Reef Campground

Star3.57
11 reviews
19005 Coast Highway One Jenner, CA 95450

Quick Facts

151 ft

Price

$40/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Reef Campground is c...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Fort Ross Conservancy site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
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...
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Standard Site Fee$40.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Reserve California
Provider
707-847-3437null
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What Campers Say

3.57

Mixed Reviews

Based on 11 reviews

3 Google reviews

Most mentioned

locationhiking

Some mention

reservation

"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."

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Campground Map

19005 Coast Highway One Jenner, CA 95450

Reef Campground

19005 Coast Highway One Jenner, CA 95450

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.
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.

Best Time to Camp at Reef Campground

The coast here plays by its own rules, painting each day with an ever-changing palette of fog, sunshine, wind, and mist. Morning's thick marine layer might give way to brilliant afternoon sun, only to welcome evening fog rolling back through the redwoods. Seasoned visitors know the secret: dress in layers and embrace the coast's moody temperament. This dynamic weather creates the perfect atmosphere for those seeking escape from predictable climates, where each visit promises a unique experience shaped by nature's whims.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season spring–early fall; sunny afternoons common though morning fog occurs.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open into early fall; weather can be variable with marine layer and wind.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Reopens in spring; recommended time to visit for tide pools and wildlife.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed during the off-season/winter and 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.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts mentioned at the time of review.

About Reef Campground

Tucked into a secluded cove just south of the storied Fort Ross, Reef Campground beckons adventurous souls seeking an intimate connection with California's dramatic coastline. This hidden gem welcomes tent campers on a first-come, first-served basis, offering an unspoiled retreat where the Pacific's rhythms set the pace. Whether you're drawn to explore underwater worlds while diving, cast a line into promising waters, or simply lose yourself in tide pool discoveries, Reef delivers authentic coastal experiences. Trail seekers, surfers, and wildlife enthusiasts find their bliss here, where migrating whales breach offshore and seabirds dance on ocean breezes.
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.
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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.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Firewood available
Vault toilets

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.
HikingSeveral hiking trails are accessible from Reef Campground, including paths that lead to Fort Ross. Bicycles are not permitted on trails but can be ridden on camp roads.
FishingFishing is allowed, but the take of abalone is prohibited. Current regulations should be consulted for more details.
BikingBiking is permitted on camp roads, and helmets are required for all riders.
Wildlife viewingBird watching and whale watching are popular activities. Common wildlife includes raccoons, ravens, and squirrels.
Beach activitiesVisitors can explore tide pools and relax in the sun at a secluded cove south of Fort Ross.
Winter Activities
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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.
Active AlertsNo active alerts mentioned at the time of review.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Reef Campground

Reviews

3.6
11 reviews
Mixed 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'...
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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

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific campsite numbers and detailed reviews are not provided.
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

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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