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Sonoma Coast State Park RV & Campground Guide

California

The Sonoma Coast State Park is a 17-mile stretch of what makes Northern California famous. It is a collection of sandy beaches and jagged coastlines, with the Pacific Ocean as the scenic backdrop. You can stop at any of over a dozen lookouts as you travel California's historic Highway 1. Nearly every pullout and parking area provides spectacular ocean views and access to geographic features created by the interface of sea and land. The park staff recommends you plan to visit your must-see locations first because you may run out of time before you see everything.

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Weather
Spring 45-57 F
Summer 48-62 F
Fall 46-63 F
Winter 43-56 F
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RV Resorts & Campsites in Sonoma Coast State Park

There are two RV-accessible campgrounds within Sonoma Coast State Park. There are no hookups at any of the park campgrounds. The Bodega Dunes Campground has 99 campsites and is the most developed. Amenities include potable water, flush toilets, pay showers, and a dump station. The Wright's Beach Campground provides 27 campsites, flush toilets, and access to the Bodega Dunes potable water, showers, and dump station. Both sites have back-in and pull-through campsites. The maximum trailer length is 27 feet. The maximum motorhome length is 31 feet. Campsites at both campgrounds have paved parking, picnic tables, and fire rings. The park does not offer Wi-Fi, and cell service can be spotty. Due to the area's environmental sensitivity, pets are only welcome in the campgrounds. They must be on a 6-foot or shorter leash. Dogs are allowed on trails, dunes, or beaches.

Bodega Dunes Campground

Located inside Sonoma Coast State Park,  Bodega Dunes Campground is an excellent choice for RVs. Here, you'll fall asleep to the sound of the waves and end the day with views of the sun setting over the ocean, all from the comfort of your campsite. Sites here are perched on the dunes overlooking the water, providing easy access to the beach and the boardwalk. It's important to note that this campground accepts RVs up to 31 feet long. Hookups aren't available, but you'll have access to hot showers and flush toilets. There's also a handy dump station and a fill station for potable water. Bodega Dunes offers 99 sites, each available for reservations six months in advance. It's a good idea to call ahead, particularly if you want to come on a summer or holiday weekend. Sites start at $35 per night.

Casini Ranch Family Campground

Soak in the natural beauty of the Russian River Valley at Casini Ranch Family Campground. Located on a ranch near the Russian River, this campground is ideal for families or campers who want a few more amenities. Choose from partial and full-hookup sites; each one is large enough to accommodate big rigs, so you can feel confident in any motorhome. You can even get Wi-Fi in certain areas. The real draw for this campground is comfort: Within walking distance of your campsite, you'll find a general store, multiple dog parks, hiking trails, fishing, a swimming beach, playgrounds, and sports fields. Join in the many scheduled activities, including movie nights and hayrides, or take advantage of the kayak and bike rentals. Use the interactive map to pick the perfect site. Prices vary based on the site type and the time of year. 

Duncans Mills Camping Club

Keep the whole family entertained for days at Duncans Mills Camping Club. Located just 5 miles from Sonoma Coast State Park, this spot offers lovely views of the Russian River and the surrounding hills. It's a private RV park, but you can try it out for two nights for $70 before you need to commit to a membership plan. When you're done exploring the beach, head home to enjoy the gym and entertainment center. Feeling active? Hop on the hiking and biking trails or use the free canoes and kayaks to paddle down the river. With facilities that include a playground, swimming pool, hot tub, and swimming beach, there's a fun activity for everyone. The owners also host events with live music, games, and cookouts.

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What to Do at
Sonoma Coast State Park

Sonoma Coast State Park is a natural marvel. Hike a park trail to watch local wildlife or migrating whales. Catch spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, miles of sandy beach, or coastal rock formations. Anglers can cast from the beach or launch a boat at a nearby ramp and test their skills in Bodega Bay, the open ocean, or one of two rivers.

Inside Sonoma Coast State Park

When you arrive at Sonoma Coast State Park, head straight for the ocean. The Pacific is at its mightiest here, and people of all ages love to watch the waves and wade in the shallows. Keep in mind that swimming is not a good idea due to the unexpected waves and strong currents. The best way to explore the park is on the network of trails that run along the cliffs. Bring water and a snack as you enjoy the stunning views of the rocky coast. In the winter, keep an eye out for the whales that migrate past the park.

Fishing Fishing

The beaches within the park boundaries allow anglers to experience a unique fishing adventure. Cast a line for salmon, steelhead, smelt, and rockfish. Be aware that the Bodega Head and mouth of the Russian River are Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)

Geocaching Geocaching

Geocaching is an activity supported by the California State Parks system and is allowed in Sonoma Coast State Park. Please review the California Department of Parks and Recreation Geocaching Guidelines.

Nature Watching Nature Watching

The beaches and rocky outcrops in Sonoma Coast State Park are a great place to watch harbor seals. A colony of seals calls Goat Rock Beach home, and pups are on display from March through June. Nature enthusiasts from around the country visit the park in the winter to see migrating whales head south for calving season. In the spring, watch them head back north with calves in tow.

Stargazing Stargazing

Bodega Head is perfect for spying your favorite celestial body. Be sure to bring a good flashlight for the walk down to the beach. Lay out a blanket on the sand, lie back, and gaze into the night sky with the sound of waves crashing in the background.

Flora and Fauna

Ample coastal moisture supports lush ground cover shrubs, grasses, and wildflowers. Yellow and blue lupines, sea pink, verbena, and Indian paintbrush are among dozens of other plants that bloom in spring. Wildlife includes black-tailed deer, raccoons, skunks, rabbits, gray foxes, and badgers. Over 300 species of shore birds, waterfowl, and other birds have been spotted in the park.

Hiking Hiking

Hikers and equestrians share access to the park’s 5-mile trail system. The Kortum Trail starts at Wright's Beach and follows the shoreline 1.5 miles to Blind Beach. The Pomo Canyon Trail begins at the Shell Beach parking lot and leads 3.5 miles over the hills to the Pomo Canyon Campground.

Climbing Climbing

There are four well-known climbing opportunities in the park. The Sunset Boulders, Sea Crag, Super Slab, and Twin Coves are popular rock climbing sites. Pomo Canyon and Marshall Gulch have cliff-climbing locations. The park system is very protective of the rock formations. Please abide by all restrictions when climbing in the park.

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How to Get to
Sonoma Coast State Park

Sonoma Coast State Park is located on a 17-mile stretch of Coast Highway 1. From the town of Bodega Bay, CA, take California Hwy 1 north. Wright's Beach and Campground (the park's south boundary) will be on your left in 6.3 miles. From the town of Jenner, CA, take California Hwy 1 south for 2 miles. Goat Rock Road (the park's north boundary) will be on your right. The park is managed by the Salmon Creek Ranger Station. To reach the station, take Hwy 1 north from Bodega Bay for 2 miles. The station will be on your left. From Jenner, take Hwy 1 south for 8.6 miles. The station will be on your right.

By Car

Entering Sonoma Coast State Park

There are over a dozen places along Highway 1 to access the park. Some access points are rustic pullouts. Many have parking and self-service fee collection devices. The Salmon Creek ranger station manages campground operations.

Sonoma Coast State Park Per Vehicle : $8.0

Frequently Asked Questions About Sonoma Coast State Park

What is the best time of year to visit Sonoma Coast State Park?

Due to the mild coastal climate, every season is the best season to visit the park. Spring is wildflower season. Summer is ideal for picnicking and watching whales migrate north. The low tides of fall provide an opportunity for exploring the tidal ecosystem of starfish, mussels, and anemones. Winter brings the tranquility of fewer visitors to witness the beauty of storms crashing against the rugged cliffs.

What kind of wildlife can be found in Sonoma Coast State Park?

The lush hillsides are home to black-tailed deer, squirrels, rabbits, badgers, skunks, and gray foxes. Shorebirds, waterfowl, a seal colony, and various sea creatures make their homes on the park's beaches and rocky cliffs.

Are there designated RV camping spots in Sonoma Coast State Park?

There are two campgrounds with RV camping spots within the park. Bodega Dunes Campground has 99 sites, and Wright's Beach Campground has 27.

Do you have to reserve a camping spot at Sonoma Coast State Park and what is the cost?

Reservations for RV campsites are recommended. Visitors can make reservations up to six months in advance. RV campsite fees range from $25 to $45 per night.

Are pets allowed at Sonoma Coast State Park?

The park is pet friendly with some restrictions. Pets are allowed only in designated campgrounds and must be on a leash of 6 feet or less. Pets are not permitted on trails, beaches, or dunes.