The Northern California Camper. Daniel C. Merrill

and Perch.

      Abalone diving is undoubtedly the most popular sport in this area. This, of course, is not something most visitors will want to tackle. However, experienced divers can easily limit out anywhere along the Marin, Sonoma and Mendocino Coast that has a rocky shore line. One note of caution is in order for those who are not familiar with the California Department of Fish and Game. The fines for even the most minor infraction of the abalone fishing rules can run into the thousands of dollars! The game wardens are extremely tricky in plying their trade. For example, at Russian Gulch State Park, they hide in the woods above the diving area and follow the diver’s activities with binoculars, taking pictures with telescopic cameras to document the infractions made by the divers. Beware of these vultures, they are everywhere!

      The Skunk train in Fort Bragg runs along Pudding Creek for about 10 miles before climbing the mountain on its way to Willits. There is a picnic area at the half waypoint where one can leave the train and spend a couple of hours before catching the train on its way back from Willits to Fort Bragg. Do not sign up for the trip all the way to Willits since the second half of the ride is extremely boring and there is nothing to see or do in Willits. Unfortunately, due to the cost of insurance, it is unclear how much longer this popular tourist attraction will be able to continue operating.

      Some of the finest wines in the world are produced in the Anderson Valley along the western part of Highway 128, about 20 miles from Highway 1 on the coast. The campground at Hendy Woods State Part is only a few miles from these wineries and provides an ideal staging point from which to visit them.

      Much of the area along this segment of Highway 1 is sparsely populated and it is best to stock up on supplies before coming here. However, there are small grocery stores in Bodega Bay, Gualala, Point Arena and a relatively large one in Mendocino. There also is a large Safeway Store right on Highway 1 in the center Fort Brag. Gasoline and diesel fuel are very expensive in the small towns along Highway 1. The cheapest fuel can be found in Fort Brag.

      Finally, a few words about the weather: Fall is generally the most ideal time of year to visit the coastal regions of Marin, Sonoma and Mendocino counties. During October and November one is likely to encounter warm balmy days and nights with little wind. The sunsets this time of year can be spectacular. During the summer months this area of the California coast can be surprisingly cool due to the presence of morning fog and brisk sea breezes. The weather during the winter months is quite variable, but can be very pleasant if a storm front is not moving through the area. However, irrespective of the time of year, the weather can be cold if the winds come up, so bring some worm clothing (and rain gear if you are visiting in the winter or early spring).

      If you are unlucky enough to hit a bad patch of weather during your visit to the Northern California Coast, all is not lost! Although, the Hendy Woods campground is only a few miles from the coast, it has a very different climate. The Anderson valley has a very temperate climate and is usually warm and pleasant irrespective of the weather on the coast during the summer months. Thus, if the weather is not that great on the coast, take a break and visit the wineries for a day or two.

      Similarly, the campgrounds at the Jackson demonstration State forest usually are 10 to 20 degrees warmer than their counterparts on the coast even though they are only a few miles east of fort brag on Highway 20.

      Map showing the location of the campgrounds in this section

      The map is provided to show the approximate locations of the campgrounds with respect to nearby towns and highways. It has not been drawn to scale.

      1 Doran Regional Park

      Rating- 6/10

      Camp sites- 138, largest RVs, no hookups, open all year

      Water- yes

      Garbage disposal- yes

      Reservations- yes (707) 5652267

      Contact- Sonoma County Regional Parks [phone]

      Camp host- yes

      Boat ramp- yes

      Facilities- Each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring with grill. The campground has flush toilets and coin operated showers. The campground has a boat ramp and dump station.

      Located on a spit of sand that divides Bodega Bay, this large campground is frequented by RVers with large rigs who intend to stay awhile. The boat ramp is one of its key attractions and many of the visitors to this campground are ocean fishermen. In the evening, to the east, one sees the lights of the town of Bodega Bay, while to the west, one can experience the radiant sunsets over the Pacific Ocean.

      Although the campsites are reasonably well spread out, this campground has few trees and little or no shrubbery; thus, it provides little since of privacy. Party boats provide good fishing for salmon in late spring and early summer, while rock fishing is good the year around. Perch can be taken from the shore in the summer.

      Positives- good facilities, close to the bay area, boat ramp

      Negatives- little privacy, crowded in the summer

      How to get there- The campground is located on the south end of Bodega Bay. Travel one mile south of Bodega Bay on Highway 1 and take Doran Beach Road to the campground.

      Local Attractions- Bodega Bay, multiple beautiful rock lines beaches to the north

      Activities- boating, fishing

      Tip of the day- You didn’t travel all the way to California to stay in this Campground 29

      2 Westside Regional Park

      Rating- 7/10

      Camp sites- 47, no hookups, large RVs, open all year

      Water- yes

      Garbage disposal- yes

      Reservations- yes [phone]

      Contact- Sonoma Regional Parks Department [phone]

      Camp host- yes

      Facilities- Each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring with grill. The restrooms have flush toilets, electrical outlets and coin operated showers. The campground has a dump station and boat ramp. All of the facilities are wheelchair accessible.

      This campground is similar to the other campgrounds surrounding Bodega Bay; however there is a little more vegetation around the Westside campsites, thus the higher rating. It is situated on the west shore of the bay. Because of its close proximity to the Bay Area reservations are a must in the summer and on weekends all year long.

      Positives- close to the ocean and Bodega bay with a boat ramp

      Negatives- very crowded in the summer and on weekends

      How to get there- From Bodega Bay drive north on Highway 1 for about one half a mile, turn left on West Shore Road and continue for two miles to the campground.

      Local Attractions- Bodega Bay, multiple beautiful beaches to the immediate north

      Activities- boating, fishing 30

      3 Bodega Dunes

      Rating- 7/10

      Camp sites- 98, RVs to 31 feet, no hookups, open all year

      Water- yes

      Garbage disposal-yes

      Reservations- yes 1-

      800 444- 7275 or www.parks.ca.gov.

      Contact- California State Parks