Doran Park Campground is a Sonoma County Regional Park located on the stunning coast of Bodega Bay, California. This scenic campground accommodates tents, trailers, and RVs, giving visitors a chance to experience the Northern California coastline up close.
Before you go, it’s important to know that Doran can be very windy, which can make tent camping a bit challenging. Even with the wind, it remains a beautiful and relaxing destination.
Rogina Roaming is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
Campsite Details
The maximum trailer length is 44 feet, and each site includes a paved, fairly level parking pad. Most sites are not very large and don’t offer much privacy, but the Shell, Gull, and Cove loops provide larger sites with more trees for added privacy.
The Jetty Campground sites are smaller and more open, with little to no privacy.
Hookups & Water
Doran Regional Park is a dry campground, meaning there are no electrical, water, or sewer hookups at the sites. However, drinking water is available throughout the campground via spigots, which can also be used to fill RV tanks.
Dump Station
There is an on-site dump station for RVs. It costs extra, but you can conveniently pay when you check in.
Campsite Amenities
Each campsite includes a tall metal fire pit and a picnic table. There are no bear boxes. The campground offers flush toilets, showers, and both trash and recycling bins. All facilities are well-maintained and clean for a regional park.
Supplies
There are no stores within the campground. There are a few small stores in Bodega Bay where you can grab essential items, which are less than 10 minutes away.
Internet
Verizon cell coverage at Doran is excellent, with speeds of 240 Mbps down and over 2 Mbps up. While there is no Wi-Fi, most visitors find cell coverage sufficient.
Trees & Animals
The campground is surrounded by Monterey pine and Monterey cypress trees, giving it a classic coastal feel. Wildlife is common. You may see deer, rabbits, foxes, bobcats, skunks, and plenty of birds.
Look out for snowy plovers, a protected shorebird species nesting in fenced-off areas along the beach. You might also spot crabs in tide pools, or seals and sea lions in nearby waters.
Weather
Expect wind year-round. We’ve visited Doran multiple times and have found that wind is consistent, making cooking outside and tent camping a little tricky. Occasionally, calmer periods occur, but it’s best to plan for windy conditions when visiting.
Activities
Doran Regional Park offers plenty of activities for visitors of all ages.
Enjoy Doran Beach
Doran Beach is more protected than many other local beaches, making it perfect for kids to fly kites, play in the sand, and chase waves. The beach is dog friendly and stretches the full length of the campground, allowing easy access from any site.
Explore Bodega Harbor
On the opposite side of the campground lies Bodega Harbor, ideal for exploring tide pools at low tide and spotting local marine life.
Visit the Off-Leash Dog Run
Dog owners will appreciate the designated off-leash dog run near the harbor, giving pups a safe space to run and play on the sand.
Go Kayaking or Boating
The campground has a boat launch area for kayaks, paddleboards, or small boats, perfect for a calm day on the harbor.
Hike the Coastal Trails
There is a two-mile, dog-friendly beach trail, and nearby Chanslor Ranch offers additional scenic trails just a few minutes from the campground.
Explore the Town of Bodega Bay
After time outdoors, explore the town of Bodega Bay, known for its seafood restaurants, saltwater taffy, and coastal shops. Dining at The Tides Wharf or picking up souvenirs is a great way to round out your trip.
Camping Costs
As of this writing, campsites at Doran Regional Park are $39 per night. Additional costs may include the dump station fee for RVs.
The Best Campsites
- Site 5
- We liked this site quite a bit. While the sides are just about as close to neighbors as other sites, the back of the site is wide open and not easily accessed by other campsites. This gives a lot of area to walk around and explore right at camp.
- Sites 5 & 6
- Site 6 is much smaller than site 5, but it has great views. If you are camping with a group these two sites work well together providing great views and space when combined, while also providing some privacy from other campers.
- Site 15
- The campground ranger recommended campsite 15. He said it backs up to the harbor and consequently has the best views. He did say it’s even better if you have a window in the back of your rig, but beautiful either way. We enjoyed that there were lots of sandy areas for the kids to play with sand toys right at camp and you could access the Bodega Harbor.
- Sites 26 & 27
- These sites work well together. They are right next to a trail and the road so it may not feel as private. The ocean is right across from the road as well though so you have views from camp.
- Sites 73 & 74
- These sites would be great for a group of two. They are oriented well together and hedges between other sites give the illusion of seclusion.
- Site 76
- The site is surrounded by trees so it hides the neighbors. And you can still see the harbor through the trees.
- Sites 77 & 78
- These sites work well together. There is more sun in this area but the sparse trees also provide better views. From site 78 you can see the ocean. It is distant and across a road but it is still a beautiful view.
Recap
Doran Regional Park is a beautiful, coastal camping destination perfect for families, RV travelers, tent campers, and dog owners. The campground offers beach access, hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and convenient amenities like showers, flush toilets, and drinking water. Nearby Bodega Bay adds a touch of local charm with restaurants, shops, and additional outdoor activities. Plan for wind, bring supplies, and enjoy everything this Northern California coastal gem has to offer.
Here’s a summary of the items you need to know before visiting Doran Regional Park campground:
| Tents Allowed | Yes |
| Trailers Allowed | Yes |
| Max Trailer Length | 44 Feet |
| Hookups | None |
| Drinking Water | Yes |
| RV Water Fill | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Flush Toilets | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Internet | Excellent |
| Cost | $39/night |
Campground Details:
Doran Regional Park
201 Doran Beach Rd, Bodega Bay, CA 94923
Can reserve online at reserve.sonomacountycamping.org. Reservations open 6 months ahead at 12am PST.
