A great weekend getaway from San Francisco or South Bay for some secluded beaches, relaxing beach side camping and gorgeous sunsets, look no further than Bodega Bay camping experience. There are around 11 campgrounds in Bodega bay operated by both state parks and regional parks, there is really no shortage as long as you can plan at least a couple of months in advance for Bodega bay camping in summer.
When I first booked the campsite at Sonoma county for a weekend with the family, I had no clue what to expect and didn’t know how to spend the weekend. We just went with the flow. However, it turned out to be such a great experience that warrants repeated visits.
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Bodega Bay Camping
If you are looking for beach access camping options, Bodega Bay camping will not disappoint you at all. Here are your choices.
Westside Regional Park Camping
We camped at Westside Regional Park for a night on a weekend to get away from the South bay life. By the time we reached the campground it was around 3PM and our site was on the row next to the bay with no shades. The campground has 4 rows of sites and the first two as you enter the park have tree shades for a hot summer afternoon. The last two rows along the bay side are wide open. But, even on a hot summer day, there is a beautiful breeze going on that will be so soothing.
Westside Regional Park Highlights:
- Park has boat launch access
- Beach access for kids to play. The water here is so shallow that even a two year old can stand with the water only touching his knees.
Amenities at Westside Regional Park worth noting:
- Flush toilets
- Coin Shower
- Plenty of benches to sit by the water
- Trail to walk near the bay
- Fire Ring
- Disabled Access
- RV Sites but they charge for dump station.
- Dogs allowed on leash
- Electrical Outlet at the bathrooms
How to book the campsite at Westside Regional Park ?
You can book the site online at Sonoma County Regional Park website.
For a stay in July last weekend, I booked the sites in the first week of May.
Doran Beach Regional Park Camping
Doran Beach Regional Park is located on the narrow land of the Bodega Bay with water access at both ends of the your campsite with walking distance. It’s a really cool place to camp for several reasons that I will address in highlight section below.
Doran Beach Regional Park Camping Highlights:
- 2 miles of sandy beach stretch
- Walk along the shoreline through grassy dunes
- One biker / Hiker only site for those on a long hiking or biking trip
- Swimming is not recommended in Sonoma County bay, but people still seem to get into the water at shallow sections.
Amenities at Doran Beach Regional Park campground:
- Dogs allowed on leash
- Equestrian trail access
- RV sites
- 1 Group campsite
- Flush Toiler
- Shower
- Electrical Outlet at the bathrooms
- Picnic tables and Fire rings
How to book campsites at Doran Beach Regional Park ?
You can book the site online at Sonoma County Regional Park website.
Bodega Dunes Campground
Bodega dunes campground is part of Sonoma coast state park with access to the beach in minutes of crossing the grassy dunes. If you are not camping, the state park charges $8 to enter the Bodega Dunes beach. Because of the beach proximity, the wind will make it cold in the late evenings even in the peak summer. So, dress appropriately.
Bodega dunes Camping Highlights:
- Camping in the beach sand with tree shades
- Beach access
Amenities at Bodega dunes campground:
- Flush Toilet
- Showers
- Picnic Table
- Fire ring
- Dogs on leash
How to book campsites at Bodega dunes campground ?
Book well ahead as these sites are really popular. Book at ReserveCalifornia.
Wright’s Beach Campground
Also part of Sonoma coast state park, this small campground with only 22 sites, Wright’s beach is actually a hidden secret along Hwy 1 for camping. Reservation is highly recommended. However, if you have an RV, you can park at their overflow parking area and sleep for the night. For tent campers, you would need to camp at the appropriate camp sites.
Wright’s beach campground Highlights:
- Beach Access
- Most sites are almost on the beach itself
Amenities at Wright’s beach campground:
- Flush Toilet
- NO shower
- Picnic table
- Fire ring
- Dogs on leash
How to book campsites at Wright’s beach campground ?
Book well ahead as these sites are really popular. Book at ReserveCalifornia.
Pomo Canyon Environmental Campground
This campsite is located right at the Russian river that leads to the ocean within few miles. There is a trail to Shell beach from this campground area that’s a just a 3-miles one way and it’s a beautiful hike through the river and the trees.
Pomo Canyon Environmental Campground Highlights:
- River Access
- First come first serve
Amenities at Pomo Canyon Environmental Campground:
- No flush toilet
- No Dogs allowed
- Picnic table
- Fire ring
- It’s a dry campsite with no running water. You can filter water from the nearby Russian river (1/4 mile) for drinking and cooking.
How to book campsites at Wright’s beach campground ?
These sites are not reservable online. They are first come first serve. No RV camping.
Willow Creek Environmental Camp
This dry campground is another one of the first come first serve yet very primitive campsites near Russian River in the area. You can’t book these sites ahead of time.
Amenities at Willow Creek Environmental Camp :
- No flush toilet
- No Dogs allowed
- Picnic table
- Fire ring
- It’s a dry campsite with no running water. You can filter water from the nearby Russian river (1/4 mile) for drinking and cooking.
How to book campsites at Willow Creek Environmental Camp ?
These sites are not reservable online. They are first come first serve. No RV camping.
Chanslor Ranch for Glamping
To get away from it all and not worry about pitching tent, Chanslor Ranch offers glamping options, nestled in the Bodega bay hills with amazing scenary and horses to ride around.
You can book directly at their website for some glamping experience. But, expect to pay the price for it.
Casini Ranch Family Campground
Another private campground in the Russian river that has all your tent and RV camping needs covered for a get away. Bit more expensive compared to the state and regional park campsites clearly. However, if you are left with no choice for camping in the area, Casini Ranch is certainly worth considering.
Book their sites directly in their website.
Lawson’s Landing
A bit south of Bodega town, Lawson’s landing Marina area is another great option for camping in the area. Basically, this is a fishing and boating resort that offers tent and RV campsites. Again another private campground. Check it out at their website.
Duncans Mills Camping Club
My favorite private campground in the area as they offer complimentary kayak and canoes. There are plenty of hiking and biking trails around and also kids play area.
They also have spa and gym for the guests. It’s a full resort style experience with all the amenities yet, you can use the tent to camp outside. From a private campsite perspective, it’s a good bang for the buck.
You can book directly at their website.