Boondocking Mendocino area?

[Lighthawk]

I'm wondering if anyone can suggest dispersed camping in the vicinity of Hwy 128 / Navarro River to Hwy 20 Ft. Bragg. We're especially interested in the Ukiah/Comptche Rd. for bivvy spots nearby to Orr Hot Springs. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

 

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

Andy,you know about the beach camping at the mouth of the Navarro and Westport?
If you want a nice campground the Russian Gulch SP is nice but it's small and might not have spots.Since it can be reserved.
We visited there a few years ago but that was at the beginning of Sept during the week when it's all "walk up"
We have always enjoyed that area over almost 40 years.
I will also be interested about other spots in that area.
Sorry I can't be of more help.
Frank

 

[Lighthawk]

Thanks Frank. We do know about the mouth of the Navarro. Beautiful place if you can get a spot. But if it's full, where to? We're looking for boondocks, not reserved camping. Otherwise, we may go to Westport KOA.

Anyone else know any spots to share?

 

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

Yes it's very hard to get any spots on the coast during the summer.
There are so many people out and about.
We have given up on FCFS camping along the coast.
But after August things get better.
I didn't think there was much boon dock camping in that area.
Frank

 

[billharr]

From free camp sites .net This is the only thing they list around there. Note mixed reviews.

http://freecampsites.net/#!10974&query=sitedetails

 

[Lighthawk]

Thanks Bill. Sounds like LE has received complaints and now will ticket.
But, I'm open to all comers, so anyone else have any ideas?

Currently we're zeroing in on Westport KOA ($41/night), formerly Wages Creek. I've tent camped there in past decades and had a good experience.

 

[Ted]

We do that stretch once or twice a year and I am yet to find a boondock site. We usually end up at Westport Union about 20 miles north of Ft. Bragg or the parking lot across from Van Damme SP. With either of those you are right on the water but also next to the highway and paying for not much more than a parking space and sketchy bathroom. Then again, it won't be 105 degrees like the last couple of days. Makes it worth it in my book.

 

[ridenorcal]

Hi,
There's camping on the beach at Navarro River SP (Hwy 1 just south of Hwy 128).
You can stay at the parking lot across from Van Damme for one night only I believe, but there's always space there.
Along Hwy 20 - east of Ft Bragg - there are a couple smaller less developed campgrounds. It's part of the Jackson Demonstration Forest and there are several old logging roads through that area. I've only explored a little but it might be worth looking into more.
East of Caspar (mid-way between Mendocino and Ft Bragg) - at the end of Fern Creek Road - there is a whole network of old logging roads and I've seen people camping in vehicles up there (it's becoming a popular MTB area).
The campground overlooking the ocean in Westport is beautiful of course.
And then there is the dispersed camping area at Usal Beach which is amazing - provided you don't go on a weekend (it can be rowdy up there on the weekend). That area is 5 mi north on Usal Road from Hwy 1 (north of Westport). It's a dirt road, bumpy is places but drivable in any type car really - you see people go out there in Hondas...
I was up in the area last month and it was as pretty as I've ever seen Mendocino.
Have fun!