Sonoma Coast State Park Camping

Sonoma Coast State Park Bodega Dunes Overview

Bodega Dunes Campground has 98 single-family campsites and is located along the shoreline of Bodega Harbor in Sonoma Coast State Park. The sites can accommodate tents, trailers and RVs . Amenities include drinking water, flush toilets, showers and a dump station. Cell service is good in the campground. Each campsite also has a table, fire ring and grill. Hiker/biker campsites are available.

Bodega Dunes campground has 18 campsites open year round, and all of the campground is open early May to October.

Sonoma State Beach features coastland with beaches, reefs, coves, tide pools, headlands, and natural arches. With more than ten miles of shore, 5,000 acres, this state beach is one of the largest in the state. The park stretches from Bodega Head to the Russian River. There is also a five-mile trail system in the dunes. The beach is home to one of Californias largest seal rookeries. In the winter, Bodega Head is one of the finest whale-watching sites on the North Coast.

Also remember that the western snow plover lives on the beach and it is an endangered species.

Best Trails In Sonoma Coast State Park

At the mouth of the Russian River lies the beautiful Sonoma Coast State Park. Boasting long sandy beaches and rocky headlands, this scenic area is an oasis for fishermen, picnickers, and hikers.Accessibility: For accessible features at Sonoma Coast State Park, please visit:

How To Get There

The park is just over an hours drive from the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco to the south or Napa to the east. From San Francisco, take Highway 101 north to Petaluma before hopping on the Highway 116/Lakeville Street exit. A left on Washington Street will turn into Bodega Avenue, Valley Ford Road, and eventually Highway 1 to Bodega Bay. From here, follow Highway 1 north along the Pacific Coast.

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Key Wright’s Beach Campground Regulations

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The map displayed above is for illustrative purposes only. California’s Best Camping website makes no warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, reliability or suitability of any of its maps. Driving times may vary based on conditions. Every effort is made to provide accurate and up to date information, but we cannot be responsible for errors or for changes that may have occurred since publication. Always confirm information with the service provider and check for any recent changes that may have been made. The information provided on this website is done so without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, including but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.

When To Visit Sonoma Coast State Park

The best time to visit Sonoma Coast State Park is between June and October. It can get very foggy and damp in the winter months so its best to wait until summer, late spring or early fall to hike this park.

The best time to go hiking on the beaches at Sonoma Coast State Park is during low tide when you can see more of the beach and find interesting things like shells and driftwood. Youll also have better views if you can avoid going when theres fog or rain so the air is clearer and less smoggy.

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Spots Where You Can Camp By The Beach In Sonoma Mendocino And Marin

Fall asleep to the sound of the ocean and wake up to a view that rivals any five-star hotel.

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Doran Beach Campground, Bodega Bay: Bordered by the breezy Bodega Harbor, Doran Regional Park offers 120 campsites year-round and plenty of amenities to enjoy your stay on the bay. The campgrounds are equipped with potable water and restrooms with electrical outlets and coin-operated showers . Campground reservations are required. Group campsites are closed. $37 per night from May 1 through Nov.30. Doran Regional Park, 201 Doran Beach Road, Bodega Bay, 707-875-3540.

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A group of Analy High School graduates from the late 1960s have been gathering at the Doran Beach campground for the start of the crab season for the past 20 years.

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Wrights Beach Campground, Bodega Bay: This sandy beach campground at the Sonoma Coast State Park offers gorgeous ocean and sunset views. Theres plenty of fun outdoor activities here, including whale and bird watching, hang gliding and hiking the Kortum Trail to other nearby beaches. $35 a night. Campsites include restrooms, picnic tables, food lockers and a fire ring. No potable water filling areas at Wright’s Beach fill up water tanks at Bodega Dunes. No group camping available. Sonoma Coast State Park, 7095 Highway 1, Bodega Bay, 707-875-3483.

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Camping at Wright’s Beach Campground on the Sonoma Coast.

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Sonoma Coast State Park

SAFETY AND FLEX ALERT:press releaseFlexAlert.orgThis park unit is partially open.

What is open now?

• Beaches and trails
• Camping is now available. Walk-ins are allowed. For more information about camping, visit www.parks.ca.gov/COVID19Camping. To make a reservation, visit www.ReserveCalifornia.com or call 800-444-7275.
• Visitor Center is open with modifications.
• Group campsite.
• Special events as directed by the guidelines in the Blueprint for a Safer Economy.

COVID-19 Guidelines – Recreate Responsibly

Trailer: Up to 31 FeetCamper/Motorhome: Up to 31 Feet

Park Hours

Dogs Allowed?

YesDogs allowed on specified beaches: Marshall Gulch, Carmet Beach, Schoolhouse Beach, Portuguese Beach, Duncan’s Cover, Wright’s Beach, Furlong Gulch, Shell Beach, Blind Beach, Russian Gulch. Dogs not allowed in Pomo Canyon and Willow Creek environmental campgrounds.

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Top Sonoma Coast State Park Hiking Trails

You might be a seasoned hiker or just looking for a leisurely stroll on the trails of Sonoma Coast State Park. Regardless of your hiking ability, there are some beautiful places to explore. The park has several trails with hikes of all lengths and difficulties.

The hikes range from easy to difficult, so you can find one that suits your level. Many of these hiking trails can be done in just a day or a few hours. There are so many trails to hike in Sonoma Coast State Park that will lead you to different beaches and points of interest. Here are the best hikes in the park:

Camping And Day Use Information:

Wright’s Beach WILL BE CLOSED Monday, September 26, 2022 through Friday, October 21, 2022Wright’s Beach Campground- Dogs allowed on leash only- No group camping available

Wright’s Beach offers 27 developed campsites located adjacent to the beach. There are no showers, but registered campers may use the token operated hot showers at Bodega Dunes Campground which is approximately 5 miles south. Additionally, Bodega Dunes 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. 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.

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Lets Summarize: Sonoma Coast State Park Hiking

Sonoma Coast State Park is one of the best places to hike in California with its beautiful ocean views, redwood trees, rocky headlands, and series of beaches. The park has numerous hiking trails ranging from easy to difficult and we recommend checking out one of these hikes on this rugged California coast.

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Creekside Connector Loop Trail

• Trail Distance: 5.8 miles

• Location: Start atPomo Canyon and Red Hill Loop Trailhead in Jenner

The Pomo Canyon and Red Hill Loop Trail is a moderately-leveled hike thats closer to the beach compared to other moderate hikes. Either before or after the hike, stop by Shell Beach.

Through the hike, youll walk through groves of redwood trees, and shrubby oaks and look for wildflowers including milkmaids, thistles, and death camas. Look for views of open lands, the ocean, and the Russian River. Allow 3-4 hours to hike the Pomo Canyon and Red Hill Loop Trail.

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Sonoma Coast Attractions And Activities

The Sonoma Coast has a string of beautiful little beaches interspersed with rocky points. Among them are some of the most popular coastal towns in the area. Campers at Bodega Dunes Campground are close to all these great destinations.

• Visit historic Fort Ross.
• Discover all the trails, beaches and overlooks around Salt Point State Park.
• Stroll around the streets of Bodega Bay.
• Try whale watching from Bodega Head.
• Take advantage of public access trails along the Sea Ranch coast.
• Head out mountain biking along dirt roads.
• Windsurfing and kiteboarding are popular in the waters of Bodega Bay.
• Enjoy the protected south-facing beach at Doran Regional Park.
• Visit dramatic Arched Rock Beach.
• Using caution to avoid sleeper waves, take in the sites at Duncan’s Cove and Rock Point.
• Journey up the Russian River to Guerneville and other favorite spots along the river.
• Drive out to have a look at Goat Rock and spend the afternoon on the adjacent beach.
• Many Sonoma coast beaches are considered too dangerous for wading and swimming, but some sheltered beaches and inlets can be safe under favorable conditions. Always check with park rangers about the safety of a particular beach.

Where To Stay Nearby

If youre unable to camp or prefer more hotel-style accommodations, there are plenty of local experiences to choose from.

• Rivers End Restaurant and Inn: Found at the junction of the Russian River and the ocean, Rivers End Restaurant and Inn is about as cozy and approachable as it gets while still maintaining a luxurious and romantic feel. Comfortable, wood-lined rooms, a world-class restaurant on site, and sweeping ocean views What more could you want?
• Bodega Bay Lodge: One of the pricer options in the area, Bodega Bay Lodge offers the same coastal scenes along with a fine dining restaurant and spa. The property is set on 7 acres just a few miles outside of the state park.
• Ocean Cove Lodge Bar & Grill: Ocean Cove Lodge is located about 10 miles north of Sonoma Coast State Park on the way to Sea Ranch, where ancient redwood forests are abundant. The lodge offers a bar and grill in a secluded setting.

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Driving Directions To Sonoma Coast State Park

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BOATING

No Drones Allowed in Park

• The noise and sight of drones can alter other peoples enjoyment of nature
• A drone hovering nearby can feel intrusive and threatening.
• Drones can capture photographs and video without someones permission
• Drones mimic the behavior of predatory birds and can frighten wildlife

Islands In The Sky Vista Loop Trail

• Trail Distance: 4.7 miles
• Location: Start at the Islands in the Sky Trailhead in Monte Rio

The Islands in the Sky Vista Loop Trail is a steep trail that takes you through coastal redwood trees, Douglas fir trees, open meadows, and woodlands. Even the drive to the Willow Creek area is beautiful.

Take the trail on the right to get to the steepest sections of the trail first. At the end of the trail, views open up to valleys and meadows where the trail gets its Islands in the Sky name.

On a clear day, you can see the ocean in the distance. Allow 3 hours to walk the Islands in the Sky Vista Loop Trail.

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Bodega Dunes Beach Boardwalk Trail

• Trail Distance: 0.3 mile
• Type of Trail: Out and back
• Location: Start at the trailheadnear Bodega Dunes Beach in Jenner

Another easy hike in Bodega Bay is the Bodega Dunes Beach Boardwalk Trail. This boardwalk takes you through the Bodega Dunes and will end at the Bodega Dunes Beach. Its an accessible trail but if its a windy day, be careful of sand on the boardwalk.

The Bodega Dunes Day Use area charges $8 per vehicle and closes at sunset so make sure you have enough time to walk the trail and enjoy the beach. Allow 15 minutes to walk the Bodega Dunes Beach Boardwalk trail.

Are Dogs Allowed In Sonoma Coast State Park

Dogs are allowed on leash at Marshall Gulch, Carmet Beach, Schoolhouse Beach, Portuguese Beach, Duncans Cove, Wrights Beach, Furlong Gulch, Shell Beach, Blind Beach, and Russian Gulch.

Dogs are not allowed on any of the parks trails and certain beaches and campgrounds. Dogs are not allowed at North Jenner Beach, Goat Rock Beach, Arched Rock Beach, Coleman Beach, Miwok Beach, North Salmon Creek Beach, South Salmon Creek Beach, Campbell Cove, and Bodega Head.

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Sonoma Coast State Park Wrights Beach Overview

Wrights Beach Campground has 27 single-family campsites and is located right next to the beautiful beach on the Sonoma Coast. All campsites are reservable. Self-contained vehicles can park for one night in the overflow area on either side of the kiosk.

Campsites can accommodate tents, trailers and smalls RVs. Each site also has a paved parking spur, table, fire ring and grill.

Amenities include flush toilets, but no potable water. The campground does not have showers, but campers can use the hot showers over at Bodega Dunes campground .

Wrights Beach Area Recreation

Outdoor recreation in the area includes beach combing, hiking, biking, swimming, surfing, surf fishing, kayaking, picnicking, whale watching and wildlife viewing.

Are Sonoma Coast Beaches Open

Yes, the Sonoma Coast beaches are open. There might be some local restrictions so please check out the parks site on the California Department of Parks & Recreation before heading to the beach.

In contrast to other California beaches, Sonoma Coast beaches are not recommended for swimming. Thats because the tides are strong, the water is colder and the rock outcroppings are sharp. Its best to take it easy on the beaches or view them from a distance.

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Key Bodega Dunes Campground Regulations

Any maps displayed above are for illustrative purposes only. California’s Best Camping website makes no warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, reliability or suitability of any of its maps. Driving times may vary based on conditions. Every effort is made to provide accurate and up to date information, but we cannot be responsible for errors or for changes that may have occurred since publication. Always confirm information with the service provider and check for any recent changes that may have been made. The information provided on this website is done so without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, including but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.

Camping On Sonoma Coast Beach In A California State Park

The Sonoma coast features unique rock formations, including natural arches.

• Beach Campgrounds in California

Tucked away from view in rocky coves or beneath sheer cliffs, Sonoma Coast State Park’s 17-mile series of beaches make up some of the most stunning state park real estate in California. Though strong rip currents and unpredictable ground swells make the beaches dangerous for swimmers, the bluffs overlooking the water feature more than 150 campsites so visitors can safely take in the views at their leisure.

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Where To Stay On Sonoma Coast

If you are looking for a more relaxing vacation that involves beaches and hiking trails, then you should consider staying atThe Lodge at Bodega Bay in Bodega Bay. This luxury 4-star hotel has amazing views of the bay and many outdoor activities available right outside your door.

Bodega Bay is a great location for whale watching, bird watching kayaking, and hiking. There are some great restaurants as well as cute shops nearby. The rooms at The Lodge are spacious and comfortable, with large windows overlooking beautiful views of the bay area.

Guests can enjoy the spa while they relax at the hotel after a long day of exploring the area and then dine at Drakes Sonoma Coast. Its also the perfect place for a day trip or weekend getaway as it isnt too far from San Francisco. The Lodge at Bodega Bay is located less than 2 hours north of San Francisco.