There's something magical about falling asleep to the sound of waves crashing nearby.
From the rugged cliffs of Big Sur to the windswept beaches of Sonoma County, Northern California is home to some of the state's most spectacular beachfront campgrounds.
Grab your s'mores supplies and cozy sleeping bags and get ready to spend a night or two where the land meets the sea.
Kirk Creek Campground in Big Sur(Courtesy of @kirkcreekcampground)
Kirk Creek Campground, Big Sur
Set up your tent on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean at this campground in scenic Big Sur. Tent and RV sites (no hookups) are available, and you can access a rocky beach via a steep path from the campground. Those looking for sandy beach options can head five miles south to Sand Dollar Beach, located just across Highway 1 from another excellent campground, Plaskett Creek. Kirk Creek campers receive free day-use parking.
// 64955 CA-1 (Big Sur), recreation.gov
Sunset State Beach, Watsonville
Tucked between ocean cliffs and strawberry fields, this beachfront campground is a year-round favorite. While RVs are allowed, the 92 sites are quite close together, making them better suited to tent camping. Multiple trails take you from the bluff down to the beach, and if you're lucky, you might catch pilots flying their remote-control gliders over the area.
// 201 Sunset Beach Rd. (Watsonville), parks.ca.gov
Manresa State Beach, Watsonville
If you're looking for a quieter, tent-only camping experience, reserve a spot at this campground that is open May 15th through October 31st. Manresa has walk-in tent camping only, so be sure not to bring too much gear, as you'll have to lug it from the parking lot.
// 205 Manresa Uplands Rd. (Watsonville), parks.ca.gov
New Brighton State Beach in Capitola(Kate Loweth)
New Brighton State Beach, Capitola
This tent and RV campground features more than 100 campsites on a bluff above the ocean. It's worthwhile to book one of the premium bluff campsites that offer extra room, ocean views, and easy access to the path down to the beach. In the summer months, you can learn about the area's history as a Chinese fishing village at the Pacific Migrations Visitor Center, located within the campground.
// 1500 Park Ave. (Capitola), parks.ca.gov
Tomales Bay Boat-in Camping, Point Reyes Station
There's no better way to experience the beauty of the Point Reyes National Seashore than by kayaking to your campsite on Tomales Bay. Permits allow campers to choose from several tidally influenced coves on the west side of the bay, some with vault toilets. Campers may only arrive via watercraft, providing for a unique camping experience.
// Tomales Bay (Point Reyes Station), nps.gov
Lawson's Landing, Dillon Beach
Just an hour-and-a-half north of San Francisco, this private RV and tent campground sits right on Dillon Beach at the mouth of Tomales Bay. Visitors enjoy clamming, fishing, crabbing, and kayaking, with plenty of nearby hiking trails offering coastal views. If you are looking for a dog-friendly glamping option nearby, check out the cottages and cabins at Dillon Beach Resort.
// 137 Marine View Dr. (Dillon Beach) lawsonslanding.com
Francis Beach Campground in Half Moon Bay(Courtesy of @halfmoonbaystatebeach)
Francis Beach Campground, Half Moon Bay
With 53 campsites, including 40 with electrical hook-ups for RVs and a spot for hike-and-bike campers, this popular campground on Half Moon Bay State Beach is a favorite of beachgoers looking for easy access to the sand. Campers just have to walk through the campground and between the dunes to access a four mile stretch. Hike along the coastal trail or book a horseback trail ride with Sea Horse Ranch.
// 95 Kelly Ave. (Half Moon Bay), parks.ca.gov
Bodega Dunes Campground, Bodega Bay
Located within Sonoma Coast State Park, this campground is a favorite for its ocean views and hiking trails. With 99 campsites, you'll have your choice of tent or RV sites (no hook-ups) with access to hot showers and flush toilets. The town of Bodega Bay is within walking distance, so you can easily head over to The Birds Café for some fried artichoke tacos and clam chowder.
// 2485 CA-1 (Bodega Bay), parks.ca.gov
Kirby Cove Campground, Sausalito
If you want to wake up to iconic views of the Golden Gate Bridge (when Karl cooperates), this campground near the historic Battery Kirby is the spot for you. With just five tent-only campsites, this campground is quite popular for those looking to embrace foggy mornings tucked among the cypress and eucalyptus. While day-use visitors have to hike down to Kirby Cove, campers receive a gate code to drive down the steep access road to the parking lot, with campsites and the beach just a short walk away.
// 948 Fort Barry (Sausalito), recreation.gov
Kirby Cove Campground in Sausalito(Courtesy of @thatdudecreates)
