Gerstle Cove Campground — Salt Point State Park

General: Small (30-site) campground in Salt Point State Park. Although you will not have views of the ocean from the campground, you will hear it. 

Site Quality: Varied– some are level, but some are sloped, and most are spaced a very generous amount apart. There are no hookups for any site. We had reserved Site 10, but the pad was sloped in every direction so no matter how we maneuvered our van, we could not find a level spot. This site has ample room for two vehicles to park but would best be suitable for tent campers. We were able to move to Site 6, which was much better– level with a good long driveway. A picnic table, food box, and fire ring complete the site. 

There is also an overflow area, but this area is not reservable. Cost for camping in the overflow section is $30 (vs $35 in the developed campground) and while there are awesome views, it would not be good if it is very windy. Also, be aware the closest restroom is in the day-use area, and I do not know if this gets locked at night. 

Bathhouse: There are two bathhouses that serve the campground. The one closest to our site had two private separate toilet stalls and one outside sink with soap but no towel or other way to dry your hands so make sure to bring your towel. Cold water only. There is a sign prohibiting dishwashing in this sink but there is a water spigot and drain nearby. 

Activities: You can hike either north or south from the visitor center (only open on weekends during the summer). I don’t know what the south trail would have been like, but we were not disappointed in the north trail, which to go to Stump Beach was about 4.5 miles roundtrip from the campground. The wildflowers were beautiful in April and the trail either winds along the bluffs or can be made shorter by cutting inland. 

Other: A shoutout to the camp volunteers. They were available, friendly, and helpful. About the only thing keeping this from a five-star review is the challenge we had in Site 10 (and a few others looked like they might experience the same challenge).

I wish I’d spent two nights at Gerstle Cove instead of one. This area has fascinating California history and this special campground is right in the middle of it.

Learn about the Russian presence along the coast all the way down to Fort Ross (also with a rich California farming and pre colonization history) and be sure to stop by the historic lighthouse at Pt Arena.

Gerstle Cove was VERY windy in the evening when I arrived, but was beautiful the next morning. Sites were well spaced out and the camp host was very nice. Across the highway there’s another campground that has double the spots available.

Lots of RVs at the overflow parking which is much closer to the beach and beautiful. A nice spot to cast off for abalone diving if you do that. (Tents are not allowed down there.) Also a good short walk from the campground itself.

Bathrooms were basic but clean and had sinks and electrical outlets inside. No showers.

Leaving the Bay Area to camp it can still be hard to escape the crowds, but salt point seems to be in the right spot to avoid the hustle bustle. There is no cell service here except at the restrooms at salt point. The campsites we stayed in where on the east side of highway 1 and where quiet and nicely spread out. The campground was full but there was very few people on the trails around the camp. This is the summer of Covid and everyone was social distancing and most where wearing masks. The actual Salt Point is absolutely beautiful with so many tide pools and so much marine life. Stump beach is not far and it is amazing too. My only complaint is how many people have dogs and let them run off leash in camp and the beach and trails. There are many signs saying it’s illegal, but dog owners today seem to think it never applies to them. I would visit again tho, such a beautiful spot!