Best Dispersed Camping near Caspar, CA
Dispersed camping options near Caspar, California include Usal Beach Campground, Usal Beach Overlook, and Cow Mountain Recreation Area. These primitive sites provide direct beach access or forest settings with minimal facilities. Usal Beach Campground features both beach and wooded camping areas with a single pit toilet. The overlook area sits higher with views and less moisture than the beach sites below. Cow Mountain offers more inland terrain with vault toilets and trash service.
Vehicle requirements are critical for accessing these sites. The access road to Usal Beach requires high-clearance vehicles, preferably with 4WD. According to reviews, "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 road becomes impassable when wet, with multiple reports of vehicles requiring rescue. The drive takes approximately 45 minutes from Highway 1, with the entrance marked by a mile marker.
These sites operate on true pack-in, pack-out principles. No drinking water is available at any location. Fires are permitted at Usal Beach and Cow Mountain, but proper containment is essential. Cell service is nonexistent at Usal Beach, with campers reporting zero T-Mobile coverage. Summer months bring higher visitation, particularly at Usal Beach. Several campers noted wildlife sightings including coyotes and bears, with one review mentioning "mama and baby bear prints on the sand." Fall and spring offer more solitude and equally impressive coastal views. Weather conditions can change rapidly along this section of coastline, requiring proper preparation regardless of season.
