Gerstle Cove Campground

4.48

78 reviews

25050 Highway 1, Jenner, CA 95450

Scenic Views

Quick Facts

262 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

262 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Gerstle 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....

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

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Reserve California

Provider

(707) 847-3221interp@park.ca.gov

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What Campers Say

4.48

Recommended

Based on 78 reviews

73 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanrestroomsspacious

"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."

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Campground Map

25050 Highway 1, Jenner, CA 95450

Gerstle Cove Campground

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).

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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season Mar 15–Oct 31; summer offers foggy mornings but popular hiking and coastal access.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall noted for whale watching and good coastal views; generally highly rated by visitors.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring offers good coastal hiking and wildlife viewing; weather is variable but generally favorable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Open year-round but reviewers note cold, wet conditions and more challenging weather in winter.

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.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2PM

Check-out

12 PM

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 10 consecutive nights.

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 camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites are well-separated and spaced for privacy. Overflow area is available for self-contained vehicles.

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.

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.

Site SizeMostly small sites as noted by reviewers, suitable for tents and small RVs.

PrivacySites are described as well-separated, providing a quiet environment. Overflow areas for self-contained vehicles offer ocean views.

Total Campsites30 campsites

Recommended SitesSites numbered 8-23 are recommended for privacy and spacing. Overflow camping is ideal for those seeking ocean views.

Amenities available

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Group Sites

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.

HikingOver 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.

FishingFishing 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.

BikingAllowed on fire roads from May to October; single-track trails are restricted to prevent damage.

BoatingKayaking and diving are supported, especially within the Gerstle Cove Marine Reserve, which permits underwater photography and exploration.

Wildlife viewingAbundant wildlife including deer, raccoons, foxes, and birds like pelicans and ospreys. Marine species such as whales are visible during migration.

Beach activitiesTide pooling and ocean exploration are popular due to the rocky coastline and marine reserves.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsOcean 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.

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

Food Storage RequiredAll campsites include lockable food storage lockers to deter raccoons and other wildlife.

Fire PolicyFires are only permitted in designated fire rings. Firewood can be purchased from camp hosts.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM

Emergency ServicesThe 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.

Trash & RecyclingTrash facilities are available. Recycling is not mentioned explicitly.

Water FeaturesLocated near Gerstle Cove, which is an underwater marine reserve. Rocky tide pools and kelp forests are nearby attractions.

Camp HostRangers are described as helpful, but some reviews criticize the camp host’s behavior.

Weather at Gerstle Cove Campground

Reviews

4.5

78 reviews

Recommended

Gerstle Cove Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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 78 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 78 reviews

Common 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 78 reviews

Pro 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 78 reviews

Seasonal 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 78 reviews

Camper 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 78 reviews

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 78 reviews

Accessibility 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 78 reviews