Availability
Gitchell Creek is mapped at or near the camp-area marker. This is map evidence, not a real-time flow report.
Backpacking camp
South Coast camp area
Lost Coast / King Range, California
About this place
South Coast is an official itinerary area, permit zone, or source-backed named overnight reference represented by a reachable point on the pinned agency trail network in Lost Coast / King Range.
The marker is a route-access reference, not a tent pad. Move off the trail only where travel is permitted, remain inside the authorized zone, and choose a legal durable site under every current setback and closure.
Water planning
Water at this camp
Natural water at or near this camp areaDrinking safety
Natural water is not verified potable. Filter and disinfect it or boil it according to the linked land-manager guidance before drinking.
Seasonality
Gitchell Creek is classified as perennial in USGS hydrography, but current flow still must be confirmed.
- Gitchell CreekRiver or stream · at the camp areaMapped perennial source — verify current flow · Treat before drinkingOfficial source
Fire planning
Campfire & stove rules
Allowed only when King Range restrictions permitCampfires
When no seasonal order prohibits them, use an existing fire ring with dead, downed wood and never build a new ring. During King Range fire restrictions, no campfires are allowed—even on the beach and even with a permit.
Backpacking stoves
Stove requires a permit and a current-order check. A drought or emergency order can prohibit camp stoves. Use a controlled-fuel stove only when the current King Range order permits it.
Permit
Carry a valid California Campfire Permit for any allowed campfire or stove.
Current restrictions
King Range restrictions are seasonal and can include a stove ban. Check the BLM page or contact the King Range office immediately before departure.
Seasonal access
Closures & seasonal access
The King Range is open year-round, but winter storms and swell can make the coastal route impossible even at a nominally low tidePlace closure
No recurring date-based closure of South Coast is published. The source-connected approach conditions below and temporary emergency orders still control access.
Seasonal access
Source-connected approaches: Mattole Trailhead, Black Sands Beach Trailhead. The King Range is open year-round, but winter storms and swell can make the coastal route impossible even at a nominally low tide. Main roads are normally passenger-car accessible except during severe storms; primitive roads may close seasonally.
Before driving
Check tides, swell, weather, creek levels, landslides, shuttle status, and the current King Range roads-and-trails report immediately before travel.
Mapped approaches
Choose a trailhead for South Coast camp area
Each option has a sourced trail route to this camp area. Choose one to open its itinerary builder with this destination in context.
- Black Sands Beach Trailhead3.5 mi awayView trailheadBuild from here
- Mattole Trailhead19.7 mi awayView trailheadBuild from here
Map
Loading map
- Latitude
- 40.093685° N
- Longitude
- 124.102281° W