The camping spots near Caspar, California stretch across a 20-mile section of coastline between Albion and Fort Bragg, offering varied terrain from coastal bluffs to redwood forests. Summer daytime temperatures typically range from 55-65°F, while winter sees frequent fog and light rainfall. Most campgrounds in this region require payment by cash or check, and cell service can be spotty between the coastal highway and inland forest areas.
What to do
Explore sea caves and tidepools: At Mackerricher State Park Campground, you can watch sea lions and explore coastal formations. "Short walk to the beach where ocean kayaking is common. Only a few minutes away from Mendocino," notes a camper who appreciated the convenient ocean access.
Visit a pygmy forest: The unique pygmy tree forest near Van Damme State Park Campground makes for an interesting day trip. "The Ranger suggested we check out a nearby Pygmy Tree Forest as a point of interest it was pretty cool and definitely worth checking out," reports one visitor who enjoyed this unusual natural phenomenon.
Blackberry picking: In fall, wild blackberries line many hiking trails at Mackerricher State Park. "In the fall the main trail is lined with fresh blackberries, and no matter where you are you can hear the ocean when you fall asleep," shares a regular visitor who has found seasonal harvesting a highlight.
River and ocean activities: At Navarro Beach, campers enjoy both freshwater and saltwater recreation. "The Navarro River flows into the Pacific here, and this is a great site to watch seals in the ocean and otters in the river. People build incredible driftwood structures on the beach."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Pomo RV Park & Campground offers unusual site separation. "Very private sites divided by hedges. Sites are fairly large and very well maintained," says one camper about the landscaping that creates secluded spaces despite the campground's proximity to town.
Hot showers after beach days: The shower facilities at Russian Gulch State Park Campground receive consistent praise. "This is a lovely, peaceful campsite with so many positives. Great hiking trails, a small protected beach, helpful camp host, and well-maintained showers and flush toilets," notes a visitor who appreciated the clean facilities.
Wildlife viewing: Many campers value the natural encounters possible at Russian Gulch. "This is a great site to watch seals in the ocean and otters in the river," mentions one camper who enjoyed the multiple wildlife viewing opportunities.
Forest camping with beach access: Campers appreciate how Van Damme offers both environments. "The campground sits in a deep narrow valley of trees with a stream running through just across highway 1 from a beach. The bathrooms are good and clean."
What you should know
Weather conditions: Coastal fog is common year-round but especially in summer. A camper at Van Damme observed: "Campground can be foggy in summer months, but is very close to the beach where ocean kayaking is common."
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds fill quickly, especially on weekends. At Jackson Demonstration Forest, "I drove up on a Friday in July and was able to get a spot at Dunlap campground. The campground filled up by 5:00 Friday night and stayed full the rest of the weekend."
Budget considerations: Camping costs vary widely in the area. At Navarro Beach, a camper noted: "Price is steep $35 for not having water or regularly cleaned toilets."
Site differences: Within the same campground, site quality can vary significantly. At Russian Gulch, "Some of the sites aren't as private, so it's worth checking a map before booking. I stayed in 27, which was a beautiful spot, but the sites on that side of the creek get almost no sun during the day, so everything was a little damp all the time."
Tips for camping with families
Best swimming beaches: For safer swimming with children, look for protected coves. "Russian Gulch has a small protected beach which never appears crowded. You do have road noise but it really is not bad," advises a regular visitor with kids.
Group camping options: Several campgrounds offer dedicated group areas. At Caspar Beach RV Park & Campground, "The tent sites are beautiful and secluded at the end of the road... there was a great fire ring and picnic table at the site."
Entertainment considerations: Some campgrounds provide extra amenities for families. At Pomo Campground, "They have a good supply of books/games that you can borrow from the main office."
Wildlife cautions: Teach children about local wildlife encounters. At Russian Gulch, "There were giant yellow banana slugs all over, which was pretty neat to see."
Tips from RVers
RV site selection: At Woodside RV Park, experienced RVers recommend careful site selection. "From the outside, it looks just like a run down trailer park, but RV sites are decent. Manager is super sweet so she earned this rating an extra star!"
Hook-up limitations: Many campgrounds offer partial hookups only. At Harbor RV Park, "What you get is a space to park, water, electric and sewage. Was told has Wi-Fi but I have not found it."
Size restrictions: Large RVs face challenges at most coastal campgrounds. At Pomo Campground, "The loops are well laid out but would be tight for a longer RV to come into."
Dump station access: Not all campgrounds with RV sites have dump stations. At Van Damme, "The main campground has a sanitary dump station and potable water, the beach parking lot has vault toilets."
