Ocean Cove Campground

For Californians seeking a truly authentic and breathtaking coastal camping experience, Ocean Cove Campground near Jenner, CA, stands as a prime destination. This privately-owned gem, nestled directly on the spectacular Northern California coastline, offers a unique blend of rugged natural beauty and convenient, albeit rustic, amenities. It's the perfect spot for those who appreciate the raw power of the Pacific and the tranquility of a night under the stars, away from the typical hustle and bustle. While its rocky beaches and famously windy conditions require some preparation, the stunning ocean views, peaceful nights, and friendly atmosphere make it a highly recommended escape for locals.

Ocean Cove Campground embraces a "dry camping" philosophy, meaning no hookups for RVs, but it compensates with spacious sites, clean facilities, and a captivating environment. Visitors consistently praise the friendly staff and the overall cleanliness of the grounds. The opportunity to have a campfire under the vast coastal sky, combined with the convenience of a nearby store for provisions and essential amenities like hot showers (a welcome luxury after a day of coastal exploration), truly enhances the experience. Its first-come, first-served policy for single-family sites encourages spontaneity, while group sites can be reserved, ensuring flexibility for various types of trips for California residents. This campground truly embodies the spirit of coastal adventure, inviting you to unplug and immerse yourself in the natural wonders of the Sonoma Coast.

Ocean Cove Campground is strategically located on California's scenic Highway 1, north of Bodega Bay and approximately 15 minutes north of Jenner. Its address is 23150 CA-1, Jenner, CA 95450, USA. This puts it squarely on the iconic Sonoma Coast, a region renowned for its dramatic bluffs, hidden coves, and breathtaking ocean vistas.

For Californians, accessibility to Ocean Cove is straightforward via Highway 1, although the road itself is known for its winding nature and stunning, cliff-side views, requiring attentive driving. The campground is situated on a bluff overlooking a sheltered cove, offering direct access to the ocean. While the immediate beach at the campground is rocky and accessed via a steep ramp, numerous other beaches are easily reachable within a short drive, providing diverse coastal exploration opportunities. The presence of the Ocean Cove Store directly across from the campground entrance makes checking in simple and provides immediate access to supplies upon arrival. Its placement on a major coastal highway means it's a popular stop for road-trippers and a convenient destination for those coming from the San Francisco Bay Area or other parts of Northern California looking for a coastal retreat.

Ocean Cove Campground provides essential services and facilities tailored for a comfortable dry camping experience, emphasizing the natural setting over extensive modern amenities.

• Over 100 Campsites: The campground is quite large, offering a good number of campsites for tents, trailers, and RVs (up to 45 feet), many with direct ocean views.
• First-Come, First-Served Sites: Most single-family campsites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, providing flexibility for spontaneous trips.
• Reservable Group Sites: For larger gatherings, group camping areas are available and can be reserved in advance, which is ideal for family reunions or friend getaways.
• Fire Rings and Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a fire ring for campfires (where allowed by current fire restrictions) and a picnic table, perfect for outdoor meals and gathering.
• Vault Toilets (Honey Buckets): The campground provides numerous "outhouse sites," also known as Honey Buckets or chemical toilets, scattered throughout the park for convenience.
• Water Spigots: Water spigots are available throughout the park, providing access to potable drinking water. Campers can fill their water containers and RV tanks.
• Coin-Operated Hot Showers: There is a designated area with an open-roof shower facility offering hot water. It operates on quarters, with $3 worth of quarters providing 6 minutes of hot water.
• Boat Ramp and Cove Access: A steep ramp leads down to a sheltered cove, offering boat access. This is popular for kayaking, fishing, skin, and scuba diving.
• Ocean Cove Store: Directly across the street from the campground, this store offers fresh coffee in the morning, snacks, camping food, firewood, stickers, and other provisions, eliminating the need to drive elsewhere for basics.
• Trash Collection: Trash disposal services are provided, making it easier for campers to keep their sites clean and practice Leave No Trace principles.
• Pet-Friendly: Dogs are welcome at the campground, though typically for a small fee and under Sonoma County leash law.

Ocean Cove Campground boasts several distinctive features and highlights that contribute to its appeal as a premier coastal camping destination in California.

• Stunning Ocean Views: Many campsites offer breathtaking direct views of the Pacific Ocean and the rugged Sonoma coastline, providing an unparalleled scenic backdrop for your camping experience.
• Quiet and Peaceful Nights: Despite its popularity, the campground enforces a quiet time from 9 PM to 9 AM, ensuring wonderfully peaceful nights for all campers, a feature highly praised by visitors.
• Direct Coastal Access: While the main campground beach is rocky, the immediate proximity to the ocean allows for the constant sound of waves and easy access for beachcombing and enjoying the fresh sea air.
• Proximity to Other Beaches: There are "tons of beaches around the campsite" that visitors can easily drive to, offering more varied coastal exploration opportunities beyond the immediate rocky cove.
• Hiking Trails with Breathtaking Views: The campground offers a few hiking trails with "breathtaking views" along neighboring cliffs, perfect for scenic strolls and invigorating hikes that showcase the dramatic coastal landscape.
• "Dry Camping" Simplicity: For those who prefer a less-electrified experience, the lack of hookups means a more traditional, self-sufficient camping adventure, emphasizing reliance on nature and basic amenities.
• Friendly Staff and Clean Sites: Visitors consistently commend the friendly staff and the clean condition of the campsites and common areas, contributing to a welcoming and pleasant atmosphere.
• Convenient On-Site Store: The Ocean Cove Store directly across the street is a significant highlight, providing essential provisions, firewood, coffee, and snacks, making resupply incredibly convenient.
• Scuba Diving and Fishing Opportunities: The sheltered cove and boat ramp offer excellent opportunities for scuba diving (known for good diving conditions), fishing, and kayaking, appealing to water sports enthusiasts.
• Beautiful Sunsets: Due to its westward-facing oceanfront location, campers are treated to spectacular Pacific sunsets, a memorable highlight of any coastal stay.

For direct inquiries, availability, or general information regarding Ocean Cove Campground, you can reach out using the following contact details:

Address: 23150 CA-1, Jenner, CA 95450, USA

Phone: (707) 847-3422

Mobile Phone: +1 707-847-3422

As single-family campsites are on a first-come, first-served basis, calling ahead to inquire about general availability, especially during peak seasons or weekends, can be helpful. For group site reservations, contacting the campground directly via phone is necessary. It's also advisable to check for any local fire restrictions or weather advisories before your visit, as coastal conditions, particularly wind, can vary. The Ocean Cove Store, which manages check-in and check-out, is also a direct point of contact for operational questions.

For Californians, Ocean Cove Campground offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the rugged beauty of their state's northern coast in a truly authentic and rejuvenating way. Its ideal location on Highway 1 makes it an accessible escape from the urban sprawl, yet its "dry camping" nature and emphasis on natural beauty provide a genuine sense of getting away from it all.

This campground is perfectly suited for locals who appreciate the raw power of the Pacific Ocean and are prepared for the elements, including the famous coastal winds. The trade-off for these natural forces is the reward of breathtaking ocean views directly from many campsites, the calming sound of waves, and incredibly peaceful nights, thanks to the enforced quiet hours. These elements combine to create a deeply immersive experience that contrasts sharply with the demands of everyday life in California's bustling cities.

Furthermore, the practical amenities, such as clean vault toilets, readily available water spigots, and the cherished coin-operated hot showers, ensure a comfortable stay despite the lack of hookups. The convenience of the Ocean Cove Store across the street for supplies and morning coffee is a significant bonus, providing a touch of convenience in a rustic setting. For outdoor enthusiasts, the direct beach access (even if rocky) for exploration, the proximity to other beautiful beaches, and the availability of hiking trails with stunning views make it an active and engaging destination. Ocean Cove Campground truly provides California residents with a unique and memorable coastal retreat, inviting them to connect with the state's iconic natural landscape and unwind by the sea. It's a testament to the fact that some of the best adventures are found right in our own backyard, demanding a bit of preparation but delivering immeasurable rewards.

Ocean Cove Campground

23150 CA-1, Jenner, CA 95450, USA