Overlanding is ruining this California beach camp

[@fishingmendocino4087]

This is such a great video I appreciate it immensely. I am the state park volunteer for usal Beach Campground And I can only educate people that are willing to listen it’s hard taking care of the park. we used to have lots of signage along with an iron Ranger to collect camping fees but people rip them out run them over and just disrespect this beautiful place I am constantly handing out pamphlets garbage bags picking up after people cleaning out houses but I can hardly make a dent!!

[@ScaleofTwo]

Well we appreciate you more than you know! The fact that you’re a volunteer doing this work is very admirable. Hopefully we can help in small way by educating people online and by example.

[@mamalovesthebeach437]

You really have your work cut out for you...thank you!

[@ScaleofTwo]

A little disclaimer: I'm not trying to "holier than thou" anyone who has gone and camped on the beach here. I know we've camped in spots that we likely shouldn't have, but we have worked to educate ourselves on how to "overland" responsibly and properly. I know that most of you who watch our channel aren't the people going out there and trashing these places. I'm making this video in the hopes that someone sees it and maybe thinks twice about where they camp, what they leave in the woods, and hopefully become just a little more responsible. We would love to go back to this spot, and we'd like it to be open when we do! I've linked an article in the description that showcases the issues at Usal Beach even more in depth. Like and subscribe pls k bye

[@SempervirensOutdoors]

Thank you for making this video. The Lost Coast such a special and unique part of California. We all have to do our part to keep areas like this healthy and open.

[@jasonsandifer3250]

Updated: I just happened to see your channel, and others similar channels recently, and I think that you, and others sharing their actual reality, and some have expressed some of the up, and down sides to van, RV, or vehicle living. I believe that it is very helpful, and beneficial to others who may be thinking about this type of living without actually thinking through, about the some of the realistic problems that could occur with vehicle or van living etc. People need to know what up sides there are, as well as some of the down sides of vehicle living. I believe this channel, and other channels have been informative to others, including myself. Although, I am NOT living in a vehicle or anything like this. I feel that you , and others KZbinrs sharing this with your viewers will be very helpful. I wish you ALL the Best with your traveling endeavors. I shared this with another traveler as I watched their KZbin channel for the first time, as yours, and I shared with them this information that may be helpful to you as well to others. Therefore, I would also like to suggest a few Safety tips, and items that may help you, or others in your viewing audience. Although, you may have knowledge of this already, I am not sure, so I hope this will be helpful to you, others or someone. *Keep a Extra working cellphone with you or in your vehicle. You can purchase inexpensive phone with a very low monthly price between 25, 35, 45, dollars a month with unlimited data and text, and some have Nationwide coverage Do your research for the best fit for you Carry Several Extra portable phone chargers, and cables. Consider theses items: *Mini portable power charging station. I have also seen outdoor portable solar powered power stations, that can be recharged from sunlight this may be very useful to have, to power your devices. *Invest in a Cellular signal booster for outdoor use, and camping situations to boost or amplify your cell signal and reception. Research to see what you prefer. *Very Inportant: Invest in a SOS distress electronic signal device, this a kind of device can send out a distress signal with your exact location. There are various types of these devices, and including devices that can be used when boating or camping situations. *Some have emergency Strobe lights SOS signaling with location alerts, and location updates that can be sent to your family, and emergency first responders. Some can be synchronized with your smart watch or phone. You can check online, and on Amazon, research what SOS devices will be a good fit for you. *Mini portable vehicle battery jumper charger *vehicle battery jumper cables *Vehicle Jumper cables *Keep a Fire extinguisher handy *Mounted Dashboard camera front and rear possibly. Exterior vehicle cameras Interior vehicle cameras *Flashlights or pluggin spotlights *Portable spotlights, and lanterns Keep a few whistles around with you, and in your vehicle possibly in your vehicle’s center console *A set of long range 2 way radios, walkie talkies, to communicate with others during trips, some have 100 mile radius keep for emergencies. Use your own discretion regarding the use of any weapons. Don’t forget to bring Bear Spray Pepper spray Where is allowed If you own a drone you can use it to survey your area for animals etc. However, Please Be Safe and Beware of your Surroundings. Stay Alert, even when stopping at Rest stops, Truck Stops Keep in often contact with your family, friends etc. Although, I just noticed your KZbin channel, and other similar channels. You seem Very Aware of your surroundings and Alert, and you may be aware of many of these suggestions, however, I Don’t know, so I just posted this anyway to help anyone who may benefit from these suggestions. Keep up with the latest Weather Updates, beware and prepare for unexpected Weather events and conditions. Keep your vehicle gas filled Don’t chance your Safety by running your vehicle fuel or gas too close to Empty. Fill it up anyway, it will save you alot of time, and headache later on. Remember to keep up on routine maintenance, check your tires for wear, keep up with your fluids for your vehicle, like oil levels, washer fluid, brake fluid, antifreeze. Keep Extra financing, and savings for any unexpected issues, vehicle repairs, and overnight stays, in a emergency or if you need to rest indoors. Keep Enjoying Yourself, Keep Enjoying the outdoors, and Nature Just..Please continue to Be Positive, Safe, and Alert.. Wishing Success, Well-being and Happiness You All. God Bless You, and everyone Traveling, or living in their vehicles, Vans, RVs, etc. Please Be Safe... Author Advocate for Humanity, Safety Advocate Jason Sandifer, Michigan 10/06/2022, 10/02/2022 10/07/2022

[@Western-Wild]

We always make a point of using our drone to scan for wildlife. Haven’t found any yet… but safety first!

[@campoutwestus]

We had a similar experience there. I was blown away at the number of people, and although they were pretty quiet, there was still a "fire pit" every 20 feet in the sand. By the end of the night, there was a vehicle at almost every one. I've heard it used to have signs and even a pay station at one time, but it's all been destroyed or vandalized. I'm afraid it's only a matter of time before it's shut down completely.

[@ScaleofTwo]

Yeah, that makes sense. I assumed that was the case after reading more online. Such a bummer

[@oldfisherman5112]

Take nothing but photos , leave nothing but footprints.

[@APOLLO-il5rh]

The locals have been doing it for decades

[@Expeditionxoffroad]

I’ve been going up there for 10 years and it’s crazy to see how overlanders have blown it up. Was there last summer and there was a huge group of 15-20 or so overlanders camping on the beach. I will say people weren’t taking care of it back in 2012 but it was used by far fewer people.

[@ScaleofTwo]

For sure. Of course everyone should be able to go to these places and have a good time, it just sucks that they get treated so poorly

[@mamalovesthebeach437]

It's heartbreaking to see what's happened since the first time I traveled the Usal over 40 years ago. I live on the Northern CA coast and we are overrun with tourism especially since Covid. It's having a detrimental effect on all of our beaches and parks. The Usal is in the Sinkyone Wilderness State Park. There are not enough State park rangers to regulate these remote areas. The last time I camped was a few years ago and although it looked well-used I'm shocked to see what people are doing here... this is sickening. There has been shooting for years. It's mostly locals wanting the place kept for themselves that are doing the shooting. Rangers have their work cut out for them in these remote sites. I'd like to see everyone pack out a bit more than they pack in. Thank you for posting this.

[@savageoverland4087]

Never been, want to go. Very discouraging to hear how abused it is and the pics of the trash just sickens me. Some people should just stay home and quit ruining experiences and opportunities for those that practice leave no trace, good stewardship of the land and deserve to be out there to enjoy rather than destroy. Great video! If and when I go, I too will highlight any misuse and improper behavior to bring awareness and try to encourage good overland stewardship to keep these places open for generations to come. Thanks for your input, well done!👏👍

[@TrippinwithBradShyla]

In our (sorta) far and wide travels, we've seen too many places like this. Even the backcountry spots are being trashed with nails and broken glass. Super unfortunate that some users won't clean up after themselves.

[@Western-Wild]

Preach it! The growing popularity of outdoor recreation is a beautiful thing, but newcomers need to be respectfully educated on how to do it responsibly. Would also be great to see budgets increase for public land management agencies, and more advocacy for improved access for managed vehicle based recreation.

[@ScaleofTwo]

Yeah, I feel like the biggest reason for a lot of the issues here is lack of funding for the agencies. Unfortunately no matter how many responsible people go here, there’s always gonna be the turds

[@memorystripes4x4]

Thank you for this video. Sadly, this is what we have run into too often in known, established campgrounds/sites, and why we prefer completely off-grid, backcountry camping. It's not difficult to be responsible for your own trash, and spend 10 minutes looking for anything left behind by other campers. If everyone did this and also researched the area rules before their travels, the problem would be solved. We all make mistakes, but it's what we do to fix them and learn from them that proves our character. Again, thank you! #dontbetrashy

[@ScaleofTwo]

No doubt. It really does suck, because the people who are the least responsible get up in arms when a place gets shut down, but they don’t equate it to their actions at said place.

[@kaosaechao4049]

I actually agree with you. Yeah, this place will eventually get shut down because of some careless people going there messing it up for others people who do care. When I first went there this August 2022, which is 3 months ago, some careless people just throwing trash everywhere. Thanks for the video.

[@MrLugansd]

Took my sprinter van here weekend before 4th of July and it was surprisingly quiet. What a beautiful drive. I would think park rangers could put up a gate if they really wanted to. Thx for sharing

[@hermitfrodo7730]

It seems land use ethics where more consistently taught buy outdoor groups; Scouts, Hunter Safety Class, Hikers, 4x4 groups, the Fishing community, and there was some consistent good neighbor messaging from the state and Forest Service. I'm old now so I don't know if this is any longer so.

[@UraniumChef]

Fantastic video, my friends and I are planning a trip here and we will be sure to treat this place with respect! Leave no trace, and let nature continue its gift to us :) I hope no one fires off any fireworks while we are there…

[@ScaleofTwo]

I hope so too! 😅 hope you have a great time!

[@treyshumardcampoutwestus3702]

I buried so many turds there. I guess it shows why all the free camping on the Northern CA coast has been shut down. we live fairly near there, but usually head inland where there are far fewer people.

[@ScaleofTwo]

Lol. Well at least you buried them 😂 and yeah, just gonna keep happening with people doing the things they’re doing at this campground

[@ZEVONLIN]

I Was there for the first time just this past weekend. Beautiful place but i fear it will be shut down soon. I picked up a fair amount of trash at our site and sites close by but had to quit when i filled up my bag. It wasn't packed but quite a few campers on the beach. Mostly people behaving but did hear what sounded like a firework style mortar go off around 11 pm from some wing nut out there! I wish i were in a position to volunteer out there but unfortunately i am not. It would be awesome if a group could adopt it and keep an eye on it

[@ponolovefarms3926]

Went there last early March during a classic PNW storm/swell on weekdays and it was empty and beautiful .

[@ScaleofTwo]

Nice, that sounds lovely

[@paulg492]

I was told the state parks public servants seldom visit Usal because it's at the extreme end of their patrol range, also they have to come down to the beach in two vehicles for safety reasons. It will remain the wild west till someone burns it down or some Drunkard Yahoo drives over someone sleeping on the beach.

[@ScaleofTwo]

Hopefully that never happens!

[@timothyacarman]

Was there recently on a Thursday two or so weeks ago and it was very quiet. We packed out everything we brought in and then some. The driving on the beach thing won’t ever stop without closing the camp ground. But it’s very doubtful that it will close because it hasn’t changed much in decades. I take that back. It’s gotten better in the last 5 years then it had been in a long time…

[@ScaleofTwo]

It almost feels like the state park isn’t terribly worried about enforcing. It was one line of text on their website, I feel like if you really didn’t want people out there it should at least be front and center on the website.

[@YouTubeTyler]

That's crazy-making. Thanks for saying something. BTW, Shasta rhymes with canasta. (As a fellow denizen of the PNW I can't NOT nitpick pronunciations of area place names.)

[@bajar.m.6953]

Yes. The state have to something very soon. I had going to this place before and now a totally destrucción now days, peoples don’t care, no respect, a total caos. I am hoping the State will do something very soon before been to late. Hopefully this place been shut down to be preserved.

[@ourv9603]

It is common for idiots to tear down signs as they dont intend to obey the rules they think if a ranger arrives they can say 'There was no sign' and that will excuse their bad behavior. When we grew up we were taught that there are rules we were taught WHY there has to be rules and WHY those rules benefited EVERYONE. So we learned to obey the rules and have lived incident free all our lives but today there seems to be alot of people (young) who think that rules are made for others to follow the rues dont apply to them. It must be a tough life picking fights with hurricanes & charging into trees. Life is tough. It a lot tougher when you are stupid. !

[@thetrailoutthere]

The Found Coast

[@bajasoobnut]

Jondz_adventures has a video of the lost coast and definitely had fireworks sat off and a Indian rave going on during when he was there

[@bajasoobnut]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6W2hnpsjNZ_a7s

[@ScaleofTwo]

Sheesh. I’m glad we didn’t have to deal with a rave!

[@Hondo21435]

Yikes haven’t been up to the lost coast in like 5-6 yrs. It used to be nice and peaceful. Sad

[@ScaleofTwo]

I assume most of it is still nice and peaceful! We did a backpacking trip there about 4 years ago. Camped on the beach, it was incredible

[@tpseeker3367]

Find that it's mostly young & locals that Don't Care about what their doing or leaving behind. Pack it In pack it Out. Leave the area better than you found it for others.

[@ScaleofTwo]

Most likely true, and unfortunate!

[@tpseeker3367]

Thanks for putting this vid out @@ScaleofTwo . Upsetting that places are ending up like the East Coast where there's pretty much no places to escape anymore unless you pay & make BS Reservations.

[@pnw_element9822]

They don’t believe in pack it in pack it out sheesh those peoples

[@newlion7013]

Lawless liberal state period.

[@Roostsandboost]

All ur complaints are about people having too much fun. Typical sf type. But pack in and pack out. Take care of the land

[@davidpatrick1813]

The lack of character and integrity in societies is the problem ... and people spit on the bible and what it teaches. ... remember the idea "the return of Messiah (Christ)" ... So much could be said ... but these folks want to have their cake and eat it too wile degeneration of families and the good environment. Keep up the wise stand.

[@tpseeker3367]

Glad my tablet is water proof. Spit my drink from reading your comment @DavidPatrick.

[@rxtu7367]

100% true

[@JacobButthole-nx1pd]

I disagree with this video. Usal has always been the Bug out to the beach and have a good time spot. People have been driving out on the sand for decades and camping on the beach. The reality is the state of CA has 39 million people that have been denied being able to drive out relax on the beach. The states rules of your not supposed to drive out on the beach do not reflect the general public desires and really there isn’t an issue. Seriously what’s wrong with driving out on the beach and camping. The biggest issue at Usal is the lack of bathrooms. I would highly suggest bringing a 5 gallon crap bucket