Doran Regional Park Campground

5.00

100 reviews

Family FriendlyFishing

Featured in:Family-Friendly Campgrounds California#1 Pet-Friendly Campgrounds California#1 Family-Friendly Campgrounds#1 +3 more

Quick Facts

Price

$35 - $45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

112 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Showers

Opens Sonoma County Regional Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

Price

$35 - $45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

112 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Showers

Opens Sonoma County Regional Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Doran Regional Park Campground

$35.00 - $45.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Standard site fees range from $35-45/night. Premium/hookup sites may be higher.

Standard Site Fee$35.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$10.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

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

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

Sonoma County Parks

Provider

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

5.00

Top-Rated

Based on 100 reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanshowersrestrooms

Some mention

reservation

"Doran Regional Park Campground is widely loved for its beautiful, mellow beach setting between Bodega Bay and the ocean, offering great camping, fishing, crabbing, and family-friendly recreation. Most visitors strongly recommend it, though they note wind, cold nights, and occasional crowding or cleanliness issues."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Doran Regional Park Campground

38.3116, -123.0489

Best Time to Camp at Doran Regional Park Campground

Doran Regional Park enjoys typical Northern California coastal weather with cool, foggy mornings giving way to sunny afternoons during summer months, though temperatures remain moderate year-round rarely exceeding the 60s-70s. Spring through fall offers the best camping conditions with milder weather, less wind, and optimal beach activities—making this the most popular time to visit. Winter brings stronger coastal winds that can challenge tent campers, though the park remains open year-round for hardy visitors seeking solitude and dramatic storm-watching opportunities. Layered clothing is essential regardless of season, as coastal fog can roll in quickly and ocean breezes keep temperatures cool even on sunny days. Summer visitors should expect typical coastal fog patterns with mornings often shrouded before afternoon sun breaks through.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Sunny afternoons but cool/foggy mornings and crowds; great for escaping inland heat.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Typically pleasant shoulder-season conditions with good wildlife viewing and fewer crowds.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Strong bird migration and wildlife viewing; cool but rewarding season for nature lovers.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Open year-round but often cold, windy nights; good for whale sightings and quiet visits.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Year-round

About Doran Regional Park Campground

Nestled along a stunning 2-mile stretch of sandy beach on Bodega Bay, Doran Regional Park Campground offers 112 year-round campsites where the Pacific Ocean meets coastal adventure. With five distinct camping zones ranging from harbor-side spots to tent-only areas, this family-friendly destination combines beach camping with exceptional access to fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching. Whether you're launching your kayak into the bay, exploring tide pools along the rock jetty, or simply enjoying soft sand and mellow surf, Doran delivers a quintessential California coastal camping experience.

Weather and SeasonsDoran Regional Park enjoys typical Northern California coastal weather with cool, foggy mornings giving way to sunny afternoons during summer months, though temperatures remain moderate year-round rarely exceeding the 60s-70s. Spring through fall offers the best camping conditions with milder weather, less wind, and optimal beach activities—making this the most popular time to visit. Winter brings stronger coastal winds that can challenge tent campers, though the park remains open year-round for hardy visitors seeking solitude and dramatic storm-watching opportunities. Layered clothing is essential regardless of season, as coastal fog can roll in quickly and ocean breezes keep temperatures cool even on sunny days. Summer visitors should expect typical coastal fog patterns with mornings often shrouded before afternoon sun breaks through.

Natural Features and SceneryDoran Regional Park occupies a spectacular peninsula where Bodega Harbor and Bodega Bay converge, creating a diverse coastal landscape that captivates nature lovers. The campground's crown jewel is its expansive 2-mile sandy beach with gentle slopes and soft sand, bordered by scenic dunes that connect to the Bird Walk Coastal Access Trail. The rock jetty extending into the bay provides dramatic views and tide pool exploration opportunities, while the protected harbor offers calmer waters perfect for paddling. The park's unique geography creates prime habitat for coastal birdwatching, with shorebirds, waterfowl, and marine birds frequenting the area throughout the year. Dune trails wind through coastal vegetation, offering peaceful walks with ocean breezes and the constant soundtrack of crashing waves. The five camping zones each offer different perspectives of this coastal environment—from Shell, Gull, and Cove areas nestled between the harbor and Doran Beach Road, to Jetty and Miwok zones positioned between the bay and road, providing varied views and beach access points.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

Up to 14 consecutive nights

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutFive campground areas: The Shell, Gull, and Cove between Bodega Harbor and Doran Beach Road; Jetty and Miwok between Bodega Bay and Doran Beach Road. Jetty has best beach views.

Reservation Platformssecure.sonomacountyparks.org

AccessibilityADA-accessible campsites available. All-terrain wheelchairs available free on first-come basis. ADA-accessible kayak launch and boardwalk with benches.

Site SizeSites vary in size. Shell, Gull, and Cove loops have larger sites with more trees. Jetty sites are closer together but have better views.

PrivacyLimited privacy in most areas. Shell, Gull, and Cove loops offer slightly more privacy with trees.

Total Campsites112 campsites

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Doran Regional Park excels as a water sports and beach activity destination with something for every outdoor enthusiast. The boat launch provides easy access for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and fishing in both the calmer harbor waters and open Bodega Bay. The 2-mile sandy beach invites endless walking, picnicking, kite flying, surfing, and beach play, while the rock jetty draws anglers and crabbers seeking productive fishing spots and fascinating tide pool exploration. Birdwatchers find exceptional opportunities along the dunes and coastal trails, with diverse species frequenting the area year-round. The park connects to the Bird Walk Coastal Access Trail for extended dune hiking, and nearby Bodega Bay offers additional fishing charters, scenic viewpoints, and coastal exploration. Dogs are welcome on leash throughout the park, and horses are permitted on designated beach stretches, making this a pet-friendly destination for the whole family.

FishingFishing available from Bodega Harbor jetty. Dungeness crab, rockfish, and lingcod common catches.

SwimmingSwimming at Doran Beach. South-facing beach has calmer waves than other Sonoma Coast beaches, good for families.

BoatingBodega Harbor access. Kayak launch available (ADA accessible). Popular for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding.

Wildlife viewingExcellent birdwatching - over 150 species. Harbor seals, sea lions, and migrating whales visible seasonally.

Beach activitiesWide, 2-mile beach perfect for walking, picnicking, birdwatching, kite surfing, and bodyboarding.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsStrong winds common - secure tents properly. Fog horn operates continuously. Strong rip currents possible at beach.

Weather at Doran Regional Park Campground

Reviews

5.0

100 reviews

Top-Rated

Doran Regional Park Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Doran Regional Park Campground is widely loved for its beautiful, mellow beach setting between Bodega Bay and the ocean, offering great camping, fishing, crabbing, and family-friendly recreation. Most visitors strongly recommend it, though they note wind, cold nights, and occasional crowding or cleanliness issues.

Review Summaries

Based on 100 reviews

What Campers Love

["Scenic location between the ocean and Bodega Bay with long, soft sandy beaches and beautiful sunrises/sunsets.", "Excellent for crabbing, fishing, kayaking, birdwatching, and long beach walks;...

Based on 100 reviews

Common Concerns

The campground offers no electrical or water hookups at individual sites, which may disappoint RVers seeking full amenities—though water spigots are available throughout. As a popular destination,...

Based on 100 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

["Be prepared for strong wind and cold, especially at night\u2014bring extra warm clothing, sturdy tent stakes, and windbreaks if tent camping or cooking outside.", "Arrive early on hot or holiday...

Based on 100 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest that even in warmer seasons, Doran is often overcast, breezy, and cold, especially at night, making it a good escape from inland heat but requiring warm clothing for campers. Crowds...

Based on 100 reviews

Camper Quotes

["\u201cOcean across the street, bay behind us.\u201d", "\u201cAll around great place for dry camping.\u201d", "\u201cWe camped here for one night. Way over priced for having to camp out in the open...

Based on 100 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Several reviewers mention camping in the Jetty section, noting clean restrooms, included table and fire pit, and extremely windy conditions there. Overall, specific loops and sites are described as a...

Based on 100 reviews

Accessibility Features

Multiple reviews note that parking and restrooms are close to the water and that there are several parking lots with easy beach access, suggesting generally convenient access for most visitors....

Based on 100 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Reviewers highlight that the park is dog-friendly with leashed dogs allowed on the beach, and many visitors bring their pets. One reviewer notes that on hot days the park can get crowded with people...

Based on 100 reviews

0 review