Westport Union Landing Howard Creek South Campground

4.16

57 reviews

19 miles north of Fort Bragg on Highway 1 and 2 miles north of Westport, Mendocino County, California

Quick Facts

Price

$25 - $35/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

86 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyWiFi

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

Price

$25 - $35/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

86 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyWiFi

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Westport Union Landing Howard Creek South Campground

$25.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping fees range from $25 to $35 per night. Payment is cash or check only, as credit and debit cards are not accepted.

Standard Site Fee$35.00

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

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

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What Campers Say

4.16

Satisfactory

Based on 57 reviews

522 Google reviews

Most mentioned

views

"User reviews of Howard Creek South Campground are polarized. Many praise the spectacular views and proximity to nature, but complaints focus on poorly maintained toilets, lack of potable water, and noise from nearby campers."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

19 miles north of Fort Bragg on Highway 1 and 2 miles north of Westport, Mendocino County, California

Westport Union Landing Howard Creek South Campground

19 miles north of Fort Bragg on Highway 1 and 2 miles north of Westport, Mendocino County, California

Driving directionsLocated 19 miles north of Fort Bragg on Highway 1 and 2 miles north of Westport. Directions are straightforward and primarily involve travel along Highway 1.

Highway 1 provides direct access, but the road is described as winding and challenging, especially for compact cars and trailers. Twisty turns with some as low as 10 mph are noted.

Nearby places

Westport (2 miles, approximately 5 minutes), Fort Bragg (19 miles, approximately 30 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies, including groceries and fuel, are available in Fort Bragg, 19 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Westport Union Landing Howard Creek South Campground

The coastal climate here dances to its own rhythm, shifting moods like the ever-changing sea below. Wise campers come prepared with layers, as morning fog can give way to brilliant sunshine, only to welcome cool ocean breezes by afternoon. Year-round temperatures hover comfortably between the mid-40s and mid-60s Fahrenheit, creating that perfect sweet spot where a warm campfire feels just right on any evening. The changeable weather adds to the adventure—one moment you're basking in golden sunlight, the next you're wrapped in a mystical coastal mist that transforms the landscape into something otherworldly.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Appealing in clear weather with wildlife and sunsets; summer fog can be variable.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall often brings clearer skies and dramatic sunsets; reviewers note seasonal appeal.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring offers good wildlife sightings, clear days and strong stargazing opportunities.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Windy, wet weeks in winter can make camping less enjoyable despite year-round access.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: No specific peak season dates mentioned.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round; no mention of seasonal closures.
Current Alerts: Some sites are closed due to erosion or bear sightings. No potable water available due to leaks or contamination issues.

About Westport Union Landing Howard Creek South Campground

Perched above the dramatic Pacific coastline, Howard Creek South Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic back-to-nature experience. This rustic hideaway within Westport-Union Landing State Beach stretches along three magnificent miles of California's rugged shore. While you won't find modern conveniences like showers here—just simple pit toilets—what you will discover is something far more valuable: unfiltered access to one of the coast's most spectacular stretches of wilderness. Fall asleep to the rhythmic crash of waves against ancient cliffs and wake to panoramic ocean views that remind you why sometimes the best amenities are the ones nature provides.

Howard Creek South Campground focuses on primitive camping, offering no hookups or modern amenities. It is popular among tent campers and RV users seeking a rustic experience.

Historical SignificanceThese windswept bluffs hold stories of California's bold maritime past, where the twin settlements of Westport and Union Landing once thrived as bustling centers of commerce. Picture the scene: massive redwood logs and railroad ties swaying on cable tramways, descending from clifftops to waiting schooners anchored in the turbulent waters below. This was the lifeline of the lumber industry, where brave sailors and loggers worked in harmony with the tides to fuel California's growth. Today, remnants of this industrial heritage blend seamlessly with the natural landscape, offering campers a chance to walk in the footsteps of those early pioneers who carved out a living from this beautiful but unforgiving coastline.

Weather and SeasonsThe coastal climate here dances to its own rhythm, shifting moods like the ever-changing sea below. Wise campers come prepared with layers, as morning fog can give way to brilliant sunshine, only to welcome cool ocean breezes by afternoon. Year-round temperatures hover comfortably between the mid-40s and mid-60s Fahrenheit, creating that perfect sweet spot where a warm campfire feels just right on any evening. The changeable weather adds to the adventure—one moment you're basking in golden sunlight, the next you're wrapped in a mystical coastal mist that transforms the landscape into something otherworldly.

ElevationThe campground sits at a modest coastal elevation, where land meets sea in a dramatic embrace that defines California's northern shores.

Natural Features and SceneryPrepare to have your breath stolen by nature's grand theater at Howard Creek South. Here, the Pacific Ocean stages a perpetual performance against towering cliffs that rise like ancient sentinels from the churning waters. Behind you, tree-covered mountains create a verdant backdrop, their slopes carpeted in coastal forest that whispers secrets in the wind. The rugged coastline reveals hidden coves and pocket beaches accessible to those willing to explore, while the main vista points offer front-row seats to spectacular sunsets that paint the sky in impossible shades of orange and pink. This is California coast at its most raw and beautiful—where every viewpoint feels like a postcard waiting to be captured.

Geological RegionHoward Creek South occupies a remarkable three-mile stretch of Northern California's most photogenic coastline, where millions of years of geological drama have sculpted a landscape of extraordinary beauty. Dramatic cliffs plunge into the Pacific, their faces telling stories of ancient seafloors thrust skyward by tectonic forces. These weathered ramparts frame sweeping ocean vistas while tree-covered mountains rise behind, creating a stunning contrast between the wild blue Pacific and the gentle green hills. This dynamic coastal environment showcases the ongoing battle between land and sea, where every storm season brings subtle changes to the cliffsides and beaches below.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

First-come, first-served without specific check-in times.

Check-out

No explicit check-out times provided.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 30 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

No explicit details on guest limits per site.

Groups

No specific details regarding group camping sites were provided in the sources.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutCampground divided into loops along the coastal bluffs. Sites are described as open with minimal privacy.

Reservation PlatformsNo online reservation platforms; camping handled through first-come, first-served basis.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served with no online reservations available.

Cancellation PolicyCamping is first-come, first-served, so cancellation rules do not apply.

AccessibilityA beach wheelchair is available for use at California State Park beaches in the Mendocino Coast area. It is free of charge but must be reserved at least seven days in advance.

Site SizeCampsites range from small to large, accommodating tents, cars, and RVs.

PrivacyThe campsites are described as very open and provide little privacy, as noted in user reviews.

Total Campsites86 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites along the cliff edge for optimal views. Avoid locations near the RV section due to obstructed views and noise.

Amenities available

WiFi

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Howard Creek South Campground offers activities centered around its natural coastal setting. Visitors frequently praise the breathtaking ocean views, opportunities for wildlife viewing, and stargazing.

HikingThe Bluff Trail is accessible for a 0.40-mile walk along coastal bluffs, providing scenic overlooks of the Pacific Ocean.

FishingFishing opportunities include catching Surf Smelt and Night Smelt when they approach the shore to spawn. Rockfish are also available depending on tide and ocean conditions.

SwimmingSwimming is available in the nearby beaches, though cold water temperatures and strong surf may deter some visitors.

BikingA haul road connects the three camp areas, but sections of it may be collapsed or single-track, requiring caution.

Wildlife viewingCommon wildlife sightings include seals, whales, and various bird species, including fish eagles.

Beach activitiesThe campground provides access to several sandy beaches suitable for sunbathing and beachcombing.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHazards include sheer cliff drop-offs, described as dangerous for pets and children. Contaminated water and poorly maintained pit toilets were noted in reviews.

Active AlertsSome sites are closed due to erosion or bear sightings. No potable water available due to leaks or contamination issues.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire PolicyFire pits available at most campsites; no specific restrictions noted.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are No explicit quiet hours mentioned in authoritative sources or reviews.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services are in Fort Bragg, approximately 19 miles away. Includes hospitals, police stations, and ranger stations.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are present. However, user reviews suggest maintenance could be improved as some visitors observed unclean conditions in shared areas.

Water FeaturesThe campground is directly above the Pacific Ocean with small sandy beaches nearby, including a large beach at the mouth of Howard Creek.

Camp HostCampground host generally described as friendly, but some reviews noted difficulty in locating them.

Weather at Westport Union Landing Howard Creek South Campground

Reviews

4.2

57 reviews

Satisfactory

Westport Union Landing Howard Creek South Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews of Howard Creek South Campground are polarized. Many praise the spectacular views and proximity to nature, but complaints focus on poorly maintained toilets, lack of potable water, and noise from nearby campers.

Review Summaries

Based on 57 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects mentioned include incredible oceanfront views, stargazing opportunities, and the campground's rustic charm.

Based on 57 reviews

Common Concerns

Recurring complaints include foul smells from vault toilets, lack of potable water, and noise disturbances from neighboring campers.

Based on 57 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing your own water due to contamination issues, avoiding compact cars due to rugged road conditions, and arriving early for the best campsites.

Based on 57 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews highlight the campground's appeal during clear weather seasons, with dramatic sunsets and wildlife sightings. However, windy and wet weeks make camping less enjoyable.

Based on 57 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The ocean view and the night stars were incredibly bright.' 2. 'You’ll never want to leave between the views, solitude, and ocean waves crashing while you sleep.' 3. 'The vault toilets were the...

Based on 57 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Some sites are described as having fallen into the ocean due to erosion. Edge sites offer the best views but are subject to closure during bear sightings or safety concerns.

Based on 57 reviews

Accessibility Features

No accessibility-related user reviews were explicitly included beyond the availability of a beach wheelchair.

Based on 57 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed; however, visitors should be cautious of steep bluffs and drop-offs, which could pose a danger to animals.

Based on 57 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026

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