Best Campgrounds near Dillon Beach, CA
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.
