Camping near Dillon Beach

Find the quintessential Northern California coast experience at Dillon Beach.

95% (5937 reviews)
95% (5937 reviews)

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Star Hosts in Dillon Beach

12 top campgrounds near Dillon Beach

99%
(1569)

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%
(341)

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
95%
(903)

The Meadow Grove of Hands Full Farm

8 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Valley Ford, CA
The Grove (5 total) campsites are located near the historic Narrow Gauge Railroad bed on a family owned working ranch in coastal Northern California. The camp sites are nestled in a pasture and grove of mixed Eucalyptus, willow and cypress trees. The sites are perfect for tents or camper vans, or small trailers. There are no hook-ups for RVs (the access to the camp sites also prohibits long vehicles). There is access to a composting camp toilet. The ranch itself is 300 acres of rolling hills pasture, with hilltop views of the Estero Americano valley. The Grove is home to many varieties of raptors and other birds-providing excellent bird watching. Seasonally there are blackberries to fill your containers, and some hiking. The sites are subject to some road noise, as we are right on Hwy 1. We are mere minutes from the quaint towns of Valley Ford, Tomales, and Dillon Beach, and a short drive from Bodega, Bodega Bay or Marshall, Pt. Reyes Station and Inverness. Nearby attractions include: Sonoma Coast beaches, Pt. Reyes National Seashore, coastal hiking trails, local farm-to-table eateries. Inland attractions include: redwoods, wine tasting, Russian River activities and so much more. Specifics about these campsites are: They each come with a picnic table (#1,#2, has a checkerboard painted on it-bring checkers or chess!)The grounds are a working ranch, so there is variations of the soil- some lumps and bumps and general natural state of a pasture v. a groomed lawn. There are certainly level places for tents and camper vans or trailers. The ranch borders Hwy 1, so there is some degree of road noise. Traffic usually dies down mid afternoon, and isn't too much of a disturbance. There can be however, some heavy weekend traffic during the day with car clubs and motorcycle riders enjoying the coastal highway. The Grove Sites #1, #2, and #3 are on this listing Site 4 and Site 5 are their own listing. *The Friendly Gray Cat's name is Boots!* If you plan on attending Outside Lands at Golden Gate Park, you've come to right place! Book your stay at The Grove, located 55 minutes from Golden Gate Park. Our space offers an ideal way to relax and recharge after a day's fun enjoying the music and food at Outside Lands.
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$45
 / night
97%
(3373)

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%
(83)

Wildhaven Sonoma Glamping

122 sites · Lodging10 acres · Healdsburg, CA
[20% DISCOUNT: Use code UECFZ4RN on 2-night Sunday-Thursday stays through March 2025. Enjoy the solitude and lower rates of wine country this off-season] Wildhaven Sonoma is the top-rated glamping spot in the Bay Area. Our glamping experience was designed to provide guests with comfort, warmth, and cleanliness, while still maintaining a close connection to Sonoma County’s stunning natural beauty. Guests check in to extra-large, safari-style tents or cozy cabins, both with comfortable beds (with linens and heated mattress pads), electricity and heaters, WiFi, and all the furnishings needed for a memorable night outdoors. Outside, guests have a personal fire pit, a covered porch with patio furniture, and a large picnic table. Those seeking a tent with more comfort and features can book our Riverside tents with 2-person hammocks, festive string lights, and improved nature views, just a few steps from the Russian River. Then there are the amenities, which are not typically found at traditional campgrounds. These include a clean, central bathroom building, hot showers, an outdoor kitchen with dish-washing sinks and gas BBQs, a store with local treats, and summer activities such as yoga classes, wine tastings, and live music. The highlight of the 10-acre property is the private river access for guests. Wildhaven’s section of the Russian River is calm yet clean and perfect for innertubes from May-Oct. Wildhaven is surrounded by vineyards on 3 sides and is in the middle of the famous Alexander Valley wine-growing region. When it's time to venture out, Wildhaven is just 5 miles from the charming small town of Healdsburg, with its picture-perfect town plaza filled with palm and redwood trees and surrounded by 30+ tasting rooms, book and cooking stores, and ice cream shops. We hope you'll consider trying out a unique night of wine country glamping with us on the Russian River. We're dog friendly! There is a limit of 2 dogs per tent. Please be sure to add the dog fee in extras upon check out.
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$99
 / night
94%
(40)

Slide Ranch - Tent Camping

17 sites · Tents134 acres · Muir Beach, CA
Discover the magic of Slide Ranch spending the night overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Slide Ranch offers camping so we can offer full scholarships to students for summer camps and other programs throughout the year. We really appreciate your support! Upon your arrival, we will provide roomy wheelbarrows to easily bring your personal items to our Dome Campsite area which overlooks the Pacific Ocean (about 10 minutes, mostly-flat hike). Check in 2pm / Check out 12pm Tents and gear are not included; please bring and pitch your own tents. Bring your own food (there is a cooler and dry food storage container) or plan to enjoy dining in Muir Beach. Let us know if you would like more information. Please note that we do not have showering facilities or flush toilets. Porta-potties or composting toilets are available around the property. Water in all Slide Ranch taps is potable. There is no running water at the Dome but there will be containers of water out there for use in hand washing, dish washing, and limited for drinking. Camp fires and open flames of any kind are not allowed in the Dome Campsite area. Slide Ranch is located on the Marin coast, on land that has a rich history in connecting people to food. The Miwok once fished and foraged for food at this site, and in the late 19th century Portuguese dairy farmers purchased the land and produced milk and butter for residents of San Francisco. In 1969, 134 acres of this fertile coastline were rescued from commercial development and purchased by the Nature Conservancy. The Slide Ranch nonprofit organization was established in 1970, becoming one of the first Park Partners in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
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$60
 / night

Where the redwoods meet the sea…

1 site · RV3 acres · Jenner, CA
Perched dramatically on nearly three acres of wooded hillside, this slice of paradise offers breathtaking views of the mighty Pacific Ocean. Here, you'll drift off to sleep each night to the soothing rhythm of crashing waves, wake up to witness vibrant California poppies and wild irises painting the landscape each spring, and find solace beneath ancient redwood sentinels that have watched over this coast for centuries. The Sonoma Coast stretches over 55 magnificent miles, boasting more than 400 distinguished wineries and a string of captivating coastal communities including Jenner, Bodega Bay, Fort Ross, Gualala, Sea Ranch, and Timber Cove. The drive along this stunning coastline offers countless spots to pull over and marvel at the raw power of the Pacific. For outdoor enthusiasts, the location couldn't be more perfect. Salt Point State Park's extensive network of hiking trails is accessible right from your campsite, offering everything from casual coastal walks to challenging forest treks. During abalone season, divers flock to these waters for some of California's best abalone diving spots. Just a short distance away, historic Fort Ross stands as a remarkably preserved 19th-century Russian settlement, complete with wooden walls, blockhouses, and a chapel that offers fascinating insight into California's Russian history. The nearby Timber Cove Lodge welcomes campers to enjoy its amenities - warm up with a morning coffee on their dramatic cliff-side deck, challenge friends to outdoor games in the afternoon, or treat yourself to a memorable dinner overlooking the ocean. Kayaking adventures await in protected coves, where you might spot seals, otters, or even migrating whales depending on the season. Just two and a half hours from the San Francisco Bay Area, this coastal haven provides easy access to Sonoma County's renowned wine regions, including the Russian River and Green Valley areas. Charming towns like Bodega Bay, Santa Rosa, and Healdsburg make for perfect day trips when you're not enjoying the serenity of your campsite or exploring the surrounding wilderness. Whether you're falling asleep under the stars, waking up to morning fog rolling over the cliffs, or spending your days exploring tide pools and forest trails, this magical spot offers the quintessential Northern California coastal camping experience.
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$16
 / night
100%
(14)

Vineyard Camping at Bad Rat Ranch

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Lower Lake, CA
Bad Rat Ranch is a 20-acre ranch with 8 acres of lush vineyards in the scenic countryside of Northern California. The ranch is set amongst rolling hills and vineyards about two hours from both San Francisco and Sacramento. We provide two guest houses (cabins), as well as two campsites with RV hookups. The ranch is an oasis with plenty of space to stretch out. Wander the vineyard, down a beer in the outdoor living room, join a game of volleyball or ping pong, cook a gourmet meal on the BBQ, and end your day soaking in the shared hot tub. Whether you want some seclusion, to hang with other campers, or to visit the attractions of northern California, the ranch offers everything you need for a comfortable stay! Nearby Attractions: Miles of Mountain Bike Trails at Winery Six Sigma 15 minutes from the biggest natural lake in California- Clear Lake 15 minutes from the newest national monument: Barreyessa Snow Mountain 40 minutes to white water rafting on Cache Creek Numerous small wineries within driving distance for tastings 30 minutes to the famous wineries of Napa Valley 1 hour to the hiking trails on Mt. Konocti Several local casinos for some nighttime fun Local creek for cold water swims 15 minutes from Hidden Valley Golf Course 15 minutes from a local grocery store We're pretty chill, so make yourself at home. This is northern California though, so electricity and water don't come easy. Please be mindful of consumption.
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$38
 / 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
91%
(131)

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

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping near Dillon Beach guide

Overview

Just a 90-minute drive from San Francisco, Dillon Beach is a great spot to escape Bay Area life and reconnect with the Northern California coast. This Marin County town sits on Bodega Bay, right across the water from Point Reyes, and is close to all the region’s rugged coastal highlights—beaches, surfing, hiking trails, fresh seafood—as well as the redwoods and hot springs of wine country. While there are a couple of private camping options in Dillon Beach, many travelers set up camp in the area’s many public parks, such as Samuel P. Taylor State Park, Sonoma Coast State Park, Doran Regional Park, and the Point Reyes National Seashore—although all are incredibly popular and warrant far-in-advance reservations.

Where to go

Point Reyes National Seashore

Across the water from Dillon Beach is the Point Reyes National Seashore, a protected swath of Pacific Coast with opportunities to hike coastal bluffs, lay out on sandy beaches, and spot elephant seals or Tule Elk. Time your visit right for a chance to see the seasonal Alamere Falls or wildflowers. And don’t miss the chance to stock up on farm fresh groceries or sample local Tomales Bay oysters when passing through Point Reyes Station.

Inland and Wine Country

Head inland from Dillon Beach and you’ll have an array of wine country attractions to explore, like the peaceful redwood groves at the Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. There are also many campgrounds, hot springs, spas, and vineyards to visit throughout Napa, Sonoma, and Mendocino.

Sonoma Coast State Park

With 17 miles of beaches, Sonoma Coast State Park is one of the largest beach parks in the Dillon Beach area. It features tide pools with anemones, mollusks, seaweeds, and starfish. It also has a 5-mile trail system for hiking and horseback riding. Sonoma Coast State Park borders the Russian River, a popular floating and rafting route in summer. Harbor seals are often found at the river’s mouth.

Bodega Bay

Just up the road from Dillon Beach, Bodega Bay features a cluster of unique beach parks. They include Bodega Head (bluff hiking), Bodega Dunes Beach, and Salmon Creek State Beach.

When to go

Dillon Beach is temperate and accessible to campers year-round. California coast mornings are often foggy and damp, even in summer before the sun comes out and highs are in the 60s (it’s a good idea to bring a jacket and rain gear year-round). If you plan to visit Dillon Beach on a warm summer’s day, be prepared to deal with crowds and notoriously bad traffic. Winter visitors can expect temps in the mid-40s and the possibility of rain, but may be rewarded with fewer crowds. Spring wildflowers are most abundant in March and April.

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