12 Spectacular Spots In Northern California Where You Can Camp Right On The Beach
By Joanne Kraft|Updated on April 12, 2023(Originally published April 05, 2023)
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Joanne Kraft
Author
Joanne is a fourth-generation Northern Californian. She knows good sour dough bread when she tastes it and understands the best parts of the Golden State are nowhere near Los Angeles.
Northern California has hundreds of miles of coastal heaven. A sandy beach and a good book might just be what the doctor ordered. But, what if you could read that book while you spent the night on said beach? Those places exist. Be lulled to sleep by the crashing waves and wake up just in time to catch the first rays of sunlight. If you’re thinking about beach camping in Northern California, then you need to check out these 12 spectacular spots:
What makes this park lovely is that it's right across the street from the beach. The RV area is separated from tent campers by an adorable creek. Dog friendly! This is a wonderful place to camp, and you can take your pic from RV sites, campsites, and even cabins for rent.
Anyone else want to climb into this photo? Bring your honey here for some extra brownie points. One source had this to say, "Great for beach combing. Cranes, ravens and crows all around. Loved it." There’s so much to do at this stunning campground, located right next to Little River State Beach.
Prime sites right on the beach. But, these go fast so book ahead! The dark sandy beach make for a lovely place to explore but the water here is treacherous. Be careful! But the views more than make up for it, including the immense, imposing boulders along the shoreline.
Great beach. Stunning Views. Clean Restrooms. Stocked store. Bring along the kids, you'll make memories here for sure. This campground is a family friendly campground that’s been around since 1925! They’re doing something right, because everyone loves coming back here again and again.
We're pretty blessed to be able to hang out at the beach. So many other states are landlocked and have no opportunity. This is one campsite that gets alot of love. People come from all over to enjoy a campsite on the beach. Dog friendly--but PLEASE keep your hairy friend on a leash. Not everyone loves dogs like you and I do. And this place offers some of the best beach camping in Northern California, so you know this is one place you’ll want to visit.
We're claiming this place as ours for a hot second. The campground has sites for both RVs and tents, with options to stay as close to the beach as possible. (Oh, and each site has a picnic table and fire pit, too!) There are several trails that lead to the beach, as well as the Monarch Butterfly Grove next door. This is a downright delightful place to camp! Check out this map of campsite locations, and pick your favorite!
Two words: Mendocino Coastline. Take the family here for the time of their lives. Horseback riding? We're in! And don’t forget the tide pooling. This is picture-perfect, scenic camping in Northern California that you’ll want to put at the top of your bucket list.
Serene and simply beautiful. Both RV and tent camping available. The showers are hot and the rocks are easy to climb. Lots of wind for those kite-flying kids of yours. Bring the family and make precious memories here. Beach camping in Northern California doesn’t get much better than this!
What makes this spot great besides the obvious --is that not a lot of folks find their way here. Which makes it a little more secluded. A bonus here are the clean restrooms and HOT WATER showers. This place fills up fast, so make sure to book ahead as soon as possible.
A mere $7 for the hike and bike campground. Half Moon Bay is one of my fav places. Waking up to the roar of the waves and a foggy morning with a hot cup of coffee; perfection. This spot boasts four miles of soft, sandy beaches. Francis Beach has 52 campsites, so you’ll most likely find a fabulous spot.
Okay, before you start shouting about NOT being in Norcal, remember, ALOT of us drive back up from Southern California. Which means we need a cool place to stop BEFORE we get home. This is the place! There are dune protected family sites, RVs up to 31 feet, and even pets allowed. This is a wonderful place to spend the weekend!
A lovely spot for the hiking enthusiast and beach lover. One happy camper said this, "Super cool campground and definitely great for beginner backpackers since the trail is very well marked and you have a vault toilet and potable water there. Also can't deny the location, you really are a couple minute walk down to the beach. And yes there are wild animals that roam around here (we saw bobcat, deer, coyote, and tons of quails)." Sounds great to me! Follow the trail all the way out to unforgettable views out over the Pacific Ocean.
It’s always a sweet time to head to the beach. But, staying overnight? Yeah, that’s epic. If you’re looking for where to camp on the beach in Northern California, these are definitely the best spots around!
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Where To Camp On The Beach In Northern California
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What’s the best time of year to camp in Northern California?
Locals think fall is the best time of year to camp in Northern California. The weather is mild and pleasant, and the tourism season has slowed down, so there are plenty of campsites available for use.
This is a hard one because each beach is so unique and offers something different. Whether you’re looking for caves, marine wildlife, or great surfing, there’s something for everyone on Northern California’s coastline.
