Stillwater Cove Regional Park Campground

Star4.56
59 reviews
Stillwater Cove Regional Park Campground

Quick Facts

Price

$35 - $45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

23 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Allowed

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Sonoma County Regional Parks site

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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
Total Campsite Fees$45.00

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Sonoma County Parks
Provider
(707) 785-2377

What Campers Say

4.56

Top-Rated

Based on 59 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."

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Fees & Passes at Stillwater Cove Regional Park Campground

$35 - $45/night

Campsite fees

Standard Site

Basic tent/RV spot

$35/night

Stay Limit: Up to 14 consecutive nights

Prices verified December 14, 2025

Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Sonoma County Regional Parks website.


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.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

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.
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Campsite details

AccessibilityAccessible camping areas available.
Sites SizeMedium-sized sites. Sites 20-21 are larger but on hillside.
Sites PrivacyGood to excellent privacy. Wooded setting provides screening.
Total Campsites23 campsites

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
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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 are 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).
Open and Closed SeasonYear-round
Reservation Platformssecure.sonomacountyparks.org

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Cell phone service
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups

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.
Hiking
3+ miles of trails. 1.6-mile Canyon Trail loop through redwoods. Stillwater Bluff Trail offers Pacific views.
Fishing
Rocky shore fishing available. Diving for abalone and spearfishing popular (license required).
Wildlife viewing
Whale watching during migration. Harbor seals visible on rocks. Diverse bird species.
Beach activities
Beach access less than 10-minute walk. Tide-pooling, diving, ocean kayaking popular.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are allowed
  • Campfires allowed in provided fire rings. Firewood available from camp host. Check for fire restrictions.
  • Quiet hours are 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM

Hazards

General hazardsCRITICAL: 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

51
°F
Dec 14
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 96%
Wind: 2.5 mph
Overcast

Weather History
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Good to know

Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling bins available.
Common complaintsThe most consistent concern is that the well water is not potable due to E. coli, so campers must bring their own drinking water despite relatively high campsite fees. Some visitors mention noticeable road noise from Highway 1, small or closely spaced sites with limited privacy or shade, and frustration that money was spent on power hookups instead of fixing the drinking water issue. A few also note that showers require quarters and that the campground can feel basic compared to more scenic or spacious parks.

Campground Map

Stillwater Cove Regional Park Campground

Reviews from booking and map sources

4.6
59 reviews
Top-Rated
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 59 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...
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Based on 59 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...
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Based on 59 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...
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Based on 59 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...
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Based on 59 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...
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Based on 59 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 59 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 59 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 59 reviews

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Last updated December 14, 2025
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