Lost Coast Camping (Non-Yak)

One of my Army buddies just got through a rough patch regarding his health.  He's feeling well enough to want to get back to nature, but nothing too strenuous.  My plan is to turn it into a mini-reunion for the old squad.

One of the guys recommended the Lost Coast, but he hasn't been up there since he was a kid and the rest of us have never been. 

Searching the forums gave me Bear Cove, Usal Beach, and Shelter Cove.  Considering we'd be headed out in late October, which is the best choice?  I'm expecting the vote to be more of a car camping/chilling weekend, but I don't think a 3 mile hike is out of the question if the destination is worth it. 

Also, for any of the three spots listed, is parking going to be an issue?  Thanks in advance.

Cool trip - sounds worthwhile.

Bear Harbor - it's hike-in-only ever since the road washed out a few years ago - too much work for anyone but the insanely hardcore on a specific mission (SRJ   ).

Usal - could be the ticket - secluded, rustic, but can also lack stuff to do and some basic comforts if you're not totally camp-dialed.

Shelter Cove - can't go wrong!  Camp at the campground, explore the Cove, the tidepools below the lighthouse, the southern trailhead to the Lost Coast at Black Sands Beach, and a number of hikes up in the King Range.  Not to mention the offshore fishing!  Call me and I'll get down there to take your buddies out for a chance at salmon, halibut thresher and plenty of out of season ling and rock bycatch.

Seriously, whether I'm in on it or not, you should go to the Cove.

Have fun.   

+1 on the cove, this year was the first trip for my wife and I for GS8. Now it is all I think about !!!!
Great place and perfect for camp and chill, or even better a little fishing. The cove is truly a special
place !!!!!
Jeff

I highly recommend the Cove!

I should've mentioned too that while you can rough it as much as you want at the campground, there is also a great deal of good food and necessities available right there too.  Shelter Cove is where it's at.

THE COVE!!!!! So much to do and see there. You must drive though "Avenue of the Giants" on the way there or home; its only a few miles up the road.

If you need amenities go for the cove. Otherwise I suggest Usal, that remote fern valley campground is really special. If you have a 4wd I suggest camping along the stream on the far left headed toward the beach. It's a secluded campsite and plenty of room for a group. If there is enough water you can catch some decent native brookies in stream especially under the bridge and lots of tully elk photo ops. Good luck n I'm sure you guys will have a great time wherever you end up camping.

Mike

Thanks guys.  Looks like Shelter Cove is the safest bet. 

Wingshooter, thanks for the info about Usal.  I might head up early to check it out.  It sounds awesome!

Also, how's the weather in late October?

Also, how's the weather in late October?

Usually nice, chilly/frosty at night, warm during the day.  Not always though.  It can rain.  Hard.

There's also the BLM campground at the mouth of the Mattole.  It's a drive-in on the beach.  Nice place.....not fancy or anything, though.