Stillwater Cove Regional Park Campground

4.60

62 reviews

Romantic GetawayScenic Views

Featured in:Spring Camping California Beach Camping California

Quick Facts

49 ft

Price

$35 - $45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

23 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Sonoma County Regional Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

49 ft

Price

$35 - $45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

23 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Sonoma County Regional Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Stillwater Cove 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

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Sonoma County Parks

Provider

(707) 785-2377

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What Campers Say

4.60

Top-Rated

Based on 62 reviews

Most mentioned

quietpeacefulcleanshowers

Some mention

noisesmallroad noise

"Stillwater Cove Regional Park Campground is widely praised as a quiet, simple, and scenic coastal campground with easy access to a rocky cove and redwood forest trails, making it a favorite for many repeat visitors. A few campers, however, find the proximity to Highway 1, the lack of potable water, and some tight sites to be notable drawbacks."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Stillwater Cove Regional Park Campground

38.5489, -123.3036

Best Time to Camp at Stillwater Cove Regional Park Campground

Stillwater Cove experiences classic Northern California coastal weather with year-round camping opportunities, though conditions vary dramatically by season. Spring and fall offer the most pleasant camping weather with milder temperatures, clearer skies, and fewer crowds, making these shoulder seasons ideal for most visitors. Summer brings the famous coastal fog that can blanket the area for days, keeping temperatures cool (often in the 50s-60s) and creating atmospheric but sometimes chilly conditions—pack layers even in July. Winter sees more rainfall and cooler temperatures but also offers storm-watching opportunities and solitude for hardy campers. The campground's inland, tree-sheltered location provides some protection from coastal winds that can make beachfront camping uncomfortable during windier months.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Open year-round; summer can be cool/foggy on the Northern CA coast, still good for tidepooling.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 5% in CA

Spring and fall noted as most pleasant seasons with favorable weather and quiet visits.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 7% in CA

Spring highlighted among most pleasant seasons; good wildlife viewing and mild conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.5 / 5

Top 23% in CA

Year-round access; winter offers whale watching but cooler, stormier conditions possible.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Year-round

About Stillwater Cove Regional Park Campground

Nestled along Sonoma's dramatic northern coast, Stillwater Cove Regional Park Campground offers 23 year-round sites just a short woodland walk from a stunning crescent beach. This intimate campground strikes the perfect balance between coastal access and sheltered forest camping, with towering redwoods, ocean bluff trails, and the soothing sound of waves creating an idyllic escape from everyday life. Whether you're arriving in an RV, pitching a tent, or pedaling in on two wheels, this hidden gem delivers authentic Northern California coastal camping.

Weather and SeasonsStillwater Cove experiences classic Northern California coastal weather with year-round camping opportunities, though conditions vary dramatically by season. Spring and fall offer the most pleasant camping weather with milder temperatures, clearer skies, and fewer crowds, making these shoulder seasons ideal for most visitors. Summer brings the famous coastal fog that can blanket the area for days, keeping temperatures cool (often in the 50s-60s) and creating atmospheric but sometimes chilly conditions—pack layers even in July. Winter sees more rainfall and cooler temperatures but also offers storm-watching opportunities and solitude for hardy campers. The campground's inland, tree-sheltered location provides some protection from coastal winds that can make beachfront camping uncomfortable during windier months.

Natural Features and SceneryStillwater Cove occupies a unique ecological niche where coastal redwood forests meet the rugged Pacific shoreline. The campground itself sits inland among sheltering trees that buffer highway sounds and create a peaceful, forested atmosphere, while just a half-mile trail descent through towering redwoods leads to a protected crescent beach perfect for tidepooling and surf fishing. The dramatic contrast between the intimate canyon environment and expansive ocean views makes this location particularly special. The park's trail system showcases the best of Sonoma Coast landscapes, from the 1.6-mile Canyon Trail winding through redwood groves to the Stillwater Bluff Trail offering sweeping Pacific vistas from windswept headlands. Wildlife thrives here—black bears roam the forested areas, while marine life fills the tidepools and seabirds wheel overhead. The historic Fort Ross one-room schoolhouse adds a touch of human history to this otherwise wild coastal setting.

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 allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layout23 inland sites on east side of Highway 1. Sites 3-5 and 8-10 have electrical hookups. Sites 20-21 are best (private, hillside access).

Reservation Platformssecure.sonomacountyparks.org

AccessibilityAccessible camping areas available.

Site SizeMedium-sized sites. Sites 20-21 are larger but on hillside.

PrivacyGood to excellent privacy. Wooded setting provides screening.

Total Campsites23 campsites

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

The campground serves as an excellent hub for coastal exploration and outdoor recreation. Beach access is the main draw, with the protected cove offering excellent tidepooling during low tides—bring waterproof boots to explore the marine life—and surf fishing opportunities for those with appropriate gear. Hiking trails range from the easy half-mile Canyon Trail through redwoods to the beach, to the more challenging Stillwater Bluff Trail offering dramatic ocean overlook views. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, from spotting black bears in the forested areas (practice proper food storage) to observing seabirds and marine mammals along the coast. Photography enthusiasts will find endless subjects, from misty forest scenes to dramatic coastal sunsets. Kayaking is possible for experienced paddlers willing to launch from the beach, though conditions require careful assessment. Day trips to nearby Fort Ross State Historic Park, Salt Point State Park, and Jenner's sea stacks expand your adventure options considerably.

Hiking3+ miles of trails. 1.6-mile Canyon Trail loop through redwoods. Stillwater Bluff Trail offers Pacific views.

FishingRocky shore fishing available. Diving for abalone and spearfishing popular (license required).

Wildlife viewingWhale watching during migration. Harbor seals visible on rocks. Diverse bird species.

Beach activitiesBeach access less than 10-minute walk. Tide-pooling, diving, ocean kayaking popular.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsCRITICAL: Well water contaminated with E. coli - boil water for 1 minute or use bottled water. Black bears present - use food lockers.

Weather at Stillwater Cove Regional Park Campground

Reviews

4.6

62 reviews

Top-Rated

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

Stillwater Cove Regional Park Campground is widely praised as a quiet, simple, and scenic coastal campground with easy access to a rocky cove and redwood forest trails, making it a favorite for many repeat visitors. A few campers, however, find the proximity to Highway 1, the lack of potable water, and some tight sites to be notable drawbacks.

Review Summaries

Based on 62 reviews

What Campers Love

["Short, easy walk to a beautiful rocky cove and beach right across Highway 1, great for tidepooling, wildlife viewing, and listening to the waves rather than swimming.", "Pleasant forest setting...

Based on 62 reviews

Common Concerns

Highway 1 noise is audible throughout much of the campground, though trees muffle the sound considerably and sites 20-23 experience less traffic noise—light sleepers should bring earpicks or white...

Based on 62 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

["Bring your own drinking water; the campground\u2019s well water is currently not safe to drink (E. coli) and is only suitable for washing and showers.", "Pack plenty of quarters for the...

Based on 62 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews don’t consistently mention specific seasons, but several comments about quiet stays and misty, foggy, “fairy‑like” conditions suggest that even cooler, off‑peak coastal weather is enjoyable...

Based on 62 reviews

Camper Quotes

["\u201cThis is the exact kind of campground we were looking for. Super simple. Not a ton of people.\u201d", "\u201cIf you're looking for peace and quiet, do not stay at this campground. It's located...

Based on 62 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #9 is described as a quiet, uncrowded site right off Highway 1, and another reviewer calls site 21 “the best spot,” though it needed some weeding.

Based on 62 reviews

Accessibility Features

One camper used the designated handicapped site and found it very nice, with a concrete pad, trees, a sense of privacy, and level, easy parking for an RV beside the site.

Based on 62 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are allowed on the trails, and one reviewer specifically praised the “amazing” hiking with dogs through the redwoods, suggesting the campground and nearby trails are pet‑friendly.

Based on 62 reviews

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