Westport-Union Landing State Beach

Beautiful beach and sunset views. First come first serve. Lots of empty spaces in October during the week . Different animals are visiting the campground as soon as the sun goes down. My camera recorded foxes and some other animals I couldn't recognize. They are coming each night to find food that people leave around. Perfect clear skies for solar and starlink which points West here. Peaceful at night with the sound of the ocean.

If you are able to snag a spot in the northern-most 1/4 of the park, you will be amazed. The park is separated into 4 sections, the northern bit having two halves. The most northern bit has like 6-7 sites (depending on how you look at it), which are all right along the cliffs. Easy to get in, easy to get out (assuming nobody has taken up two spots with their poor parking job (you’ll understand if/when you get there)). All our neighbors were elderly, quiet, respectful, and insightful.

The other 3/4 of the sites though, well, they are shanty towns. The occupants had trash strewn all over the place, filthy children screaming and disturbing the peace, disgusting pit bulls off leashes ready to maul anyone that goes by, and tent cities haphazardly thrown up all over the gaff.

The cell signal in this area is supremely spotty. If you’ve paid for the cell signal map, just don’t trust it. It’s not accurate. We had passable signal in the top 1/4, but we tested the bottom 3/4, and we found none. We work remotely, so that wouldn’t do. Had to drive down to Mackerricker State Park to work, where we had significantly better signal.

As for the price, it’s wayyy to high. There is one toilet per 1/4, and it’s the most shallow vault pit I’ve ever seen. Used our Separett toilet instead. The price should be something like $8-10 per night for what you are getting.

Would we return? Yes, if the northern 1/4 is open. Hell no, if not.

This first-come first-serve campground is no frills and in my opinion a superior choice over the private cramped RV campground that we passed 3 miles south. Self registration payment is by cash or check only. No credit cards. $35 a night, or $33 for seniors age 62+.There are 5 distinct loops/areas to camp, each with separate access from Hwy 1. The most southerly loop at Abalone Point was closed for the season as of Oct 2 on our visit. Campfires are allowed here, but if it's a clear night, skip the fire and stargaze. The most northerly loop is smaller (sites 87-100) is most desirable in my opinion as size-wise they are set up for smaller campervans like us and none us had a need to use a generator. On an October Saturday at 6 PM there were still available sites. There are water spigots and a couple of bathrooms (that we did not use). Each site has a picnic table and fire pit. No privacy between sites but the tradeoff is a gorgeous unobstructed ocean view from your campsite. There is a small sandy cove with a creek that is accessible via n easy hike from the campground. There is traffic on adjacent Hyy 1, that dissipates in the evening and we did not hear it over the pounding surf.

The state park ranger came by a couple of times each day to check that campers were registered - this fellow clearly loves his job and provided us tips on where to hike down to the sandy cove.

On your way to or from, treat yourself to oceanfront wine tasting at Pacific Star winery about ten miles south.

This is a California State Beach located a couple of miles north of Westport, California in Mendocino County. The site is right on the cliffs overlooking the Pacific. The ocean is visible from the sites, but to see the beach and the surf you will have to walk a few yards closer to the edge of the cliffs. The scenery is dramatic with large rocks jutting out of the sea and the beach.

There are two parts to this State Beach. The southern section has many more campsites and the only sites that are next to the cliffs. The northern section has a ranger station, an EV charging station, but fewer campsites that are not as well situated. The sites have fire rings and picnic tables, but no hookups. There are pit toilets that are in average condition. There are water spigots in several locations, but they are not suitable for filling your tanks. There are no threads for hoses.

The southern section has several nice sites right along the cliffs, separated only by a greenbelt and a walking path. The northern end of that section has about five sites that are separated from the main camping section and are therefore quieter and more private. There is adequate spacing between sites. The main part of the southern section has a loop road with sites along the cliff, sites in the interior of the loop and sites along the back of the property. This part of the campground was very busy, with multi-family camping groups, children, music, etc. In other words, it was less desirable if you are seeking quiet and privacy. This is a popular destination.

It is a first come first served campground. I arrived on a Friday morning about 11:00 am and had my choice of two of the more private sites on the northern end of the southern section. By Friday evening the entire campground was full. I chose site 15 and had neighbors on both sides who were nice quiet couples. The sites are wide, so I felt I had adequate privacy, and the ocean waves create a nice sound barrier.

The cost was $35 per night, but I received a $2 senior discount. You don't get any amenities for this price other than the pit toilet and the water spigots, but the ocean view and the sound of the waves make the price worth paying. Being self-contained, I didn't use the facilities. The campground was clean and well maintained. The entrance and interior roads are dirt, so there is some dust. It never rains in this area in the summer, but in the fall or winter I suspect the road could get muddy.

You can walk for about a mile in either direction on a path along the cliffs. At either end of the path you have access to the beach, which is wide and flat. The ocean views are rugged and spectacular. Of interest, part of the walking path is the old highway that has now been replaced by Highway 1. The old highway has completely fallen into the ocean in several spots. It is interesting to see the power of nature and how it has gobbled up what man has built.

This is a great location for a couple of nights if you want to get away and enjoy the sites and sounds of the ocean. During mid-week it would probably be blissfully quiet.