Best RV Parks & Resorts near Philo, CA

We love this place. We've been here for 2 months now off and on. The site we are on is located between a marina and the Noyo River. It allows for easy access for paddle boarding, kayaking, swimming and seals, sea lions and other wildlife. Last night a 6 point deer walked past our site. The rates are pretty reasonable and the people that run the campgrounds are great to work with. There is a kayak/sup rental as well next door. If you're lucky the maintenance guy will sing or whistle while doing his work, and makes for a good show! It does close down except for long-term use in the winter time (November-??) due to coastal seasonal flooding. Internet can be occasionally spotty but we use AT&T and Verizon which work well. Cable is provided. Full hook ups. Due to Covid enquire about the bathroom situation when calling to book. Walking distance from the harbor and a quick bike ride to the bluffs overlooking the ocean.

We originally were going to Fouts Creek Campground but it was HOV weekend (Presidents). Lots of dirt bikes and law enforcement. National Forest pulled in officers from surrounding forests and Sheriff Depts.

With a 35' Class A our options were limited. A Ranger suggested Letts Lake. There is a narrow one lane newly paved road that goes up to Dixie Glade equestrian camp, from there it is dirt. Taking it slow, we made it to Letts Lake and parked in spot 12. It was a tight fit, but we made it.

There are two additional campgrounds at the opposite end of the lake but they are closed for winter. As there was no water or trash service there was no fee. Typically $5.00)

The lake is small with no motors allowed but easy to walk around. Pet friendly in fact all but one campsite had at least one dog.  Fire damage to the forest is substantial but new growth is already starting

Such a gem here! Less than two hours from Oakland.  We'll return soon.

Highlights: 

1. Sites 13 and 15 of the Bodega Dunes loop are by far the best sites.  The others had uneven tent pads or awkward orientations.  The pull-throughs are barely off the road and very sandy.  Take extra blocks if you go because our site was uneven tip to tail.

2. Easy to maneuver big rigs, we saw some 5th wheels, and 25+ footers in here. 

3. This smaller loop of Bodega dunes is so quite, the other loops are sandy and crowded close together.  It was a very different vibe.  It was Memorial Day weekend but our site was out of chaos down below, kids running all around.  Great if you have a gaggle and want to let loose, but if not, stick to the loop with sites 13 and 15. 

4.  A very short drive to the water.  

5. A little trial behind the site connects you to a Sunday farmers market and a Mexican restaurant.  That's about a 10 minute scenic walk.  

6. The dump station and water fill up spigot were excellent.

7.  It's 10 minute drive to Fishermen's cove. A FANTASTIC restaurant. Everything we ate was excellent. 

8. Nice people. 

9. The fire bundles are small for $10 so maybe (gulp) bring some with you. 

Bad: nothing I can think of.  We didn't use the facilities.

General: 19 general and six walk-in campsites among giant redwood and Bay Laurel trees on the Gualala River. Sites 17 & 18 are a double site. 

Site Quality: Level sites with bear box, picnic table, and fire ring. Site One’s camper pad fit our 18-foot camper van, but it would not accommodate anything much larger. Several other camper pads looked short as well. No hookups. 

Bath/Shower house: Three individual units with toilet, sink, soap, and paper towels. One shower that takes quarters – three minutes for $2.00. 

Activities: There is a trail that leads through the walk-in sites, under Highway One, and to the beach, approximately 1.5 miles. You can also drive to the day-use area for a shorter walk. We were there on a weekday but there were many activities scheduled for the upcoming weekend including kayaking on Bodega Bay, outside yoga, and healthy hustle circuit training – I was sad to miss all of these options. 

This campground is beautiful and peaceful. But note that although we did not encounter any, several other campers experienced over-eager raccoons while eating dinner. There was also a sign warning of mountain lions but we did not encounter any. Shout-out to the ranger who shared a lot of good information about the area.