Best Campgrounds near Bodega Bay, CA

Camping near Bodega Bay, California, offers a mix of stunning coastal views and lush forests. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

• Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails around the area. Many campers rave about the local hikes, like the Pioneer Tree Trail, which offers breathtaking views. One visitor said, "Hiking through the forest felt like you were walking through a scene from Fern Gully" at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground.
• Beach Access: Enjoy the nearby beaches. Campers at Bodega Dunes Campground — Sonoma Coast State Park appreciated the quiet beach, noting, "The beach itself was quiet and only a few folks were out there after the storm."
• Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One camper mentioned, "We were harassed by cute little chipmunks and birds that didn’t seem too intimidated by humans" while staying at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground.

What campers like:

• Scenic Views: Many campers love the beautiful surroundings. A visitor at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground said, "It’s a lovely campsite with most sites being under tree canopies."
• Clean Facilities: Clean restrooms and showers are a big plus. One camper at Bodega Dunes Campground — Sonoma Coast State Park noted, "Bathrooms and showers were really clean compared to other places."
• Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA offer plenty of activities for kids, with one reviewer stating, "Great playground, jumping pillow, petting farm and mining fun."

What you should know:

• Crowded on Weekends: Many campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Lawson's Landing mentioned, "By the end of the week, the place fills with families and large groups."
• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Hendy Woods State Park Campground, have limited amenities. One camper noted, "The shower was $1 for 5 minutes. The hot water felt amazing!"
• Wildlife Caution: Be aware of wildlife. Campers at Gualala Point Regional Park reported, "Several other campers experienced over-eager raccoons while eating dinner."

Tips for camping with families:

• Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of family-friendly activities. One camper at San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA highlighted the variety of activities, saying, "This KOA offers a variety of activities that cater to children."
• Check Site Sizes: Some campsites can be small. A visitor at Bodega Dunes Campground — Sonoma Coast State Park mentioned, "Keep in mind, not all campsites at Sammy P. are the same size."
• Bring Extra Supplies: Be prepared with extra supplies like firewood and food. One camper at Hendy Woods State Park Campground noted, "Firewood is available from the camp host who even takes Venmo!"

Tips from RVers:

• Check Hookups: Not all campgrounds have full hookups. A visitor at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground mentioned, "There’s no cell coverage for any of the major providers."
• Be Mindful of Space: Some RV sites can be tight. A camper at Skyline Wilderness Park said, "Spots were pretty level, but close together."
• Plan for Dump Stations: Make sure to know where the nearest dump station is. A visitor at Woodside Campground — Salt Point State Park noted, "No dump station."

Camping near Bodega Bay, California, is a great way to enjoy nature, relax, and create lasting memories with family and friends.