Beach Camping in Northern California
Northern California has beach camping options galore. From the San Francisco Bay Area up the coast to the Oregon border, there are many campgrounds and even beaches that allow camping right on the sand above the high tide level.
Visit our beach pages and the campground websites for information on the season when they are open and how to make reservations if available (check ReserveCalifornia for the majority of these campgrounds). In the summer months, reservations are recommended well in advance.
Most of these campgrounds are open to tents and RVs but some cater to just one or the other. Camping in Northern California can be cool or downright cold as the ocean moisture and windy conditions combine forces. But if you are prepared for the weather exposure, these beaches can make for one of the best outdoor experiences possible.
Here is our list of the top beach camping spots in Northern California (listed south to north).
Santa Cruz County
Waddell Creek Beach, Davenport
San Mateo County
San Francisco
Angel Island, San Francisco Bay
Marin County
Steep Ravine Beach, Stinson Beach
Lawson’s Landing, Dillon Beach
Sonoma County
Willow Creek Beach on Russian River, Jenner
Fort Ross State Historic Park, Jenner
Stillwater Cove Regional Park, Jenner
Mendocino County
Gualala Regional Park, Gualala
Anchor Bay Campground, Gualala
Manchester State Park, Manchester
Van Damme State Park, Little River
Russian Gulch State Park, Mendocino
MacKerricher State Park, Fort Bragg
Westport-Union Landing State Beach, Westport
Humboldt County
Needle Rock Beach, Shelter Cove
Clam Beach County Park, McKinleyville
Patrick’s Point State Park, Trinidad