Cooskie Campground

For Californians with a thirst for true wilderness adventure, Cooskie Campground stands out as a highly favored and essential stop along the iconic Lost Coast Trail. This isn't a drive-up campground with amenities; it's a primitive, backcountry site deeply embedded in the rugged beauty of the King Range National Conservation Area. Praised by experienced hikers as their "favorite campground on the LCT" and the "best campground to stay the night" while traversing the trail, Cooskie offers a quintessential Lost Coast experience that is both challenging and incredibly rewarding.

Cooskie Campground provides a crucial respite and a beautiful setting for backpackers undertaking the demanding Lost Coast Trail. Its allure lies in its natural features: a reliable water source, breathtaking ocean views from a nearby ridge, and a sense of remote tranquility that is increasingly rare to find. For those who embrace self-sufficiency and the "pack it in, pack it out" ethos, Cooskie offers an unadulterated connection with California's wildest coastline, making it an unforgettable highlight of any Lost Coast adventure. It's a place where the journey and the destination intertwine, delivering a profound sense of accomplishment and awe.

Cooskie Campground is situated directly on the Lost Coast Trail within the King Range National Conservation Area, near Honeydew, CA 95545, USA. It is a key stop for backpackers traversing the highly acclaimed Lost Coast Trail.

Accessibility to Cooskie Campground is exclusively by foot, as it is a backcountry campsite. It is strategically located approximately 8.3 miles south of the northern trailhead at Mattole Beach, or about 13.5 miles north of the southern trailhead at Black Sands Beach in Shelter Cove. This placement makes it a popular first-night stop for those hiking southbound from Mattole, or a suitable second-night stop for northbound hikers. The Lost Coast Trail itself is known for its varied terrain, including deep sand, cobblestones, and sections that are impassable at high tide. Hikers must carefully consult tide charts and plan their travel through these "impassable zones" (particularly between Gitchell Creek and Shelter Cove, and between Punta Gorda and Mattole). The nearest vehicle access points are Mattole Beach (to the north) and Black Sands Beach/Shelter Cove (to the south). There is no direct vehicle access to Cooskie Campground. Overnight permits are mandatory for camping on the Lost Coast Trail and are highly competitive, requiring advance reservations through Recreation.gov, often released six months out. Given the remote nature of the area, cell service is non-existent, making thorough pre-trip planning, including offline maps and emergency preparations, essential.

As a primitive, backcountry campground on a challenging wilderness trail, Cooskie Campground offers minimal services. Campers must be entirely self-sufficient and adhere strictly to Leave No Trace principles.

• Designated Primitive Campsites: Cooskie is a recognized camping zone along the Lost Coast Trail. While there are no numbered individual sites, there are usually several established clearings or flat areas where backpackers can pitch tents.
• Reliable Water Source: One of Cooskie's most significant advantages, and a reason it's a "favorite," is its reliable freshwater source. Cooskie Creek generally provides flowing water for purification, even during drier months. However, all water from the creek must be filtered, purified, or boiled before consumption.
• No Potable Water: There is no treated, potable drinking water available at the campground.
• No Developed Toilets or Facilities: Campers are required to practice Leave No Trace principles for human waste, which means digging catholes at least 200 feet from water sources, trails, and campsites, and packing out all toilet paper.
• No Trash Service: This is a strict "pack it in, pack it out" area. All trash, including food scraps, must be carried out by campers.
• No Picnic Tables or Fire Rings: Official picnic tables or pre-built fire rings are not provided. Campers should be prepared for primitive cooking.
• Bear Canister Requirement: A hard-sided, bear-resistant food canister is mandatory for all overnight campers on the Lost Coast Trail, including at Cooskie Campground. This is essential for protecting food from black bears and other wildlife.
• Fire Restrictions: Campfires are frequently banned during dry seasons due to high fire danger and strong coastal winds. If fires are permitted, a California Campfire Permit is required, and strict adherence to safety guidelines is crucial.
• Permit Required for Overnight Stay: An overnight permit obtained from Recreation.gov is essential for camping at Cooskie.

Cooskie Campground's highlights are deeply intertwined with its stunning natural environment and its role as a key point on the Lost Coast Trail.

• Crucial Overnight Stop: As a relatively early stop for northbound hikers and a mid-point for southbound hikers, Cooskie's strategic location makes it an ideal place to spend the night on the multi-day Lost Coast Trail. Its reliability as a water source is a major advantage.
• "Favorite Campground on the LCT": Many experienced Lost Coast hikers consider Cooskie to be their preferred campsite due to its balance of access to water, views, and relatively protected camping spots.
• Ocean Views from Ridge: A small trail leads up a ridge from the campground, offering spectacular panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the rugged coastline. This vantage point is perfect for enjoying sunsets or simply taking in the vastness of the ocean.
• Place to Cool Off: Cooskie Creek provides a refreshing opportunity to cool off after a long day of hiking, whether by wading in the stream or finding a spot to simply dip your feet.
• Wildlife Abundance: The King Range National Conservation Area is rich in diverse wildlife. Visitors should be vigilant and practice bear safety, as black bears are present. Other wildlife may include various bird species, marine mammals (seals, sea lions, sometimes whales offshore), and other terrestrial animals.
• Coastal Solitude: Despite being a well-known spot on the trail, Cooskie still offers a profound sense of solitude and remoteness, allowing campers to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in the wild coastal environment.
• Redwood Forest Proximity (Indirect): While the immediate area is coastal scrub and riparian, the larger region is home to majestic redwood forests, offering a broader context of California's natural wonders.
• Photographic Opportunities: The dramatic coastline, stunning sunsets, and the interplay of creek and ocean create incredible opportunities for landscape photography.

Since Cooskie Campground is a primitive backcountry campsite managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) within the King Range National Conservation Area, there isn't a direct phone number for the campsite itself. For all information, permits, and current conditions, you should contact the managing BLM office.

Address: Cooskie Campground is a point along the Lost Coast Trail near Honeydew, CA 95545, USA.

Primary Contact for Lost Coast Trail and King Range NCA (Bureau of Land Management - Arcata Field Office):

Phone: (707) 825-2300 (General information and inquiries).

For Lost Coast Trail Permits and Specific Inquiries about Camping/Tides:

The King Range Visitor Center in Shelter Cove is a key resource for visitors. While a direct phone number for the visitor center might not be consistently available, calling the BLM Arcata Field Office (707) 825-2300 is the best approach for detailed information.

Reservations for Lost Coast Trail permits, which are mandatory for overnight stays, are exclusively handled through Recreation.gov.

For Californians, Cooskie Campground is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it's a vital and celebrated waypoint on one of the state's most iconic and challenging backpacking routes. Its suitability for locals lies in its unique position as a gateway to the raw, untamed beauty of the Lost Coast Trail, offering an experience that truly differentiates itself from more accessible, crowded destinations. For residents seeking genuine wilderness immersion and a physical challenge, Cooskie provides the perfect blend.

The consistent praise from experienced LCT hikers as their "favorite" stop underscores its value. This is largely due to its reliable freshwater source, a critical amenity when backpacking in remote areas where water can be scarce. The ability to cool off in the creek after a strenuous day of hiking adds to its appeal. Furthermore, the short trail leading to a ridge offering spectacular ocean views transforms a simple overnight stop into a memorable highlight, providing unparalleled opportunities for reflection and photography.

The primitive nature of Cooskie, with no developed toilets or facilities, reinforces a deep connection to Leave No Trace principles, which resonates with many environmentally conscious Californians. The mandatory bear canister requirement is a testament to the area's wild character and teaches responsible backcountry practices. For locals looking to test their mettle, embrace self-sufficiency, and be rewarded with unparalleled coastal scenery and solitude, Cooskie Campground is an essential and deeply fulfilling part of the Lost Coast adventure. It offers a powerful reminder of California's wild heart, making it a truly suitable and cherished destination for those who call the Golden State home.

Cooskie Campground

Honeydew, CA 95545, USA