Best Dispersed Camping near Westport, CA
Dispersed camping near Westport, California features several primitive sites along the rugged coastline. Usal Beach Campground and Usal Beach Overlook provide free beach camping with Pacific Ocean views. Both locations offer tent camping with minimal facilities. The access road from Highway 1 is clearly marked by mile markers but requires vehicles with high clearance. 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."
Vehicle access to these sites demands preparation. The unpaved road to Usal Beach takes approximately 45 minutes from Highway 1 and becomes impassable during wet conditions. Four-wheel drive is strongly recommended, especially in rainy seasons. Several campers noted that recovery equipment is advisable as vehicles frequently become stuck in deep sand. No drinking water is available at these sites, and cellular service is nonexistent. The single pit toilet at Usal Beach Campground is located near the entrance road.
Campers can choose between beach sites and wooded areas at Usal Beach. Campfires are permitted but require proper containment. The area follows true dispersed camping protocols: pack in and pack out all supplies and waste. Wildlife sightings include coyotes and bears, as evidenced by tracks observed by visitors. Summer months bring higher visitation, while fall offers more solitude. As one camper reported, "The place can get crowded during summer months; waiting until fall is recommended." Morning drives along the coastal access road reveal spectacular scenery of the Northern California coastline.
