Westport Union Landing Howard Creek South Campground
4.1657 reviews19 miles north of Fort Bragg on Highway 1 and 2 miles north of Westport, Mendocino County, California
Westport Union Landing Howard Creek South Campground
$25.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
Camping fees range from $25 to $35 per night. Payment is cash or check only, as credit and debit cards are not accepted.
About this 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.
Campsite details
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.
Sites SizeCampsites range from small to large, accommodating tents, cars, and RVs.
Sites PrivacyThe campsites are described as very open and provide little privacy, as noted in user reviews.
Total Campsites86 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites along the cliff edge for optimal views. Avoid locations near the RV section due to obstructed views and noise.
Best CampsitesSites along the edge of the cliffs are preferred for ocean views, but some have fallen due to erosion.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
First-come, first-served without specific check-in times.
Check-out
No explicit check-out times provided.
Stay Limit
Camping allowed on a first-come, first-served basis. Duration of stay not explicitly stated.
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 are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutCampground divided into loops along the coastal bluffs. Sites are described as open with minimal privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round; no mention of seasonal closures.
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.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
WiFi
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.
Hiking
The Bluff Trail is accessible for a 0.40-mile walk along coastal bluffs, providing scenic overlooks of the Pacific Ocean.Fishing
Fishing 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.Swimming
Swimming is available in the nearby beaches, though cold water temperatures and strong surf may deter some visitors.Biking
A haul road connects the three camp areas, but sections of it may be collapsed or single-track, requiring caution.Wildlife viewing
Common wildlife sightings include seals, whales, and various bird species, including fish eagles.Beach activities
The campground provides access to several sandy beaches suitable for sunbathing and beachcombing.Winter Activities
No winter-specific activities were described, as the campground does not appear to accommodate skiing, snowshoeing, or ice fishing.Water Sports
Activities such as swimming and some fishing are available, but water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding are not explicitly mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire pits available at most campsites; no specific restrictions noted.
- Quiet hours are No explicit quiet hours mentioned in authoritative sources or reviews.
Hazards
General hazardsHazards 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.
Weather forecast
64
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 83%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 4.5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services are in Fort Bragg, approximately 19 miles away. Includes hospitals, police stations, and ranger stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesNo specific peak season dates mentioned.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are present. However, user reviews suggest maintenance could be improved as some visitors observed unclean conditions in shared areas.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is directly above the Pacific Ocean with small sandy beaches nearby, including a large beach at the mouth of Howard Creek.
Common complaintsFrequent complaints include foul-smelling pit toilets, lack of potable water, erosion affecting campsites, and noisy neighbors during peak times.
HostCampground host generally described as friendly, but some reviews noted difficulty in locating them.
Campground Map
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.
Camper Reviews
4.2
57 reviews
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 reviewsCommon Concerns
Recurring complaints include foul smells from vault toilets, lack of potable water, and noise disturbances from neighboring campers.
Based on 57 reviewsPro 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 reviewsSeasonal 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 reviewsCamper 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 reviewsShow more
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 reviewsAccessibility Features
No accessibility-related user reviews were explicitly included beyond the availability of a beach wheelchair.
Based on 57 reviewsPet-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 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025