Rocky promontories, panoramic views, kelp-dotted coves, and the dramatic sounds of pounding surf; open grasslands, forested hills, pristine prairies, and pygmy forests- you can experience all of these coastal wonders within the Gerstle Cove Campground. With 20 miles of hiking trails, over six miles of rugged coastline, and an underwater park, you can enjoy a variety of picnicking, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, skin and SCUBA diving, and camping. The weather can be changeable along the rugged Northern California Coast. Even summertime can be cool as fog hugs the coastline and ocean winds chill the air. We recommend layered clothing for your visit.

 Sandstone and Tafoni
 Ever wonder where the streets of San Francisco came from? Sandstone from Salt Point was used in the construction of San Francisco's streets and buildings during the mid 1800's. If you look closely at the rocks at Gerstle Cove, you can still see eyebolts where the ships anchored while sandstone slabs were loaded onboard. Quarried rocks can still be seen scattered along the marine terrace north of Gerstle Cove. Look for the drill holes along the edges of the rocks that were used to separate the large rocks into smaller slabs.

 Tafoni is the Italian word for cavern. It is a natural phenomenon that is common along the sandstone near the ocean's edge at Gerstle Cove and Fisk Mill. Look for a honeycomb type network carved into the rocks forming pits, knobs, ribs, and ridges.

 FACILITIES and ACTIVITIES

 When utilizing the facilities at Salt Point State Park we ask that you remain on developed trails at all time in order to preserve the park's unspoiled qualities and to avoid contact with ticks and poison oak. Mountain bikes must stay on paved or fire roads, however, fire roads are closed to bicycles from October 31 to April 30. Bikes are not allowed on single-track trails as they cause a great deal of damage to the trail surfaces. Dogs must be kept on leash at all times and are not permitted on the trails or on the beaches. They must be kept in a tent or vehicle at night. For additional State Park regulations (State Park Rule and Regulations). 

 Picnicking:
 Fisk Mill Cove is a day use area that provides picnickers with paved parking, picnic tables, small upright barbeques, restrooms, and drinking water. Additionally, the bishop pines in this area provide protection from the spring and summer winds. You can take a short walk from the north lot for a dramatic view of the Pacific Ocean from Sentinel Rock's wooden deck. 

 Stump Beach is another picnic area that offers one of the few sandy beaches north of Jenner. There are a few picnic tables near the parking lot and a primitive toilet with no running water. A 1/4 mile trail leads down to the beach. 

 South Gerstle Cove also has picnic tables, a primitive toilet, and a beautiful, exposed view of the ocean. 

 Hiking and Horseback Riding:
 There are over 20 miles of hiking and equestrian trails to explore in Salt Point State Park. Trail maps are available at the entrance station.

 Underwater Area:
 The park includes one of the first underwater areas in California, Gerstle Cove Marine Reserve, where marine life is completely protected. The cove affords shelter for the hand launching of small boats and divers come to the cove to explore the wonders of the undersea world. 

 Marine life can be experienced on land during low tide in the rocky intertidal zone through tide pool exploration. When exploring these areas remember that many of these organisms can be damaged or destroyed by even the simple act of turning over a rock and exposing the animals to the sun. 

 Fishing:
 Fishing is permitted throughout the area with a valid fishing license, with the exception of Gerstle Cove Marine Reserve and north of the parking lot at Fisk Mill Day Use as part of the Stewart's Point Marine Reserve. The rest of Salt Point State Park is part of the Salt Point State Marine Conservation Area and only the take of finfish and abalone is permitted. The rocky coastline at Salt Point provides many excellent ocean fishing opportunities. Using bait of squid, shrimp, mussels, or smelt you can catch lingcod, cabezon, rockfish, and greenlings while fishing from the rocks. Be careful to stay back from the waves reach, since the rocks can be slippery and the ocean is rough. 

 Camping:
 All campsites, with the exception of our overflow camping, are equipped with a fire-ring, picnic table, and food locker. The campgrounds have drinking water and restrooms but no showers. A dump station is not available.

 The family sites and group campground are on our reservation system by calling 1-800-444-PARK (7275). The hiker/biker sites and overflow camping are on a first-come, first-served basis year round- no reservations are available for these sites. Campgrounds consistently fill on weekends from April 1 to the end of September. Reservations are strongly recommended. For campground maps please see link to the right, but keep in mind that specific sites cannot be reserved.

 FAMILY SITES
 Two main campgrounds are available at Salt Point State Park. Gerstle Cove campground is situated atop the coastal bluffs on the ocean side of Highway One and offers 30 family campsites. Woodside Campground, with 79 sites, is located on the east side of Highway One. 

 HIKER/BIKER SITES
 Ten sites are available for campers on foot or bicycles. These sites are located behind the ranger office near Woodside Campground.

 GROUP CAMPING
 This camp is located on the ocean side of Highway One and accommodates a maximum of 40 people and ten cars. 

 OVERFLOW CAMPING
 A day use parking lot located below Gerstle Campground is available for self-contained vehicles only. No tent camping or open fires are allowed. No restroom facilities or drinking water are available.



Salt Point State Park

Bodega Dunes (Sonoma Coast Camping) has a potable water fill station and a dump station that service both campgrounds .  There are no potable water filling areas at Wright's Beach.  Do not use spigots for your filling needs.  Fill up your water tanks at Bodega Dunes prior to you arrival.  Maximum trailer length is 27' and hook-ups are not available. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring and a paved parking spur. Running water and flush toilets are available in the bathrooms. Max occupancy is 8 people and two vehicles per campsite.  All vehicles MUST stay on paved parking spurs.  Any vehicles that do not fit may be taken to the overflow parking lot in the day use area.  Wright's Beach does not offer group camping.  When the campground is full, the overflow area on either side of the kiosk may be used for self-contained vehicles on a first come, first served basis.  Reservations are recommended, especially on the weekends, holidays and during the peak season.

Bodega Dunes Campground at Sonoma Coast State Park

Doran Beach Camping has more than 120 RV and tent sites that are open year-round.

Doran Regional Park features a wide, 2-mile stretch of beach on Bodega Bay and is ideal for walking, picnicking, playing in the sand, flying kites, surfing, and bird-watching. 

A boat launch provides access to Bodega Harbor and Bodega Bay for sport fishing, kayaking, stand-up paddling, and kite surfing. A rock jetty on the west end of the park is a popular spot for fishing and exploring sea life. 

Doran Regional Park features campsites for tents, trailers and RVs. Reservations are required and can be made up to 12 months in advance. 

The park includes five campground areas: The Shell, Gull and Cove campsites are located between Bodega Harbor and Doran Beach Road while the Jetty and Miwok campsites are between Bodega Bay and Doran Beach Road.

Electrical hook-ups are not available. Generator hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Potable water is available throughout the campgrounds.
Restrooms feature flush toilets, coin-operated showers and electrical outlets.
Dogs on leash are allowed with a fee.
Dump station fee is $7.

Doran Regional Park

Cache Creek Regional Park

One- to six-person sites: 12
Seven- to 25-person sites: 2

Coast Campground is nestled within a small coastal valley with easy access to the beach and tidepools. The beach is within 220 yards of the campground and tidepools are located ~720 yards to the southeast. One may access Coast Campground by foot, bicycle, or horse; not by boat, auto, or RV. The shortest approach on solid ground is via the 1.8-mile slightly uphill hike on the Laguna and Fire Lane Trails, starting at the Laguna Trailhead just east of the hostel. There are 12 regular sites and two group sites.

Coast Camp - Point Reyes NS

Are you an equestrian lover who prefers a more rustic experience when you visit California? Finding a place to stay in California while traveling with your horse has never been easier. Find our top-rated horse campsites from other campers like you in seconds.

California

The Best Equestrian Camping in California

Looking for the best horse camping near Lake Sonoma? Finding a place to stay in California while traveling with your horse is easy. With our help, you'll find the best California equestrian campsites from scenic to easily accessible.

Lake Sonoma

The Best Equestrian Camping Near Lake Sonoma, California

Located in the heart of the beautiful Napa Valley wine country, the Park offers Napa valley camping, picnicking, swimming, and hiking trails that go through stands of coastal redwoods as well as forests of Douglas-fir, tanoak, and madrone.

 Park is open year round. 

 A few drop-in sites are available on a first-come-first-serve especially during the off season.



Bothe-Napa Valley State Park

COE Mendocino Lake Bu-Shay Campground

OHV Staging Area, Equestrian Staging Area (no camping).

Middle Creek Campground

This campground is located on Forest Road M10, just above the Fouts Springs OHV area. There are 7 sites with tables and grills. Corrals and hitching post are available for packstock animals. A short trail (.8 mile) connects to the Deafy Glade Trail providing access to the Snow Mountain Wilderness.

Dixie Glade Campground

Los Angeles is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Los Angeles is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Los Angeles

The Best Camping Near Los Angeles, California

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near San Diego. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that California camping has to offer. Find the best campgrounds near San Diego, CA. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

San Diego

The Best Camping in San Diego | California Campgrounds

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, San Jose, CA is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. San Jose is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near San Jose, CA. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

San Jose

The Best Camping Near San Jose, California

The hub city of California’s Bay Area wins in waterfront beauty and access to Yosemite National Park for camping and hiking. While the city is a major tourist draw, water sports lovers will appreciate the abundance of opportunities.

There aren’t any major campgrounds in San Francisco itself, as you may expect, though Half Moon Bay State Beach is just south of the city, near San Mateo, CA. If you’re traveling north up the coast, you’ll find the Point Reyes National Seashore to your liking. There is only one campground with 14 sites, however. There are no RV or car-accessible spots, and all campsites are tent-only and walk-in. If you’re looking for the best camping near San Francisco, Point Reyes is probably still your most convenient option.

San Francisco

San Francisco, CA is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that California camping has to offer. Find the best campgrounds near San Francisco, CA. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

The Best Camping in San Francisco | CA Camping

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Fresno, CA has a lot to offer. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Find the best campgrounds near Fresno, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Fresno

The Best Camping Near Fresno, CA | California Campgrounds

Where the American and Sacramento Rivers meet is some of the best camping in California. Near Sacramento, CA, campers can experience life during the 1840s Gold Rush and tour the museums before heading to their campsites for the night. RVers will find plenty of campgrounds where they can pull in and find the amenities they need. Stay close to the city and its attractions or closer to the coast. On the water you can spend the day fishing, boating, and swimming. Your camping adventures in the area can include horseback riding along the trails or a visit to a local farm complete with a family-friendly petting zoo.

Sacramento

The Best Camping Near Sacramento | CA Camping

Long Beach is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Long Beach, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Long Beach camping trip.

Long Beach

The Best Camping Near Long Beach, California

Looking for the best campgrounds near Oakland, CA? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your California camping adventure.

Oakland

The Best Camping Near Oakland, California

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Bakersfield, CA is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Bakersfield is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your California camping adventure.

Bakersfield

The Best Bakersfield Camping | California Campgrounds

Looking for the best campgrounds near Anaheim, CA? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that California camping has to offer. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Anaheim and user-submitted reviews.

Anaheim

The Best Camping Near Anaheim, California

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Inyo National Forest. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Inyo National Forest campgrounds just for you. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Inyo National Forest

The Best Camping Near Inyo National Forest, California

Tahoe National Forest is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Tahoe National Forest is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Tahoe National Forest and user-submitted reviews.

Tahoe National Forest

The Best Camping Near Tahoe National Forest, California

Six Rivers National Forest is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Six Rivers National Forest, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Find the best campgrounds near Six Rivers National Forest, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Six Rivers National Forest

The Best Camping Near Six Rivers National Forest, California

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Eldorado National Forest, CA has a lot to offer. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Eldorado National Forest. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Eldorado National Forest

The Best Camping Near Eldorado National Forest, California

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Los Padres National Forest, CA is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Los Padres National Forest camping trip.

Los Padres National Forest

The Best Camping Near Los Padres National Forest, California

Join the fun near Lassen National Forest. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Lassen National Forest. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Lassen National Forest. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Lassen National Forest

The Best Camping Near Lassen National Forest, California

Join the fun near Stanislaus National Forest. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Stanislaus National Forest is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Stanislaus National Forest

The Best Camping Near Stanislaus National Forest, California

Are you in need of a campground near Angeles National Forest, CA? Angeles National Forest is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Angeles National Forest

The Best Camping Near Angeles National Forest, California

San Bernardino National Forest is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. San Bernardino National Forest is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Find the best campgrounds near San Bernardino National Forest, CA. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

San Bernardino National Forest

The Best Camping Near San Bernardino National Forest, California

Modoc National Forest is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that California camping has to offer. Find the best campgrounds near Modoc National Forest, CA. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

The Best Equestrian Camping in Lake Sonoma

Top Campgrounds in Lake Sonoma (9)

1.