Gerstle Cove Campground
4.5522 reviews25050 Highway 1, Jenner, CA 95450
Quick Facts
Price
$35/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
30 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$35/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
30 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsGerstle Cove Campground
$35.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping fees are $35 per night for standard sites at Gerstle Cove Campground. Overflow camping for self-contained vehicles costs $30 per night....
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Standard Site Fee$35.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$5.00
Group Site Fee$200.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$240.00
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Reserve California
Provider(707) 847-3221interp@park.ca.gov
What Campers Say
4.55
Top-Rated
Based on 22 reviews
73 Google reviews
Most mentioned
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"Users praise the campground's rustic charm, proximity to the ocean, and clean facilities. Common themes include quiet nights, abundant wildlife, and scenic coastal views."
Fees & Passes at Gerstle Cove Campground
$35/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Group Site
For large groups
Stay Limit: Maximum stay limit not specified in authoritative sources.
Cancellation: Refunds are provided for cancellations due to water issues at Gerstle Cove. Contact Lilia.Ponce@park...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official California State Parks website.
Best Time to Camp at Gerstle Cove Campground
The Pacific's moody temperament shapes every season here, creating a climate that's refreshingly unpredictable. Summer mornings often greet campers with mystical fog banks that roll across the bluffs, keeping temperatures delightfully cool around 64°F—perfect for hiking without breaking a sweat. Winter brings its own gentle drama, with temperatures hovering in the comfortable low 40s and dramatic storm-watching opportunities. Seasoned visitors know the secret: pack layers like an onion, ready to peel or add as the coastal winds shift their whims throughout the day.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: March 15 through October 31.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open year-round. Recommended reservations during peak season from March 15 to October 31.
- Current Alerts: Boil water advisory is in effect due to a broken water line. Portable toilets are provided. Visitors must bring their own potable water or fill tanks at Bodega Dunes Campground.
About Gerstle Cove Campground
Perched dramatically atop windswept coastal bluffs, Gerstle Cove Campground offers an intimate escape into the raw beauty of Salt Point State Park. This charming, rustic retreat places you mere moments from the thundering Pacific, where each campsite serves as your personal basecamp for coastal adventure. Though tucked behind protective vegetation rather than directly oceanfront, every site comes thoughtfully equipped with the essentials: sturdy picnic tables for sunset dinners, fire rings for evening storytelling, and secure food lockers to keep your provisions safe from curious wildlife.
Gerstle Cove Campground caters to tent and small RV camping with a rustic environment. Overflow camping supports self-contained vehicles, emphasizing simplicity and natural beauty.
Historical SignificanceBeneath the waves at Gerstle Cove lies a pioneering piece of California history—the state's very first underwater preserve, where generations of marine life have thrived under protection. But the human story runs equally deep: in the 1800s, skilled stonecutters harvested the area's distinctive sandstone, shipping it south to literally build the foundations of San Francisco. Today, you can still spot the old quarry marks on coastal rocks, silent witnesses to the backbreaking labor that helped construct a golden city.
Weather and SeasonsThe Pacific's moody temperament shapes every season here, creating a climate that's refreshingly unpredictable. Summer mornings often greet campers with mystical fog banks that roll across the bluffs, keeping temperatures delightfully cool around 64°F—perfect for hiking without breaking a sweat. Winter brings its own gentle drama, with temperatures hovering in the comfortable low 40s and dramatic storm-watching opportunities. Seasoned visitors know the secret: pack layers like an onion, ready to peel or add as the coastal winds shift their whims throughout the day.
ElevationWhile specific elevation markers remain unrecorded in official documents, the campground's blufftop position places you in that sweet spot where land dramatically meets sea—high enough to feel the full force of ocean breezes, yet accessible enough for easy exploration of the tide pools and coves below.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living gallery where bishop pines twist into sculptural forms, their branches permanently bent by persistent ocean winds. Towering Douglas firs and smooth-barked madrones create a diverse canopy that shelters both campers and the abundant wildlife—from the elegant black-tailed deer that browse through camp at dawn to the bold Steller's jays that announce your breakfast preparations. Just beyond your tent, the Pacific unleashes its timeless percussion against ancient rocky promontories, creating a natural soundtrack that lulls you to sleep each night.
Geological RegionSalt Point State Park showcases Northern California's coastal geology at its most dramatic. Here, the relentless Pacific has carved a masterpiece from the landscape, creating a wonderland of coastal bluffs that drop precipitously to hidden coves below. Venture inland and discover the peculiar pygmy forests, where centuries-old trees stand stunted like natural bonsai gardens. Open prairies bloom with seasonal wildflowers, while the coastline reveals the area's geological calling card: intricate tafoni formations, where salt and wind have honeycomed the sandstone into otherworldly sculptures that wouldn't look out of place on an alien planet.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThree campsites (#7, #8, and #24) are accessible, offering accessible tables, fire rings, and water spigots. Parking and a restroom near site #8 are also accessible.
Sites SizeMostly small sites as noted by reviewers, suitable for tents and small RVs.
Sites PrivacySites are described as well-separated, providing a quiet environment. Overflow areas for self-contained vehicles offer ocean views.
Total Campsites30 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites numbered 8-23 are recommended for privacy and spacing. Overflow camping is ideal for those seeking ocean views.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2PM
Check-out
12 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit not specified in authoritative sources.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Eight persons maximum per site, including children.
Groups
Accommodates up to 40 people and 10 cars, located near Gerstle Cove. Dogs are not permitted.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are well-separated and spaced for privacy. Overflow area is available for self-contained vehicles.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round. Recommended reservations during peak season from March 15 to October 31.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made by calling (800) 444-7275 or visiting www.parks.ca.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up hiker/biker sites and overflow camping are available. Overflow sites are self-contained vehicles only.
Cancellation PolicyRefunds are provided for cancellations due to water issues at Gerstle Cove. Contact Lilia.Ponce@parks.ca.gov for specific policies.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground and surrounding Salt Point State Park offer a wealth of activities, from hiking and wildlife viewing to fishing and tide pooling. The park's rugged coastline and lush forest landscapes create abundant recreational opportunities.
Hiking
Over 20 miles of hiking trails are available, including the accessible Salt Point Trail with ocean views. Specific trails like Prairie and Phillips Gulch offer varied terrain and scenic vistas.Fishing
Fishing is permitted outside Gerstle Cove Marine Reserve with valid licenses. Common catches include rockfish, lingcod, and cabezon. Gerstle Cove Marine Reserve prohibits fishing to protect marine life.Biking
Allowed on fire roads from May to October; single-track trails are restricted to prevent damage.Boating
Kayaking and diving are supported, especially within the Gerstle Cove Marine Reserve, which permits underwater photography and exploration.Wildlife viewing
Abundant wildlife including deer, raccoons, foxes, and birds like pelicans and ospreys. Marine species such as whales are visible during migration.Beach activities
Tide pooling and ocean exploration are popular due to the rocky coastline and marine reserves.Winter Activities
Winter whale watching and hiking are possible, though foggy and wet conditions prevail.Water Sports
Activities include diving, kayaking, and tide pooling, especially within marine reserves.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires are only permitted in designated fire rings. Firewood can be purchased from camp hosts.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM
Hazards
General hazardsOcean and bluff-related hazards are significant due to rogue waves and slippery rocks. Wildlife such as raccoons may intrude on campsites. Poison oak and ticks are common in surrounding areas.
Active alertsBoil water advisory is in effect due to a broken water line. Portable toilets are provided. Visitors must bring their own potable water or fill tanks at Bodega Dunes Campground.
Weather at Gerstle Cove Campground
55
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 79%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 5.4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
The nearest hospital is in Santa Rosa, approximately 50 miles south. Police and ranger services are available locally within the park. Emergency contact numbers include (707) 847-3221 for on-site assistance.
Good to know
Peak season datesMarch 15 through October 31.
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are available. Recycling is not mentioned explicitly.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near Gerstle Cove, which is an underwater marine reserve. Rocky tide pools and kelp forests are nearby attractions.
Common complaintsSeveral reviews mention water issues, lack of showers, and cool dampness affecting tent camping. Other concerns include wildlife intrusions and limited ocean views from campsites.
HostRangers are described as helpful, but some reviews criticize the camp host’s behavior.
Campground Map
25050 Highway 1, Jenner, CA 95450
Driving directionsThe campground is situated approximately 90 miles north of San Francisco and 30 miles north of Jenner along Highway One. The drive includes very winding roads, and visitors are advised to proceed with caution. Signage for Salt Point State Park is visible along the route.
Highway One provides direct access to the campground. The road is paved but winding, with narrow segments that may be challenging for larger RVs and trailers. Seasonal weather conditions may affect road usability.Nearby places
Jenner (30 miles, approximately 40 minutes)
Gualala (18 miles, 30 minutes)
San Francisco (90 miles, approximately 2 hours)
Nearby supplies
The Fort Ross store, located approximately 5 miles south, offers basic groceries and supplies. The nearest gas stations are in Jenner (30 miles south) and Gualala (18 miles north).
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.6
22 reviews
Gerstle Cove Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Users praise the campground's rustic charm, proximity to the ocean, and clean facilities. Common themes include quiet nights, abundant wildlife, and scenic coastal views.
Review Summaries
Based on 22 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include clean restrooms, spacious and separated campsites, proximity to hiking trails and coastal views, and excellent cell reception for Verizon users.
Based on 22 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints include wet tents due to coastal moisture, lack of potable water, occasional unfriendly camp hosts, and wildlife intrusions such as raccoons and foxes.
Based on 22 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring firewood and potable water. Store food securely to deter wildlife and raccoons. Consider arriving early for overflow sites with ocean views.
Based on 22 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer experiences feature fog and moisture, requiring layered clothing. Fall offers whale watching during migration. Winter is noted for its cold and wet conditions.
Based on 22 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Campsites roughly 8-23 are the best." - Matt Anderson Photography
"No showers, no cell service, no noise at night, (except for raccoons)." - Craig Philpott
"Sites are nicely spaced. Access to the...
Based on 22 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Best sites include #6, #7, #9, #12, and #17 for Gerstle Cove. Overflow areas provide ocean views but are first-come, first-served.
Based on 22 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessible sites (#7, #8, and #24) are well-equipped with accessible tables, fire rings, and restrooms. Routes and parking near site #8 are noted for accessibility.
Based on 22 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Dogs are allowed in campgrounds and paved areas, but prohibited on trails and beaches. Users recommend leashing pets and cleaning up after them.
Based on 22 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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