Beautiful Beach Campgrounds in Northern California

Camping along the beach in California is a dream come true. Whether you pitch a tent, slumber in a luxury RV, or get cozy in a cabin, there’s nothing quite like camping on the water’s edge in scenic Sonoma County. Whether it’s along the California Coast, the Russian or Gualala rivers, or Lake Sonoma, Sonoma Wine Country has lots of excellent places to camp on or near a beach.

Here is a quick round-up of Sonoma County’s beachside campgrounds.

Beach Camping on the Pacific Coast

Bodega Bay RV Park, Bodega Bay

Stay on the Pacific coast in this full-service RV-only park. The site is located in a wind-protected area, just a five-minute drive (or a half-hour walk) from the beach. Pets are welcome.

Bodega Dunes Campground, Bodega Bay

Located within Sonoma Coast State Park, which stretches 17 miles along the coast, this campground offers campsites with hot showers, flush toilets, and a sanitation station. Maximum trailer length is 31 feet; no hook-ups are available. The day-use area includes an accessible boardwalk to a sandy beach. No dogs, no fires.

Doran Regional Park, Bodega Bay

Doran Regional Park offers more than 120 campsites, available year-round, for tents, trailers, and RVs. The wide, 2-mile stretch of beach faces south for typically calmer waves. A boat launch and a jetty on the park’s west end are popular for rock fishing and exploring sea life. Potable water is available, restrooms feature flush toilets, coin-operated showers, and electrical outlets. Dogs on leash are allowed for a fee.

Gualala Point Regional Park, Gualala

Located where the Gualala River enters the Pacific Ocean, this campground nestles under redwood trees beside the river, within walking distance of the crashing surf. The campground includes drive-in campsites, walk-to sites, and sites for hikers and cyclists. Pet friendly.

Ocean Cove Campground, Jenner

Situated around a sheltered cove with a nearby boat ramp and store, this scenic campground for RVs and tents has secluded camps tucked in the trees and oceanfront sites on the bluff. Pet friendly. Don’t miss a chance to explore nearby Stillwater Cove Regional Park and Salt Point State Park.

Porto Bodega RV Park, Bodega Bay

This RV-only park is pet-friendly and situated on 7 beautiful bay-front acres. With a boat launch, dry storage, and open slips, this site is popular with those who love fishing, water sports, and just relaxing at the seaside.

Beach Camping at the River and Lake

Burke’s Canoe Trips, Forestville

Camp in the redwoods, then rent a canoe and paddle along the Russian River. Burke’s offers a fun outdoor adventure for tent campers only, at sites that feature hot showers and clean restrooms.

Casini Ranch Family Campground, Duncans Mills

RV and tent sites plus a few cabins are available in this nicely laid out campground, situated on the Russian River just four miles inland from the Pacific Ocean. Here, there’s always something fun to do, like outdoor movies, beach bonfires, and hayrides. There is also a convenience store on-site. Pet friendly.

Johnson’s Beach, Guerneville

Johnson’s Beach is located on the Russian River in downtown Guerneville. The beach below the campground features a snack bar, as well as canoe, kayak, and paddleboat rentals. The resort offers rustic cabin-style rooms, a game room, a laundry, and a barbecue area. Tent campsites are available.

River Bend Resort, Forestville

This camp is located on the Russian River with a private beach, a general store, children’s play structures, an old-fashioned gaming arcade, horseshoe pits, and close proximity to Korbel Champagne Cellars and Armstrong Redwoods. You’ll find cabins and sites for both RVs and tents. Pet friendly.

Schoolhouse Canyon Park, Guerneville

This family-run campground is tucked into the redwoods just as it has been for generations. At this tent-only campground, you won’t find televisions or hear generators, just laughter around the campfire. The fun tasting room of Korbel Champagne Cellars is also nearby. Pet friendly.

Beachside camping is just one of the overnight adventures you can have in Sonoma Wine Country. For more camping options, check out our listing of all Sonoma County campgrounds and beautiful, protected parks.

Review helpful safety tips for Sonoma County water activities.