Salt Point State Park

Another fantastic camping destination in Northern California. There are two campgrounds – Gerstle Cove and Woodside

Gerstle Cove campsites (on the west side of Highway 1) are on a bluff overlooking a marine reserve. They have no protection from the elements. An RV or trailer is recommended for camping. We actually saw a Grey Whale in the cove!

Woodside campground is on the east side of Highway 1 and much more protected from the ocean wind and fog. Many sites are set back from the campground road in thick vegetation. Deer come into the campground regularly at dawn and dusk.

I recommend Woodside for tent camping and Gerstle Cove for spectacular views. Realize that in the summer (June, July, August) it is very foggy on the north coast but can be beautiful temperate weather in the winter as long as a storm isn’t coming in.

Best times to visit the coast are April, May, September and October. The fog is usually gone and it is less likely to rain.

North coast ocean beaches are NOT recommended for swimming. It is rough and there are a nasty rip waves. Many people drowned up there every year. So watch your kids!

Stump Beach is a couple miles north of the campgrounds on Highway 1 that has a sandy beach and some neat places to explore. There is a sign and parking area. It is a steep climb down a path though. See the photo. We ate a picnic lunch and spent a few hours there. It is in a cove and fairly protected from wind and safe for wading.

Try driving on Highway 1 north or south of Salt Point and be wowed by the views. You can also check out the official state page at: Salt Point SP