Best Tent Camping near Bodega Bay, CA

The coastal region surrounding Bodega Bay, California offers several tent-only camping options within state parks and environmental campgrounds. Pomo Canyon Environmental Camp in Sonoma Coast State Park provides walk-in tent sites with basic amenities like picnic tables and toilets. Nearby, Willow Creek campground at Sonoma Coast State Beach offers hike-in and walk-in tent camping with drinking water, fire pits, and picnic tables. For tent campers seeking a more secluded experience, Tomales Bay Boat-In Camping in Point Reyes National Seashore provides walk-in tent sites accessible by kayak or boat, offering a unique backcountry tent camping experience.

Most tent campgrounds in the Bodega Bay area feature flat, grassy or dirt tent pads with minimal grading. Primitive tent camping sites typically include picnic tables, food storage lockers, and vault toilets, though amenities vary significantly between locations. Seasonal considerations are important when planning tent camping trips to this coastal area, as fog and wind can be persistent, especially during summer months. Many campsites require advance reservations through recreation.gov or the California State Parks reservation system, while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis with 14-day maximum stays. Wildlife activity, particularly raccoons, is common throughout the region, so proper food storage is essential.

Tent campers frequently use these sites as bases for coastal hiking and beach exploration. According to reviews, Wildcat Campground in Point Reyes National Seashore offers "a very cool spot for backpacking in with 6-8 miles to hike in, depending on the trails you take." The tall grass between sites provides natural privacy barriers. One visitor noted that Tomales Bay's boat-in tent sites provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities: "You will see sea jellies, bat rays, maybe a leopard shark, and bioluminescent plankton." Morning fog is common at coastal tent sites, with one camper recommending: "Be aware that fog is wet and you may want to use your rain fly." Most backcountry tent sites in the region offer a good balance of seclusion and basic amenities.

Best Tent Sites Near Bodega Bay, California (35)

    1. Schoolhouse Canyon Campground

    8 Reviews
    Rio Nido, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 869-2311

    $48 / night

    "He put us in a very level spot that was great for my rooftop tent situation. Can’t say enough good things about him and his staff. Everyone was very friendly."

    "Location location location…. The Schoolhouse Canyon Campground is located about 400 yards off the Russian River / 1/2 mile down the road from the Korbel Winery (amazing deli!!!)"

    2. Bullfrog Pond Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    7 Reviews
    Guerneville, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 869-2015

    "Right by Armstrong Redwoods State Park there is a steep winding road at the end of which there is literally a pond. "

    "We had spot number 23 but I think 24 or 21 would have been the best for shade and privacy. THERE ARE NO SHOWERS HERE! we did not know this before hand."

    4. Duncans Mills Campground (Membership)

    2 Reviews
    Duncans Mills, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 865-2024

    "Beautiful river along with campsites surrounded by tall tress. Nice place to relax,hike, fish and or kayaking. full hookups and well maintained campground along with a decent rec center."

    5. Willow Creek - Sonoma Coast State Beach

    1 Review
    Jenner, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 875-3483

    "It’s kinda tucked away and not too busy, which made it perfect by my book."

    6. Highlands Resort

    2 Reviews
    Guerneville, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 869-0333

    $30 - $50 / night

    "Outdoor kitchen with grill and gas stove. ice machine, Camp among beautiful redwoods in Guerneville just off the Russian River. Many bars and restaurants in walking distance. Nearby supermarket."

    "Tucked away from the world, cozy little camp under a bridge and looking out of a crack to see huge waves coming in n! Almost like it will swallow us hole. Will be back for sure!"

    7. Tomales Bay Boat-In Camping — Point Reyes National Seashore

    6 Reviews
    Marshall, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 444-6777

    "You can buy or rent a portable toilet if you want to camp at a more secluded beach or just camp at Marshalls beach and you can walk to the pit toilets there."

    "The beach camping is primative but there is a restroom.  Crossing the bay can be treacherous so study the weather - especially winds before you set out. "

    8. La Bohemia

    1 Review
    Rio Nido, CA
    11 miles
    +1 (510) 866-7826

    $200 - $800 / night

    9. Sky Campground — Point Reyes National Seashore

    13 Reviews
    Point Reyes National Seashore, CA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (415) 663-8054

    "The hike in camp is only a 1.3 ish mile hike and it was awesome."

    "There is short backpack trip to Sky Camp which is litereally on the ridge.  You are in the Point Reyes National Seashore up on a ridge.  Beautiful views when there is no fog - but expect fog."

    10. Coast Campground — Point Reyes National Seashore

    9 Reviews
    Point Reyes National Seashore, CA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (415) 464-5100

    $30 - $90 / night

    "Fun baby backpacking trip with my husband . The hike to the campsite went by fast. Only 1.8 miles, not too bad on the elevation gain either."

    "Inside the Point Reyes National seashore, this is a hike in only campground. But has pit toilets, potable water. Groups sites also available."

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Showing results 1-10 of 35 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Bodega Bay, CA

753 Reviews of 35 Bodega Bay Campgrounds



Guide to Bodega Bay

Bodega Bay, California, offers a stunning backdrop for tent camping enthusiasts, with its picturesque coastline and lush landscapes. Here, you can find a variety of campgrounds that cater to different preferences and experiences.

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Tips for tent camping near Bodega Bay

Local attractions to explore while camping

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Bodega Bay, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Bodega Bay, CA is Schoolhouse Canyon Campground with a 5-star rating from 8 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Bodega Bay, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 35 tent camping locations near Bodega Bay, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.