Maple Camp

For Californians yearning for an authentic wilderness experience, far removed from the paved roads and bustling crowds, Maple Camp offers a rustic and deeply immersive escape into the heart of the King Range National Conservation Area. Located on King Range Road near Whitethorn, this primitive campground is not your typical RV park with amenities, but rather a gateway to the "Lost Coast"—a spectacular and rugged stretch of California's coastline so untamed that Highway 1 was forced inland.

Maple Camp caters to those who are prepared to embrace the backcountry. It's a place where the grandeur of nature takes center stage, and self-sufficiency is key. While some past reviews might describe it as "average" compared to other "mountains," it's crucial to understand that Maple Camp's appeal lies in its raw, undeveloped character and its direct access to some of the most challenging yet rewarding hiking in the state. It offers a unique opportunity to truly disconnect and experience the powerful convergence of towering peaks and the wild Pacific Ocean.

If your idea of a perfect camping trip involves waking up amidst old-growth Douglas fir, tackling strenuous trails, and witnessing breathtaking ridgetop vistas with ocean views, then Maple Camp, within the King Range, should be high on your list. It's a place for adventurers, hikers, and anyone seeking profound solitude in one of California's most remarkable natural landscapes.

Maple Camp is situated within the expansive King Range National Conservation Area (NCA), near the small community of Whitethorn, California. Its address is King Range Rd, Whitethorn, CA 95589, USA. This places it in Humboldt County, on California's northern coast, approximately 230 miles north of San Francisco and 60 miles south of Eureka.

The King Range NCA is famously known as the "Lost Coast" due to its exceptionally rugged terrain, which prevented the construction of major highways like Highway 1. As such, accessibility to Maple Camp is part of the adventure. Roads leading into the King Range NCA, including King Range Road, are often narrow, steep, winding, and can be rough, with potholes and steep shoulders. While main access roads are typically passable by passenger cars during dry seasons, heavy winter storms can cause closures, downed trees, and landslides, making primitive roads challenging. It is always recommended to allow plenty of time for travel, have a full tank of gas, and be alert for oncoming traffic.

Access to Maple Camp specifically involves navigating these interior roads. For instance, to reach areas like King Peak (which Maple Camp is near), one might take King Peak Road off of Briceland/Shelter Cove Road. Maple Camp is typically accessed via the King Crest Trail, which requires a hike from a trailhead. A common approach to King Peak and its vicinity is from the south via Redway/Garberville onto Briceland/Shelter Cove Road. The "King Crest Trail" can be accessed by two routes of similar distance from the first intersection after a steady grade climb, with the left route leading to Maple Camp. It's important to note that cell phone reception is very limited to non-existent in much of the King Range NCA, so visitors should plan accordingly and consider carrying an SOS emergency communication device.

Maple Camp, like many campgrounds within the King Range National Conservation Area, is designed for a primitive, backcountry camping experience. The services offered are minimal, reflecting the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) commitment to preserving the area's rustic and semi-primitive qualities. Campers should be fully prepared for self-sufficiency.

• Tent/Trailer Campsites:

• Vault Toilets:

• No Potable Water:

  any water from natural sources must be treated or filtered before consumption.

• Fire Rings (with seasonal restrictions):

• No Hookups:

• First-Come, First-Served Basis:

• Pack It In, Pack It Out:

Maple Camp's features and highlights are intrinsically tied to its location within the stunning and challenging King Range National Conservation Area. It's a destination for those who seek raw, untouched nature.

• Access to King Crest Trail:

• Panoramic Views (Mountain to Ocean):

• Seclusion and Solitude:

• Challenging Hiking and Backpacking:

• Diverse Ecosystems:

• Wildlife Viewing Potential:

• Authentic Backcountry Experience:

Maple Camp is part of the King Range National Conservation Area and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). As a primitive campsite within a vast conservation area, there isn't a direct phone number specifically for Maple Camp itself. For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding conditions, regulations, and any required permits (especially for overnight wilderness use), it is best to contact the BLM's King Range Project Office.

Address: King Range Rd, Whitethorn, CA 95589, USA (General area for King Range NCA access)

The primary contact for the King Range National Conservation Area is:

King Range Visitor Center

768 Shelter Cove Road

Whitethorn, CA 95589

Phone: (707) 986-5400

It is highly recommended to call the King Range Visitor Center or visit the official Bureau of Land Management website for the King Range NCA (blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/california/king-range-national-conservation-area) before planning your trip. This will provide current information on road conditions, trail status (including any closures or hazards like downed trees), water availability, fire restrictions, and any permit requirements for wilderness camping or the Lost Coast Trail. Given the remote nature of the area, having the most current information is crucial for a safe and enjoyable visit.

For California locals, Maple Camp within the King Range National Conservation Area offers a truly distinctive and powerful wilderness experience that sets it apart from many other camping destinations in the state. While some may find its primitive nature less "good" than more developed mountain resorts, its true value lies in its raw, untamed beauty – a characteristic that deeply resonates with the adventurous spirit of many Californians.

This isn't a place for casual car camping; it's a destination for those who are prepared to hike, to be self-sufficient, and to embrace the rugged beauty of the "Lost Coast." For locals, it represents a rare opportunity to disconnect entirely from the constant hum of urban life and immerse themselves in an environment where nature reigns supreme. The stunning, strenuous trails leading to breathtaking panoramic views of both mountains and the Pacific Ocean provide an unparalleled sense of accomplishment and awe.

Maple Camp is perfectly suited for Californians who appreciate challenging hikes, seek profound solitude, and are committed to Leave No Trace principles. It offers a chance to explore a truly unique geological and ecological region – one that resisted development and remains a testament to California's wild heart. For those who understand and value such primitive, yet deeply rewarding, outdoor experiences, Maple Camp is not just a campground; it’s an unforgettable adventure into one of the state's most magnificent and least-trodden natural treasures.

Maple Camp

King Range Rd, Whitethorn, CA 95589, USA