How much does camping cost at Reef Campground?

Camping fees at Reef Campground range from $40/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Can I see photos of campsites at Reef Campground before I book?

Yes! Reef Campground has 28 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Reef Campground?

Reef Campground is open Spring to early fall when the campground reopens after the seasonal closure.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Reef Campground?

Reef Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Reef Campground have?

Reef Campground has 20 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Reef Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Reef Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Reef Campground?

Reef Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Reef Campground?

Popular activities at Reef Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Wildlife Viewing, Beach Activities. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Reef Campground

Q: Is Reef Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Reef Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. All sites are walk-up and first-come, first-served. Visitors should check availability at the Fort Ross Visitor Center before self-registering.

Q: Can I have a campfire at Reef Campground?

Fire policies at Reef Campground: Fires are allowed only within metal fire rings provided at campsites. Gathering wood from the park is prohibited, but firewood can be purchased at the Fort Ross Visitor Center.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.18

11 reviews

19005 Coast Highway One Jenner, CA 95450

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

151 ft

Price

$40/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Reef Campground is c...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Fort Ross Conservancy Official Website

Get Directions

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

151 ft

Price

$40/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Reef Campground is c...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Fort Ross Conservancy Official Website

Get Directions

Reef Campground

$40.00 - $40.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Reef Campground charges $40.00 per night for each campsite, which includes one vehicle. An additional vehicle fee is $10.00 per night (maximum of two...

Standard Site Fee$40.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Reserve California

Provider

707-847-3437null

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Reef Campground

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

19005 Coast Highway One Jenner, CA 95450

Reef Campground

19005 Coast Highway One Jenner, CA 95450

Nearby places

Santa Rosa — 1.5 hours

San Francisco — 2.5 hours

Fort Bragg — 2 hours

Sacramento — 3.5 hours

Petaluma — approximately 1 hour.

Nearby supplies

Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be found at Jenner Sea Store, roughly 10 miles south of the campground. Additional supplies are available at Fort Ross Store north of Fort Ross.

Driving directionsThe park is 12 miles north of Jenner on Highway One. From Highway 101, there are two routes: 1) From Petaluma, take the East Washington Street exit west, leading to Bodega Avenue, which transitions into Highway 1 North to Bodega Bay. Follow Highway 1 North to Jenner. 2) From Santa Rosa, take the River Road exit west, transitioning to Highway 116 in Guerneville. Follow Highway 116 west and then Highway 1 North to Jenner and Fort Ross.

Roads leading to the campground are paved but winding. Seasonal closures may apply to the campground. Challenging terrain and narrow roads require cautious driving, particularly for larger vehicles.

Weather at Reef Campground

Current alert: No active alerts mentioned at the time of review.

Best Time to Camp at Reef Campground

Spring offers the best conditions. Daytime highs around 55–65°F and nights in the mid-40s to low-50s. Tide pools and intertidal life are most active in April and May, and migrating whales appear offshore regularly. Fog is common year-round. Thick marine layers often blanket mornings, burn off by afternoon, then roll back through the redwoods by evening. The coast's moody weather shifts quickly. Dress in layers.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

“Spring offers the best conditions; tidepools most active and campground reopens in spring.”

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Spring to early fall when the campground reopens after the seasonal closure.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Reef Campground is closed during the off-season and reopens in the spring.

About Reef Campground

Reef Campground sits in a secluded cove just south of Fort Ross State Historic Park, offering 20 primitive tent sites on a first-come, first-served basis. Sites run $40 per night and accommodate up to six people and two vehicles. The campground reopens in spring after seasonal closures.

Reef Campground is a first-come, first-served campground with 20 sites available for tent camping only. RVs, trailers, and campers are not permitted due to site limitations.

Historical Significance

The campground sits within Fort Ross State Historic Park. The Kashia Pomo people lived on these bluffs for thousands of years before Russian settlers established their southernmost outpost here in 1812. The Russians ran crops and livestock to support their Alaskan fur-trading operations. Later ranching families continued the agricultural legacy, and old barns and fences still stand in the area.

Weather and SeasonsSpring offers the best conditions. Daytime highs around 55–65°F and nights in the mid-40s to low-50s. Tide pools and intertidal life are most active in April and May, and migrating whales appear offshore regularly. Fog is common year-round. Thick marine layers often blanket mornings, burn off by afternoon, then roll back through the redwoods by evening. The coast's moody weather shifts quickly. Dress in layers.

ElevationWhile specific elevation data remains unrecorded, Reef Campground perches along the coastal terrace where land meets sea, offering campers a front-row seat to the Pacific's endless performance.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a dramatic stretch of Northern California coastline where the Pacific and North American plates grind past each other, creating wave-carved sea stacks, sheltered coves, and rugged cliffs. Tide pools reveal sea stars, anemones, and hermit crabs at low tide. Harbor seals haul out on offshore rocks, osprey hunt along the shore, and gray whales migrate close to shore in winter. Poison oak and stinging nettles grow thick in the understory. The landscape mixes coastal scrub with fog-shrouded ridges where redwoods cling to higher elevations.

Geological RegionReef Campground showcases the raw power of plate tectonics along Northern California's legendary coast, where the Pacific and North American plates grind past each other in slow-motion drama. This collision zone has created a landscape of exceptional diversity—from wave-carved sea stacks to sheltered coves where the ocean's fury transforms to gentle lapping. The complex geology supports an equally rich tapestry of life, from towering redwoods clinging to fog-shrouded ridges to resilient tide pool communities that thrive in the harsh intertidal zone. This meeting of land and sea represents millions of years of Earth's sculptural artistry.

Scenic ViewsPanoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding coastal areas. Whale and bird watching are popular activities.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere is no lodging available at Reef Campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are specifically associated with Reef Campground outside of activities at Fort Ross Visitor Center.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

1PM

Check-out

11 AM

Stay Limit

Limited to first-come, first-served basis without reservations
visitors should confirm extended stays at the time of purchase.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Six people per campsite, which must adhere to guidelines.

Groups

Group sites are not mentioned in the available information.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutTwenty small tent sites arranged in a loop. No RVs or trailers allowed due to road constraints. One reviewer noted the small layout "kept some of the riffraff out.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not accepted; camping is strictly on a first-come, first-served basis.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are walk-up and first-come, first-served. Visitors should check availability at the Fort Ross Visitor Center before self-registering.

Cancellation PolicyRefunds cannot be issued once payment is made using self-registration at the campground kiosk. Visitors should confirm availability before paying.

AccessibilityChemical toilets and fire rings are available, but no specific accessibility features are mentioned for campers with disabilities.

Site SizeCampsites are described as small and can accommodate up to six people and two vehicles.

PrivacyNo detailed information about campsite privacy is provided.

Total Campsites20 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose campsites based on proximity to ocean views or shade, but avoid areas with poison oak and stinging nettles.

Amenities available

Reef Campground provides essential amenities for visitors, including fire rings and chemical toilets. It is currently a dry campground with no drinking water available on-site; however, potable water can be purchased at the Fort Ross Visitor Center. The campground does not accommodate RVs, campers, or trailers, and parking includes one vehicle per campsite with an option for one additional vehicle for a fee. Visitors must check in at the Fort Ross Visitor Center during operating hours (10am-4:30pm), and campsites are only available after 1pm. Refunds cannot be issued for self-registration payments. Quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., and generators are not allowed.

Fire rings

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Reef Campground offers a range of outdoor activities, emphasizing its proximity to Fort Ross. Visitors can enjoy hiking, diving, fishing, surfing, whale watching, bird watching, tide pooling, and picnicking, as well as exploring historical trails leading to Fort Ross State Historic Park.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Beach activities

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include poison oak, stinging nettles, and wildlife such as raccoons, ravens, and squirrels. Visitors are advised to secure food in locked containers and avoid feeding animals.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not provided; chemical toilets are placed throughout the campground.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyFires are allowed only within metal fire rings provided at campsites. Gathering wood from the park is prohibited, but firewood can be purchased at the Fort Ross Visitor Center.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services are in Jenner, CA, approximately 12 miles south, including local fire stations and police services.

Trash & RecyclingTrash cans are provided within the campground, and campers are encouraged to respect wildlife by properly storing food items to avoid attracting raccoons, ravens, and squirrels.

Water FeaturesLocated near the Pacific Ocean with access to tide pools and sandy beach areas.

Camp HostConservancy staff service the campground between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM daily. Contact Fort Ross Conservancy for additional information.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Reef Campground

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

From Booking Sources

3.2

11 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Reef Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reef Campground is praised for its secluded location and natural beauty but has limited amenities such as drinking water and restroom facilities. "It was small and not set-up for RV's so it kept some of the riffraff out," commented one reviewer, emphasizing the appeal of a quieter camping experience. Negative feedback primarily addresses closures and reduced accessibility.

Review Summaries

Based on 11 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors appreciate the campground's proximity to Fort Ross and the variety of activities such as hiking, bird watching, and tide pooling. Its secluded location provides a relaxing environment.

Based on 11 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints center on the lack of potable water, absence of RV hookups, and closures during the off-season. "Fires must be confined to the metal fire rings provided by the park," which limits campers'...

Based on 11 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific campsite numbers and detailed reviews are not provided.

Based on 11 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own drinking water and firewood, as these are not readily available on-site. Campers should confirm campsite availability, especially during peak seasons, and review fishing regulations.

Based on 11 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Visitors note that the campground is closed during the winter season and recommend spring and summer as the best times to visit.

Based on 11 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The State of California is really F-ing up. They closed this campground. It was a great campground." "You could hear the ocean from the sites, so you did not hear and rarely saw other campers."

Based on 11 reviews

Accessibility Features

There are no detailed reviews addressing accessibility for campers with disabilities.

Based on 11 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are permitted but must be leashed and controlled at all times. Visitors are reminded to clean up after their pets and prevent them from harassing wildlife.

Based on 11 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Go if

Tent campers who pack in all their water and want real coastal solitude near Fort Ross. Spring is the sweet spot: tide pooling peaks in April and May, whale sightings are frequent, and the small 20-site loop keeps crowds thin. Dogs welcome on leash.

Skip if

No potable water on-site is the hard stop for campers who travel light. Add no reservations, a non-refundable $40 kiosk payment, and no cell signal information, and this punishes anyone who drives out without confirming availability first.

Nearby Campgrounds

4.4

(62)

Stillwater Cove Regional Park Campground

Stillwater Cove Regional Park

Stillwater Cove Regional Park Campground sits among redwoods on the Sonoma coast, with 23 sites a short walk from a rocky cove across Highway 1. The campground charges $35-45/night and offers amenities like hot showers, electric hookups at six sites, and a dump station. A critical water advisory remains in effect: the well water tests positive for E. coli, so you'll need to bring your own drinking water.