The best camping near Bodega Bay, California.

Just 70 miles north of San Francisco, Bodega Bay is the gateway to California’s scenic Sonoma Coast. Rocky cliffs rise above wild seas, and whales surface in hidden inlets. From your campsite on the bay, you can hike the bluff trails or kayak through picturesque coves. All you need to do is choose one of the beautiful campgrounds and RV parks on Highway 1.

Sonoma County’s parks are a great place to start. At Doran Regional Park, there are four camping areas; get a site at Jetty for harbor and Doran Beach access. From Westside park, you can fish, paddle, and birdwatch. You won’t find hookups here, but both parks offer hot showers and dump stations.

Nearby, the county-run Bodega Dunes campground has 99 sites. A short walk away, hop on the Bodega Head hiking trails. Visiting in the winter? Bundle up and walk down to Bodega Head to watch gray whales surfacing in the waves.

Explore the trails along the bluff at Sonoma Coast State Park. At Wright’s Beach campground, you can fall asleep to the sound of the surf. A few steps away, Sonoma Coast State Beach is accessible year-round.

Near Bodega Bay, camping is possible any time of year. Be prepared for cool, misty mornings, even in the summer; afternoons are often warmer. Winters are cool and windy—pack lots of warm layers.