Best Tent Camping near Westport, CA

Tent campsites along the rugged Northern California coastline near Westport offer a mix of established and dispersed camping options. Usal Beach Campground provides primitive tent camping directly on the beach or in wooded areas, while Jackson Demonstration Forest offers secluded tent sites approximately 6 miles from Fort Bragg on Highway 20. King Range Conservation Area provides backcountry tent camping opportunities with access to the famous Lost Coast Trail.

Road access to many tent camping areas requires careful planning, particularly at Usal Beach where high-clearance vehicles are strongly recommended. A recent review noted, "The road coming into Usal is a pretty messed up mountain road. I would really only recommend this road if you have AWD or 4WD." Most tent campgrounds feature basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables, but limited or no drinking water. Vault toilets are available at most established sites, though Usal Beach has only a single pit toilet near the entrance. Seasonal considerations include potential road closures during wet weather and fire restrictions during summer and fall.

Tent campers at these locations experience significant privacy despite occasional weekend crowds. The forested sites at Jackson Demonstration Forest provide ample shade and protection from coastal winds, while beach camping at Usal offers dramatic ocean views. According to one visitor, "We were able to find a fairly secluded spot. Even with the number of other parties near us." Wildlife sightings are common, with reports of bears, coyotes, deer, and various bird species. Many tent sites serve as excellent basecamps for hiking, with direct trail access from campgrounds like Nadelos in the King Range Conservation Area. Fall and spring typically offer the best balance of favorable weather and lower visitor numbers for tent camping in this region.

Best Tent Sites Near Westport, California (24)

    1. Usal Beach Campground

    10 Reviews
    Leggett, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 247-3318

    "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."

    "The road in is a long and windy road but the site is worth the drive. We got there at night but the windy road did not deter us. Camped on the beach with the woods to our backs."

    2. Jackson Demonstration Forest

    3 Reviews
    Caspar, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 964-5674

    "Jackson State Demonstration forest is about 6 miles from fort Bragg on hwy.20 Campground is about 3 miles down a dirt road down into the forest from the highway.

    Beautiful, clean and peaceful."

    "Each camp has a picnic table, fire pit and a bbq. Dump lap has 17 spots and a vaulted toilet. There was a small creek behind the campground which was nice."

    3. Jughandle Creek Farm

    1 Review
    Caspar, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 745-7302

    $45 / night

    "It was the perfect spot to set up two(or more) tents. There was a great fire ring and picnic table at the site. "

    4. Dunlap Campground

    5 Reviews
    Comptche, CA
    23 miles
    Website

    "3 sites are currently closed due to COVID to encourage social distancing; sites fill up quickly on weekends; no on-site camp host, but Cal Fire does come through to write receipts and pick up trash."

    5. King Range Conservation Area

    4 Reviews
    Whitethorn, CA
    29 miles
    Website

    "A pay by the day and rangers will enforce. Dress in layers. Nestled in with large pieces of driftwood trees acting as berms between your campsite and the beach sand."

    "When we were there a few years ago, there was no water available because illegal pot growers had "poached" the park's water for their crops, forcing the BLM to shut down the water system."

    6. Paul M. Demmick Campground — Navarro River Redwoods State Park

    6 Reviews
    Navarro, CA
    34 miles
    +1 (707) 937-5804

    $10 - $35 / night

    "Shaded, peaceful and lovely. We arrived early afternoon in August on a Saturday and found a nice empty spot no problem. The remaining spots mostly filled up by Saturday evening."

    "Although Hwy 128 runs parallel to it (and not far away), there isn’t much traffic going by so road noise isn’t a bother."

    7. Nadelos Campground

    1 Review
    Whitethorn, CA
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 986-5400

    "Campsite had access to a few different foot paths which we didn’t explore too far down but certainly seemed nice. Pit toilets were fine by pit toilet standards."

    8. Horse Mountain Campground

    1 Review
    Whitethorn, CA
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 986-5400

    9. COE Mendocino Lake Bu-Shay Campground

    2 Reviews
    Mendocino Lake, CA
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 467-4200

    10. Surveyor Campground

    1 Review
    Covelo, CA
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 983-6118

    "As you pass thru a off road vehicle area on way up to campsite.

    Lett's Lake was closed due to a prior fire. But the upside is that the Forrest service has provided free stacks of wood."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 24 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Westport, CA

536 Reviews of 24 Westport Campgrounds



Guide to Westport

Tent camping near Westport, California, offers a unique blend of coastal beauty and outdoor adventure, perfect for nature enthusiasts looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Enjoy stunning beach access and campfires at Usal Beach Campground, where you can set up right on the sand or in the nearby forest.
  • Explore the scenic trails and mountain biking routes around Dunlap Campground, which is known for its beautiful surroundings and proximity to Fort Bragg.
  • Experience the tranquility of Nadelos Campground, where you can hike various footpaths and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the King Range National Conservation Area.

Tent campers should check out local wildlife

  • At Horse Mountain Campground, you might spot deer and other wildlife while enjoying the serene, unmaintained surroundings.
  • Keep an eye out for coyotes and bear prints at Usal Beach Campground, where the natural habitat is rich with diverse fauna.
  • Witness the beauty of the redwoods and the Noyo River at Paul M. Demmick Campground, a great spot for observing local wildlife in a lush setting.

Tent camping features to enjoy

  • Jughandle Creek Farm offers well-maintained sites with picnic tables and fire rings, perfect for a cozy camping experience.
  • Experience the rustic charm of Jackson Demonstration Forest, where you can enjoy a peaceful environment with access to hiking trails and a creek.
  • Camp at King Range Conservation Area for a unique experience with no amenities, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Westport, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Westport, CA is Usal Beach Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 10 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Westport, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 24 tent camping locations near Westport, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.