Dispersed camping near Little River, California provides access to rugged coastal settings, redwood forests, and off-road recreation areas. The region features steep terrain with significant elevation changes between 200-1,000 feet across BLM sites. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-75°F with coastal fog common in morning hours and significant rainfall between November and March.
What to do
Beach exploration: Usal Beach offers a remote coastal experience where campers can observe wildlife and collect driftwood. According to Jake S., "6 miles of potholes, rough dirt road and some deep puddles and you'll find a beautiful sandy beach with camping spots above the tide and some in the trees for privacy." Many visitors report seeing wildlife tracks, including one camper who noted, "Saw mama and baby bear prints on the sand."
Creek relaxation: At Sheldon Creek, visitors can enjoy a woodland creek setting. Summer A. reports, "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." Patricia Y. mentioned the natural attractions: "Had deer, butterflies, and humming birds all around us. Babbling brook, cool and comfortable in mid-October."
Off-road adventures: For technical driving enthusiasts, Cow Mountain Rec Area offers challenging terrain. Jeanette C. notes, "Love taking our Rock crawler up to cow. Lots of obstacles." Another review mentions, "Love going to the tech course with our off road buggy. Crawled all over that hill."
What campers like
Isolation and privacy: Many campers appreciate the remote nature of Usal Beach Overlook camping. Seth M. notes, "Great views — and often less soggy than down below on the water and beach." Another camper stated, "We fell in LOVE!! The 45 min dirt road was filled with amazing views early morning."
Natural surroundings: Free BLM sites provide immersion in natural settings. Kenny T. described Sheldon Creek: "Beautiful fresh water creek running through, great toilet and even a fire pit with abundance of wood around." Patricia Y. shared her experience: "It's not too bad of a road up there. Had deer, butterflies, and humming birds all around us."
Morning vistas: Coastal camping offers unique sunrise opportunities. Matthew S. described his Usal Beach experience: "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."
What you should know
Vehicle requirements: Access roads to dispersed sites require appropriate vehicles. SpentBrassOffroad B. advises about Usal Beach Overlook: "The trail in is basically an old mountain pass logging road that isn't maintained the best. 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."
Weather considerations: Weather significantly impacts access and conditions. Daniel B. warns, "You will need at least a quarter of a foot of clearance to make it up the road, it is IMPASSABLE if the road is wet. We saw people getting rescued by firefighters." Robert S. suggests timing: "The trail can be a little rough if it's been raining. I recommend 4x4 during the wet seasons and some recovery gear just in case."
Site limitations: Dispersed campsites have varying levels of development. Carl L. notes about Sheldon Creek: "Only 2 spots up here, maybe 3. But we had it to ourselves on a weeknight. The Bathroom (vault toilet) had toilet paper. Probably very hot during the day since you're up on a ridge."
Tips for camping with families
Timing matters: For family visits, consider seasonal factors. John L. shared about Usal Beach: "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."
Bathroom considerations: Facilities vary widely between sites. Iliana A. warns about Sheldon Creek: "You might want to be prepared to dig your own toilet though as the toilet set up was completely infested with spiders."
Wildlife awareness: Prepare children for potential wildlife encounters. According to Matthew S., "We got there at night but the windy road did not deter us. Saw some coyotes when setting up camp, but they didn't mind us."
Tips from RVers
Length restrictions: Mayacmas Campground and similar sites have terrain limitations. Patricia Y. notes: "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."
Towing challenges: Small trailers only at most dispersed sites. Kenny T. advises: "Tow behinds/trailers not recommended; rough roads and can't turn back once on the path. Otherwise 10/10 for our truck camper."
Size limitations: SpentBrassOffroad B. shares specific guidance: "I towed my offroad camper up without issue but its only 13ft long. I wouldn't advise anything much larger then 18ft."
