Top Free Dispersed Camping near Branscomb, CA
Planning a dispersed camping trip near Branscomb? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your California excursion.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Branscomb, CA (3)
1. Usal Beach Campground
9 Reviews•49 Photos•312 SavesROADS MAY BE IMPASSABLE IN WET WEATHER. RV'S & TRAILERS NOT RECOMMENDED.
Sinkyone Wilderness State Park lies on the southern portion of the Lost Coast, a 60-mile stretch of wilderness comprising the park and the King Range National Conservation Area.
For thousands of years before the first Europeans arrived, the Sinkyone Indians lived on this part of the coast. They occupied permanent villages beside streams and rivers, and moved out in family groups to hunt and forage in the hills during the summer. They fished, gathered seaweed and shellfish, hunted seals and sea lions, and harvested the occasional dead whale washed on shore. All kinds of fish were caught, but the seasonal salmon run was especially important.
Today, the Lost Coast Trail follows the whole length of the rugged Sinkyone coastline. Gray whales pass by during the winter and early spring. Roosevelt elk roam the grasslands. Sea lions and harbor seals hang out in rocky coves. It’s an arresting landscape, with canyons, arches, tide pools, sea stacks, seasonal wildflowers, waterfalls, and dark sand beaches. On a sunny day, the sea looks turquoise, giving the park tropical feeling.
Some aspects of the Sinkyone keep crowds away. Its trails are steep and its campgrounds are primitive. There’s no potable water, and you have to haul out your own trash. When wet, the park’s twisting dirt roads are impassable for passenger cars. More than a few visitors have had to stay an extra day or two because a mudslide or fallen tree closed their route home. “The Sinkyone lets you go when it wants to let you go,” a park ranger says. In other words, it’s a real wilderness.
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
- Toilets
2. Mayacmas Campground
1 Review•1 Photo•45 SavesAccessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads. Learn more: https://www.campendium.com/camping/boondocking-101/
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
Recent Dispersed Reviews In Branscomb
12 Reviews of 3 Branscomb Campgrounds
- J
John L.
Guide
Usal Beach Campground
Lost Coast Trail
I’ve heard that this place can get crowded during the summer months I’m glad we waited until fall Definitely off the beaten path We were here on a Thursday night on our way to shelter cove via Usal rd
Monique F.
TravelerUsal Beach Campground
Worth the long drive
It was our first time dispersed camping. We fell in LOVE!! The 45 min dirt road was filled with amazing views early morning. Will definitely be coming back here more often.
Connor M.GuideUsal Beach Campground
Beach Camping!
The road was a bit rougher than expected (took us roughly 45 min from the paved road to camp). People made it down in mini vans but I personally wouldn’t try it. We stayed over a weekend and there was several groups but still plenty of areas to camp. T-Mobile had 0 service.
samuel C.
RangerUsal Beach Campground
Amazing
Very long road but absolutely wonderful site. It’s literally your own private beach for the night.
- MMatthew S.Guide
Usal Beach Campground
Long road in but worth it
Best camping spot of our trip. The road in is a long and windy road but the site is worth the drive. We got there at night but the windy road did not deter us. Camped on the beach with the woods to our backs. Saw some coyotes when setting up camp, but they didn't mind us. Most beautiful sunrise in the morning and saw mama and baby bear prints on the sand. The morning drive out was gorgeous.
Chris N.GuideUsal Beach Campground
The Marriage Of Land & Sea
It was easy to find the access road by the mile marker on Hwy. 1.
The road itself is rough and could be very unsettling for anyone trying to do this trip in a vehicle without good off-road clearance. The ruts can be big and cause bottoming out of street cars. For the most part, the road is easy, but challenging in some spots and skinny. You may have to make way or room for oncoming vehicles.
The area has plenty of campsites and fires are allowed. You can choose to shelter in the wooded areas or setup right on the beach. Beware of the deep sand. Lots of folks get stuck here, so drive carefully.
I loved this place, but so many people know about it. Prepare for neighbors sharing the area. Still it was secluded enough to really enjoy.
What do I have to say about it further? Dude! It's Northern CA. It's the Pacific Ocean. It's a dream combo you can only experience by being there. Love this place and keep it clean!
- RRobert S.Guide
Usal Beach Campground
One of my favorites!
I started coming around the end of March. The trail can be a little rough if it’s been raining. Had to pull someone out last trip, which made the adventure even better! I recommend 4x4 during the wet seasons and some recovery gear just in case.
Patricia Y.Guide
Mayacmas Campground
Very steep
The ride up was rough. The views made it all worth it. The camp site was not an option for me. I need something semi level to navigate.
- cchrista
ScoutUsal Beach Campground
Not an easy road - but so worth it
We drove our awe small hatchback car - almost didn’t make it over one of the first huge road breakups - but we pushed through & found the beach at the end - I would fo back if I felt more confident in my car/ was driving a vehicle with better tires and higher clearance - it was glorious
Ryan T.ScoutUsal Beach Campground
Great Campground, Hellish Drive if not Prepared
Picked this campsite on a whim during a trip up the coast. I was looking for an out of the way coastal campground that was still drivable, and boy, this campground did not disappoint. The road coming into Usal is a pretty messed up mountain road thanks to the fact that it's also used by logging trucks. I would really only recommend this road if you have AWD or 4WD, but we did see a Scion TC come into the campground at one point, so do whatever you feel comfortable with. Once you're down in the campground you'll be rewarded with a fairly secluded beach view and have your choice of either camping on the beach itself or camping in the wooded area a bit further back from the shore. We chose the latter, and even with the number of other parties near us, we were still able to find a fairly secluded spot. The only facility on-site is a single pit toilet that's sort of hidden by the entrance road. As far the fee is concerned, I've seen elsewhere that the camping fee is $25 but if there was a place to even pay that we couldn't find it. All in all, a wonderful campsite with some killer views, just be cautious and prepared for the drive in
- TTracy B.Scout
Pt Arena Lighthouse BLM
No camping allowed
We drove 5 hours to get to this what we thought would be a beautiful ocean view site only to find NO CAMPING signs all over the place. Do not come here and expect to camp
allison W.
LegendPt Arena Lighthouse BLM
Special place in California
I love Pt Arena. The lighthouse is historic and has an incredible past; if you are anywhere near here I absolutely recommend stopping by and taking a tour (get ready for stairs). It’s only $5 a person, dogs are welcome on the premises if not inside the actual lighthouse, and there’s a great gift shop. You can also rent the lighthouse keepers quarters, which I’ve never done but seems like it would be a unique experience. I wish I had factored this into my trip, but of course you need to book them way in advance.
In Pt Arena, you are far from major towns but you have conveniences close at hand and a choice of directions to go, whether it’s down toward Sonoma Valley and the wine country, Point Reyes, or into Anderson Valley (underrated!).
Camping in this area gives you a special place to kick off into areas that most tourists don’t even know about, or don’t get to see through your eyes because they’re tucked away into posh $500/night B&B accommodations. I woke up early because I had to get back to San Francisco and I had Highway 1 almost all to myself. It was one of the most gorgeous, amazing parts of my entire drive.
Guide to Branscomb
Camping near Branscomb, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
What to do:
- Explore the beaches: Many campgrounds, like Westport Union Landing State Beach, provide easy access to stunning beaches. One camper mentioned, "There is a trail down to a wonderful beach for tide pooling and sunrise/sunset walks."
- Hiking: Trails abound in the area. At Van Damme State Park Campground, visitors can enjoy the Fern Canyon Trail, although it was noted that "the day-use area and the Fern Canyon Trail accessed from the campground are currently closed due to storm damage."
- Wildlife watching: Campers at Westport Beach RV Park and Campground have spotted seals and foxes. One review said, "Experiencing wildlife, seal napping on the private beach, and fox napping on a far picnic table."
What campers like:
- Scenic views: Campgrounds like Pomo RV Park & Campground are praised for their beautiful surroundings. A camper noted, "Love that our sites are private and secluded."
- Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. At Richardson Grove State Park Campground, one visitor said, "The restrooms were okay, I didn't bother with the showers which were coin operated."
- Friendly staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of campground staff. A review for Hidden Pines RV Park & Campground highlighted, "Hospitality was really the highlight of this place! Very kind and accommodating."
What you should know:
- Limited hookups: Many campgrounds, like Caspar Beach RV Park & Campground, do not offer full hookups. A camper mentioned, "The spaces for RVs are tight, but we made it work."
- Crowded during peak season: Campgrounds can get busy, especially in summer. One review for Westport Beach RV Park and Campground stated, "The sites are very close to each other and the camp is very busy in the summer."
- Variable site quality: Some sites may not be level or spacious enough for larger tents or RVs. A camper at Van Damme State Park Campground noted, "If you are in a tent you may have a challenge finding a flat enough spot."
Tips for camping with families:
- Choose spacious sites: Look for campgrounds with larger tent areas, like Caspar Beach RV Park & Campground. One camper said, "Tent camping is much more spacious."
- Plan for activities: Make sure to have a list of family-friendly activities. A review for Richardson Grove State Park Campground mentioned, "They had trivia night while we were there on Friday."
- Pack for comfort: Bring extra blankets and pillows for a cozy camping experience. A camper at Pomo RV Park & Campground shared, "Bathrooms are very nice and lots of grass area for kids to play."
Tips from RVers:
- Check site dimensions: Before booking, confirm the size of the RV sites. A review for Van Damme State Park Campground warned, "If you have any trailer at all, you must turn around at the bottom of the hill."
- Be prepared for tight spaces: Some campgrounds have limited space for larger rigs. A camper at Caspar Beach RV Park & Campground noted, "The RV area is packed."
- Use a reliable GPS: Some campgrounds can be tricky to find. A visitor at Usal Beach Campground mentioned, "Campsite is about 40 mins off rt 1 - rock/dirt roads up and down the hills until you get to the beach."
Camping near Branscomb, California, has its quirks, but with the right preparation, you can enjoy a memorable outdoor experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Branscomb, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Branscomb, CA is Usal Beach Campground with a 4.9-star rating from 9 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Branscomb, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 3 dispersed camping locations near Branscomb, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.