The best camping near Fort Ord Dunes State Park

Spread across around four miles of coastline, Fort Ord Dunes State Park features a mix of sandy, dune-fringed shores and a paved boardwalk. The park was established in 2009 on land that was once part of Fort Ord, an old army post that closed in the 1990s. Popular activities in this day-use park include fishing, surfing, and simply walking along the beach and checking out otters that sometimes come close to the shores here. The park’s boardwalk is a popular spot for locals to cycle and jog, and there are interpretive signs for those interested in the park's military history.

The weather at Fort Ord Dunes is mild throughout the year, with high temperatures rarely exceeding the upper 60s, so it's generally not the best place to swim or perfect your tan. Summers are dry, but winters get a lot of rainfall, which continues well into the springtime. The winter and spring months are the best time to see otters, particularly around dawn and dusk.

• Accessible amenities at the park include a paved multi-use path, restrooms, a picnic area, and ADA parking.
• Dogs are allowed on paved roads inside the park, provided they are on leashes, but are not allowed at the beach. Nearby dog-friendly beaches include Monterey State Beach, Asilomar State Beach, and Carmel River State Beach.
• The dunes in the park provide vital nesting grounds  for endangered species, notably the Western snowy plover. To avoid upsetting the local ecosystem, visitors should stick to designated walking trails.
• The park offers a free automated self-guided phone tour, which works like an audio guide. To access the tour, call (831) 998-9458.