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Black Sands Beach, Shelter Cove, California 2019-09-25-1📷 Alexey Komarov, CC BY-SA 4.0

Black Sands Beach

Shelter Cove, CA

Nature

Dark sand and surf below the King Range, the southern end of the Lost Coast Trail. The waves are dangerous; admire them from dry sand.

Nearest town
Shelter Cove, CA
Category
Nature & parks
GPS
40.0469, -124.0784

Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.

Good to know

Best time to go

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

The most pleasant months are usually June–July and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April–May, August and October–November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

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The Lost Coast and Shelter Cove – East Brother Light on an early morning in March© Frank Schulenburg · CC BY-SA 3.0
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Campsites nearby

  • KOA BenbowMotorhome stopover
    15 mi from Black Sands Beach
    MotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip
  • Hidden Springs CampgroundCampsite
    19 mi from Black Sands Beach · 137 pitches
    TentsCaravansShowersToiletsDogs allowed
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip
  • Cuneo Creek Horse CampCampsite
    20 mi from Black Sands Beach
    Drinking waterShowersToiletsDogs allowed
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip
  • Hike-Bike CampCampsite
    20 mi from Black Sands Beach · 3 pitches
    TentsDrinking waterShowersToiletsDogs allowed
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip
  • Burlington CampgroundCampsite
    20 mi from Black Sands Beach · 54 pitches
    TentsCaravansShowersToiletsDogs allowed
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip
  • Albee Creek CampgroundCampsite
    21 mi from Black Sands Beach · 40 pitches
    TentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersToiletsDogs allowed
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip

All campsites in California · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026

FAQs

Where is Black Sands Beach?

Black Sands Beach is in Shelter Cove, CA, at GPS 40.0469, -124.0784. It is about 14 mi from Honeydew.

Can you camp near Black Sands Beach?

Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Shelter Cove RV Park and Campground, about 2 mi away; within 25 mi there are 45 campsites and motorhome stopovers.

Which road trips pass Black Sands Beach?

Black Sands Beach is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: The Lost Coast and Shelter Cove.

What is there to see near Black Sands Beach?

Places worth a stop nearby: Avenue of the Giants (19 mi), Punta Gorda Lighthouse (20 mi), Glass Beach (43 mi) and Mendocino Village (53 mi).

When is the best time to visit Black Sands Beach?

The most pleasant months are usually June–July and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April–May, August and October–November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)