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California Coastal National Monument

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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California Coastal National Monument

The California Coastal National Monument (CCNM) runs along the entire 1,100-mile California coastline and comprises places within 12 miles of the mainland. It also consists of six mainland units —Lost Coast Headlands, Cotoni-Coast Dairies, Trinidad Head, Point Arena-Stornetta, Waluplh-Lighthouse, and Piedras Blancas — and more than 20,000 islands, exposed reefs, pinnacles, and rocks along the coastline. The CCNM is overseen by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). This agency is responsible for preserving 1 out of every 10 acres of land across the US. Bureau of Land Management campgrounds enable people to camp in some of these amazing locations without any services or hookups.

While camping isn't allowed at the CCNM, there are plenty of private campgrounds and areas available for primitive camping nearby. The monument does present plenty of opportunities for fishing, wildlife viewing, photography, and scuba diving, among other activities. If you want to visit a national park while checking out the CCNM, you can go to Redwood National Park, which is located in northern California along 40 miles of coastline. Another option is Channel Islands National Park, which is located just a few miles off the coast of California's Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. It is made up of five islands and their surrounding mile of ocean.

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.

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

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

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.

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.