Nature camping in California

The Bodega Head Trail is located at 3799 Westshore Road in Bodega Bay, California, United States. This park allows dogs on specified beaches such as Marshall Gulch, Carmet Beach, and Portuguese Beach, but not in certain campgrounds. Visitors can reserve campsites and lodging up to six months in advance. Equestrian riders can access the Bodega Dunes trail system through Bay Flat Road. The park features long sandy beaches, rugged headlands, and natural arches, making it a scenic attraction. The weather on the Sonoma Coast can be foggy in the summer, but the cool ocean breezes offer a refreshing escape from the heat. The park spans 17 miles from Bodega Head to Vista Trail and offers activities such as hiking, beachcombing, and picnicking. Facilities include picnic tables, restrooms, and hiking trails. Visitors should be cautious of dangerous water conditions and stay away from unstable cliffs and rocks. Reservations can be made through ReserveCalifornia for camping at Wright's Beach, which offers 27 developed campsites near the beach. Amenities include picnic tables, fire rings, and flush toilets.

McClures Beach is a natural feature located in Inverness, California, United States. Hiking opportunities in Point Reyes National Seashore are abundant, with trails that wind through Douglas-fir forests, offer stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, and traverse rolling coastal hillsides. It is important to have a trail map before embarking on a hike, as well as to follow all trail closures and barriers for visitor safety and habitat protection. The park's trails pass through a variety of habitats, offering opportunities to see diverse wildlife. Visitors can choose hikes based on time, habitat, or location, and can find suggested routes starting at different trailheads. Short on time? Explore trails that can be completed in under an hour. Looking for a bigger adventure? Try routes of varying difficulty. Remember to check trail conditions before heading out, and to minimize your impact by leaving only footprints. For those hiking with dogs, be sure to know where pets are allowed in the park. For more information, contact the park at 415-464-5100.

Shell Beach is a stunning institution located in Inverness, California, United States. This picturesque beach is known for its unique shell-covered shoreline, making it a popular destination for beachcombers and nature enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along the sandy shores, collecting colorful shells and soaking in the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. With its tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty, Shell Beach is the perfect place to relax and unwind in the heart of Northern California.

Phillip Burton Wilderness is a stunning park located in Point Reyes Station, California, United States. This wilderness area offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature, with rugged coastlines, dense forests, and diverse wildlife. The park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, camping, birdwatching, and more. With its breathtaking views and peaceful atmosphere, Phillip Burton Wilderness is the perfect destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and reconnect with the natural world.

Pomponio State Beach is a popular tourist attraction located at 19369 Cabrillo Highway South, San Gregorio, California, United States. This beautiful beach is situated 12 miles south of Half Moon Bay along the San Mateo coastline, offering miles of gently sloping, sandy beaches at the base of high sandstone bluffs. Visitors can enjoy the small lagoon and roaring surf, as well as facilities such as picnic tables and pit toilets. Please note that camping is not available at this park, and online reservations are not accepted. However, California State Parks Backpacking Adventures offers naturalist-led backpacking trips through the Santa Cruz Mountains each summer, including a new "Cars-BA" Family Camp at Big Basin. Online registration is currently open for these adventures.

Montara State Beach, located at 8150 Cabrillo Highway in Montara, California, is a beautiful park popular for sunbathing, strolling, nature study, and surfing. The beach features high bluffs, a sandy shore, and stunning views of Montara Mountain. The park does not offer camping but is a great spot for a day trip. Nearby towns provide restaurants and grocery stores for convenience. The beach is dog-friendly, as long as pets are kept on a leash. Visitors are reminded not to collect shells or driftwood, and beach fires are not allowed. The park is also home to the Point Montara Lighthouse, which offers overnight accommodations through Hosteling International. McNee Ranch, part of the park, offers winding trails and coastal views. Permits are required for events and weddings, and a photography permit is needed for commercial photography. The park is supported by the Coastside State Parks Association and the Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks. Visitors can join the mailing list to stay informed about events and activities at the park.

McNee Ranch State Park, located in Montara, California, is a popular tourist attraction known for its coastal mountain habitat and sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. Visitors can enjoy hiking on winding trails, exploring the beach, and taking in the natural beauty of the area. The park offers a variety of activities, including sunbathing, surfing, and nature study. Although camping is not available at McNee Ranch State Park, visitors can explore nearby state park campgrounds such as Half Moon Bay State Beach and Butano State Park. Dogs are permitted on a leash, but beach fires and collecting natural items are prohibited. Additionally, drones are not allowed in the park to protect wildlife and cultural resources.

Meyer Park is a beautiful outdoor recreational space located at 38225 Glenmoor Drive in Fremont, California. This expansive park offers a variety of amenities for visitors to enjoy, including playgrounds, sports fields, picnic areas, and walking trails. The lush greenery and serene atmosphere make Meyer Park the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, a family picnic, or a friendly game of soccer. Whether you're looking to relax in nature or get active outdoors, Meyer Park has something for everyone to enjoy.

Four Mile Beach, located at 3810 Coast Road in Santa Cruz, California, is a natural feature offering visitors a chance to explore the stunning Santa Cruz coastline. With 7,000 acres of land, visitors can hike along more than 35 miles of trails, venture into the Santa Cruz Mountains, or walk along the coastal bluffs. The park features historic buildings from the late 1800s, including a Victorian home, a water-powered machine shop, and a rodeo arena. Visitors can also learn about California's early ranching history through guided tours on weekends. Although the Wilder Ranch Park Store is currently closed due to flooding, visitors can still enjoy the park and pay for parking fees using the Yodel app on their smartphones. The park is Crumb Clean, meaning visitors can help protect the endangered marbled murrelet bird that nests in the park. Various activities and events are offered at Four Mile Beach, including free public ranch tours on weekends, horseback riding, and camping.

Garden of Eden - Henry Cowell Redwood State Park is a stunning tourist attraction located at California 9, Felton, California, United States. The park is open from sunrise to sunset, with the Visitor Center open daily from 10am to 4pm and the Mountain Parks Foundation Nature Store open from 11am to 5pm. Visitors can reserve campsites and lodging up to six months in advance and enjoy activities such as hiking, horseback riding, picnicking, swimming, and camping on over 4,650 acres of forested and open land. The park is most famous for its 40-acre grove of towering old-growth redwood trees, some of which are over 1,500 years old. The park also features diverse habitats including grasslands, river/riparian areas, sandhills, and redwoods. Visitors may spot wildlife such as banana slugs, black-tailed deer, coyotes, and more. The park also offers guided hikes and public programs, as well as naturalist-led backpacking trips through the Santa Cruz Mountains. Additionally, visitors can pay parking fees using the Yodel app on their smartphones. The park is a Crumb Clean environment, protecting the endangered marbled murrelet bird that nests in the area. Visitors can learn about the history and ecology of the park on the Redwoods Experience trail, a flat loop trail through the old-growth redwood grove. The park also offers camping facilities, and nearby Roaring Camp Railroad provides historic train rides through the redwoods.

Del Monte Beach is a picturesque natural feature located in Monterey, California, United States. With its pristine sandy shores and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, this beach is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Visitors can enjoy activities such as swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing, and picnicking. Del Monte Beach is also a great spot for watching the sunset or taking a leisurely stroll along the water's edge. Whether you're looking to relax and unwind or get active in the water, Del Monte Beach offers something for everyone to enjoy.

Monterey State Beach, located in Monterey, California, United States, is a natural feature that offers a variety of recreational activities for visitors. The beach is a favorite spot for surfers, tidepool watchers, and fishermen. It is also popular among scuba divers, kayakers, kite-flyers, and volleyball players. The flat beach is perfect for walking or jogging. The beach is divided into three separate areas, approximately a mile apart, shared by the cities of Monterey and Seaside. The underwater area of the park is part of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Leashed dogs are allowed on the beach from the Roberts parking lot south, but not from the Seaside parking lot north.

Marina State Beach is a popular tourist attraction located at 200 Reservation Road in Marina, California, United States. This beach winds through the Marina Dunes Natural Preserves, offering stunning panoramic views of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. It is a hotspot for hang-gliding, radio-controlled gliders, and kites. Visitors can enjoy picnics and take in the beautiful scenery. However, water recreation is not recommended due to strong rip currents. The weather can be changeable, so layered clothing is advised. Dogs are not allowed at this location, but are permitted at other nearby beaches. The Marine Protected Areas Coloring Book is available for students to learn about the diverse plant and animal life in California's MPAs. Download the coloring book and the California Coastal Explorer Guide for more information. Please note that online reservations are not available for this park.

Carmel River State Beach, located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, is a picturesque mile-long beach on Carmel Bay. The beach features a bird sanctuary in a lagoon where visitors can observe a wide variety of waterfowl and song birds. The beach also offers panoramic views of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Monastery Beach, also known as San Jose Creek Beach, is popular with scuba divers. However, swimming, wading, or walking near the sanctuary can be dangerous. Please remember to keep your dog on a leash at all times while visiting the beach. As of September 16, 2014, beach fires are banned at Carmel River State Beach and other state beaches in the Monterey District to minimize fire dangers. State Park officials will issue warnings to first-time offenders and citations to repeat offenders. For cooking purposes, a raised and self-contained gas camp stove may be used.

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, located at 52801 California 1 in Big Sur, California, is a stunning park named after pioneer woman Julia Pfeiffer Burns. The park features a variety of landscapes, including redwood forests, granite cliffs, and an 80-foot waterfall that drops into the ocean. Visitors can explore the park's trails for panoramic views of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Camping and lodging reservations can be made up to six months in advance, subject to availability and park rules. The park is currently undergoing emergency work in certain areas, so visitors are advised to check for closures before planning their visit. With its diverse ecosystems and breathtaking scenery, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Andrew Molera State Park is a stunning natural oasis located in Big Sur, California. This park is a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors the opportunity to explore miles of trails that wind through meadows, bluffs, beaches, and hilltops. With panoramic views of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, guests can enjoy hiking, beachcombing, and wildlife spotting in this relatively undeveloped park. Visitors have the option to reserve campsites and lodging up to six months in advance, ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable stay. Please note that the Trailcamp at Andrew Molera State Park is closed for the season until June - campgrounds can be reserved through www.ReserveCalifornia.com. Be aware that after heavy rainfall, the Big Sur River may be impassable due to high water levels.

Hain Wilderness, located in Paicines, California, United States, is a park that offers visitors the opportunity to explore and appreciate the beauty of nature firsthand. Spanning 15,985 acres, this wilderness area is managed by the National Park Service and provides a range of recreational, ecological, spiritual, and health benefits to those who visit. Visitors to Hain Wilderness can enjoy activities such as camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing, all while immersing themselves in the peaceful and unspoiled surroundings of the park. The park is a designated wilderness area, meaning that motorized equipment and vehicles are prohibited in order to protect the natural environment and wildlife.

Sign | Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is a beautiful and serene state park located along the Pine Ridge Trail in Big Sur, California, United States. This institution offers visitors the opportunity to explore the stunning natural beauty of the Big Sur region, with towering redwoods, cascading waterfalls, and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. The park is a popular destination for hiking, camping, picnicking, and wildlife watching. Visitors can also learn about the history and ecology of the area through interpretive signs and educational programs. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat in nature or an exciting outdoor adventure, Sign | Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park has something for everyone.

Morro Strand State Beach Day Use Area, located at 21 24th Street in Cayucos, California, is a natural feature that offers a three-mile stretch of beach for visitors to enjoy. The beach connects the town of Morro Bay to Cayucos State Beach and provides a variety of recreational opportunities such as windsurfing, fishing, jogging, bird watching, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can reserve campsites and lodging at the Morro Strand Campground up to six months in advance, with options for tent camping and RV hookups available. The campground also offers amenities such as fire rings, picnic tables, water spigots, flush toilets, and token-operated shower facilities. Additionally, there is an RV sanitation station and water-fill station on site.

Sandspit Beach, located in San Luis Obispo, California, is a park within Montaña de Oro State Park. With over 8000 acres of land and seven miles of shoreline, it is one of the largest state parks in California. Visitors can enjoy stunning views, fresh breezes, and the sound of the ocean at this beautiful beach. Dogs are allowed in the campground, roadways, and Spooner’s Cove Beach, but must be kept on a leash. Campsites and lodging can be reserved up to six months in advance, allowing visitors to plan their stay accordingly.

Morro Bay State Park is a beautiful campground and park located in Morro Bay, California. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as camping, hiking, fishing, bird watching, and wildlife viewing. The park features lagoon and natural bay habitats, as well as two volcanic peaks, Black Hill and Cerro Cabrillo. Morro Rock is a prominent landmark in the bay, and the park also includes marine protected areas offshore. The Museum of Natural History offers exhibits on the area's natural features and history. The campground offers over 140 campsites for tents and RVs, with amenities such as fire rings, picnic tables, and shower facilities. Reservations can be made online or by phone. The park also offers educational programs for children and school groups. Don't miss the chance to explore this unique and beautiful area on the Central Coast of California.

SLO County Parks & Recreation is a local government office located at 1144 Monterey Street in San Luis Obispo, California. This institution is dedicated to providing the community with a wide range of recreational activities and programs to promote health, wellness, and community engagement. From hiking trails to sports leagues, SLO County Parks & Recreation offers something for everyone to enjoy in the beautiful surroundings of San Luis Obispo. Their mission is to enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike through the promotion of outdoor recreation and leisure opportunities. Visit SLO County Parks & Recreation today and discover all that this vibrant community has to offer.

Jalama Beach County Park is a stunning coastal park located at 9999 Jalama Road in Lompoc, California, United States. This popular tourist attraction offers a picturesque setting with sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, and breathtaking ocean views. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as swimming, surfing, fishing, picnicking, and camping. The park also features amenities such as restrooms, showers, and a convenience store. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day by the beach or an adventurous camping trip, Jalama Beach County Park is the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The Lompoc Parks & Recreation Department is a local government office located at 125 West Walnut Avenue in Lompoc, California. This department is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for residents by providing a variety of recreational programs and maintaining beautiful parks and facilities. From youth sports leagues to fitness classes for all ages, the department offers something for everyone. Whether you're looking to stay active, connect with nature, or simply have fun, the Lompoc Parks & Recreation Department is here to serve the community.

Mussel Shoals Beach is a picturesque stretch of coastline located at 6776 Breakers Way in Ventura, California, United States. This stunning beach offers visitors the perfect combination of natural beauty and tranquility. With its soft sandy shores, crystal-clear waters, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, Mussel Shoals Beach is a popular destination for beachgoers looking to relax and unwind. Whether you're looking to soak up the sun, take a leisurely stroll along the shore, or simply enjoy the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks, Mussel Shoals Beach has something for everyone. Come and experience the beauty of this hidden gem on the California coast.

Los Padres National Forest is a beautiful park located at 1980 Old Mission Drive in Solvang, California, United States. This vast forest is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. Visitors can explore miles of hiking trails, go camping, or simply relax and enjoy the stunning natural scenery. With its picturesque landscapes and tranquil atmosphere, Los Padres National Forest is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and reconnect with the great outdoors.

Crescent Bay Beach is a stunning park located on Crescent Bay Drive in Laguna Beach, California. This beautiful beach offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Visitors can enjoy relaxing on the sandy shores, taking a dip in the crystal clear waters, or exploring the tide pools and rock formations. Crescent Bay Beach is the perfect spot for a day of sun, sand, and sea in the picturesque coastal town of Laguna Beach.

Yucaipa Regional Park Swim Complex is a popular park located at 34749 Grape Avenue in Yucaipa, California. The park offers a variety of amenities and activities for visitors of all ages. The swim complex features dual flume water slides and sandy beach areas, perfect for cooling off during the summer months. Additionally, the park offers fishing in three lakes, camping sites, group shelters, picnic areas, horse shoes, disc golf, and more. Visitors can enjoy recreational fishing year-round, with trout stocked from November to April and Catfish from May to September. The park also offers swimming in the lagoon and water slides, with lifeguards on duty for safety. Peddle boat rentals, biking paths, disc golf courses, hiking trails, and beautiful landscapes for photography are also available at Yucaipa Regional Park.

Cardiff Beach, located at 2500 South Coast Highway 101 in Encinitas, California, is a beautiful natural feature on the San Diego Coast. Known as the Riviera of the West, this beach offers a gently sloping sandy shore with warm waters, perfect for swimming, surfing, and beachcombing. Dogs are welcome at Cardiff Reef and Seaside areas, as long as they are kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Visitors can enjoy the convenience of beach wheelchairs, available for use at the San Elijo State Beach Campground entrance. A Mobi Mat is also placed at Lifeguard Tower 15 during the summer season to provide easier access to the beach. Lost and found services are located at the campground for any misplaced items.

San Onofre State Beach, located in San Clemente, California, is a popular tourist attraction known for its beautiful sandy beaches, surf breaks, and diverse recreational activities. With almost 2.5 million visitors annually, it is one of the top five most-visited state parks in California. The beach offers camping facilities at the San Onofre Bluffs and San Mateo Campground, as well as day-use access to the famous surf break at San Onofre Surf Beach. Visitors can enjoy activities such as surfing, swimming, sunbathing, camping, kayaking, bird-watching, fishing, and biking. The beach is also a great spot for whale, dolphin, and sea lion sightings. The park has three distinct areas: the San Onofre Bluffs, the San Mateo Campground, and the San Onofre Surf Beach.