If you’re looking for a coastal camping experience, Bodega Dunes Campground is a great option along Sonoma Coast State Park in Bodega Bay.
This campground welcomes both tent campers and travel trailers up to 31 feet, making it a flexible choice whether you are packing light or bringing your full setup.
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Hookups & Dump Station
Bodega Dunes is a dry campground, so there are no water or electric hookups at the campsites. That said, it is still very manageable for RV camping. Drinking water is available throughout the campground, and there is a dedicated RV freshwater fill station as well as a dump station.
Both are located near the entrance by the ranger station, which makes it easy to take care of tanks when arriving or heading out.
Campsite Layout & Amenities
One of the standout features of Bodega Dunes is the size of the campsites. Most are fairly large, giving you plenty of room to spread out. While there is space, the privacy is somewhat limited, and you will likely be able to see neighboring campsites from yours.
The parking pads are a mix of sand and gravel. Some sites feel more compact and stable, while others lean more toward soft sand. If you are parking a trailer, placing a rubber mat under your levelers can help keep everything steady during setup.
Each campsite includes a tall metal fire pit, a picnic table, and a wooden bear box for food storage.
Facilities & Supplies
The campground offers solid, no-frills facilities that make for a comfortable stay. Bathrooms have flush toilets, and there are showers available as well. Trash and recycling services are also provided.
There is no store inside the campground, so it is best to arrive prepared. Fortunately, Bodega Bay is less than a five minute drive away and has groceries, restaurants, and other essentials.
Cell service here is better than you might expect for a coastal campground. During our stay, we had strong service with Verizon, including download speeds over 20 Mbps.
Trees & Animals
Bodega Dunes has a good number of trees, primarily Monterey Cypress, which add to the coastal feel and offer some protection from the wind.
As far as wildlife goes, it is common to see raccoon, deer, rabbits, foxes, and skunks around the campground. During our visit, we primarily saw birds, insects, and bats flying in the evening.
One thing that surprised us on a recent trip was the number of mosquitoes. This is not always typical for the area, but we visited during a calm weekend with very little wind. Without the usual coastal breeze, the mosquitoes were much more noticeable, so it is a good idea to bring bug spray just in case.
It is also worth noting that in the evenings and mornings you can often hear the foghorn from the coast.
Activities
Beach Access
Beach access is one of the main draws of staying at Bodega Dunes. You can hike to the beach from the campground, which is about a mile and a half one way. The trail eventually connects to a road, so part of the walk is along pavement.
If you prefer an easier option, you can drive directly to the beach parking lot near the entrance. This is the simplest way to access the shoreline.
Both the trail and the beach are not dog friendly, so that is important to keep in mind if you are traveling with a pet.
The beach itself is wide and scenic, and it is a great place for kids to run and explore.
Hiking
There are several hiking options in and around the campground. Trails within the campground can take you toward the beach or Bodega Harbor, though most do not allow dogs.
If you need a dog friendly option, the Coastal Prairie Trail near the entrance allows dogs on leash.
Another great nearby option is Chanslor Ranch, located just across the street. It is a short drive and offers a dog friendly hiking experience with scenic views. When we visited, the trail was muddy but still enjoyable. It would likely be even better during drier conditions.
Playing in the Sand
One of the simplest and most enjoyable activities is just spending time in the sand dunes. Many campsites are located right next to sandy areas, and some are directly beside small dunes.
Kids can easily spend hours running, digging, and playing. It is a low effort activity that often ends up being one of the highlights of the trip.
Exploring Bodega Bay
Spending time in Bodega Bay is well worth it during your stay. You can grab a meal at The Tides Wharf & Restaurant, pick up some saltwater taffy, or browse local shops.
If you enjoy seafood, there are plenty of great options in the area.
Camping Costs
Campsites at Bodega Dunes are currently $45 per night, which is a solid value for a coastal California campground with easy access to both nature and nearby amenities.
Best Campsites
- Site 23
- This site has a short trail that leads to a large, private sand area. This makes it a great option if you want a unique hangout space for relaxing or enjoying a campfire with a little extra separation from neighboring sites.
- Site 25
- This site is a well-positioned site for trailers and has a small sand dune right behind it that kids will love. It also works especially well if you are camping with others, since it pairs nicely with Site 26 across the way or Site 27 next door.
- Site 36
- Site 36 is a spacious site that offers a nice balance of sun and shade. It feels more private than many others in the campground and has a large sand dune right at the site, which adds both character and a built-in play area.
- Site 69
- This site has a mixture of privacy and peacefulness. It is surrounded by trees and offers a view of Bodega Harbor. This is a great choice if you are looking for a quieter spot to relax and enjoy the scenery.
- Site 87
- Site 87 is located on the back side of the campground, away from the sand and water. While it does not have those features, it makes up for it with privacy. The site appears more secluded than most and offers a good amount of space, making it a solid option if you prefer a quieter, tucked-away feel.
Recap
Overall, Bodega Dunes is a great campground if you are looking for a coastal stay with easy access to sand, dunes, and the beach. One of the best parts about this campground is that it sits just far enough back from the shoreline that the trees and dunes help cut down on wind. Our most recent visit was on an especially calm weekend, but in general this campground tends to feel less exposed than many other coastal sites.
It has a relaxed, natural feel that makes it easy to enjoy time right at your campsite without needing to go far. While there are some limitations for dogs, especially around the beach and many of the trails, it is still a very enjoyable place to stay. The combination of spacious sites, sandy play areas, and nearby coastal scenery makes it a solid choice for families who want a simple, low-stress camping trip by the ocean.
Here’s a summary of the items you need to know before visiting Bodega Dunes State Park:
| Tents Allowed | Yes |
| Trailers Allowed | Yes |
| Max Trailer Length | 31 Feet |
| Hookups | None |
| Drinking Water | Yes |
| RV Water Fill | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Flush Toilets | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Internet | Good |
| Cost | $45/night |
Campground Details:
Bodega Dunes Campground
Bodega Bay, CA 94923
Can reserve online at reservecalifornia.com. Reservations open 6 months ahead at 8am PST.
