The beaches on the north shore of California are not for those who want to get into the water and bask in the sun. The north shore tends to be chilly and windy throughout the year. Many rivers empty into the Pacific along this part of the coast, leaving a large amount of silt along the beaches' rocky terrain. The ruggedness of these beaches appeal to those who want to escape to a remote location to enjoy unspoiled beauty. For campers, there are several accommodations along the north shore's beaches.
Beaches
Some of the beaches along the north shore include those found along the Mendocino Coast, Sonoma Coast State Park and Salt Pointe State Park. The Mendocino coast is near Fort Bragg and Redwood forests. The Sonoma Coast State Park is made up of several beaches, such as Bodega Head and Goat Rock, that stretch for 17 miles, ending at Vista Trail. Salt Pointe State Park covers six miles and includes Fisk Mill Cove and Stump Beach.
Tent Camping
You can find tent camping at both state parks and a limited amount at Mendocino's KOA. This KOA has 50 tent sites on the beach. Salt Pointe has family campgrounds in Gerstle Cove and Woodside. Gerstle Cove's campground has 30 sites, and Woodside has 79 sites; each site accommodates up to eight people. Salt Pointe has 20 walk-in sites that are about a half-mile hike from the parking area and 10 "Hiker/Biker" sites for those walking or on bicycle. Salt Pointe has one group camping spot that holds 40 people and 10 cars. At Sonoma Coast, there are two campgrounds exclusively for tent camping. Willow Creek has 11 sites located about a quarter mile from the parking area. There are 20 sites at Pomo Canyon located a quarter mile from its parking lot.
RV Camping
KOA's 50-acre park offers 75 RV sites with complete hook-ups that accommodate vehicles up to 60 feet long. Sonoma Coast's Bodega Dunes and Wright's Beach campgrounds offer some accommodations for RVs, but no hook-ups. Bodega Dunes has 98 sites and can accommodate vehicles up to 31 feet long. Wright's Beach has 27 sites and accepts trailers up to 27 feet long. Salt Pointe only allows RVs in its overflow camping area for day use only.
Amenities
Private campgrounds such as KOA offer more amenities than do state parks, but at a higher price. KOA has a laundry facility, DVD library, ice and firewood. It also provides rentals for boogie boards and surf boards. State park amenities are basic. At Salt Pointe, all overnight campgrounds have a fire ring, picnic table and food locker. Potable water and restrooms are available at all sites, but no showers. Only Bodega Dunes has showers in Sonoma Coast State Park. Willow Creek and Pomo canyon have fire rings, tables and pit toilets, while Wright's Beach has paved parking, water and flushable toilets.
Activities
Hiking, biking and horseback riding trails are available all along the coast. KOA provides volleyball and horseshoes within its park and is near sites such as the Mondocino Coast Botanical Gardens and the historic Village of Mendocino. Salt Pointe features a protected underwater park for scuba divers. Sonoma Coast's Goat Rock is home to a group of harbor seals or you can explore the tidal pools at Shell Beach.
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