Located along California's scenic Mendocino coastline, Caspar offers campers easy access to both redwood forests and Pacific beaches. The area maintains a moderate coastal climate with summer temperatures averaging 65°F and frequent morning fog. Most campgrounds near Caspar sit within a 15-minute drive of both Fort Bragg and Mendocino, providing convenience while maintaining a wilderness feel.
What to do
Forest hiking: Russian Gulch State Park Campground has extensive trails directly accessible from campsites. "The hiking at this park is stellar. If heading to the northern CA coast again this will definitely deserve more nights- peaceful, clean, and lots of explore in the park/area," notes Sara S. The nearby Pygmy Tree Forest is particularly unique and worth exploring.
Beach exploration: Mackerricher State Park Campground offers excellent coastal access and tide pools. "The campground is adjacent to the beach. You can hear the ocean and sometimes catch peeks of the ocean from the campground," shares Mea H. "Sunset was fantastic and at sunrise, sea lions were out playing and sunning on rocks which were fun to watch," adds another camper.
Freshwater activities: At Navarro Beach Campground, visitors enjoy a unique setting where river meets ocean. "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," explains Norma Y. The river provides calmer water for kayaking compared to the rougher ocean conditions.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Van Damme State Park Campground offers secluded camping spots. "The campsites are so beautiful and surrounded by trees. We couldn't even see our neighbor, it was private and secluded," reports Christina H. Many campers appreciate the separation between sites for a more wilderness feel.
Wildlife viewing: Russian Gulch State Park provides excellent nature observation opportunities. "Serene, beautiful, clean bathrooms, spacious tucked away off the hwy we were surprised by the sound of babbling creek and the little bridges that meanders through this campground," notes a recent visitor. Multiple reviews mention the peaceful creek and wildlife viewing.
Proximity to services: Pomo RV Park & Campground provides convenience while feeling remote. "Right on the outskirts of Fort Bragg, CA. Very private sites, each site has shrubbery around it. It feels like you are in a world by itself," shares Loren P. This balance of seclusion and convenience appears in many positive reviews.
What you should know
Showers and facilities: Most state parks require tokens for showers. "Showers require tokens. This seems pretty standard in California State Parks. One token gives 4 minutes of showering. Each token is $1," explains Mea H. at Mackerricher State Park. Similar systems exist at most coastal campgrounds.
Reservation systems vary: Some campgrounds require advance planning while others are first-come. "The campground can be foggy in summer months, but is very close to the beach where ocean kayaking is common. Only a few minutes away from Mendocino," notes Maureen C. about Van Damme State Park.
Dog policies: Jackson Demonstration Forest offers dog friendly camping with fewer restrictions than state parks. "Beautiful, clean and peaceful. Plenty of trails to explore and Noyo River meanders through the center," shares a camper. Dogs are allowed on more trails here than at nearby state parks.
Tips for camping with families
Best beach access: Navarro Beach Campground provides excellent options for families. "The beach is really close which was nice for an evening stroll. The group site was large enough with multiple picnic tables and a large square fire ring/bbq," shares Brian K. The proximity makes it easier with children.
Protected swimming areas: For safer water play, consider Russian Gulch. "A stream runs through camp and empties on to the beach," notes a camper. These calmer waters offer alternatives to the dangerous surf at some beaches.
Weather preparation: Morning coastal fog is common and temperatures can drop significantly at night. "Area was pretty damp so a little chilly because of that," reports a camper at Russian Gulch. Bring warm layers even in summer months.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: Hidden Pines RV Park & Campground has variable site sizes. "Book spot #10 which is the largest and has a good view. Other spots on the outside of the upper loop are good too," advises Theo A. This detail helps when navigating tight coastal campgrounds.
Hook-up availability: Full hookup sites are limited in the area. "The sites have privacy in the fact that there are hedges grown between each one, unless you book a group site," explains Hannah S. about Pomo Campground. Many campgrounds offer electric and water but not sewer connections.
Narrow campground roads: Several dog friendly campgrounds near Caspar have challenging access. "Close to town, ocean access. Nice private spaces divided by hedges. Sites are fairly large and very well maintained. Only negative I have is the roads in the campground are narrow," reports Scott P. about Pomo Campground.
