oak trees, leafy bay groves, and Ten Mile Creek which is perfect for cooling off on hot summer days. Black Oak Ranch is home to an abundance of wildlife including deer, raptors, and our newest residents, two families of beavers!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$500
 / night
  • Redwood Family Camp
  • Redwood Family Camp
  • Redwood Family Camp

Redwood Family Camp

93%
(21)
51 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Scotia, CA
Set into the beautiful and serene redwoods right at the entrance of the Ave. Of the Giants, exit 676 off Hwy. 101. We are located next to the Eel River with river access just yards down the road.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$39
 / night
  • Briceland Vineyards Ranch
  • Briceland Vineyards Ranch
  • Briceland Vineyards Ranch

Briceland Vineyards Ranch

92%
(61)
2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Redway, CA
Briceland Vineyards Ranch is 57 acres of oak woodlands 5.5 miles west from Redway Ca. on Briceland Thorn Road. This is the one road in and out of the lost coast and leads to Shelter Cove, about 15 miles west. This is about 15 miles to Avenue of the Giants as well. The property is the home of Briceland Vineyards, the first winery in Humboldt based on Humboldt grown grape and the most awarded winery in the county.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$45
 / night
  • Swimming to the Hole in the Wall!
  • Exploring the hole in the wall from the other side- you can walk through it!
  • Swimming to the Hole in the Wall!

The Hideaway at Hole In The Wall

85%
(93)
9 sites · Tents, RVs · Leggett, CA
**PLEASE READ** Welcome to The Hideaway at The World Famous Hole in The Wall, a truly one-of-a-kind escape in rainforest like setting nestled in the heart of Northern California’s redwood country just up the road from the iconic Drive Through tree, The Grandfather Tree, and Confusion Hill. This is a working farm and there are permanent residents on site who are friendly and available if you need help! The property is under construction and there is some debris we are cleaning up. Please don't be discouraged when you pull in, the sites themselves are lovely. There are 2 off leash, and very friendly dogs. We do have a pen we can put them in when asked. The pen is by the driveway, and they will bark when someone pulls in or out. Within a 10 minute walk from the property is the namesake attraction—a stunning swimming hole carved into the rock wall by dynamite decades ago, ( Google hole in the wall Leggett) now transformed into a refreshing oasis complete with cascading waterfalls. Creek color, level, and clarity vary depending on season! The creek is visible from some sites, but not all. Lounge on redwood decks, picnic under the trees, play on the worlds biggest home made giant cylinder chimes in the sound garden or explore the surrounding fruit trees and lush forest paths, tire swings, or a game of horse shoes. Amenities include, invigorating outdoor hot showers, new picnic tables, and easy access right off the 101. Whether you're seeking solitude, a community vibe, or a bit of both, this is your chance to experience Northern California in a truly unique way. Come for the waterfall, stay for the magic. P.s. to get here type in "Hole in The Wall, Leggett, California." On Google maps or "Tan Oak Park" we're directly across the street from Tan Oak Park, there is a big blue water barrel by the mailbox. DO NOT TAKE BELL SPRINGS ROAD, JUST STAY ON THE 101 WE ARE LOCATED SO CONVENIENTLY ON THE 101 Follow blue arrows once you cross the big bridge.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$75
 / night
  • Inside the King Yurt our night, such a nice vibe.
  • King Yurt.
  • Inside the King Yurt our night, such a nice vibe.

Eel River Escape

95%
(414)
19 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Benbow, CA
This property is conveniently located in historic highway 101. It's 4.5 terraced acres overlooking the south fork Eel River. It is adjacent to the Reggae on the River and Northern Nights festival sites. It's less than a mile from the tourist attraction One Log house and Richardson Grove state park. The property is a permitted educational cannabis farm implementing regenerative agriculture practices.We have several accommodation options! You can stay in our fully furnished bell tent tucked away in a charming garden. It has a full bed with foam topper, charge station, lounge chair, fan or heater, wireless speaker, and wifi. The property has hot outdoor shower and viewing bluff overlooking Eel river. Enjoy convenient hwy 101 location close to state park and dispensary. Wake up, dine and stroll in this dreamy garden! We also have camping and  RV sites that have morning shade, and epic views and two levels of camping area. 
Toilets
Showers
Potable water
from 
$50
 / night
  • Down by the (seasonal) creek, below the campsite
  • Looking southwest in early winter with misty skies.
  • Down by the (seasonal) creek, below the campsite

Jackrabbit Ranch

94%
(68)
3 sites · Tents, RVs · Laytonville, CA
Once a remote cattle range and now a ranch and hermitage ranging from 900' to 2800' in elevation over 590 acres of glorious land, most of it untouched by human hands.  Wild windblown oak meadows, pine forests and wildflowers, mud and greenery in winter to a lovely dry golden bronze in summer with access to the North Fork of the Eel River if you have 4wd, AWD, horse or a quad of your own to ride.    Sites run from car access to 4wd and even quad access only, all of them rustic and primitive perfect for folks who really want a change from technology.  Phone service generally will *not* work on site.  Prepare to unplug.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$75
 / night
  • swimming sanctuary
  • swimming sanctuary
  • swimming sanctuary

swimming sanctuary

100%
(4)
2 sites · Tents, Lodging · Piercy, CA
very private mountain getaway. This is a very remote 40 acres. 1 hour of gravel road from highway 101, accessing up the bell springs road, Alternatively you can access this place from garberville Ca, it takes about 1 hour 15 minutes and is 1/2 paved and 1/2 gravel. This is not for hip campers wanting a quick stop while traveling the highway 101. This is the type of property you want to camp at for a couple of nights and enjoy the peace and quiet of nature and enjoy the 2 and a 1/2 million gallon pond full of life. 3800 Hansen ranch road, Piercy, Ca Piercy Ca 95454 There are several camp sites to choose from. Campers have use of the deck area with chairs and a table. Campers also have access to an electrical plug, and outside water faucet with hot and cold water. The pond is a huge living thing full of birds and dragon flies, and if your lucky you may get to see an otter family with babies.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$25
 / night
  • Red Wing Ranch
  • Red Wing Ranch
  • Red Wing Ranch

Red Wing Ranch

94%
(61)
3 sites · Tents, Lodging · Willits, CA
This property is spectacular with views and great hiking! Learn more about this land: Imagine a place where the songs of red wing blackbirds fill the air.  A place where you can see as far as the ocean to the west, the mountains of Humboldt County to the north, the Mendocino National Forest to the east, and the mountains of Sonoma County to the south.  This is Red Wing Ranch.   While staying at Red Wing Ranch you will have the opportunity to walk on a section of the original stagecoach road, canoe in our private pond, watch the sunset over the Pacific ocean, and star gaze from what feels like a private planetarium. This is perfect for artists, writers, yogis, and those seeking the tranquility of off grid living. We have 40 acres of land with beautiful hiking in every direction. Our campsites have a fire pit, picnic table, and access to an outdoor shower and outdoor kitchen! The accommodation includes staying in a 850 square foot wooden yurt with bamboo floors.  The building has a wooden stove and propane wall heat. We also have a fridge, stove for cooking and propane wall heater inside the yurt. There is a futon that sleeps 2 plus a kids size bed, but please bring sleeping bags or bedding.  You can also put up two tents next to the yurt for more sleeping. We have now added also an attached kitchen and bathroom to the yurt so we have an indoor shower and full kitchen! There is a detached bathroom with a maintenance free composting toilet and simple outdoor kitchen.  You will have access to cooking utensils and cookware, camp stove, and fire pit. There is a solar system so you have access to electricity and wifi. The drive from Willits is 25 minutes, with only the last 5 minutes on a dirt road.  You can do the drive in any car, unless the occasional snowy conditions.  There is plenty of parking next to the yurt for easy unpacking.. To access the coast you do have to go back through Willits and use highway 20.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$51
 / night
  • Good Things Farm Yurt, flower farm
  • Good Things Farm Yurt, flower farm
  • Good Things Farm Yurt, flower farm

Good Things Farm Yurt, flower farm

100%
(5)
1 site · Lodging · Fort Bragg, CA
Come stay on our working farm. Our cozy yurt is surrounded by an orchard and flower farm. The yurt is nestled in the orchard and is a separate location from our home. You have access to walk around our wonderful farm full of lush flowers. We provide a cozy queen bed with quality linens. Outside of the yurt is an outdoor bathroom that has all the amenities, as well as an incredible outdoor shower. There is a pour over coffee set and a mini refrigerator ready when you arrive with cream and sugar. Please check out extras for farm experiences and many other fun farm additions.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from 
$171
 / night

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Wendy & John Farm
M
Miguel
2 weeks ago
Tent
With kids
Weekend Trip to Wendy & John Farm
Kids and I came and stayed during the winter and what a beautiful property! The hosts are incredibly nice and I recommend you order the loaves of bread! Beach is right around the corner!
See more
Lost Coast, Oceanview Retreat
Avatar
Alex
2 weeks ago
5 nights at Lost Coast, Oceanview Retreat
Stacy and Brett were wonderful hosts! Their house is charming and they were super helpful and responsive for us during our whole stay. Highly recommend this getaway.
See more
It was night upon arrival so we did what we could with what supplies we had packed. Overall, we stayed warm with the fire
D
Dominique
2 weeks ago
Tent
1 night at Redwood Family Camp
A last minute find but so worth it. Stayed one night and the hosts were so generous and friendly. Despite camping late December and in rainy weather, my partner and I had a wonderful, cozy night. showers provided along with washer/dryers.
See more
Jug Handle Creek Nature Center
Avatar
Kevin
3 weeks ago
Tent
Group trip
Weekend Trip to Jug Handle Creek Nature Center
Really nice campground, this was my second time going with a group of friends and it was great. They recently put in brand new bathrooms that were really clean and well built. The property is well taken care of, we’ll probably be back again next year!
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Ocean-view Redwood Forest Glamping
E
Elizabeth
3 weeks ago
With pets
1 night at Ocean-view Redwood Forest Glamping
Such a cute place to stay! You can hear the ocean and experience the wind through the trees. Accommodations were exactly as described. We would definitely recommend Ben and Grace’s place to stay.
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Lost Coast, Oceanview Retreat
E
Emily
December 2025
Weekend Trip to Lost Coast, Oceanview Retreat
A gorgeous place to land and settle in. Great access to Shelter Cove black sands beaches and town park. Hot tub was perfection, our dogs loved the fenced yard, and we had everything we needed!
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Jug Handle Creek Nature Center
S
Sherissa
November 2025
16 ft car
Weekend Trip to Jug Handle Creek Nature Center
Great place to camp! Clean restrooms, ample space, close to some great trails. We will definitely be back!
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Jug Handle Creek Nature Center
K
Kristen
November 2025
4 ft travel trailer
With kids
3 nights at Jug Handle Creek Nature Center
Loved it all. Highly recommend. We will be back for sure.
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Jug Handle Creek Nature Center
N
Nate
November 2025
Tent
2 nights at Jug Handle Creek Nature Center
Great camp site. Bathrooms were the nicest and cleanest of any campground I've ever been to. Distance between sites was also nice--no one was too close
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Jug Handle Creek Nature Center
M
Michele
November 2025
Tent
4 nights at Jug Handle Creek Nature Center
Beautiful, spacious site! Quiet, great location. Will definitely stay here again!
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Camp Miranda
M
Mel
November 2025
Tent
3 nights at Camp Miranda
great location! bathrooms were very nice. a little closer to the road than we hoped for but totally worth it
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The cabin in spring. Bench with garden view right in front of it.
R
Ryan
November 2025
With pets
2 nights at Meadow Farm & Forest
The Cozy Cabin is tiny and adorable - one of those rare properties that is actually exactly as described in its listing. We brought our dog and had a lovely stay. The bed is very comfortable, the cabin is well insulated, well spaced from other dwellings and campsites, the land around it is beautiful, and there are lots of stars to see on a clear night. Only noteworthy flaw was upon arrival: it was pretty tough to find our way in the dark. Arrive in the daylight if possible until they add clearer night-reflective signage and/or a detailed campsite map!
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Jug Handle Creek Nature Center
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Cody
November 2025
16 ft car
Weekend Trip to Jug Handle Creek Nature Center
Really great spot! Love the trail and beach access and the bathrooms are a nice luxury :)
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Camp Miranda
J
Julian
November 2025
12 ft campervan
With pets
Weekend Trip to Camp Miranda
The site was lovely - Casey & Bryon maintain a lovely farm beyond the fence of the campground, with ducks and vegetable plots. The camp area is slightly slopes to the river, but very open and with plenty of space to pull in. It was close enough to the little town nearby for us to walk, and also to a 1 mile trailhead of redwoods. The restrooms were clean and the showers quite warm which was very nice for our wintertime stay. 10/10 would book again for this area.
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Jug Handle Creek Nature Center
G
Grace
November 2025
Tent
Weekend Trip to Jug Handle Creek Nature Center
Tent camping was so much fun. We lucked out on the weather and it was beautiful. Very quiet campsites. As well as great clean bathrooms!
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Jug Handle Creek Nature Center
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Katherine
November 2025
Tent
1 night at Jug Handle Creek Nature Center
Spacious sites with plenty of privacy between sites. Beautiful location. Clean and maintained flush toilets were a plus.
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Jug Handle Creek Nature Center
J
J
November 2025
Tent
Group trip
Weekend Trip to Jug Handle Creek Nature Center
Usually camp sites are small and rarely provide plenty of room. We rented #7 for 8 people. Honestly, we could have set up 20 tents it is very large. It is flat, with two large tables, 1 pitfire, running water, and two modern restrooms with a sink, lovely, They offer free wood logs at the entrance of the camp. You are right there, walking distance to the beach on a trail, or you can visit the pine forest. The no-pets policy should be revisited; that is the reason I almost cancel. Restroom code is a good idea, but a surprise when you have no cell reception, it can be a challenge. We ultimately got our access code. Lastly, no one came to bug us, which made us feel comfortable. good quality campsite a few miles from Mendocino, beach etc
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Jug Handle Creek Nature Center
M
Martin
October 2025
Tent
1 night at Jug Handle Creek Nature Center
Jug Handle was exceptional. An historic farm turned conservation center, with trails from camp to the Pygmy Forest, was hard to beat. We enjoyed warm fires surrounded by tanbark oak. The campground is well maintained and is a must-stay if you are looking for a Mendocino getaway!
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Jug Handle Creek Nature Center
L
Larry
October 2025
Tent
1 night at Jug Handle Creek Nature Center
The campground is clean and grassy, and quiet this time of year. The main draw for us is that the location is central to trailheads that lead right from the campground. You want to walk to rugged beaches Mendocino is known for? Less than a mile. You want to go to the fabulous Ecological Staircase, a self-guided walk in geological time. Less than 3 miles. It is not far from other state parks/beaches, and not far from Fort Bragg, now a tourist destination having non-chain restaurants of all kinds.
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Camp Miranda
J
Julie
October 2025
19 ft campervan
With pets
1 night at Camp Miranda
It’s very quiet and surrounded by trees. Conveniently located near 101. Great bathroom and shower facility as well as an outdoor sink if needed to do a few dishes.
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Fort Bragg
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