Westport-Union Landing – Abalone Point Campground

4.06

21 reviews

Westport-Union Landing State Beach, Highway 1, Westport, CA

Scenic Views

Quick Facts

72 ft

Price

$10 - $40/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

86 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens California State Parks Mendocino District site

Official Website

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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

72 ft

Price

$10 - $40/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

86 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens California State Parks Mendocino District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Westport-Union Landing – Abalone Point Campground

$10.00 - $40.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees vary based on site type: hike/bike sites are $10, primitive campsites are $35, and hookup sites are $40. Only cash or checks are accepted.

Standard Site Fee$35.00

Hookup Site Fee$40.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$10.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Reserve California

Provider

707-937-5804access@parks.ca.gov

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What Campers Say

4.06

Satisfactory

Based on 21 reviews

5 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsbeachfriendly

"User reviews generally praise Abalone Point Campground for its scenic views and proximity to the ocean. However, some mention the lack of facilities such as showers and wind cover, as well as the exposed nature of the sites."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Westport-Union Landing State Beach, Highway 1, Westport, CA

Westport-Union Landing – Abalone Point Campground

Westport-Union Landing State Beach, Highway 1, Westport, CA

Driving directionsLocated 19 miles north of Fort Bragg on Highway 1 and 2 miles north of the town of Westport.

Access via Highway 1 is paved and generally accessible year-round. Some sections of the road along the coast may experience erosion.

Nearby places

Fort Bragg - 19 miles (approximately 25 minutes)

Westport - 2 miles (approximately 5 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Fort Bragg, approximately 19 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Westport-Union Landing – Abalone Point Campground

The North Coast's temperamental weather adds drama to every stay at Abalone Point, where Pacific storms can transform sunny mornings into windswept afternoons in minutes. Winter brings the full force of ocean tempests, with howling winds that sing through the night and create spectacular wave displays against the cliffs below. Even summer days often start shrouded in mysterious coastal fog before revealing brilliant afternoons. Seasoned visitors know the secret: dress like an onion, with multiple layers ready to adapt to the coast's ever-changing moods. The raw, elemental weather here isn't a drawback—it's part of the authentic Northern California coastal experience.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer brings clearer skies and warm temps; heavy use noted but weather is best for views and beach access.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Fall can be pleasant; coastal weather is temperamental and fog may appear, limited seasonal specifics provided.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Spring offers transitional weather and fog-shrouded mornings; decent but variable coastal conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Winter brings Pacific storms, cold and heavy rain—dramatic scenery but harsher camping conditions.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: No peak season dates specified.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Camping is open year-round.
Current Alerts: A part of the coastal road is eroding, although this does not currently impact picnic or camping activities.

About Westport-Union Landing – Abalone Point Campground

Perched dramatically on windswept bluffs above the crashing Pacific, Abalone Point Campground beckons adventurers to one of Westport-Union Landing State Beach's three distinctive camping experiences. Here, where the continent meets the sea, visitors can choose between rustic primitive sites that harken back to simpler times or modern hookup sites that blend comfort with coastal wilderness. This clifftop sanctuary offers front-row seats to nature's greatest theater, where every campsite promises an ocean view that transforms with each passing hour.

Abalone Point Campground provides primitive camping options with basic facilities. RV camping is not supported due to the lack of hookups.

Historical SignificanceBefore smartphones and satellites, when California's redwood forests seemed endless, the twin settlements of Westport and Union Landing thrived as bustling ports where massive logs and railroad ties began their journey to build a growing nation. These hardy coastal communities, which lent their names to this stretch of shoreline, tell the story of California's lumber boom era—a time when schooners navigated treacherous waters to load precious cargo from clifftop chutes. Today's campground preserves not just stunning views but also the memory of the loggers, sailors, and pioneers who first recognized this spectacular coastline's value beyond its timber.

Weather and SeasonsThe North Coast's temperamental weather adds drama to every stay at Abalone Point, where Pacific storms can transform sunny mornings into windswept afternoons in minutes. Winter brings the full force of ocean tempests, with howling winds that sing through the night and create spectacular wave displays against the cliffs below. Even summer days often start shrouded in mysterious coastal fog before revealing brilliant afternoons. Seasoned visitors know the secret: dress like an onion, with multiple layers ready to adapt to the coast's ever-changing moods. The raw, elemental weather here isn't a drawback—it's part of the authentic Northern California coastal experience.

ElevationWhile exact measurements remain unrecorded, Abalone Point's commanding position atop coastal bluffs places campers in an elevated natural amphitheater where earth meets sky meets sea. These ancient marine terraces, carved by millennia of Pacific storms, lift visitors high enough to watch gray whales on their migration journey and to see weather systems approaching from miles away. The blufftop setting creates a unique microclimate where ocean breezes constantly refresh the air and the horizon seems to stretch to infinity.

Natural Features and SceneryThree miles of untamed coastline unfold before Abalone Point, where rugged bluffs create a dramatic stage for nature's daily performances. Each evening, the Pacific becomes a canvas of gold and crimson as the sun melts into the horizon, while mornings often reveal a mystical landscape of fog-shrouded sea stacks and hidden coves. The juxtaposition of forested mountains rising behind the campground and the endless ocean stretching westward creates a stunning natural corridor where Roosevelt elk might graze at dawn and sea lions bark from offshore rocks. This is California's Lost Coast in miniature—wild, beautiful, and refreshingly uncommercialized.

Geological RegionAbalone Point sits atop the dynamic geological theater of the Mendocino Coast, where the relentless Pacific has sculpted a masterpiece of headlands, sea caves, and pocket beaches over millions of years. These coastal bluffs, formed from ancient seafloor sediments thrust skyward by tectonic forces, tell Earth's story in their layered cliff faces. Behind the campground, the tree-cloaked mountains of the Coast Range rise like a green wall, creating the dramatic topography that defines this region. The three-mile stretch of preserved coastline showcases textbook examples of marine terraces, wave-cut platforms, and the ongoing dance between land and sea that makes the Northern California coast one of the most geologically fascinating places on Earth.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 30 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Primitive and hookup campsites allow up to 8 guests per site.

Groups

There is no specific mention of designated group camping sites.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground features several designated primitive and hookup sites arranged along the bluff.

Reservation PlatformsNo online or advanced reservation system. Payment is only accepted onsite via cash or check.

Walk-in AvailabilityCamping at Abalone Point Campground is exclusively first-come, first-served.

Cancellation PolicyNo reservations are taken as camping is only first-come, first-served.

AccessibilityAccessible parking and trailhead are available opposite the Humboldt State Marine Science lab as part of the recreation area.

Site SizeStandard tent pad sizes vary from 25x25 to 30x30 feet according to campsite data.

PrivacySites are largely open and exposed, situated on bluffs with minimal shade or wind cover. User reviews describe the sites as 'wide open' and lacking privacy.

Total Campsites86 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites closer to trails for easier beach access. Sites at the bluff edge offer superior views but may be more exposed to wind.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Abalone Point Campground offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities, emphasizing its coastal location. Visitors can engage in fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, and beach-related activities. Specific user reviews mention the proximity to the beach and trails leading to scenic walking areas.

HikingThe Bluff Trail offers 0.40 miles of accessible hiking along the coastal bluffs. User reviews describe trails as scenic and enjoyable for walks.

FishingFishing opportunities include catching smelt and rockfish, depending on tides and ocean conditions. Official sources highlight specific species such as Surf Smelt and Night Smelt.

BoatingBoating facilities are mentioned in the context of general park activities, but details specific to Abalone Point Campground are sparse.

Wildlife viewingThe campground's coastal location provides opportunities for observing marine wildlife. User reviews mention the scenic beauty and wildlife viewing experience.

Beach activitiesBeach-related activities include picnicking, walking, and scenic photography. User reviews praise the proximity to the beach and the stunning coastal views.

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include coastal erosion and strong winds.

Active AlertsA part of the coastal road is eroding, although this does not currently impact picnic or camping activities.

Fire Policy"All spots have a picnic table and fire ring." Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings, per user reviews.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services are located in Fort Bragg, 19 miles away, including hospitals and police stations.

Trash & RecyclingTrash facilities are available, but recycling options are not explicitly mentioned.

Water FeaturesA quarter-mile walk to the beach from the campground.

Camp HostNo campground host information available.

Weather at Westport-Union Landing – Abalone Point Campground

Reviews

4.1

21 reviews

Satisfactory

Westport-Union Landing – Abalone Point Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews generally praise Abalone Point Campground for its scenic views and proximity to the ocean. However, some mention the lack of facilities such as showers and wind cover, as well as the exposed nature of the sites.

Review Summaries

Based on 21 reviews

What Campers Love

"Beautiful cliff-side camp site." "Epic sunsets and views." "Dog-friendly beach and camping."

Based on 21 reviews

Common Concerns

"Not much shade or cover from the wind." "Drop toilets and lack of showers." "Road along the coast is collapsing."

Based on 21 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring layered clothing due to changeable weather conditions. Prepare for exposed and windy sites with no shade.

Based on 21 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months see heavy use due to clear skies and warm temperatures. Winter reviews highlight the cold weather and heavier rainfall.

Based on 21 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great trail for walking to the beach." "The old highway is slowly falling into the ocean but makes for a beautiful scenery."

Based on 21 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites 22, 23, and 24 are highlighted in campsite data, offering primitive camping with picnic tables and fire rings. Site-specific amenities include paved driveways and standard tent pad sizes...

Based on 21 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible parking and trails are available, but the campground itself lacks detailed accessibility features.

Based on 21 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are allowed and welcome at both the campground and beach. User reviews appreciate the pet-friendly policies.

Based on 21 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026

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