Camping near Bodega Bay with wildlife watching

Hike, bike, and kayak the rocky California coast; in the winter, join the locals in whale-watching.

96% (5517 reviews)
96% (5517 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Bodega Bay

Under $50

Dog-friendly getaways

12 top campgrounds near Bodega Bay with wildlife watching

98%
(354)

Blackberry Farm

6 sites · Lodging, Tents6 acres · Bolinas, CA
Blackberry Farm sits on the western side of Mount Tamalpais, tucked in the Gospel Flat area of Bolinas. The family farm and residence were established during the late 1970s on the site of the historic Peter’s Dairy Ranch. The original farmhouse dates back to the late 19th century and survived the great 1906 earthquake. Today, the 7-acre farm is being restored to sustainably support fruit orchards, cottage flower and kitchen gardens, honey bees, a boisterous flock of chickens, and naughty shetland sheep. Our self-serve farmstand attached to our barn has seasonal flowers, organic eggs, heirloom fruit, and local goods from the farm. Our property is the perfect rustic getaway for backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts. You’ll be surrounded by farm/ranch life: chickens clucking, roosters crowing, bees buzzing, and sheep bleating. We also have active nighttime wildlife: coyotes howling, raccoons foraging, owls hooting, etc. Bring earplugs if nature sounds are too much for you. We offer 4 walk-in tent sites that allow you to immerse yourself in nature. We welcome well-behaved pets ON LEASH that won’t harass the chickens, cats, sheep, other campers, or residents. Unruly pets and their campers will be asked to leave. No refund. Limit: 1 dog per site. Pitch your tent in a meadow shared by: Campsite 1 - left side of the meadow, closest to the common area and hot tub. Campsite 2 - middle of the meadow, closest to our fenced apiary and bee garden. Campsite 3 - right side of the meadow, near the orchard. (sites 1 and 3 are next to each other) Campsite 4 - front of the pasture, closest to the parking area (best for car/van campers wanting space to lounge near their parked vehicle.) Multiple sites may be booked for group camping. Sites 1 and 3 are next to each other under the Cypress Trees. Add site 2 if you would like the entire back half of the campground. Add site 4 if you'd like to have a maximum number of 16 total campers and 2 tents/per site. The common area has an outdoor shower, hot tub, covered bbq/cook area, tented (weather-protected) hangout space, and a place to stash your surfboard. The pizza oven is not available for campground use. Redwood Grove hangout areas have seating and tree swings. Please pack out your trash. We offer a recycling bin for glass bottles, cans, and clean paper. Parking is 100 yds or less from the campsites. We have a large wheelbarrow to help you cart your camping gear across the pasture to your campsite. No driving onto or parking in the meadow. Due to the narrow driveway and parking area (lack of turnaround), the site cannot accommodate RVs, trailers, or oversize vehicles beyond 16ft in length, 7ft in width, or 10 ft in height. 1 car per campsite, please. 15-minute walk to the beach and downtown.
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$66
 / night
99%
(97)

Pickle Barrel Cabin and Camp

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Anchor Bay, CA
This 10 acre property is located on the coastal ridge, often above the fog. You will be on the Pacific plate looking across to the North American plate, looking down on the San Andreas fault! Near artsy, coastal towns. Wonderful location for relaxing after a day of hiking and exploring beaches and forests.. In the winter months, it can provide a peaceful retreat and often dramatic storm watching. Peaceful, security-gated property with a campsite for RV's/tent camping for maximum of 6, and the charming Pickle Barrel cabin for 2 is available. You can book either one or both. Either way, you will have the entire site for your stay. Outside wood campfires are allowed seasonally, but unless there is a fire ban, propane fire pits are allowed year round. Hot showers are available 15 minutes away with purchase of a day pass and quarters. The owners and their dog live on site about 50 yards away. You may see us doing our walks. Centrally located. 10 minutes from beaches, rivers, state parks, Stornetta Lands National Monument, and towns, i.e., Gualala, Point Arena, or Anchor Bay.
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$54
 / night
99%
(295)

The Olive Farm

2 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Novato, CA
Excellent Group Site! We only host one group at a time so you can be with your family and friends in a large, flat and private space. We listed the site for up to 12 campers but feel free to reach out if your group is bigger. Please check out the newest addition of our cabin bunkhouse. Take a look at the pictures - you can add it to your stay as an extra when you book! The land was originally purchased in the 1980's. Since then, it has been used by four generations of the family as a place to gather, relax, camp and even celebrate. I had my wedding on the property in 2010. For a few years we held an annual music festival with the very inventive name of Samapalooza. Up to 400 people would attend the day filled with live music, food and drinks. You will still find the stage and bar we built as an outdoor kitchen and dining area. Around 2008, my father and I planted our first olive trees. Many have been planted since which has gifted the land the timeless sense of purpose it deserves. My father dedicated his last years to tending the young trees and now I have taken the mantle to carry the farm forward. 'The Property', as it is known amongst family and friends has always been a place to camp. I have sat around the same fire ring for decades, rain or shine. I hope that fellow hipcampers can find the joy that my family and I have experienced here. This is a very private camp on a small olive farm. Geographically close to highways and the town of Novato, Sonoma and Napa wine country, this camp feels remote and secluded. Only one camp on the property to keep it private and special. You basically have your run of the land. We have just updated the land and made some nice improvements. Located on ten acres, you will drive past a small olive grove before reaching the spacious and open campground. Just up the hill from the camp is a private pond where you can fish, take out a small boat or just sit and watch the birds. It can be great swimming on hot summer days. This spot has been used by the family for decades and is now open to share with fellow nature lovers. Just a note: While the majority of the time you can expect complete privacy, this is a working olive farm. From time to time you may run into me (Sam) or someone else associated with the land. We will always do our best to respect your space.
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$126
 / night
94%
(81)

Thanktuary Retreat

10 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Gualala, CA
Learn more about this land: The winds whisper through the redwood trees and provide respite from the hot sun. Here on the ridge above Gualala, lies nestled a lovely and serene campground called Thanktuary Retreat. Skunks, jackrabbits, deer, foxes and very rarely a mountain lion or bear can be found on our 5 acres of forested land. There is a fishpond with water lilies, mini golf course and pétanque court (both with equipment in a useful shed close by), a horse shoe ring and beautiful, natural secluded spots in the redwoods perfect for meditation and vision questing. Huckleberry bushes and ferns grow abundantly. The place lends itself to self-reflection and introspection. There is space for 1 RV with a patio table and chairs and some sun loungers. There are also 2 tent sites available on the property, located in one large area, further away from the RV sites. Barely 7 minutes away is downtown Gualala, with amenities such as 2 supermarkets, pharmacy, bakery, restaurants and more. There is a beautiful holistic gift store, The Sea Trader, Four Eyed Frog Bookstore, and some lovely art galleries in town.   Kayaking is available at the Gualala River. Hiking at Gualala Regional Park, the Bluff Trail, The Sea Ranch public access beaches, Stump Beach, Salt Point Park with a petrified forest, Bowling Ball Beach with its amazing natural formations (can only be seen fully at low tide of more than -0.2m), Manchester State Beach, Elk Beach, and more. Swimming at the Navarro River, and various bays. It is a place of incredible scenic beauty all along CA 1. Watch whales spouting during whale season. (Gray whales and orcas is December to May. For humpbacks, visit May through November, and for blue whales, the largest animal on Earth, plan your stay between July and October). Bower Park, just 0.5 miles away with a lovely lake, tennis courts, a baseball field, a basketball court, and two separate playgrounds. Play disc golf or hike along the nature trail/fitness course. Anchor Bay is 5 miles up CA 1, with a supermarket, a few cafes, restaurants (including a great Thai place!) laundromat, hair salon, and more. The quaint town of Point Arena is 12 miles north, with a supermarket, Frannie's Cup And Saucer, The Bird Cafe, a beautiful historic lighthouse, a theater, a pier, a mini-safari park (B Bryan Preserve with zebras, giraffes and more. Tours need to be booked in advance). Also visit Roots, a natural pharmacy for herbs, teas and supplements.  There are also spots like Occidental, Bodega Bay, Jenner (with the Russian River to kayak and swim) and Timber Cove, all on the way to Gualala from the south. Bodega Bay has lovely spots to eat, with clam chowder, fish and chips. Enjoy wind and water sports, and walk on the pier.
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$55.80
 / night
97%
(3377)

Salmon Creek Ranch

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents400 acres · Bodega Bay, CA
Located within 45 minutes of the wine country and 2 miles from the coast, our property is 400 acres of rolling hills and redwood groves, with a creek running along its base. With miles of trails meandering through quiet woods and meadows, you will be able to revel in the tranquility of a private preserve, without sacrificing easy access to some of Sonoma County's most famous attractions. A hundred years ago, this land was used to graze sheep. Remnants of the old fence lines can still be seen in places, along with old cement troughs. Since then, the land has been left to its own devices, passing through many hands, most famously owned by two brothers in the 1980's who built a truly amazing tree house in the forest which has been featured in several magazine articles. It was revamped and updated in 2016 by a master craftsman, using fallen redwood logs found on the property and is now a unique structural work of art, available for overnight stays. We produce 100% grass fed, dry-aged beef on our certified organic pastures and have a store on site if you would like to purchase delicious steaks, ribs, ground beef for hamburgers or some roasts to take home. Our cattle graze on the native grasses, never grain, and drink only water produced from our own springs. We also raise Kiko meat goats and produce pastured, certified organic duck eggs on a commercial basis. Whether it's surfing at sandy beaches, award-winning clam chowder, a wine tour, horseback riding or a hot air balloon ride you're after, you won't have far to drive if you make our ranch your base camp. You may see a family of deer appear suddenly, or a few Scottish Highland cows which we allow to roam freely over the property. There are over twenty species of wild birds that grace this protected spot, so bring your binoculars! A portion of your fee goes towards protecting native flora and fauna as part of our private wildlife preservation program. A limited number of private, widely spaced camp spots are available for visitors. The Eagles' Nest Treehouse (mentioned above) is very isolated and you may or may not even be aware that there are other people within miles of you. For those who value nature, seclusion, quiet and the artistry of old growth redwood, this is the place for you.
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$96
 / night
99%
(1588)

Finley Camp

14 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Bodega Bay, CA
Finley Camp is nestled along Finley Creek in West Sonoma County. Campsites are located in open flats surrounded by Coast Doug Fir, Alder, and California Bay forests. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire pit with cooking grate, and access to a porta potty and hand washing station. The campsites are located past the end of the county road allowing for a quiet peaceful experience. Enjoy a quiet stroll on site, the surrounding communities of Bodega, Bodega Bay, Valley Ford, and Tomales, or just enjoy a quiet day in camp. Our sites are located approximately 20 minutes from Bodega Bay. The campsites are 2.5 miles from the coast and the weather can be unpredictable. As a general rule, it is very similar to that of San Francisco. All camp sites are situated in a valley that offers protection from the coastal winds. The have both morning and evening shade. Sites #2, #6, #7, and #11 have the most space, while sites #4, #7, #8, #9 and #11 offer the most privacy. Sites 1-3, any combination of 5-7, and 12-13 are well suited for groups. Other site groupings work well depending on the number of sites being reserved. Site #8 is unique in that it has a wood deck/platform for tents. There are also NO wood fires allowed at site #8 as it is under the tree canopy. A propane firepit is provided for your use. You can bring a 5 gallon propane tank from home, or a full one is available for rent on site. We have beef available for purchase from calves raised exclusively on our ranch. This beef is 100% grass fed and finished and never given grain of any kind. We have various cuts available such as steaks, ground, roasts, ribs, or other various specialty cuts. All beef is cut and wrapped by a USDA certified butcher. It is raised in an organic manner from cows that freely roam on the pastures of the coastal hills we call home. For further information or for a price sheet, please inquire with the camp host. Well behaved dogs are welcome at Finley Camp. All dogs must be kept on leash at all times while on the property. There are no exceptions to this. Finley Camp is located on an active cattle ranch and directly adjacent to a neighboring ranch with cattle. Also be sure to check out our orchard tours. The apples ripen from Late July thru late November. We'll take you to our family orchard where you can pick apples, pears, or blueberries in season and taste yummy treats out of our family garden.
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$85.50
 / night
98%
(603)

Estero San Antonio Wonderland

14 sites · Lodging, Tents120 acres · Tomales, CA
Camp with sweeping views of beautiful pastureland in West Marin. Enjoy privacy, birds singing, cows, chickens, food from the farm, and hiking our gorgeous land that is on the Estero San Antonio. The campsites are spaced far apart from one another to ensure some privacy.  It is very quiet out here at night.  If there are other campers you might hear them in the distance.  All campsite are located overlooking the Estero and close to the grass road to enter and exit the property. You will have access to some of our pastures for picnics and leisurely walks.  When you check in we will give you directions to a few special places around the surrounding area and see if you would like some grassland finished beef, lamb, pork, eggs, or vegetables all grown or made on our ranch.  We offer other care packages, ask us when you arrive (include, home made focaccia, sourdough bread, local cheeses, etc...)  A liability waiver will be needed to be signed. This is primitive camping,  There is water but it is not potable. so bring your own drinking water. It can get very windy out here in Spring and Summer.  Come prepared.  We have situated the campsites to be on the leeward side and as protected as possible.  We try to leave the land better off than we found it and hope that you will share the same respect for the pristine beauty of this place. We are 10 minutes away from the quaint town of Tomale and 15 minutes from the town of Valley Ford. Dillon Beach is only 3.5 miles away.  Bring your own kayak or canoe and paddle to the ocean down the Estero San Antonio! You can learn more about our land and practices check out True Grass Farms online.
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$63
 / night
96%
(67)

Bliss Mountain

9 sites · Lodging, RVs40 acres · Middletown, CA
This is country living at its best! We live in the main house at the top of the hill and we look forward to sharing the magic of Bliss Mountain aka Jerusalem Ranch with our guests. We are 20 minutes from Harbin Hot Springs or Clearlake resort area. Our listings range from a Country Home,Bliss Mountain Studio apt to Teepee and Trailer. Read each description for information on amenities. An optional workshop/performance space and additional lodging is available on the property for larger groups – including 2600 ft Country Home and Bliss Mountain Studio Apt. Perfect for a family reunion, destination wedding, filming your YouTube video with spectacular scenery, a personal healing journey or yoga/meditation workshop/retreat. It’s also wonderful for getting creative, focused artistic or creative projects done . The Tepee is also an inspiring place to record or play music. Many vocalists, performers, sound healers and painters have been inspired to create magic here. Hike our trails scattered with sparkling Lake County “diamonds” – explore an old vineyard, mossy oak forest and sweeping views of Hidden Valley Lake, snow capped mountains and the mysterious, mystical dormant volcano Mt. Konocti. We invite all guest to visit The Bliss Mountain Temple. The Temple space is a world of its own. It has clouds painted on all the walls and ceiling and is home to an amazing art Gallery that feature the works of Karma Moffet the famous Marin County Area Artist and others. Karma is also a life Musician well known for Healing Sound Journey Sessions. Optional Offerings and events that can be arranged in the Temple are: Therapeutic Sound Journeys, musical performances with Karma, Taressa Bell, Halle Blessing and other artist. Also: Dance Gatherings, Yoga Sessions, Creative Art Sessions,receptions etc.
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$40
 / night
91%
(132)

Whaleback Ridge Cabins & Camp

10 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents34 acres · Calistoga, CA
Welcome to our family land! We now offer 3 options for guests, 5 minutes from the Petrified Forest, and 10 minutes from beautiful Calistoga, mud baths, the restaurant and fun bar scene. I teach at SF State, and maintain hipcamp on my spare time to share an affordable option for travelers coming through our area, who appreciate nature and will respect our land. Our land borders Sonoma and Napa Counties, technically in Calistoga, and we boast gorgeous views and peaceful nature settings. We are a heavy nature camp: bugs, coyotes heard in the distance, etc. With the exception of Coral Cabin (which is full service), this is a "user responsible" site, essentially meaning Shaded Oak and Married Manzanitas are 'leave no trace' sites. I provide garbage bags, you pack your trash and take it to the lower garbage bins when you depart your stay. There are also supplied disinfectant towelettes, sprays and other cleaning supplies for a quick wipe down of surfaces when you leave, and if needed/preferred upon arrival. No cleaning service, no cleaning fee, guests responsible for cleaning up after themselves with supplies provided. If that's OK with you, read on! Thank you! Whaleback Ridge has 3 main sites that overlook “the Whaleback Ridge” to the North, named by my great-great grandparents who settled here 100 years ago. The top of the Whaleback Ridge is seen from the camps on the north-side far edge of our 34-acre property, and is accessible by trails (a hiking map will be sent to you upon booking). The lower, private sites, overlooking this ridgeline through the trees, are called the Shaded Oak and the Married Manzanitas - both are very rustic and outdoorsy. Shaded Oak is the only RV site (unless you rent Coral Cabin which has large flat area just outside), but is limited to shorter trailers with 4wd trucks only, or Class B RVs (see pics). The upper site, the Coral Cabin, shares the hilltop with our main house (there is a quiet, respectful family that lives there - close but private) and shared Hilltop 360 Station. Coral Cabin is the most outfitted, and is the most accessible - but also with an compost toilet outhouse, outdoor shower, sink, etc. The Coral Cabin has the best views, but everyone can also access the views by walking up to the Hilltop 360 Station, which is technically a shared space, but campers will likely have it to themselves. *We have a 14-year old dog at the Hilltop 360 Station! She is a husky-akida mix (her name is "Beautiful"), she lives in the main house with her mom and has a dog door to come and go to everything she needs. She will bark at you at first, but please don't be alarmed - she has never bitten anyone and she makes friends quickly if you call her by name and are friendly. She also loves other dogs - only been aggressive once with a dog larger than her who was aggressive. She might become your best friend, as she is very sweet the second she warms up to you. Overview of Sites (more details in site descriptions): Shaded Oak ($59/night 4ppl, more $10 each), smaller RV accessible**, a prime tent spot, propane fire ring, compost toilet "throne" at your site. Tables and chairs. Water provided for hand/dishwashing; b-y-o drinking water. Shower at shared Hilltop 360 Station. **(trailers over 10 feet likely need 4WD truck pulling it and be skilled at backing in; teardrop trailers & Class B RVs are optimal size and relatively easy to back in). Married Manzanitas Camp and Cabin ($79/night up to 6 ppl), walk-in OR high clearance vehicle only, 1 large tent spot AND access to 2-person camp cabin. Tables and chairs, 2 adirondack loungers, gas stove and limited cooking/eating utensils. Water provided for hand/dishwashing; b-y-o drinking water. Private/exclusive hot outdoor shower with redwood platform and riverstones - fed by hose at hilltop (you will have to walk up to turn on the right, red hose 1/4 turn). Compost toilet "throne" at your site. Camp cabin included! Bare bones, comes ready to throw your sleeping bag or put your own sheets and pillows on the full bed (very comfy futon) - or pitch a tent and use the cabin for storage or to chill out - or both with a larger group. Coral Cabin ($109/night +$30 cleaning, up to 2 ppl, more $10 each to pitch tent/RV), drive up to doorway, direct access to Hilltop 360 Station (kitchen, shower, tubs). Cabin has electricity, AC unit, wifi access, TV with Roku, comfy loveseat. Enjoy some interesting books. Bed comes freshly made and there is a cleaning service so no need to tidy up on departure. This is our "glamping" cabin with amazing views and walks, outdoor amenities, compost toilet just outside the cabin, hilltop shower steps away. $30 cleaning fee goes directly to cleaner. Hilltop 360 Station: a shared space (only if there are other campers) has: Outdoor kitchen with stainless countertop, running water, propane grill, electrical outlets, and wifi - access to shed with microwave, coffee maker, mini-fridge with freezer, lots of plates/cookware/silverware to use. Games and books! Gas campstove is in the yellow shed attached to outdoor kitchen area. Hammocks in camp station can easily be clipped on to take a load off; second hammock also available in treehouse. And there's a swing to enjoy! Shower/tubs: The on-demand propane heated shower is right in the camp station, guarded by a privacy barrier all around except the lookout over the mountain. If you want a hot tub in either the private smaller tub or larger tub next to it, contact Dan ($10 as 'extra' if desired). Hot water turns on automatically when you turn blue dial at base of water pipe to heater. Compost toilets: there are separate seats for #1 and #2; #1 is PEE ONLY on the LOW SEAT (or blue commode at lower sites) and is over an open pit - don't put used TP here... and #2 is POO only on the HIGH SEAT atop the throne, you can put all TP here, and after your #2 ADD a scoop/layer of MULCH/DRY LEAVES (NOT DIRT) over it to completely cover sight and smell. #1 in lower seats can be covered with a scoop/layer of dirt OR leaves. Again, mulch/leaves should fully cover any sight and smell of your biz after using the thrones. Garbage: Please use the trash bags provided, tie your trash bag, and on departure deposit tied bag in the FARTHEST grey bin from the "5895" mailbox. Recycle can be deposited in the blue bin. Thank you! Other notes: You may need to rinse dishes, etc. before use as dust and spiderwebs accumulate up here. Feel free to use cleaning supplies to evict any daddy-long legs if they bother you. Want some activities? Kayak and all gear/2 life vests/ratchet strap to tie to roof ($20); tennis rackets/balls for court in town ($10); 2-4 person tent ($10/night). Games and books are free to use! - please replace as you found them. *In emergencies or stuck cars, our resident at the main house can usually help with his truck - after work hours - for a $15 emergency help fee if he's available, and has graciously done so before. Venmo him directly. But remember, Dan is the main point of contact by text and I can ask him for help. If you need WIFI to send a text, you can connect at the Hilltop 360 View Station. Wifi Info is on the google doc that I will send to your phone or email upon booking; I recommend downloading the doc to your phone in case you don't have service:) *Steer clear of the neighbors down the hill - the first house you see when you drive up the driveway. They are my cousins, and not part of hipcamp. Please do not approach the lower house or invade their privacy. This is a beautiful, serene, and peaceful spot! We invite you to come contribute to that energy.
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$59
 / night
Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping near Bodega Bay with wildlife watching guide

Overview

Looking for the perfect camping experience near Bodega Bay, California? Hipcamp has over 1100 options just for you, with a focus on wildlife watching. Whether you're into bird-watching or hoping to catch a glimpse of some local critters, there's a campsite to suit your needs. Check out top-rated campsites like Jug Handle Creek Farm (1479 reviews), Salmon Creek Ranch (1270 reviews), and Mendocino Magic (410 reviews). With amenities like pets allowed, potable water, and showers, you'll have everything you need to make your camping trip a success. Plus, if you're into wind sports, surfing, or climbing, you'll have plenty of activities to keep you busy. Prices start as low as $27 per night, with an average of $70. So pack your binoculars and get ready to immerse yourself in nature!

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