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Best Dispersed Camping near Comptche, CA

45 Reviews

Several free dispersed camping areas surround the Comptche region along the northern California coast. Usal Beach Campground, rated highly for its secluded coastal setting, offers beach and wooded campsites accessible via a challenging dirt road. Multiple reviews caution that the 30-minute drive requires high-clearance vehicles, especially after rain. The nearby Usal Beach Overlook provides similar coastal access with less soggy conditions than beachfront sites.

Inland options include BLM Sheldon Creek near Hopland, featuring picnic tables, fire pits, and vault toilets along a winding dirt road. This area has approximately 3-5 campsites near a flowing creek. Cow Mountain Recreation Area near Lakeport offers more rugged dispersed sites with basic toilet facilities. Most dispersed sites in the region provide no drinking water, hookups, or services, requiring self-sufficiency. A camper noted, "As long as you have a capable vehicle and are prepared to provide for your own needs, you'll be ready for Cow."

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Comptche, California (10)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Comptche, CA

35 Photos of 10 Comptche Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Comptche, CA

45 Reviews of 10 Comptche Campgrounds

  • C
    Aug. 9, 2022

    BLM Sheldon Creek

    Pleasant BLM camping, hot in the summer.

    A decent drive off the highway, but a good one. A few nice views. Google maps will not get you there, we followed the directions on this page.

    Only 2 spots up here, maybe 3. But we had it to ourselves on a weeknight. The Bathroom (vault toilet) had toilet paper. There was some water in the creek, but it wasn’t super easy to access. 

    The site itself is nothing special, just a couple of pullouts in the woods. Probably very hot during the day since you’re up on a ridge. Can’t beat free though.

  • Chris N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2024

    Usal 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!

  • SpentBrassOffroad B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 13, 2025

    Usal Beach Overlook

    Best Beach Site To Date

    The trail in is basically an old mountain pass logging road that isn't maintained the best. It's narrow in spots and steep grade. I towed my offroad camper up without issue but its only 13ft long. I wouldn't advise anything much larger then 18ft. I did have to use 4x4 on some of the grades due to the trailer but if just in a vehicle it would be pretty easy. It would definitely present a challenge if it has just rained or was raining. It's true dispersed camping of pack in and pack it out. There's no facilities or trash. Plenty of space to spread out. Don't forget to air down those tires when going out on the beach. I would definitely come back to this one. Also the internet test was based on my Starlink not cell service. I have Verizion and had no service here.

  • Seth M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 7, 2024

    Usal Beach Overlook

    Amazing Views

    Great views — and often less soggy than down below on the water and beach. Only drawback is proximity to the access road and a bit exposed.

  • kThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 9, 2023

    BLM Sheldon Creek

    FREE BLM campground - travel trailers not advised

    Tow behinds/trailers not recommended; rough roads and can’t turn back once on the path.

    Otherwise 10/10 for our truck camper, had the place to ourselves for the 4th of July weekend, beautiful fresh water creek running through, great toilet & even a fire pit with abundance of wood around.

    There are about 4/5 sites, only 2 with actual fire pits.

    Please keep it amazing by keeping it clean.

    FREE

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Usal Beach Campground

    Usal Beach

    Pretty remote but great if that’s what you’re looking for. 30 minute drive up rocky dirt road in forest to get down there. Not many rules. Don’t get stuck in sand. Pick up trash please lots of firework junk and stuff

  • Monique F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2024

    Usal 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.

  • Summer A.
    Jul. 17, 2022

    BLM Sheldon Creek

    Perfect Spot!

    Sheldon Creek is a BLM campsite up a winding dirt/gravel road. We drove a 4WD vehicle, but most cars should be able to handle the journey up. Signs will direct you in the right direction, and lead you to a campground with spots to pitch tents or park/hangout. There are even picnic tables, fire pits, and bathrooms. I didn’t get a chance to check out the bathrooms, but they looked decent. We only had one neighbor who seemed pretty friendly, which was a relief as you’re pretty far out in a remote area. Overall this is a beautiful spot where we felt safe. Would definitely recommend!

  • Ryan T.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 26, 2023

    Usal 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

Guide to Comptche

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Comptche, California, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, campers can enjoy the great outdoors while embracing the freedom of camping without designated sites.

Dispersed campers should check out Mayacmas Campground

  • Mayacmas Campground is known for its stunning views, making the rough ride worthwhile for those who appreciate nature's beauty.
  • While it lacks amenities like drinking water and electric hookups, the freedom to have fires and the allowance for pets make it a great choice for adventurous campers.
  • The site is free and does not require a permit, allowing for a spontaneous getaway without the hassle of reservations.

Top activities while free camping near Comptche

  • At Cow Mountain Rec Area Dispersed, off-road enthusiasts can enjoy a tech course perfect for buggies and rock crawlers, providing an adrenaline rush amidst beautiful scenery.
  • For those who love hiking, the area around Usal Beach Campground offers access to the Lost Coast Trail, which is less crowded in the fall, making it ideal for peaceful exploration.
  • Campers can also enjoy fishing and wildlife watching at BLM Sheldon Creek, where the tranquil creek setting enhances the outdoor experience.

Scenic attractions for dispersed campers

  • The breathtaking views from Lakeview Dispersed Campground provide a perfect backdrop for photography enthusiasts and those looking to unwind in nature.
  • Visitors to Clear Lake View Point Dispersed can enjoy stunning sunsets and starry nights, making it a memorable spot for night owls and stargazers.
  • The peaceful environment at Grizzly Flat Dispersed Campground allows for a true escape into nature, where campers can reconnect with the outdoors and enjoy the sounds of wildlife.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Comptche, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Comptche, CA is Usal Beach Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 11 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Comptche, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 10 dispersed camping locations near Comptche, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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