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About Centerville Beach County Park in Ferndale, California

Centerville Beach County Park gives access to a long sandy beach that stretches from the parking area north all the way to the mouth of the Eel River. Behind the beach is a mixture of farmlands, meandering sloughs, and marshy wetlands. This is a great place to go beachcombing and bird-watching.

To get here, turn onto Ocean Ave in the town of Ferndale and follow this road, which becomes Centerville Road, until it meets the ocean and turns south. A parking area is provided at this location right behind the beach. There is an opening that allows vehicles and ATV’s to drive right onto the beach, but it is recommended to have four-wheel drive to avoid an expensive towing bill. It’s possible to drive north for about five miles if the tide is out. Rules require vehicles to stay in the wave slope and avoid private property behind the beach. Horses and dogs are allowed on the beach. Fires are also allowed at Centerville Beach, but camping is not. A large white cross can be seen on the bluff at the south end of the beach. This cross is a California Historical Landmark that commemorates the 38 people who died in the shipwreck of the mail ship SS Northerner on January 6, 1860. Seventy passengers and crew members were saved as the captain beached the ship at Centeville Beach and locals came to their aid.

Address
Centerville Rd
Ferndale, CA 95536
Park Name
Centerville Beach County Park
Owner
County Park
Pet Details
Dogs allowed off-leash
Fees
Free parking
Activities
Beachcombing, Birdwatching, Equestrian Use, Beach Driving, Bonfires
Amenities
Toilets, Driftwood
Map of Centerville Beach County Park
Ferndale, US
7:40 am, March 28, 2024
temperature icon 45°F
L: 45° H: 52°
Feels like 39.92 °F overcast clouds
Wind gusts: 4 m/s
UV Index: 0.15
Precipitation: 0.04 inch
Visibility: 10 km
Sunrise: 7:06 am
Sunset: 7:37 pm
Humidity 97 %
Pressure1016 mb
Wind 4 m/s

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Reviews

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Rated 5.0 out of 5
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Rated 5.0 out of 5
April 12, 2023

In 1969 I was sent to Centerville Beach, Ferndale, CA for temporary duty. My ship was still in Vietnam Waters at that time. Two others from Boot Camp arrived with me. I lucked out because the Chief Petty Officer who managed all the base facilities was from the same area I came from in NJ. He literally gave me the keys to all base facilities, Gas Station, The enlisted man’s club, beer, soda, gasoline etc., etc. He sent the other tow guys to work in the kitchen. Centerville Beach was beautiful and the experience spoiled me somewhat. All good things come to an end and I shipped out to Vietnam on the USS Oriskany Aircraft Carrier months later. I am proud to have served, and lucky to spend some time in Centerville Beach, Ferndale, CA.

Damian D