Stillwater Cove Campground

For Californians seeking a truly unique and refreshing escape that seamlessly blends towering redwood forests with the rugged beauty of the Pacific Coast, Stillwater Cove Campground is a delightful discovery. Located on the northern Sonoma Coast, this "little hidden gem" offers a serene retreat from the daily grind, allowing visitors to "check out and just get away from the craziness of everyday life." With a limited number of campsites, it maintains a cozy and intimate atmosphere, ensuring a peaceful experience for all who visit.

Stillwater Cove Campground provides a rare opportunity to experience two iconic California landscapes in one place. Imagine waking up surrounded by the majestic redwoods, then taking a short, scenic walk to a picturesque beach cove where you can breathe in the fresh ocean air. This unique duality is a consistent highlight for campers, as noted by a reviewer who "Loved this campsite because of the trails around it. The loop trail went into the canyon surrounded by redwoods. The other trail went to the beach. Both were beautiful hikes. The fog and mist made the area feel fairy like." While the campsites themselves are described as "very basic," they offer sufficient amenities for a comfortable stay, including electrical hookups at some sites. Whether you're an avid hiker, a beach lover, or simply someone looking for a tranquil spot to reconnect with nature, Stillwater Cove Campground promises a memorable and rejuvenating experience on the stunning Sonoma Coast.

Stillwater Cove Campground is located at 22455 CA-1, Jenner, CA 95450, USA, putting it squarely on the iconic California Highway 1. This scenic coastal highway provides direct access to the park, making it relatively straightforward to reach for Californians coming from the Bay Area and other parts of Northern California. The campground is situated approximately 16 miles north of the town of Jenner and south of Fort Ross State Historic Park and Salt Point State Park.

The campground itself is inland, on the east side of Highway 1, nestled within a forested area of redwoods and Douglas firs. A short, roughly 0.3-mile "Cove Trail" leads visitors from the campground, across Highway 1, to a picturesque crescent beach on the Pacific Ocean, Stillwater Cove. While the walk to the beach is convenient, visitors should be mindful when crossing the highway. The park's main day-use parking lot, campground, and picnic area are all situated up a road on the east side of the highway. Its location on the scenic Sonoma Coast means beautiful drives, potential for coastal fog and mist that adds to its "fairy-like" ambiance, and a sense of being truly "away from it all," despite its accessibility from major routes. The max RV length accommodated is 31 feet.

Stillwater Cove Campground, managed by Sonoma County Regional Parks, offers a thoughtful array of services to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience, balancing rustic charm with essential conveniences.

• Campsite Types:
  • Individual Tent/RV Sites: There are 23 campsites in total, including 21 sites suitable for tents, trailers, and RVs up to 31 feet in length.
  • Electrical Hookup Sites: Campsites 3 to 5 and 8 to 10 offer electrical hookups, a significant convenience for RV and trailer campers.
  • Tent-Only Sites: Sites 20 to 23 are designated for tent camping only.
  • Hiker/Bicycle Sites: Two sites are available specifically for hikers and cyclists, typically on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • ADA Accessible Sites: Some sites are ADA accessible, reservable by individuals with a disabled person parking placard or license plate.
• Restrooms with Flush Toilets: The campground provides clean and well-maintained restrooms featuring flush toilets.
• Coin-Operated Showers: Hot showers are available for a fee (e.g., $2 in quarters for 5 minutes), with change often available from camp hosts.
• Potable Water: Potable water is available at the campground. However, it is crucial to note that historically there has been a boil water notice due to E. coli bacteria testing; visitors should always check current conditions and boil water or bring bottled water for consumption.
• Dump Station: A convenient RV dump station is available for registered campers (fees may apply, e.g., $7). All wastewater must be contained and disposed of properly.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite (except hike/bike sites) comes with a paved parking spur, a picnic table, a fire ring, and a grill, perfect for cooking and campfires (check for fire bans).
• Firewood for Purchase: Bundled firewood is usually available for purchase from the campground host, preventing the need for wood gathering.
• Trash Collection: Trash collection services are available, with trash cans and dumpsters.
• Food Storage Lockers: Hike/bike sites specifically include food storage lockers.
• Camp Host: A friendly camp host is typically on site to assist campers and ensure a smooth experience.
• Pet-Friendly: Dogs are welcome at a fee of $2 per dog, per night. They must be on a leash (no longer than 6 feet), attended, cleaned up after, and have proof of rabies vaccination.
• Reservations: Campsites are available for year-round reservation, typically up to 9 months in advance. It is highly recommended to reserve, especially during peak seasons. Specific sites are not guaranteed due to potential unexpected conditions.
• Generator Hours: Generators are allowed from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Stillwater Cove Campground offers a rich array of features that make it a compelling destination for a diverse range of outdoor enthusiasts.

• Redwood Forest Setting: The campground is nestled within a beautiful redwood forest, providing ample shade, a tranquil atmosphere, and a classic Northern California feel. Trails like the Canyon Trail loop through towering redwoods and fern-filled canyons, creating a "fairy-like" ambiance.
• Direct Beach Cove Access: A short, picturesque walk leads directly to Stillwater Cove, a crescent-shaped rocky beach on the Pacific Ocean. This offers opportunities for tide pooling, surf fishing, and enjoying the coastal scenery.
• Ocean Activities: The cove is popular for small boat operators, skin and scuba divers (check abalone season status), and ocean kayakers. A pullout at the cove entrance allows for loading and unloading of small craft.
• Scenic Coastal Trails: Beyond the Canyon Trail, the Stillwater Bluff Trail winds above the rocky coastline, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and opportunities for whale watching (seasonal).
• Historic Fort Ross Schoolhouse: The park features the historic, one-room Fort Ross Schoolhouse, built in 1885 and moved to the park for preservation. Visitors can peek into the windows to imagine a classroom from a century ago.
• Intimate Campground Size: With only 23 spots, the campground offers a more personal and less crowded experience, making it feel like a "little hidden gem."
• Dog-Friendly Environment: The ability to bring furry companions (for a small fee) on leashed trails and at campsites is a significant plus for many California families.
• Stargazing and Coastal Fog: The remote coastal location offers excellent opportunities for stargazing on clear nights, while the characteristic fog and mist create a unique and atmospheric camping experience.
• Mix of Camping Styles: The availability of tent-only sites, RV sites, and sites with electrical hookups caters to a wide range of camping preferences.

For reservations, specific park information, or general inquiries about Stillwater Cove Campground, you can contact Sonoma County Regional Parks.

Address: 22455 CA-1, Jenner, CA 95450, USA

Phone for Reservations: (707) 565-2267 (Monday-Friday, 10 AM-3 PM, excluding holidays)

General Park Information: (707) 847-3245 (This may connect directly to the park or a local ranger station)

Email for General Camping Inquiries: camping@sonoma-county.org

Website for Online Reservations: secure.sonomacountyparks.org/stillwater-cove/camping/

For Californians, Stillwater Cove Campground offers an unparalleled coastal and redwood escape that is both accessible and deeply rejuvenating. Its location on the picturesque Sonoma Coast, a reasonable drive from the Bay Area, makes it an ideal destination for a weekend getaway to "get away from the craziness of everyday life." The unique combination of dense redwood forests and direct access to a serene ocean cove provides a diverse natural experience that few other campgrounds can match.

The campground's smaller size and well-spread-out sites create a sense of peace and privacy, fostering a genuine connection with nature. Amenities like flush toilets, coin-operated showers, and electrical hookups at some sites provide essential comforts, enhancing the overall camping experience. Furthermore, the dog-friendly policy ensures that furry family members can join in the adventure. Whether it's hiking through mystical redwood canyons, exploring tide pools at the cove, or simply unwinding by a campfire under the stars, Stillwater Cove offers a multifaceted outdoor adventure. As local campers attest, it's a "beautiful" and "loved" spot that promises to be a cherished retreat for anyone in California seeking a truly magical blend of forest and ocean on their next camping trip.

Stillwater Cove Campground

22455 CA-1, Jenner, CA 95450, USA