Woodside Campground — Salt Point State Park

Woodside Campground is just east of of HWY 1 in Sonoma County. The sites are tucked on the hillside amongst mixed evergreen forests, redwoods, ferns, and oaks. The sites all have picnics tables with food lockers, large fire pits, and privacy. The campgrounds are lush and well spaced, giving campers their own slice of this Northern California paradise. 

Numerous trails extend from the campsite. Notable destinations are a Pygmy Forest and a large native prairie. Information panels are scattered along Central Trail give crucial details on native plants. 

A truly remarkable SP and Campground.

Woodside Fulfills It’s Name

This campground is in Salt Point State Park north of Bodega Bay and Jenner on the California Coast.  It offers 30 individual sites of various sizes, and I believe there is a group camping area as well.  It has quite a few spouts with potable water and all the sites are close to bathrooms, which are clean and have flush toilets, though no mirrors and no towels for hand drying.  It is full throughout the summer weekends, and while the sites can be reserved, they are chosen on a first come first served basis, so getting there early is recommended, especially if you need to accommodate a big tent or several tents (some sites have very small areas for tents, but others have huge space).  Sites are nestled between sparsely spaced trees, and some have a view of the ocean, which is not far away.  A road, along with a couple of trails, lead down to a bluff overlooking the ocean.  From there, there is a beautiful 1 mile long hike along the rocky cliffs with sandstone formations to Stump Beach, a great beach for families, with a protected lagoon that's great for kids.

Great Car Camping 90 miles North of San Francisco

No hookups, but rvs welcome. We had both tents and trailers. Short hike to ocean views, but no beach. Bathrooms were clean, no showers. Great spot to camp if you want to get away from big cities. Beautiful drive either north or south on hwy 1\. Very small, so reserve your spot early! We went in Oct. So it wasn't too crowded.

Beautiful, clean short walk to ocean view 

Great area to explore. I don't remember our site #, we got the last one available and were quite happy with it. Fire ring, picnic table, food locker, drinking water, restroom (no shower), nice clean campground. Plenty of room for 2 tents without feeling crowded, and it was semi-private (could see but weren't bothered by neighbors). It's on the coast so be prepared for wind and it being chilly. There were very active raccoons, and it got damp at night so keep your stuff put away.

There was a trail from the campground to the coast that I took first thing in the morning. At various places in the park you can see tafoni formations, tons of wildflowers in season, and lots of sea life. Just a lovely coastal area to explore, each cove is a little different. There is a small visitor center. I would love to go back. We also hiked at the nearby **Kruse Rhododendron State Natural Reserve.**

From camp to coast!

This was a quiet park with large sites. No showers, but wellaintained bathrooms, food storage, etc. it was fogged in when we arrived at 5 and still foggy when we left at 8am, but peaceful and nice neighbors. Did not get a chance to hike to the beach due to the fog. Would definitely like to go back.

Quiet and beautiful

Gorgeous area to call home for a weekend. We stay in Woodside campground since Gerstle (in the more ideal location) is only for RVs and other self-contained live-in vehicles. It works out because the wind can get gnarly out there. Campsites were nice- with ample space. "Rustic" toilets did the job. Camp host was super nice and helpful. Camp makes a great homebase for tons of hikes- the waterfall at Phillip gulch is cool (note: there's an easy way and a hard way- ask the camp host). Although there's a (hopefully temporary) ban on abalone diving, it is worth noting that a chunk of the cove is protected and closed to any fishing. Bring plenty of warm layers and things to make hot drinks and keep it cozy!

Beautiful *windswept* coast

Our family enjoys visiting here. Sites are small, but private. Nice hiking and close to ocean preserve. Good Jr rangers program. Sadly, no showers.

Private sites

Hike and bike area is next to the ranger station, which means you can use their electrical outlet.  Showers were not working when I camped there… likely because of the statewide drought. Plenty of dense shaded hiking trails.  Food box is a nice place to leave items for others who are hiking or bike touring.

Good Hike and Bike Area

I camped here over halloween in 2015 with a few girlfriends. It was great because there were only about two other campgrounds being used. Brisk and clear at night, with sunny days with a fall chill in the air. The campgrounds were nice and spacious with a fire ring and picnic table. There are bathrooms but no garbage pickup.

It was a nice walk to the coast. About 30-40 hike if I remember correctly. The "tafoni" rock along the coast is magnificent. Windy and sunny Pacific Coast ocean experience. I would definitely return next time Im in the area.

Well maintained campground with great hike to the coast

Tucked in the woods and yet minutes from the water! Great toilets, nice fire pits,  family friendly 

Best of both worlds 

Unusual rock formations make this a unique part of the California coast. Abalone diving and spear fishing is popular here.

Incredible coastline

Such a quiet campground. Sites are spaced apart. Great big trees that sing in the wind. This park is not an easy drive to get to from anywhere. Maybe that is why it is so quiet. Must stay at least 3 nights to rationalize that drive. Nice bluff trails, picnic sites and the Rhododendron Preserve has an easy hike. We would like to return again.

Quiet, Rugged and Perfect

We’ve been there a few times now and we love it. We are looking forward to go back soon. The campsite is clean, love walking to the ocean. We drove our van down to edge to watch the sunset. Beautiful. 

Beautiful camp! 

(3/11/21) We camped here for just one night in transit to the Lost Coast and it was great! We originally booked a site at Gerstle Cove Campground but were relocated to Woodside due to some tree maintenance happening at GCC. 

Unfortunately, we couldn’t really see the full extent of the campground since we came in after dark, but the campsites were generous in regards to space and privacy. 

The water spigots were painted like whimsical little mushrooms and bathrooms were clean and well stocked. The next day, we crossed to road to admire the gorgeous views of Gerstle Cove and lamented at the fact we didn’t jump in! It was absolutely stunning and I look forward to coming back soon!

Can’t Wait To Come Back

I've taken my 3 kids a couple of times now, and it's such a great location along the Sonoma Coast.  Not too many other areas that you can be deep into a wooded forest type area, then pop out on the cliffs over looking the vast Pacific Ocean.  Great hiking, clean, and easy access to many other beach spots in either direction.  Just a heads up, the roads to get here are winding and slow, but the scenery is worth it.  Also, for what it's worth, this is a Northern California coastal experience,  if you want swarms of people in bikinis sun bathing and walking along miles of flat perfect sand, then check out Southern California.  Love this spot and will continue to visit.

Best of all worlds

Convenient site on Highway 1. Vault toilets, fire rings, water available. Bring firewood there’s none available on site. 

Northern Ca Highway 1

The park host was very helpful.  Sites are small but adequate. No hookups but water is available near by. Overall flow parking may be better than the sites. 