Salt Point Sp Gerstle Cove Campground

About

Gerstle Cove Campground occupies a prime location atop the coastal bluffs at Salt Point State Park in Sonoma County. The 30 developed family campsites are mostly level and paved, each equipped with a fire ring, picnic table, and bear-resistant food locker. Water spigots are distributed throughout the campground loops. The park lies about 90 miles north of San Francisco along the rugged Sonoma Coast. The campground is adjacent to Gerstle Cove, a designated State Marine Reserve protecting a thriving underwater kelp forest ecosystem. Tide pooling here is exceptional, though as a reserve, collecting anything is prohibited. The surrounding park offers hiking through pygmy forests, sandstone formations, and over 6 miles of coastline. Sea lions, harbor seals, and gray whales are common sights. Facilities include restrooms but no showers, hookups, or dump station. Campers needing to fill water tanks or dump waste can use Bodega Dunes Campground at no charge. Dogs are permitted on-leash in the campground and paved areas but prohibited on trails and beaches.

Directions

From San Francisco, take US-101 north to Petaluma. Exit onto Bodega Avenue/D Street west, which becomes Valley Ford Road then Highway 1. Continue north on Highway 1 for approximately 35 miles past Bodega Bay and Jenner. The park entrance is on the left.