Usal Beach Campground

Star4.35
223 reviews
Sinkyone Wilderness State Park, Briceland Thorn Road, Whitethorn, CA 95589

Quick Facts

16 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Usal Beach Campground
$0.00 - $25.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Usal Beach Campground does not currently charge any fees for primitive camping. Environmental and horse camps in the park cost $5 per person per...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Reserve California
Provider
(800) 777-0369interp@parks.ca.gov
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What Campers Say

4.35

Recommended

Based on 223 reviews

208 Google reviews

Most mentioned

beachfriendly

"Usal Beach Campground has mixed reviews, with many praising its natural beauty and beach access but expressing concerns about crowding, noise, unclean facilities, and irresponsible behavior by some visitors. The campground is noted for its primitive nature and rustic experience."

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Campground Map

Sinkyone Wilderness State Park, Briceland Thorn Road, Whitethorn, CA 95589

Usal Beach Campground

Sinkyone Wilderness State Park, Briceland Thorn Road, Whitethorn, CA 95589

Driving directionsThe south end of the wilderness (Usal Beach): Approximately one hour north of Fort Bragg on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) or 15 miles west of Leggett from Highway 101. Look for mile marker 90.88 on PCH. Turn north and drive approximately 6 miles on an unpaved, steep, narrow road.
The road access is rated as challenging with narrow rural roads that are often impassable during wet weather. RVs and trailers are not advisable. Roads may include tight corners, deep ruts, and steep inclines.
Nearby places
Fort Bragg (1 hour north)
Leggett (approximately 15 miles west of Highway 101)
Garberville (36 miles southwest).
Nearby supplies
No stores nearby for miles. Visitors are advised to bring all supplies, including water, food, and fire materials, for their stay.

Best Time to Camp at Usal Beach Campground

Experience the Lost Coast's ever-changing moods throughout the year. Summer mornings begin shrouded in mystical coastal fog that lifts by mid-morning, revealing comfortable temperatures between 45-75°F perfect for beachcombing and hiking. From November through May, Pacific storms bring life-giving rains to this emerald landscape, with temperatures hovering between 35-55°F—ideal weather for watching dramatic storm waves crash against the rugged shoreline while staying cozy in your tent.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Comfortable temps but summer mornings fog and reports of crowding, noise and parties.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall tends to be quieter and still scenic; watch for wet roads in shoulder season.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring noted as quieter and positive by reviewers; good shoulder-season experience.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Open year-round but roads may be impassable in wet weather; wet, stormy coastal winters.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Peak season information not explicitly mentioned.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Accessible year-round, but roads may be impassable during wet weather.
  • Current Alerts: No current alerts.

About Usal Beach Campground

Escape to the untamed beauty of Usal Beach Campground, where the Pacific Ocean meets pristine wilderness in Sinkyone Wilderness State Park. As the park's only drive-in camping destination, this primitive coastal retreat invites adventurers to pitch their tents between rolling meadows and dramatic black sand beaches. Here, dispersed campsites offer an authentic back-to-nature experience where self-sufficiency is key—pack your water and supplies for a true wilderness adventure along California's legendary Lost Coast.
Usal Beach Campground provides primitive camping accommodations for those seeking a rugged outdoor experience. Sites are dispersed, and facilities are minimal.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
No more than 8 people per site.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Usal Beach Campground offers a range of outdoor activities typical of the rugged Lost Coast environment, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and beach exploration. However, the area is noted for its lack of organized or developed recreational facilities.
HikingUsal Beach serves as a trailhead for the Lost Coast Trail, which spans 22 miles within Sinkyone Wilderness State Park. The trail is rugged, strenuous, and not suitable for beginners.
Wildlife viewingCampers at Usal Beach may encounter Roosevelt elk, bears, otters, whales, and various bird species. The park is noted for its rich biodiversity and marine life.
Beach activitiesBeach camping and exploration are popular at Usal Beach. Visitors can camp directly on the beach or explore its rugged coastline.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRoads may be impassable during wet conditions. Wildlife like bears and elk can pose risks. Fire season increases the danger of fireworks and campfires.
Active AlertsNo current alerts.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Usal Beach Campground

Reviews

4.4
223 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Usal Beach Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Usal Beach Campground has mixed reviews, with many praising its natural beauty and beach access but expressing concerns about crowding, noise, unclean facilities, and irresponsible behavior by some visitors. The campground is noted for its primitive nature and rustic experience.
Review Summaries
Based on 223 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers often describe Usal Beach as a beautiful and remote camping destination, with expansive beach access, opportunities for wildlife viewing, and scenic drives. Many appreciate its dog-friendly...
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Based on 223 reviews

Common Concerns

Numerous reviews highlight issues such as loud partying, fireworks, trash left behind by previous campers, and unclean pit toilets. Road access is frequently described as difficult, requiring...
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Based on 223 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers strongly recommend visiting during weekdays or off-peak seasons to avoid crowds and noise. Visitors should bring extra food, water, and supplies, as the campground is remote and lacks...
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Based on 223 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are described as crowded and noisy due to holiday visitors and parties. Spring and fall may offer quieter experiences but still require caution regarding road conditions. Winter access...
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Based on 223 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Beautiful beach where you can drive right to the edge of the sand." - Craig Philpott "Warning: this is PRIMITIVE CAMPING. Learn how to dig a proper toilet hole, bring your own everything including...
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Based on 223 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific campsites such as Tent Primitive Campsite #Usal Beach 9, #Usal Beach 8, #Usal Beach 7, #Usal Beach 6, and #Usal Beach 5 are listed, but detailed reviews for individual sites are not...
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Based on 223 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are minimal and currently not wheelchair-accessible. No specific reviews address accessibility experiences.
Based on 223 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Many reviewers appreciate the dog-friendly environment. "Very dog friendly. Poopers are compost." - Dan Senson
Based on 223 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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