California Coastal National Monument
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The California Coastal National Monument is a BLM-operated site that includes thousands of acres of offshore rocks, islands, reefs, and pinnacles. Six onshore parking units provide day-use access to some of the most compelling scenery along America's West Coast. Just off Highway 1, these sites make for great free stops for folks taking RV trips along the coast. Especially if you're looking for a scenic view and somewhere to hike between camping sites, you would be remiss to not take in the wonder of the California Coastal National Monument.
Quick Facts About RVing in California Coastal National Monument
• RV Friendly: Limited; the site is day-use only, and small lots are less friendly to bigger rigs • Max RV Length: There is no posted length, but the parking areas are most accommodating to Camper Vans and Class B motorhomes • Camping Type: No on-site camping, but private developed campgrounds operate in the vicinity • Reservations: No reservations or fees • Hookups: None • Dump Station: None on site • Potable Water: Bring your own • Cell Service: Spotty, due to the region's varied terrain and weather • Pets: Generally allowed, if your pet is on a leash. Be mindful of pet exclusions near seabird and seal habitats • Roads: Highway 1 is fully paved, but some nearby access roads are gravel and narrow • Best Season: Spring through fall is the best time to see the California Coastal National Monument; consider planning around migration periods if you're trying to catch specific wildlife
Why RV Travelers Love This BLM Area
• Prime view of seals and seabirds • Free location for day use • Parking lots are great locations to stretch your legs between campgrounds • Dog-friendly coastal trails • Easy to pair with a Redwood or Channel Islands trip for a bigger itinerary • Nearby campgrounds offer spectacular sunset viewing • Plenty of nearby towns for fuel, groceries, and other needs
What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
Point Arena Lighthouse Trail
Once you pay the $5 fee, you have complete access to the Point Arena Lighthouse Trail. It takes you from the parking lot and by the Point Arena Lighthouse on your way to the ocean. The trail is located in the city of Point Arena in Mendocino County.
Length: 0.8 miles
Intensity: Easy
Old Smith Ranch Trail
Get close to the water on Old Smith Ranch Trail, which runs for more than two miles and provides access to the Ten Mile Dunes Natural Preserve. The trail follows Ten Mile River's south bank eight miles north of Fort Bragg. There is a picnic spot near the ocean and several benches to help you enjoy the views.
Length: 2.1 miles
Intensity: Easy
Russian Gulch State Park Headlands Trail
The Russian Gulch State Park Headlands Trail is the farthest north of all the trails in the California Coastal National Monument. It ends at a waterfall and has a slight elevation change.
Length: 0.75 miles
Intensity: Easy
Point Cabrillo Light Station Coastal Trail
Located in Point Cabrillo State Historic Park, the Point Cabrillo Light Station Coastal Trail offers scenic views but has some spots you may find challenging. You can bring your dog on a leash and look for the birds often seen flying overhead. This trail is located in Mendocino, 9.5 miles south of Fort Bragg.
Length: 2 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Fishing & Boating
There are dozens of places to fish around the California Coastal National Monument as long as you have a fishing license. You do not need to reside in the state to get one online or from a local shop. Angling from the shore allows you to stay dry. You can also set off from one of the beaches in a canoe or another type of boat. Keep in mind that you may need to leave the beach before cleaning your fish. The Berkeley Marina and Bay Point Regional Shoreline both have fishing stations.
Wildlife Viewing
You don't need to go far to find some of the birds native to California. The California scrub jay is a gorgeous bird with little blue and gray markings on its feathers. Several types of hummingbirds and crows live close to the ocean, along with common starlings and finches. Though coyotes and black bears live in California, you don't need to worry about coming across them because they rarely go to the beach. You may see turtles and other amphibians on your trip.
Picnicking
Some of the best places for picnics are on the Point Arena Stornetta Public Lands. Located around the Point Arena Lighthouse, the lands are open to the public. Choose between having a meal right on the beach or on one of the rocky outcrops. You'll also find some nice picnicking spots in the Lost Coast Headlands, which is located in Humboldt County, 12 miles south of Eureka.
Sightseeing
In addition to Bureau of Land Management camping, The CCNM offers tons of historical sites to visit, including Trinidad Head Lighthouse, which is 20 miles north of Eureka. The BLM took over this lighthouse in 2014 after it spent more than 140 years guiding ships. You can also visit the Walpulh-Lighthouse Ranch to see the Eel River Estuary and the Mike Thompson Wildlife Area, which is also referred to as the South Spit Wildlife Area.
Bureau of Land Management Camping
RV Camping 
If you are near the CCNM and research "BLM camping near me," you'll find that the BLM prohibits camping here. However, many other campgrounds are open to the public, such as San Simeon Creek Campground in Hearst San Simeon State Park. You'll find a picnic table and fire pit at all the 134 sites, which can accommodate vehicles of up to 35 feet. The campground also has bathrooms with toilets and coin showers.
Morro Strand State Beach Campground offers more amenities than the Bureau of Land Management free camping spots do. You can book a full hookup site or one with just water and power. The campground has 120 sites that are close to clean restrooms. Hiking and golfing are some of the activities available inside the state park. Another option for RV camping is Washburn Campground. It has a disposal spot for your water and drinking water, which is available near the flush toilets.
Developed Campgrounds
There are several campgrounds in the vicinity, including the public location at Manchester State Park with dry camping and no hookups. The park is 15 minutes away. Manchester Beach / Mendocino Coast KOA is also 15 minutes away and offers full-hookup pull-through sites, laundry, showers, and reservations during the busy season. Gualala River Redwood Park is a seasonal option from May through October with water and 30-amp hookups, but it presents challenges for larger rigs and fifth wheels. It is about 40 minutes away.
Dispersed Camping
Dispersed camping is unavailable at the California Coastal National Monument. This stretch of road is particularly lacking in dispersed camping, with the nearest option at BLM's Williams Hill Recreation Area 2.5 hours inland. Since dispersed camping isn't permitted within this monument, visitors should use established campgrounds. Those looking for dispersed camping should follow BLM stay limits, Leave No Trace practices, and seasonal fire restrictions at locations where dispersed camping is allowed.
Is This BLM Area Good for Your RV?
• Camper Vans: A camper van is a strong choice for this location. On-site parking will be easiest with a camper van. • Travel Trailers: The site is challenging for a travel trailer. Consider a nearby private RV park with sufficient space and then drive a passenger vehicle to the coastal monument. • Fifth Wheels: Fifth wheels are generally not recommended because parking areas are small and maneuvering room is limited. • Class A Motorhomes: If you're committed to traveling in a Class A rig, get a separate vehicle for your trip to the coastal monument after parking at a private RV campground with sufficient space. • Class B Motorhomes: A Class B motorhome is another good choice for visiting the coastal monument thanks to the ease of on-site parking. • Class C Motorhomes: Using a Class C motorhome depends heavily on how well your ride handles tight parking. Know your vehicle's dimensions, and check the official website before going.
Free Camping 
There are not any Bureau of Land Management camping spots in or around the California Coastal National Monument. You can only visit during the day and need to leave by sunset.
RV Rentals Near California Coastal National Monument Plan your next adventure
Planning your California Coastal National Monument BLM trip
When the weather is nice, you can spend all day in shorts and a tee. The temperature near the water can drop quite quickly, which is why you may want to bring layers to wear. While you're at the beach, leave all prohibited items in your RV, including fireworks and weapons. Keep in mind that this monument closes at night. While you can't stay the night, you can show up early in the morning. As you plan your California vacation, consider expanding your itinerary to include attractions farther away from the coast, such as Disneyland. If you plan to drive the entire length of the monument, give yourself time as it runs for more than 800 miles. Check out the BLM camping blog to find more tips for your vacation.
What RV Travelers Should Know Before Arriving
There are no restrooms, water, or trash service at most units in this area. You'll find fuel, groceries, propane, and other supplies in nearby Point Arena, Manchester, Gualala, and Fort Bragg. Point Arena is only a few minutes from the monument, while Fort Bragg offers the widest selection of services about an hour to the north. Drive a smaller RV or camper van if you wish to park at the coastal monument. This is a foggy and windy area that can get chilly and then turn sunny within an hour. Wear layers, and plan to switch your gear as the conditions change. Check reports regularly for current Highway 1 conditions and the coastal forecast because slides can stop traffic or reduce it to one lane. Cell service is spotty, so check reports while in town. Also, consider downloading maps for offline use. Be aware this site closes at sunset. No overnight stays are allowed anywhere in the lots or at the monument.
Leave No Trace 
No matter what animals you see, it is imperative to maintain a safe distance. You risk passing germs on to those animals that they then carry back to their nests, making other animals sick. Use caution when you come across tidepools to avoid disturbing the small ecosystem. You may find turtles and other small animals living on the beach and close to the water. Do not leave anything on the beach. Many native birds are scavengers that view paper and other trash as food and try to eat it. Most beaches have parking lots with garbage cans you can use.
California Coastal National Monument Location
The easiest way to reach the California Coastal National Monument is via California Highway 1. Follow the highway from Monterey for 8.5 miles until you reach Exit 108 to Imjin. Stay on Imjin Parkway and turn left at the stoplight. Make the first right turn you see to find the parking lot.
Ready to visit the California Coastal National Monument? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night, where you'll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice, soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
Plan Your Day at California Coastal National Monument
• Morning: Get situated at a nearby campground or RV park. Load your gear and drinks for the day trip down Highway 1. Arrive early to secure one of the limited parking spaces. • Afternoon: Hike the region's trails along the bluffs. Check out the local seabirds and other wildlife. Check trail conditions before venturing out. • Evening: Snag that perfect picture before the sunset gets closer, and then pack up and return to camp for dinner.
Nearby Attractions
• Point Arena Lighthouse: Just 10 minutes away, the Point Arena Lighthouse is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. It is the tallest lighthouse on America's West Coast, offering a compelling view of the coastal monument. • Arena Cove and Point Arena Pier: The town of Point Arena is just five minutes away with a café, restaurant, tidepools, and a pier. • Manchester State Park: A driftwood beach located 15 minutes away, Manchester State Park offers the Pacific beach experience. Pets are prohibited due to local bird nesting patterns. • Bowling Ball Beach: About 10 minutes south, Bowling Ball Beach is famous for its unusual spherical rock formations that are visible during low tide. Plan your visit around the tide schedule for the best experience. • Mendocino Headlands State Park: Approximately 1 hour north, this scenic state park offers coastal hiking trails, ocean overlooks, and a great addition to a longer RV trip along Highway 1
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you camp overnight at the California Coastal National Monument? No. The California Coastal National Monument is a day-use destination, and overnight camping is not permitted in any of its parking areas. RV travelers should reserve a nearby campground or RV park before visiting. Several public and private campgrounds within a short drive offer dry camping or full-hookup sites for overnight stays. Where is the closest RV camping to the monument? Manchester State Park and Manchester Beach / Mendocino Coast KOA are among the closest camping options, each about 15 minutes from the Point Arena-Stornetta Unit. Manchester State Park offers dry camping for self-contained RVs, while the KOA provides full-hookup sites, making it a convenient choice for travelers who prefer additional amenities. Read these dry camping tips before you make that decision. Is the monument accessible for large motorhomes and fifth wheels? The monument's small parking areas and limited maneuvering space make it better suited for camper vans, Class B motorhomes, and smaller Class C RVs. Travelers with large Class A motorhomes or fifth wheels should leave their RV at a nearby campground and use a passenger vehicle to explore the monument's day-use areas. Are dogs allowed on the monument's trails? Yes. Dogs are generally welcome on monument trails as long as they remain on a leash and under their owner's control. Visitors should always watch for posted restrictions near sensitive wildlife habitat, including nesting seabirds and marine mammals, and clean up after their pets to help protect this fragile coastal environment. Do you need a permit or reservation to visit? No reservation or entrance fee is required to visit the California Coastal National Monument. Parking areas are available on a first-come, first-served basis and can fill quickly during weekends and holidays. Arriving earlier in the day gives RV travelers the best chance of finding a convenient parking space. What is the best time of year to visit by RV? Spring through fall generally offers the most comfortable weather for exploring the monument, with mild temperatures and excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. Coastal fog and wind are possible year-round, so visitors should dress in layers and check weather and road conditions before traveling along Highway 1.
Rent the Right RV for This Trip
Even if you already have an RV, you may want to consider renting one that's more narrowly suited to the challenges of visiting the California Coastal National Monument. We encourage Class B motorhomes and camper vans for maximum maneuverability and general ease of parking at the monument. If you prefer Class A rentals in Morro Bay, be sure to identify and reserve a spot at one of the handful of nearby private parks that work well for them. Check out the RV rentals in Morro Bay so you can get to know the California Coastal National Monument.