Public Campground
1-2 tents
Campo, California
Campground in California.
Photos shown are stock images and may not represent the actual campground.
About Clayton Valley Sand Dunes
Clayton Valley Sand Dunes was designated as a SRMA in the Tonopah RMP and ROD. The site is closed to competitive recreational events. OHV use is limited to existing roads and trails. OHV use on un-vegetated sand areas is allowed.
Clayton Valley Sand Dunes offers a unique desert camping experience in the heart of California's remote landscape. Located in an area known for its striking natural features, this public campground serves as an ideal base for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts looking to explore one of the state's most distinctive environments.
The surrounding region is characterized by expansive sand dunes that create an otherworldly terrain perfect for off-road exploration, photography, and simply soaking in the raw beauty of the desert. The stark, undulating landscape provides endless opportunities for visitors to discover new vistas and experience the solitude that only the desert can offer. Whether you're interested in four-wheel drive adventures, hiking across the dunes, or simply watching the sunrise paint the sand in golden hues, this area delivers memorable moments.
Beyond the immediate dune landscape, the broader region offers rich opportunities for desert exploration. The area is known for its geological significance and attracts visitors interested in understanding California's diverse natural heritage. Stargazing is exceptional here, with minimal light pollution allowing for spectacular views of the night sky. Many visitors plan their trips specifically to experience the clarity and brilliance of the desert stars.
The campground's location makes it convenient for those wanting to explore multiple desert attractions in a single trip. The surrounding terrain is suitable for various activity levels, from leisurely walks to more challenging desert hikes. Early morning and late afternoon offer the most comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities, and many experienced desert travelers time their visits accordingly.
This destination appeals to RV enthusiasts who appreciate authentic desert experiences, off-road adventurers seeking challenging terrain, nature photographers looking for dramatic landscapes, and families wanting to introduce their children to desert ecosystems. The public campground provides an accessible option for visitors of all experience levels to enjoy this remarkable natural area. With its 4.1-star rating from nearly 720 reviews, the park clearly resonates with those seeking genuine desert adventure and peaceful camping under expansive California skies.
The surrounding region is characterized by expansive sand dunes that create an otherworldly terrain perfect for off-road exploration, photography, and simply soaking in the raw beauty of the desert. The stark, undulating landscape provides endless opportunities for visitors to discover new vistas and experience the solitude that only the desert can offer. Whether you're interested in four-wheel drive adventures, hiking across the dunes, or simply watching the sunrise paint the sand in golden hues, this area delivers memorable moments.
Beyond the immediate dune landscape, the broader region offers rich opportunities for desert exploration. The area is known for its geological significance and attracts visitors interested in understanding California's diverse natural heritage. Stargazing is exceptional here, with minimal light pollution allowing for spectacular views of the night sky. Many visitors plan their trips specifically to experience the clarity and brilliance of the desert stars.
The campground's location makes it convenient for those wanting to explore multiple desert attractions in a single trip. The surrounding terrain is suitable for various activity levels, from leisurely walks to more challenging desert hikes. Early morning and late afternoon offer the most comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities, and many experienced desert travelers time their visits accordingly.
This destination appeals to RV enthusiasts who appreciate authentic desert experiences, off-road adventurers seeking challenging terrain, nature photographers looking for dramatic landscapes, and families wanting to introduce their children to desert ecosystems. The public campground provides an accessible option for visitors of all experience levels to enjoy this remarkable natural area. With its 4.1-star rating from nearly 720 reviews, the park clearly resonates with those seeking genuine desert adventure and peaceful camping under expansive California skies.
4.1
Rating
719
Reviews
Park Details
Tips & Tricks
Book Early
Goldfield is popular during peak season. Reserve 2-4 weeks in advance for weekends and holidays.
Check-in Time
Most parks have check-in after 1:00 PM and check-out by 11:00 AM. Call ahead if you'll arrive late.
Local Weather
California weather can change quickly. Pack layers and check the forecast for Goldfield.
Explore the Area
Don't miss local attractions near Goldfield. Ask the camp host for hidden gems and trails.
Clayton Valley Sand Dunes Reviews
Sign in to Review
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Kate Berry
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Kate Berry
Clean, cozy, and a short walk to the beach! Stayed one night in a yurt: comfortable bed, linens and towels provided, plus fire pit, picnic table, and chairs. Restrooms and showers were great. My parents stayed in one of the RV sites, which were spacious, well-kept, and perfect for relaxing. The tiny homes on-site were also adorable. Quick drive to Monterey and plenty of stores/restaurants in Marin... Clean, cozy, and a short walk to the beach! Stayed one night in a yurt: comfortable bed, linens and towels provided, plus fire pit, picnic table, and chairs. Restrooms and showers were great. My parents stayed in one of the RV sites, which were spacious, well-kept, and perfect for relaxing. The tiny homes on-site were also adorable. Quick drive to Monterey and plenty of stores/restaurants in Marina. Park store closes early, so plan ahead. Highly recommend for RV stays or a relaxing seaside getaway!
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Kate Berry
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Kate Berry
Clean, cozy, and a short walk to the beach! Stayed one night in a yurt: comfortable bed, linens and towels provided, plus fire pit, picnic table, and chairs. Restrooms and showers were great. My parents stayed in one of the RV sites, which were spacious, well-kept, and perfect for relaxing. The tiny homes on-site were also adorable. Quick drive to Monterey and plenty of stores/restaurants in Marin... Clean, cozy, and a short walk to the beach! Stayed one night in a yurt: comfortable bed, linens and towels provided, plus fire pit, picnic table, and chairs. Restrooms and showers were great. My parents stayed in one of the RV sites, which were spacious, well-kept, and perfect for relaxing. The tiny homes on-site were also adorable. Quick drive to Monterey and plenty of stores/restaurants in Marina. Park store closes early, so plan ahead. Highly recommend for RV stays or a relaxing seaside getaway!
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cody hannigan
Mar 18, 2026
4.0
Google Review by cody hannigan
Graded flat spots. Fenced area with a picnic table. We had a 50amp spot, full hookups. Great customer service. Easy to park wide roads. Near the beach, and had great bike paths.
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cody hannigan
Mar 18, 2026
4.0
Google Review by cody hannigan
Graded flat spots. Fenced area with a picnic table. We had a 50amp spot, full hookups. Great customer service. Easy to park wide roads. Near the beach, and had great bike paths.
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Rosabell M.
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Rosabell M.
We’ve been camping here for years, and it’s always been our go to spot for spring and summer getaways. The beach is just a short walk from our RV campsite, which is a huge plus. The RV park is consistently clean, and the customer service has always been great. While you can hear some noise from the freeway, it’s barely noticeable with the ocean so close by. The location is incredibly convenient, e... We’ve been camping here for years, and it’s always been our go to spot for spring and summer getaways. The beach is just a short walk from our RV campsite, which is a huge plus. The RV park is consistently clean, and the customer service has always been great. While you can hear some noise from the freeway, it’s barely noticeable with the ocean so close by. The location is incredibly convenient, especially being near Monterey Bay which is the main reason we keep coming back. As members of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, we love that we can camp here and easily drive to the Aquarium. Our stays have always been memorable, and we look forward to returning year after year.
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Rosabell M.
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Rosabell M.
We’ve been camping here for years, and it’s always been our go to spot for spring and summer getaways. The beach is just a short walk from our RV campsite, which is a huge plus. The RV park is consistently clean, and the customer service has always been great. While you can hear some noise from the freeway, it’s barely noticeable with the ocean so close by. The location is incredibly convenient, e... We’ve been camping here for years, and it’s always been our go to spot for spring and summer getaways. The beach is just a short walk from our RV campsite, which is a huge plus. The RV park is consistently clean, and the customer service has always been great. While you can hear some noise from the freeway, it’s barely noticeable with the ocean so close by. The location is incredibly convenient, especially being near Monterey Bay which is the main reason we keep coming back. As members of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, we love that we can camp here and easily drive to the Aquarium. Our stays have always been memorable, and we look forward to returning year after year.
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Steve Harden
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Steve Harden
One of the best parks that is available to Thousand Trails members. Great location and nice spots. Yes the highway can be loud but it is not that bad and if you are here more that a couple of days it fades into background noise.
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Steve Harden
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Steve Harden
One of the best parks that is available to Thousand Trails members. Great location and nice spots. Yes the highway can be loud but it is not that bad and if you are here more that a couple of days it fades into background noise.
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Greg Griffin
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Greg Griffin
Very nice hosts. Calm location internally. Most people driving slowly. There is significant highway noise, of course, but you come for the beach and Monterey. Nice mix of trees. Walking path directly to beach. Can get packages delivered directly to your site (WHICH IS GREATLY APPRECIATED). They take extra care to make sure gravel is blown off the road and even rake the gravel parking spaces a... Very nice hosts. Calm location internally. Most people driving slowly. There is significant highway noise, of course, but you come for the beach and Monterey. Nice mix of trees. Walking path directly to beach. Can get packages delivered directly to your site (WHICH IS GREATLY APPRECIATED). They take extra care to make sure gravel is blown off the road and even rake the gravel parking spaces after vehicles leave to give a fresh and clean impression. NEVER seen that before. An extra touch of care. Certainly not taking the lazy approach. The sand at the beach is very coarse, which means it doesn't pack down, even when wet. Always a soft step and unrideable by fat tire bikes. Bike path not too far on other side of highway alongside a road heading north-south.
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Greg Griffin
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Greg Griffin
Very nice hosts. Calm location internally. Most people driving slowly. There is significant highway noise, of course, but you come for the beach and Monterey. Nice mix of trees. Walking path directly to beach. Can get packages delivered directly to your site (WHICH IS GREATLY APPRECIATED). They take extra care to make sure gravel is blown off the road and even rake the gravel parking spaces a... Very nice hosts. Calm location internally. Most people driving slowly. There is significant highway noise, of course, but you come for the beach and Monterey. Nice mix of trees. Walking path directly to beach. Can get packages delivered directly to your site (WHICH IS GREATLY APPRECIATED). They take extra care to make sure gravel is blown off the road and even rake the gravel parking spaces after vehicles leave to give a fresh and clean impression. NEVER seen that before. An extra touch of care. Certainly not taking the lazy approach. The sand at the beach is very coarse, which means it doesn't pack down, even when wet. Always a soft step and unrideable by fat tire bikes. Bike path not too far on other side of highway alongside a road heading north-south.
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