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Gerstle Cove
Public Campground

Gerstle Cove

Jenner, California
4.6 (91 reviews)

Photos shown are stock images and may not represent the actual campground.

About Gerstle Cove

Campground in California.

Nestled along California's stunning Sonoma Coast, Gerstle Cove offers RV campers an extraordinary escape into one of the state's most dramatic and pristine coastal landscapes. This public campground serves as your gateway to Salt Point State Park, a 6,000-acre preserve that showcases the raw beauty and geological wonders of the northern California coastline. The cove itself is a marine reserve, making it a paradise for those who love observing marine life in its natural habitat.

The location puts you within easy reach of some truly remarkable natural attractions. The sandstone formations and honeycomb-like tafoni rock structures visible from the overlooks are geological marvels that have been sculpted by wind and water over millennia. Tide pools teeming with starfish, sea anemones, and other coastal creatures await exploration during low tide. The dramatic cliffs rising from the ocean provide stunning vistas that shift in character throughout the day as light and weather change the mood of the landscape.

For those who enjoy outdoor exploration, the area offers excellent hiking opportunities. Trails wind through coastal bluffs, cypress groves, and grasslands, providing both vigorous hikes and leisurely walks. Birdwatchers will find plenty to appreciate, as the region is home to various seabirds and raptors. The relatively undeveloped nature of this stretch of coast means you're camping in a setting that feels wonderfully remote and unspoiled.

The village of Jenner sits nearby, offering basic services and local character. Further afield, you'll find charming towns, wineries, and dining options that reflect Sonoma County's renowned food and wine culture. The drive along Highway 1 to reach Gerstle Cove is itself an experience, with magnificent ocean views at nearly every turn.

This campground appeals to nature lovers, photographers seeking dramatic coastal scenery, hikers wanting to explore protected wilderness, and anyone craving the restorative power of the ocean and wild coastline. Whether you're watching sunset over the Pacific from your RV or exploring tide pools during the day, Gerstle Cove provides a memorable California coastal camping experience.
4.6

Rating

91

Reviews

Park Details

Tips & Tricks

Book Early

Jenner 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 Jenner.

Explore the Area

Don't miss local attractions near Jenner. Ask the camp host for hidden gems and trails.

Gerstle Cove Reviews

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Brandon Wee

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Brandon Wee

First time here and absolutely loved it - stayed in July and it was still a bit chilly around 50s-60s with slight wind but not as windy as I expected! It actually even rained in the night but it was a pretty light drizzle. Mostly cloudy and foggy when we went but it was a vibe. Bathrooms were surprisingly VERY clean (for a campground) and didn’t encounter that many bugs! You can buy firewood at w... First time here and absolutely loved it - stayed in July and it was still a bit chilly around 50s-60s with slight wind but not as windy as I expected! It actually even rained in the night but it was a pretty light drizzle. Mostly cloudy and foggy when we went but it was a vibe. Bathrooms were surprisingly VERY clean (for a campground) and didn’t encounter that many bugs! You can buy firewood at wood side for $10 a bundle! We initially booked 25 but moved to 24 and recommend folks to avoid 25 as it barely has any space at all(attaching image). Short hike to the ocean as well.

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Brandon Wee

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Brandon Wee

First time here and absolutely loved it - stayed in July and it was still a bit chilly around 50s-60s with slight wind but not as windy as I expected! It actually even rained in the night but it was a pretty light drizzle. Mostly cloudy and foggy when we went but it was a vibe. Bathrooms were surprisingly VERY clean (for a campground) and didn’t encounter that many bugs! You can buy firewood at w... First time here and absolutely loved it - stayed in July and it was still a bit chilly around 50s-60s with slight wind but not as windy as I expected! It actually even rained in the night but it was a pretty light drizzle. Mostly cloudy and foggy when we went but it was a vibe. Bathrooms were surprisingly VERY clean (for a campground) and didn’t encounter that many bugs! You can buy firewood at wood side for $10 a bundle! We initially booked 25 but moved to 24 and recommend folks to avoid 25 as it barely has any space at all(attaching image). Short hike to the ocean as well.

G
jesse banwell

Mar 18, 2026

4.0

Google Review by jesse banwell

I've stayed here twice now, very lovely campground. I'm giving it four stars because it's extremely windy at times, and though the hike down to the ocean and exploring around that area is awesome, there aren't extensive trails that I am aware of. Still, very nice, I'm kind of on the fence between four and five stars. I'm not going to mention the best site, because it's already almost always booked... I've stayed here twice now, very lovely campground. I'm giving it four stars because it's extremely windy at times, and though the hike down to the ocean and exploring around that area is awesome, there aren't extensive trails that I am aware of. Still, very nice, I'm kind of on the fence between four and five stars. I'm not going to mention the best site, because it's already almost always booked. Very clean restrooms.

G
jesse banwell

Mar 18, 2026

4.0

Google Review by jesse banwell

I've stayed here twice now, very lovely campground. I'm giving it four stars because it's extremely windy at times, and though the hike down to the ocean and exploring around that area is awesome, there aren't extensive trails that I am aware of. Still, very nice, I'm kind of on the fence between four and five stars. I'm not going to mention the best site, because it's already almost always booked... I've stayed here twice now, very lovely campground. I'm giving it four stars because it's extremely windy at times, and though the hike down to the ocean and exploring around that area is awesome, there aren't extensive trails that I am aware of. Still, very nice, I'm kind of on the fence between four and five stars. I'm not going to mention the best site, because it's already almost always booked. Very clean restrooms.

G
jesse banwell

Mar 18, 2026

4.0

Google Review by jesse banwell

I've stayed here twice now, very lovely campground. I'm giving it four stars because it's extremely windy at times, and though the hike down to the ocean and exploring around that area is awesome, there aren't extensive trails that I am aware of. Still, very nice, I'm kind of on the fence between four and five stars. I'm not going to mention the best site, because it's already almost always booked... I've stayed here twice now, very lovely campground. I'm giving it four stars because it's extremely windy at times, and though the hike down to the ocean and exploring around that area is awesome, there aren't extensive trails that I am aware of. Still, very nice, I'm kind of on the fence between four and five stars. I'm not going to mention the best site, because it's already almost always booked. Very clean restrooms.

G
Steve Chadwell

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Steve Chadwell

Spent three great days hiking and relaxing. The ocean was beautiful and the stars at night were amazing. Well maintained campsites clean facilities and extremely mellow atmosphere. No loud music or crazy partying

G
Steve Chadwell

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Steve Chadwell

Spent three great days hiking and relaxing. The ocean was beautiful and the stars at night were amazing. Well maintained campsites clean facilities and extremely mellow atmosphere. No loud music or crazy partying

G
Steve Chadwell

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Steve Chadwell

Spent three great days hiking and relaxing. The ocean was beautiful and the stars at night were amazing. Well maintained campsites clean facilities and extremely mellow atmosphere. No loud music or crazy partying

G
Jenny Alexander

Mar 18, 2026

4.0

Google Review by Jenny Alexander

We recently stayed in Gerstle Cove campground for 2 nights. We were in site 10, and it was horrible for our 25ft motorhome because it wasn’t at all level. (We spent at least 30 mins trying) Also, we were disappointed how far the campground was from the ocean. We were going to leave a day early, then asked about the area further down the road towards the Day Use area, and discovered we could camp t... We recently stayed in Gerstle Cove campground for 2 nights. We were in site 10, and it was horrible for our 25ft motorhome because it wasn’t at all level. (We spent at least 30 mins trying) Also, we were disappointed how far the campground was from the ocean. We were going to leave a day early, then asked about the area further down the road towards the Day Use area, and discovered we could camp there (we are completely self contained) Finally we could see and hear the ocean from our motorhome. In between rain showers we could easily wander along the coastal trail and see the amazing rock formations. So from going from one of our least favorite State Park camping ground it became one of our favorites.

G
Jenny Alexander

Mar 18, 2026

4.0

Google Review by Jenny Alexander

We recently stayed in Gerstle Cove campground for 2 nights. We were in site 10, and it was horrible for our 25ft motorhome because it wasn’t at all level. (We spent at least 30 mins trying) Also, we were disappointed how far the campground was from the ocean. We were going to leave a day early, then asked about the area further down the road towards the Day Use area, and discovered we could camp t... We recently stayed in Gerstle Cove campground for 2 nights. We were in site 10, and it was horrible for our 25ft motorhome because it wasn’t at all level. (We spent at least 30 mins trying) Also, we were disappointed how far the campground was from the ocean. We were going to leave a day early, then asked about the area further down the road towards the Day Use area, and discovered we could camp there (we are completely self contained) Finally we could see and hear the ocean from our motorhome. In between rain showers we could easily wander along the coastal trail and see the amazing rock formations. So from going from one of our least favorite State Park camping ground it became one of our favorites.

G
Jenny Alexander

Mar 18, 2026

4.0

Google Review by Jenny Alexander

We recently stayed in Gerstle Cove campground for 2 nights. We were in site 10, and it was horrible for our 25ft motorhome because it wasn’t at all level. (We spent at least 30 mins trying) Also, we were disappointed how far the campground was from the ocean. We were going to leave a day early, then asked about the area further down the road towards the Day Use area, and discovered we could camp t... We recently stayed in Gerstle Cove campground for 2 nights. We were in site 10, and it was horrible for our 25ft motorhome because it wasn’t at all level. (We spent at least 30 mins trying) Also, we were disappointed how far the campground was from the ocean. We were going to leave a day early, then asked about the area further down the road towards the Day Use area, and discovered we could camp there (we are completely self contained) Finally we could see and hear the ocean from our motorhome. In between rain showers we could easily wander along the coastal trail and see the amazing rock formations. So from going from one of our least favorite State Park camping ground it became one of our favorites.

G
Matt Anderson Photography

Mar 18, 2026

4.0

Google Review by Matt Anderson Photography

Campsites roughly 8-23 are the best. Booked 25 which is the worst one there but thankfully it was empty on a Thursday and we moved over to 18. Which was perfect! Definitely worth driving down to the day use areas for sunrise and sunset plenty of picnic tables to make meals at with a view! Saw plenty of deer as well!

G
Matt Anderson Photography

Mar 18, 2026

4.0

Google Review by Matt Anderson Photography

Campsites roughly 8-23 are the best. Booked 25 which is the worst one there but thankfully it was empty on a Thursday and we moved over to 18. Which was perfect! Definitely worth driving down to the day use areas for sunrise and sunset plenty of picnic tables to make meals at with a view! Saw plenty of deer as well!

G
Matt Anderson Photography

Mar 18, 2026

4.0

Google Review by Matt Anderson Photography

Campsites roughly 8-23 are the best. Booked 25 which is the worst one there but thankfully it was empty on a Thursday and we moved over to 18. Which was perfect! Definitely worth driving down to the day use areas for sunrise and sunset plenty of picnic tables to make meals at with a view! Saw plenty of deer as well!

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