Camping near Dillon Beach
Find the quintessential Northern California coast experience at Dillon Beach.
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Camping near Dillon Beach guide
Overview
Just a 90-minute drive from San Francisco, Dillon Beach is a great spot to escape Bay Area life and reconnect with the Northern California coast. This Marin County town sits on Bodega Bay, right across the water from Point Reyes, and is close to all the region’s rugged coastal highlights—beaches, surfing, hiking trails, fresh seafood—as well as the redwoods and hot springs of wine country. While there are a couple of private camping options in Dillon Beach, many travelers set up camp in the area’s many public parks, such as Samuel P. Taylor State Park, Sonoma Coast State Park, Doran Regional Park, and the Point Reyes National Seashore—although all are incredibly popular and warrant far-in-advance reservations.
Where to go
Point Reyes National Seashore
Across the water from Dillon Beach is the Point Reyes National Seashore, a protected swath of Pacific Coast with opportunities to hike coastal bluffs, lay out on sandy beaches, and spot elephant seals or Tule Elk. Time your visit right for a chance to see the seasonal Alamere Falls or wildflowers. And don’t miss the chance to stock up on farm fresh groceries or sample local Tomales Bay oysters when passing through Point Reyes Station.
Inland and Wine Country
Head inland from Dillon Beach and you’ll have an array of wine country attractions to explore, like the peaceful redwood groves at the Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. There are also many campgrounds, hot springs, spas, and vineyards to visit throughout Napa, Sonoma, and Mendocino.
Sonoma Coast State Park
With 17 miles of beaches, Sonoma Coast State Park is one of the largest beach parks in the Dillon Beach area. It features tide pools with anemones, mollusks, seaweeds, and starfish. It also has a 5-mile trail system for hiking and horseback riding. Sonoma Coast State Park borders the Russian River, a popular floating and rafting route in summer. Harbor seals are often found at the river’s mouth.
Bodega Bay
Just up the road from Dillon Beach, Bodega Bay features a cluster of unique beach parks. They include Bodega Head (bluff hiking), Bodega Dunes Beach, and Salmon Creek State Beach.
When to go
Dillon Beach is temperate and accessible to campers year-round. California coast mornings are often foggy and damp, even in summer before the sun comes out and highs are in the 60s (it’s a good idea to bring a jacket and rain gear year-round). If you plan to visit Dillon Beach on a warm summer’s day, be prepared to deal with crowds and notoriously bad traffic. Winter visitors can expect temps in the mid-40s and the possibility of rain, but may be rewarded with fewer crowds. Spring wildflowers are most abundant in March and April.