When most people think of Sonoma County in California, wineries, rolling vineyards, and charming small towns usually come to mind. However, beyond the wine country lies one of the most rugged and beautiful stretches of coastline in the state. From dramatic ocean bluffs and secluded coves to sandy beaches and windswept campgrounds, the Sonoma Coast offers some of California’s most memorable camping experiences.
This short list of parks offers different experiences from privately-owned campgrounds, to state parks and regional parks. Each provides their own look and feel, as well as what amenities are available. We enjoy our experiences at each one and love to continue to explore new places to camp along the Sonoma County Coast (and beyond)!
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer Northern California road trip, camping is one of the best ways to experience the natural beauty of Sonoma County in California. These five coastal campgrounds offer everything from oceanfront campsites and beach access to scenic hiking trails and unforgettable sunsets.
WHY CAMP ALONG THE SONOMA COAST?
The coastline of Sonoma County in California feels remarkably wild compared to many other coastal destinations throughout the state. Towering cliffs, rocky shorelines, crashing waves, and expansive ocean views create an environment that feels untouched and remote. And camping nearby means extra time to soak it all in.
And when you hear ‘coastal campground’ – don’t automatically think ‘oceanfront.’ While some of these campgrounds are oceanfront or have an ocean view, others are tucked into the hills and surrounded by coastal trees. Many Sonoma Coast campgrounds place visitors directly beside the Pacific Ocean. Instead of simply visiting the coast for the day, camping allows you to wake up to ocean views, spend evenings around a campfire, and enjoy some of the best sunsets in Northern California.
STILLWATER COVE REGIONAL PARK
Stillwater Cove Regional Park Campground is one of the most peaceful camping destinations along the Sonoma Coast. Located near Timber Cove, the campground sits within a protected cove surrounded by forests and dramatic coastal scenery. Unlike larger campgrounds, Stillwater Cove feels intimate and quiet, making it an excellent choice for travelers seeking a slower pace.
Additionally, campers enjoy easy access to kayaking, fishing, tidepooling, and scenic coastal walks. The protected waters of the cove create a unique environment that feels very different from the rugged open coastline found elsewhere in Sonoma County in California.
- CAMPGROUND: Stillwater Cove Regional Park Campground
- LOCATION: Jenner, Sonoma County
- COST: $41-54+/night
- PET POLICY: Dogs welcome on-leash
- SEASONALITY: Open year-round
- BOOK YOUR SITE: Camping & RV Reservations
SALT POINT STATE PARK
We didn’t feel that this was one of the most scenic campgrounds in Sonoma County in California. But Gerstle Cove Campground still deserves a spot near on your list. Located within Salt Point State Park, the campground provides access to one of the most spectacular stretches of coastline in Northern California.
Visitors can spend their days exploring coastal trails, discovering unique sandstone formations, and watching waves crash against rocky cliffs. Additionally, the nearby Gerstle Cove Marine Reserve makes this area especially popular for divers, wildlife enthusiasts, and photographers. We loved the SALT POINT TO STUMP BEACH TRAIL, we saw tons of birds and a coyote kept a keen eye on us as we hiked by.
- CAMPGROUND: Gerstle Cove Campground
- LOCATION: Jenner, Sonoma County
- COST: $35+/night
- PET POLICY: Dogs welcome on-leash
- SEASONALITY: Open year-round
- BOOK YOUR SITE: Camping & RV Reservations
GUALALA POINT REGIONAL PARK
Situated near the border of Sonoma and Mendocino counties, Gualala Point Regional Park Campground combines coastal scenery with easy access to one of the area’s most charming small towns. The campground sits among coastal forests while remaining within walking distance of beaches and ocean viewpoints. We go here whenever the opportunity arises, as it is one of our favorite campgrounds in the state!
One of the biggest draws is the nearby Gualala River estuary, where visitors can enjoy birdwatching, kayaking, and peaceful nature walks. The combination of forest, river, and ocean landscapes makes this one of the most diverse camping experiences along the Sonoma Coast.
- CAMPGROUND: Gualala Point Regional Park Campground
- LOCATION: Jenner, Sonoma County
- COST: $41+/night
- PET POLICY: Dogs welcome on-leash
- SEASONALITY: Open year-round
- BOOK YOUR SITE: Camping & RV Reservations
FIND ALL THE DETAILS: CAMPING AT GUALALA POINT REGIONAL CAMPGROUND
OCEAN COVE CAMPGROUND
Ocean Cove Campground may be one of the most underrated campgrounds in Sonoma County in California. Maybe even all of California. Perched directly above the Pacific Ocean, the campground offers blufftop campsites with sweeping coastal views that rival many of California’s more famous camping destinations. And if you’re having trouble finding reservations at some of the regional and state parks – this campground is first-come, first-serve.
One of the things that makes Ocean Cove stand out is how close you are to the water. Many campsites sit just steps from the edge of the bluff, creating front-row seats for sunsets and bird and whale-watching opportunities. Despite its incredible location, Ocean Cove often receives far less attention than campgrounds farther south along the coast.
We love that this family-run campground is tucked between Salt Point and Stillwater Cove, allowing access to both parks and the local hiking trails. We also frequent the Ocean Cove Camp Store, and can say that you can get a decent meal at Ocean Cove Bar & Grill across the street from the campground entrance.
- CAMPGROUND: Ocean Cove Campground
- LOCATION: WALSH LANDING, Sonoma County
- COST: $40+/night CASH or $45+/night CREDIT
- PET POLICY: Dogs welcome, on-leash only
- SEASONALITY: Open seasonally, typically April-October
- BOOK YOUR SITE: No reservations, first-come sites only
PLAN YOUR FULL TRIP: OCEAN COVE CAMPGROUND: CALIFORNIA’S MOST UNDERRATED CAMPGROUND
DORAN REGIONAL PARK
Doran Regional Park offers one of the most unique coastal camping experiences in Sonoma County in California. Located on a narrow stretch of land extending into Bodega Bay, many campsites sit just a short walk from the beach. This campground is also a short drive from town, giving quick access to local eateries like the FISHETARIAN FISH MARKET and THE BIRDS CAFE, or to rent kayak from easily rent kayaks from BODEGA BAY KAYAK.
The campground’s location makes it particularly appealing for beachgoers, birdwatchers, and families. Additionally, calm waters, sandy beaches, and easy accessibility create a more beginner-friendly camping experience compared to some of the rugged blufftop campgrounds found elsewhere on the Sonoma Coast.
- CAMPGROUND: Doran Regional Park Campground
- LOCATION: Bodega Bay, Sonoma County
- COST: $41+/night
- PET POLICY: Dogs welcome on-leash, and dogs allowed on beach
- SEASONALITY: Open year-round
- BOOK YOUR SITE: Camping & RV Reservations
TIPS FOR CAMPING IN SONOMA COUNTY
RESERVE EARLY
Many coastal campgrounds in Sonoma County in California book months in advance, particularly during summer weekends and holiday periods. So, you can plan ahead and significantly improve your chances of securing a campsite. And even though you cannot reserve ahead at Ocean Cove, you can still plan accordingly around busy times.
PREPARE FOR COASTAL WEATHER
Even during summer, temperatures along the Sonoma Coast can be cool and windy. We recommend bringing layers, rain jackets, and warm sleeping gear are essential regardless of the season. Whether you’re right on the coast or tucked in the trees, you’ll experience a variety of weathers in one day.
DOWNLOAD MAPS AHEAD OF TIME
Cell service can be limited throughout portions of Highway 1 and the Sonoma Coast. Downloading maps and campground information before your trip can help prevent navigation issues. Additionally, we always recommend taking a screenshot of your campsite reservation. Figuring out your site number without service is a real struggle.
COASTAL CAMPGROUNDS IN SONOMA COUNTY
From secluded coves and rugged coastal bluffs to sandy beaches and peaceful forests, the campgrounds along Sonoma County in California offer an incredible variety of camping experiences. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly beach getaway at Doran Regional Park, dramatic ocean views at Ocean Cove Campground, or scenic hiking opportunities at Salt Point State Park, there’s a coastal campground for every type of traveler.
The best part is that each campground provides a unique way to experience one of California’s most beautiful stretches of coastline. If you’re planning a Northern California camping trip, these five coastal campgrounds in Sonoma County in California deserve a place on your bucket list.
BUCKET LIST CALIFORNIA MAP & GUIDE
We’ve spent over 10 years exploring and mapping out this incredible state. And we put all the details, info, links, tips and recommendations in to a single California Bucket List Guide. Like GPS location, dog-friendliness, cost, and more. This guide now has over 850 unique locations and things to do around California, with some bonus locations in Oregon and Nevada. So if you’re looking for things to do, or places to go, this guide is for you!
Not much of a planner? No worries! We also have curated itineraries to make the planning process easier for you. And if that isn’t enough, book a call with us or have us create a custom itinerary for you! We are here to help!
Let us know if you have any questions in the comments below. And happy soft adventuring!
Happy Soft Adventuring!
- Katy & Ryan
