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Dillon Beach and the surrounding Sonoma Coast region provide a mix of established campgrounds and RV parks along the Pacific shoreline. Lawson's Landing, located directly in Dillon Beach, offers camping areas with beach access and basic amenities for both tent and RV campers. Within a short drive, Bodega Dunes Campground in Sonoma Coast State Park and Doran Regional Park near Bodega Bay expand the camping options with more developed facilities. The coastal location creates a distinctive camping experience with protective dunes, marine wildlife viewing opportunities, and access to both bay and ocean environments.
Road conditions and campground accessibility vary throughout the region, with most established sites requiring advance reservations, particularly during summer months. The Sonoma Coast experiences cool, foggy mornings year-round, even during summer, with wind conditions affecting comfort at exposed sites. Most campgrounds provide basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and access to drinking water, though hookup availability differs between locations. Cell service can be inconsistent, with Verizon typically offering better coverage than other carriers along this stretch of coastline. According to one visitor, "The campground is separated from the beach/ocean by protective dunes. You can still hear the ocean, but it isn't as loud and windy as it could be."
Campers consistently highlight the unique coastal setting as a primary draw to the area. The combination of beach access, dune exploration, and proximity to fishing opportunities creates versatile recreation options. Several developed campgrounds feature sites with varying degrees of privacy, from open grassy areas at Lawson's Landing to more sheltered spots at inland locations. Families appreciate the kid-friendly environment, particularly the protected dune areas that provide natural playgrounds. A review noted that Dillon Beach is "a great location not too far from the SF Bay Area" with "minimal amenities but it's all about the location here and you can't beat the location." The region's campgrounds serve as excellent base camps for exploring the broader Sonoma Coast, with multiple state parks, beaches, and small coastal towns within easy driving distance.
"This campsite is centrally located on the peninsula. Access to several roadside dog friendly beaches within minutes. The bay and the beach are within walking distance to campground."
"The California coast is hard to beat. This campground is in the sand dunes, with a short walk to the beach. This is absolutely one of the best places to see the sunset."
from $45 / night
Check Availability"We stayed here for a night at the tail end of a December California adventure before flying out of SFO the next day."
"General: Located between Bodega Bay and Bodega Harbor, this county park has over 140 sites in four campgrounds: Shell, Gull, Cove, and Jetty."
"Dillon Beach is a great location not too far from the SF Bay Area."
"I haven't been back to camp in quite some time, but have visited Dillon Beach for day trips recently and checked out the campground for ol' times sake. It is just as I remember."
"showers were always clean. there was some construction going on, since it was the off season. it looked like they were renovating some of the bathrooms and aisle end sites to add grass and decks. the location"
"For us, this is a great spot to shoot down the highway and pull in for a few days to get away from the hustle and bustle of normal life!"
"This campground is less than an hours drive from San Francisco. It is along Sir Francis Drake Boulevard which takes you through a bunch of very cute tiny towns."
"Beautiful trees and wonderful California charm. The campsites were decently located. Above the Mendocino coast the mornings are wet and Cold. Loved this place"
from $35 - $225 / night
Check Availability"If you wanna rv and craving crab,chowder, and oysters this is the spot for you, full hook up,fire pit , and picnic table walking distance to a restaurant and shops great views very relaxing...the down"
"There is a coffee/breakfast place, and a wine/beer/restaurant at the edge of the property. Very good and convenient! Lots of nice walking opportunities!"
"With a good location you can take some walks to the Salmon River. The pull thru was long but is very narrow. Time you are setup, the camp side of the site is very small."
"On the outskirts of Bodega Bay."
"This campground is in the perfect location. The beach is amazing and you feel like you have it all to yourself and your fellow campers."
"This campground is located on mile-long stretch of beach within the Sonoma Coast State Park. I lived in Sonoma County for 15 years and this is my favorite beach."
from $45 / night
Check Availability"Situated by the Bodega Bay yacht harbor, this is a dry camp facility managed by Sonoma County Regional Parks, and is a great alternative to the more popular and always crowded Doran State Beach campground"
"And a short drive to Doran beach. As well your fees here also get you access to Doran beach."
from $35 / night
Check Availability"A few friends and I recently spent 4 days camping at this beautiful ranch right outside of Duncan Mills and absolutely loved our stay."
"Fire puts when allowed by California. Russian River gets surprisingly warm during the summer."
ScoutMy review of this place is it's a very good place to come stay if you need a place to pull your rig.And be overnight.
TravelerThis was our first camping trip and we loved this location. Very close to the water, we could hear the ocean at night which was so peaceful. There were other campers but everyone was chill and quiet.
There’s GREAT hiking and although the camp is pet friendly not all the trails are so be aware of that.
As others mentioned, there isn’t a ton around so make sure you’ve got everything or get there early enough to utilize shops before they close.
We stayed at spot 18 which was lovely, good trees for the hammock and you could see the ocean. Our spot wasn’t completely flat and we slid around in there quite a bit but it didn’t ruin our stay.
We also had great cell service and use Verizon.
ScoutThe location is great since you’re close to st Helena and Calistoga. The road is narrow and the spots are tricky to back into. It was our first time with out 20ft trailer and we struggled a bit, took us three tries we kept having to drive around the loop of the campground. Lots of poison oak. Dog friendly on the paved road/path. We didn’t use the pool, but it’s open 1-5pm and it’s spring fed. Lots of kids, definitely kid friendly since it’s so small!
ScoutStayed here for a day and I was impressed with all the scenery and great trails for E bikes make sure you bring a fat tire cause there’s a lot of sand.
ScoutVery quiet and there's lots of trails to walk. Easy walking around the lake.
ScoutReally chill, very relaxing vibe and the locals are crazy wonderful 😊
ScoutThis spot is actually very ideal for people like me who was stressing every night while living in my car, I had multiple parking tickets while I was in San Francisco and got my car towed even so once I found out about this free camping rest area I jumped on it. Beautiful views that's a plus
GuideThis is not a practical over night spot. You will not get sleep. It’s a hot spot for locals and tourists to come get wasted. It’s not safe either. Visit for the view, and find somewhere else to sleep.
ScoutWe came with a big group of 11 families and we have had a blast. Floated the river each day, movie night at the theatre, the kids loved the arcade, and the staff was awesome. We will return!
Camping near Dillon Beach, California offers a mix of coastal proximity and diverse site configurations across the Sonoma Coast. The foghorn at Bodega Bay serves as a rhythmic backdrop at several campgrounds, particularly noticeable at night, while morning fog typically burns off by midday during summer months. The region's campsites range from open, wind-exposed locations directly on beaches to more protected inland sites tucked among coastal trees and dunes.
Hiking coastal trails: At Bodega Dunes Campground, visitors access multiple scenic routes. "Hiking among the sand dunes and along the beach provide some really stunning scenery. Reaching the beach, you'll find as much coastal sand as you can handle with miles and miles of it to yourself," notes Shari G. The nearby Bodega Head Trail offers additional hiking options.
Crabbing from the pier: The harbor areas near campgrounds provide excellent seafood gathering opportunities. "Go to the wharf near by to pick up some live crab to boil over the fire," suggests Justin B. from Bodega Dunes. Porto Bodega campers enjoy similar proximity to fresh catches, with one visitor noting, "This place was great full hook up... 3 minute walk to restaurant and deli."
Beach exploration with kids: Samuel P. Taylor State Park serves as a good base camp for coastal exploration. "You are right on Bodega Bay's bay. Just down the road from several exceptional chowder or fish n chips locals," writes Marcus K. from Westside Regional Park. The state park's location provides access to multiple beaches while offering more tree cover than exposed beachfront sites.
Protected camping areas: Doran Regional Park offers sites with natural windbreaks. "Doran Beach is great, especially during the summer for kids because it's a well protected cove and the waves don't usually get very high," explains Justin W. This protection from coastal wind makes evening campfires more enjoyable.
Spacious campsites: Lawson's Landing features larger sites than many coastal options. "We spent a long weekend here at the end of February. Weather was as to be expected for near the coast, but sheltered enough from the wind. Sites were large, water fill stations and bathrooms (with showers) were easily accessible," reports Dustin C., highlighting the practical amenities.
Close beach access: Wright's Beach Campground provides immediate shore access. "This is a small campground of 28 reservable spots plus a few first come first serve just north of Bodega Bay... Best part is that you're literally steps from the beach," shares Debbie M. The proximity allows campers to maximize beach time without driving.
Wind conditions vary by location: Coastal exposure affects comfort significantly. "The tent sites are VERY windy, especially at night," warns Teresa B. about Doran Park. At Westside Park, a camper notes, "This site is all about location. You are right on Bodega Bay. But that also means the wind is fierce."
Shower facilities limited: Many campsites have minimal facilities. "No showers but the restrooms are clean, have warm/hot running water and plugs," reports Kerri C. about Wright's Beach. At Bodega Bay RV Park, Edward R. found "COVID restrictions had the restrooms and laundry facilities closed," showing how availability changes seasonally.
Cell coverage inconsistent: Service depends on location and carrier. "No issues with Verizon or T mobile Hot spots," reports Brandon G. at Bodega Bay RV Park, while at Casini Ranch, Sarah notes "There is NO VERIZON service in the campsite and limited to no Verizon service for about 1/2 mile out of the campsite."
Sand play areas: The dunes provide natural entertainment. "I'd spend all day playing in the dunes," recalls a camper about Dillon Beach. At Lawson's Landing, "the kids enjoyed the sand dunes a lot," though Phanessa F. cautions, "It's not easy to access the beach. It seems there's a huge sand dune between the campground and the beach."
Protected swimming spots: Certain beaches offer safer water access. "Doran Beach is great, especially during the summer for kids because it's a well protected cove and the waves don't usually get very high," notes Justin W. This makes water activities more accessible for families with younger children.
Additional activities: Some campgrounds offer structured recreation. "This campground feels cramped to me. Walking on the beach was nice, but not really a swimmable beach due to rocks and huge waves," reports Kerry V. about Wright's Beach, suggesting families should research beach conditions before booking.
Limited hookups at state parks: Most coastal state facilities have minimal services. "No showers but the restrooms are clean, have warm/hot running water and plugs. Good spot to blow dry your hair if you can shower in the trailer!" advises Kerri C. about Wright's Beach, highlighting the need for self-contained capabilities.
Site selection crucial: For larger rigs, choose carefully. "Tested the water-Water tested as acceptable tap water after running it through an external filter. 21 elements checked, all within range. Dissolved solids were 251...pretty high. The worst water in our 6 week trip," reports Patrick J. from San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA.
Dump station availability: Not all parks offer full services. "There's a dump station for a $7 fee (though the website says $10, so maybe it's actually $10), honor box at the station to deposit your money. Water fill available here as well," notes Laura M. about Westside Regional Park, providing practical information for planning stops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is camping allowed at Dillon Beach in California?
Camping is not allowed directly on Dillon Beach itself, but you can camp very close by at Lawson's Landing, a private campground located at the southern end of Dillon Beach. This historic campground offers beachside camping with minimal amenities in a beautiful coastal setting. During normal operations, Lawson's Landing provides camping on flat, grassy areas with fire pits and picnic tables. The campground has been a popular tradition for many families visiting Dillon Beach for generations, making it the primary camping option for those wanting to stay right at Dillon Beach.
What camping options are available near Dillon Beach?
Several excellent camping options are available within a short drive from Dillon Beach. Bodega Dunes Campground — Sonoma Coast State Park offers semi-private, flat sites with clean facilities and easy access to both bay and beach areas. Westside Regional Park in Bodega Bay provides a convenient base camp for exploring the Sonoma Coast, situated near the yacht harbor. Other nearby options include Wright's Beach Campground, Doran Regional Park, and Porto Bodega Marina & RV Park, all offering unique coastal camping experiences within a short drive of Dillon Beach.
Can you RV camp at Dillon Beach?
Yes, RV camping is available near Dillon Beach at Lawson's Landing, which accommodates self-contained RVs. During certain periods (like COVID restrictions), the campground has specifically required self-contained vehicles. For more full-service RV options near Dillon Beach, Porto Bodega Marina & RV Park offers amenities specifically for RV campers including water hookups and big-rig-friendly sites. Most RV sites in the area are first-come, first-served, so arriving early is recommended, especially during peak summer months when coastal camping is in high demand.
What are the best wind-protected camping spots at Dillon Beach?
For wind protection near Dillon Beach, Wright's Beach Campground — Sonoma Coast State Park offers sites that are tucked away from ocean breezes while still being just steps from the sand. Another excellent wind-protected option is Woodside Campground — Salt Point State Park, which provides camping in a wooded forest area that offers natural wind barriers while still allowing easy access to ocean views. At Lawson's Landing itself, the most wind-protected spots are typically those furthest from the beach or positioned where natural terrain features provide shelter from prevailing coastal winds.
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