Anchor Bay Campground operates as a private facility with approximately 30 sites positioned directly on the California coast near Gualala. The campground charges $66-$82 per night and accepts reservations up to a year in advance. Access requires navigating a tight drive that often turns away larger RVs, with most sites accommodating trailers between 22-30 feet.
Sites cluster close together on gravel pads, each equipped with picnic tables, fire pits, and water spouts. Some locations offer electrical hookups, while four premium sites sit directly on the beach bulkhead with water access but no power connections. Only one site provides sewer hookups. Moriah M. notes the campground offers "very clean restrooms and showers, clean spaces, helpful staff and the best part FREE WIFI." Coin-operated showers serve all campers.
The campground provides immediate beach access to a wind-protected cove where dogs can run off-leash. Fishing and abalone diving draw many visitors to these waters. A short walking trail connects the campground to the small town center, where campers find a grocery store, coffee shop, laundromat, and restaurants within five minutes. Venice G. observes it "seems to be a big abalone/fishing spot" with easy access to supplies.
Cell service proves spotty, particularly for Verizon users, though the free WiFi compensates for connectivity issues. The location experiences significant wind during daytime hours and heavy dampness at night. Reviews consistently mention the proximity creates a community atmosphere among campers, though the tight spacing means neighbors significantly impact the experience. For additional coastal options, campers can explore sites near Gualala or consider nearby Gualala River Redwood Park for a different setting.
The campground works well for RV travelers seeking full hookups near the ocean and tent campers comfortable with close quarters in exchange for beachfront access.
Description
The campground is very popular and is often filled to capacity during the On Season‘s weekends, holidays, and school vacations. But it is always a quiet, peaceful, family-oriented place because most of our customers have made Anchor Bay their favorite destination, returning with their friends and relatives year after year. We’ve seen their kids grow up, and now their kids are coming with their own children. Having a close-knit and respectful clientele assures a warm, relaxed, and friendly stay for all comers.
Anchor Bay Campground is very popular for fishermen, beach combers, divers, and sea kayakers. The outdoor enthusiast will find so many wonderful opportunities at this beautiful location. Things To Do!
We have 27 overnight camping spots (4 in the redwoods and 23 at or on the beach) and 40 owned spots (See Map). Each camp spot has a water hook up, picnic table and fire pit. For those sites with electricity or sewer dump, please refer to our Rate Sheet On our rate sheet we have also included information as to the largest size rig allowed in each spot. Our restrooms have showers (coin-op), flush toilets, hot water, and electrical outlets. Our campground also has a septic dump station, recreation area with sink and picnic tables. Often times you will visit our fish cleaning house, and see some of the local catch of the day being processed! We sell ice, bait, firewood and apparel. For reservations, please visit our Reservation page.
On the bluff top above the beach, connected by a short trail from the campground, the little resort village of Anchor Bay provides most of our camper’s needs. The Anchor Bay Store is an organic based grocery store, White Cap is a locals favorite for coffee and pastries, and restaurants include both a Thai restaurant and a Mexican restaurant. There is a coin op laundry mat, yoga studio, hair salon, and a massage therapist.
The base rate for one site and includes a family (2 adults and up to 4 children under 18) and one vehicle only. Additional charges apply for additional persons and vehicles as listed below, but not to exceed the campsite occupancy limit. For rates and utility availability see Rate Sheet For location of sites, see Campground Map.
Fee Info
$20.00 per night for a second vehicle. $5.00 per night each extra person age 18 and up. $3.00 per night each extra person age 5 through 17. $3.00 per night each dog , but no more than 2 dogs per campsite. $1.50 coin-op showers (for 5 minutes).
Reservation Info
Only one family unit (i.e. Mom, Dad, and up to 4 kids) is allowed per site, otherwise there is a four person maximum limit. No more than two vehicles are allowed in one site, but only one RV. Please note that our sites are not the same size, and that there may not be room in some sites for second vehicles or several tents even though your situation falls within the allowable occupancy limits. When you call for reservations, we can discuss the options for your particular needs.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsAnchor Bay Campground is located in California near Gualala
Directions
Warning! Some internet mapping sources show Fish Rock Road as being the best way to get here. Wrong! Fish Rock Road is 28 miles of narrow, winding dirt road that takes over an hour to drive in a sportscar. This road is not recommended for trailers or motor homes. Bad Weather – Often times bad weather can create traffic issues on the coast (mud slides, etc.). Please check road conditions prior to heading out to Anchor Bay Campground. If a road is not passable, a GPS (or digital map app) may send you to Mountain View Road. Please reconsider! This narrow road often has issues and can create a very stressful drive. Please consider these options: A. Take highway 101, to River Road ( to Guerneville ), continue onto highway 116, then exit to Jenner on highway 1. Head North to Anchor Bay. B. Take highway 101, to highway 128 ( to Boonville ), continue to highway 1, and then head South to Anchor Bay. PLEASE VISIT THE WEBSITE FOR PRECISE DRIVING DIRECTIONS FROM SACRAMENTO OR SAN FRANCISCO
Address
35400 S Highway 1
Gualala, CA 95445
Coordinates
38.80407842111976 N
123.57964911924635 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 5/18/26
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 5/18/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Market
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 1 hr 42 min from Santa Rosa, CA
- 2 hrs 22 min from Vallejo, CA
- 2 hrs 25 min from Napa, CA
- 2 hrs 35 min from San Francisco, CA
