The best camping in Sue-meg State Park (Patrick's Point State Park), CA

At the heart of California’s Redwood Coast, Sue-meg State Park (formerly Patrick’s Point State Park) is small but mighty, and startling scenery awaits along every hiking trail. Rocky sea cliffs tumble down into the ocean at Wedding Rock, named for its popularity as a wedding venue. Surf crashes onto the sandy beach at Agate Beach, while sea lions and harbor seals lounge by the rocks and tide pools of Palmer’s Point. Once you’ve had your fill of ocean views, head inland to visit the traditional Sumêg Village and Native Plant Garden, and learn about the park’s rich Native American history.

• Best for RVs: Agate Beach Campground has back-in RV sites, each with grills, food lockers, and rings, but no hookups. 
• Best for family campers: Abalone Campground is the largest of the three campgrounds with spacious tent-only pitches. 
• Best for escaping the crowds: Penn Creek Campground has 16 tent sites in a tranquil setting with picnic tables and barbecue pits.

1. You can reserve one of the 124 campsites at Sue-meg State Park via the Reserve California website. Campsites can be reserved for a maximum of 15 total days in one calendar year. 
2. Online reservations open six months in advance (based on your arrival date).
3. Campsites can book up fast, and it’s not unusual for sites to be booked as soon as they become available, so plan ahead and reserve as early as possible.

Summer is peak season at Sue-meg State Park, but the crisp ocean breezes keep temperature averages between 40–65°F. Winter averages dip down to 35–55°F, but bring the opportunity for whale-watching along the coast while colorful wildflowers sweep the coast in late spring. Fog can hang along the coast during summer mornings, clouding the views—it normally clears by midday but occasionally can stick around for a few days.

• Sue-meg State Park is located off the Pacific Coast Highway (Route 101), 14 miles south of Redwood National Park, or about a 20-minute drive away. The closest town is Trinidad to the south, a 15-minute drive away. 
• Per-vehicle day-use fees are required to enter the park, and camping fees also apply.  
• Sue-meg State Park facilities include a visitor center, picnic areas, restrooms, and an RV sanitation station.
• Swimming and wading are not advised throughout the park as there are strong, unpredictable waves and undertow.
• There are accessible campsites and restrooms at Sue-meg State Beach. The Visitor Center is also accessible.

• Dogs are permitted in the park, but not on the beaches and must be kept on a 6-foot, hand-held leash at all times.