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Best Campgrounds near Gualala, CA

667 Reviews

Gualala on the California coast blends forest and beach camping experiences in one area. At Woodside Campground in Salt Point State Park, you'll find shady sites near good hiking trails throughout the park. Nearby Gerstle Cove Campground, also in Salt Point State Park, sits right above the ocean with easy walks to explore tide pools when the tide is out. Hendy Woods State Park Campground, located in Anderson Valley, has camping spots among big redwood trees in a quiet setting. Anchor Bay Campground gives you both forest privacy and a short walk to the beach, with good ocean views from many sites. Spring and fall are great times to visit when weather is good and you'll have more space to yourself. Summer gets crowded so book well ahead if you're planning a trip then. Winter brings rain and cooler temps that might make some roads tricky. Most campgrounds are easy to reach, though some require driving on narrower, curvy roads. Check ahead about road conditions and what size vehicles work best. The Gualala area has good options for both tent and RV campers.

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Best Camping Sites Near Gualala, California (113)

    1. Gualala Point Regional Park

    22 Reviews
    Gualala, CA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (707) 785-2377

    $35 - $45 / night

    "Gualala Point Regional Park Campground is the most beautiful place I've ever been. It's towering redwoods, the Gualala river and the Pacific ocean all in one place."

    "Great walk to the ocean from the campsite. Downtown Gualala was cute too."

    2. Anchor Bay Campground

    13 Reviews
    Gualala, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 884-4222

    $45 - $60 / night

    "We found this campsite tucked away near Gualala during the lockdown in January. Almost every campground was closed after CA hospitalizations peaked, so this private campground saved our trip!"

    "Beautiful scenery around the campground as it lays right in the edge of the ocean, instant walk to the beach."

    3. Gualala River Redwood Park

    12 Reviews
    Gualala, CA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (707) 884-3533

    "My husband and I loved this Redwood forest campground in the town of Gualala. There’s so much to do near by and the general vibe of the campers there was mellow and artistic."

    "There's a volley ball area, ping pong tables and lots of great trails to venture out on."

    4. Woodside Campground — Salt Point State Park

    24 Reviews
    Annapolis, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 847-3221

    "I've taken my 3 kids a couple of times now, and it's such a great location along the Sonoma Coast."

    "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."

    5. Ocean Cove Store and Campground

    22 Reviews
    Cazadero, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 847-3422

    $28 - $280 / night

    "Great scenery, and many of the tent sites are tucked away in little nooks and crannies for privacy if you don’t want the more open outer ring sites."

    "Ocean Cove is a private campground right off Highway one. The owners are very friendly and helpful and they also own the grocery store across from the campsites."

    6. Hendy Woods State Park Campground

    27 Reviews
    Philo, CA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 895-3141

    $45 - $70 / night

    "This California State Park is located in the Anderson Valley, a historic agricultural area located in the Navarro river watershed.  While only 120-ish miles from San Francisco, this area is remote. "

    "The sites are situated among towering redwoods. Which blocks the amazing clear night skies, but offer there own beauty.
    It was great! The nearby towns or phill and boonville are super cute."

    7. Manchester Beach / Mendocino Coast KOA

    16 Reviews
    Manchester, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 882-2375

    "We've spent most of our twenty years of camping together off the beaten path, avoiding the likes of anything KOA, but for our RV's maiden voyage we thought we'd start with the Machester Beach KOA, and"

    "The location is surrounded by a lot of fun things to do. The site has 2 parks, trails, pool/hot tub, and so much more."

    8. Salt Point State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Annapolis, CA
    17 miles
    Website

    $35 - $200 / night

    "This area has fascinating California history and this special campground is right in the middle of it."

    "Along the forgotten coast of Central California along Hwy 1, this small state park offers a great way to explore the area. "

    9. Stillwater Cove Regional Park

    12 Reviews
    Cazadero, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 847-3245

    $32 - $35 / night

    "Short walk to a rocky beach across highway 1. Beach is not for swimming since the rip tides are dangerous. Abalone diving for experienced folks."

    "There is a boil notice for the whole campground to not consume unboiled water due to testing positive for E. Coli."

    10. Manchester State Park Campground

    8 Reviews
    Manchester, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 882-2463

    $35 / night

    "Next to koa. Just a power plant between you and the ocean via a long walk."

    "The campground is just above the driftwood beach offering walks in solitude with the breaking waves in the background."

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Recent Camping Photos near Gualala, CA

289 Photos of 113 Gualala Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Gualala, CA

667 Reviews of 113 Gualala Campgrounds

Guide to Gualala

Camping near Gualala, California, offers a mix of stunning coastal views and serene redwood forests. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Explore the trails: Many campgrounds, like Hendy Woods State Park Campground, have beautiful trails. One camper mentioned, "Nice trails down to the river," making it a great spot for hiking and enjoying nature.
  • Visit local wineries: The area is known for its wineries. A family who stayed at Hendy Woods State Park Campground enjoyed the nearby towns, saying, "The nearby towns of Philo and Boonville are super cute."
  • Beach activities: Campgrounds like Wright's Beach Campground are right by the ocean. One visitor noted, "The location of this campground can’t be beat," highlighting the easy access to beach fun.

What campers like

  • Scenic views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. One reviewer at Ocean Cove Store and Campground said, "Views are unbeatable," which is a common sentiment among those who camp near Gualala.
  • Clean facilities: Many campgrounds, such as Gualala Point Regional Park, are praised for their cleanliness. A camper mentioned, "Bathrooms were clean, park ranger was super nice," which adds to the overall experience.
  • Friendly staff: Campers appreciate the helpfulness of campground hosts. At Anchor Bay Campground, one visitor said, "People are very friendly and staff go out of their way to help."

What you should know

  • Crowded sites: Some campgrounds can feel a bit cramped. A reviewer at Gualala River Redwood Park noted, "The sites are so closely packed that there are cars and RVs everywhere you look."
  • Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For example, Woodside Campground — Salt Point State Park has no showers, which some campers found inconvenient.
  • Wildlife encounters: Campers should be aware of local wildlife. One camper at Gualala Point Regional Park mentioned, "Several other campers experienced over-eager raccoons while eating dinner."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose spacious sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites. A family at Hendy Woods State Park Campground found that "the best sites were large with separate table and fire pit areas."
  • Plan for activities: Many campgrounds offer activities for kids. One reviewer at Manchester Beach / Mendocino Coast KOA said, "The site has 2 parks, trails, pool/hot tub, and so much more."
  • Pack for the beach: If you're near the coast, bring beach gear. A camper at Wright's Beach Campground enjoyed the beach access, saying, "A very short drive to the water."

Tips from RVers

  • Check site sizes: Some campgrounds have size restrictions. A visitor at Casini Ranch Family Campground warned, "Not all beach spots have full hookups, and only 1 has a sewer connection."
  • Be prepared for tight roads: The roads can be narrow and winding. One camper at Gualala River Redwood Park mentioned, "The winding, narrow, bumpy roads were very uncomfortable and anxiety-inducing."
  • Bring extra supplies: Some campgrounds may not have firewood or other essentials. A camper at Ocean Cove Store and Campground noted, "Bring firewood; there’s none available on site."

Camping near Gualala, California, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors, with plenty of options for families and RVers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Gualala, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Gualala, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 113 campgrounds and RV parks near Gualala, CA and 7 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Gualala, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Gualala, CA is Gualala Point Regional Park with a 4.4-star rating from 22 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Gualala, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 free dispersed camping spots near Gualala, CA.

What parks are near Gualala, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 parks near Gualala, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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