Camping on the California Coast

The California coastline ranges from the ones in San Diego to the north coast. Above San Francisco, along Highway 101 are several great places to camp and enjoy the scenery. My two favorites are Lawson's Landing and Ft. Ross, having spent several vacations in both.

Lawson's Landing is located outside the small town of Dillon's Beach. Heading north above San Francisco, along Highway 101, you'll come to Valley Ford. It's a very small town, just north of Petaluma. There's one small road sign that says "Dillon's Beach". By following the road through farming and ranching country, you'll eventually come to the picturesque little town. If you follow the main road as it gently curves to the left, you'll pass the beach before coming to the Lawson's Landing Campground.

The campground is set among sand dunes, with the road paved (part of it graveled) and wide enough for two vehicles to pass comfortably. If you take the right fork, it follows the dunes at the shore, sand and trees fill the scene. The bathrooms are made of brick and lighted at night. For a campground, the restrooms are clean and well maintained. There are water spigots for every few campsites. Behind the sites, there are trails leading to the top of the dunes and down to the beach on the far side.

The beach itself runs from just below the town on the south to the inlet and marina on the north. The campground is clean and tidy. Most of the campsites have picnic tables and metal fire pits. There's plenty of room for tents, but not advisable for parking cars. The sand is soft and deep, making it easy to get stuck. If that happens, the nice folks at the marina will be happy to tow you out with a tractor at no charge.

The marina has a small store and trailers for rent for those who want a regular vacation home instead of camping. The boats line the docks. Pleasure boats, speed boats and fishing boats abound.

It's a dog-friendly campground. Dogs are allowed to run loose as long as their owners have control of their behavior. Leashes are a much better idea, however. Along the beach itself, some people let their animals run free as per the Lawson's Landing Campground rules. However it is part of Marin County and they do have leash laws. So from the high tide water line to wherever the water is, the leash law is enforced.

My other favorite camping spot is at Ft. Ross. It's located along Highway 101, too, further north. The site of the old Russian fort is quite majestic. It sits on steep cliffs, high above the water. The old fort has been lovingly restored and feels like a journey back in time.

The campgrounds at the fort are shrouded by trees and brush, giving a little extra privacy. It's quite a long walk to the water, but well worth the effort. Bathrooms and water are available and conveniently located.

Either place is great for summer fun. Autumn camping is a little chillier, but every bit as nice, especially with smaller crowds.