Westside Regional Park
Coastal park with camping, fishing, boating, kayaking, birding, and RV facilities on Bodega Bay.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Westside Regional Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Coastal park with camping, fishing, boating, kayaking, birding, and RV facilities on Bodega Bay.
"A solid hub for a place to sleep at night, meeting bare minimum requirements for a campground."
Book in advance! ⛺
Secure your spot early, especially for RVs and during peak times. Reservations are essential .
Pack for coastal weather 💨
Bring layers, windbreakers, and water shoes. It can get cold and damp unexpectedly .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Coastal Camping
Campground
Enjoy year-round camping with RV and tent sites, many offering bay views. Generator hours are 8 AM to 8 PM .
Fishing & Crabbing
Shoreline
Cast a line or set crab snares during open season. A fishing permit is recommended, and check local regulations for crabbing .
Boating & Kayaking
Boat Launch Area
Access the bay for boating and kayaking with a dedicated launch area. Enjoy the water and observe marine life .
Birdwatching Opportunities
Throughout the park
The coastal environment attracts various bird species, making it a great spot for birding enthusiasts .
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Prime Spots
Embrace the Coastal Chill
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book in advance! ⛺
Secure your spot early, especially for RVs and during peak times. Reservations are essential.
Pack for coastal weather 💨
Bring layers, windbreakers, and water shoes. It can get cold and damp unexpectedly.
Shower tokens needed 🚿
Hot showers are available for $2.75 for 8 minutes. Get quarters from the friendly camp hosts.
Dog-friendly fun 🐶
Your furry friends are welcome! Enjoy the park and nearby areas with your pets.
Carside camping suggestions
Tips
from all over the internet
Book in advance! ⛺
Secure your spot early, especially for RVs and during peak times. Reservations are essential.
Pack for coastal weather 💨
Bring layers, windbreakers, and water shoes. It can get cold and damp unexpectedly.
Shower tokens needed 🚿
Hot showers are available for $2.75 for 8 minutes. Get quarters from the friendly camp hosts.
Dog-friendly fun 🐶
Your furry friends are welcome! Enjoy the park and nearby areas with your pets.
Generator hours 8 AM-8 PM 🔌
Be mindful of generator usage times to ensure a peaceful environment for all campers.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Westside Regional Park is a functional coastal campground offering basic amenities and convenient access to Bodega Bay's fishing, boating, and birding opportunities. While some find it a bit basic and lacking in traditional campground atmosphere, its year-round availability and dog-friendly policy make it a popular choice for RVers and travelers exploring the Sonoma Coast. Be prepared for coastal weather and book in advance.
"Nice place to stop overnight, if you bring a fishing pole with hook, and have a permit The Fish and Wild life warden explained that as long as one person in your party had a line in the water. You can fish all night (code for sleeping overnight) However, you potentially might be told something different by the sheriff or local police. We were not hassled and enjoyed the area."
Peter Lehrfeld
"TLDR: this is, at best, a "just passing through" camp. Day use seems nice though.
There seems to be 2 different groups here: vans and RVs that are stopping for a night or two to explore the surrounding area or pass through, and young SF residents who think this is real camping.
This is, for the most part, a parking lot with a bathroom and shower attached to it. This is not a "hanging out" campground. That being said, you will have running water, a fire pit, and bathrooms. They won't be well-maintained, but they are maintained nonetheless (bathroom cleaning happens daily around 9 AM, in which someone literally takes a garden hose to the whole thing and squeegees the excess water down a drain). Bathrooms seem to be well-stocked with soap and TP however. Showers have hot water and will run you $2.75 for 8 minutes. You can get quarters from the very sweet and kind camp hosts near the entrance.
Accessibility seems to be limited for those who may have difficulty walking. There are accessible restroom stalls, and the showers have an accessible bench, but I'd recommend getting a site as close as possible to the rest area as there are no accessible reserved sites available, and it can be a bit of a hike from the middle of the campground.
One thing that bothered me when making reservations for this spot was the severe lack of actual campground pictures. I mostly saw glamour shots of RVs and bay views (on a nice day), but that was it. I'm not sure if our timing was wrong, but it was grey, cold, and damp here during our entire stay. If you head about 10 minutes inland, the temp goes up about 40 degrees, and it's quite sunny and beautiful.
The firewood (also sold by camp hosts) was $12/bundle and well-seasoned. The logs were a decent size for the price. The fire pits weren't really worth using however. The sides rose so high that you'd have to stand incredibly close to feel any amount of heat coming from it. This is probably to prevent fires from getting out of control, which could be demonstrated by the campground across the bay from us as Rangers attempted to put out about 3 brush fires.
Generator hours are 8A-8P, and people will be running them as soon as they're able to do so.
Check-in was interesting. You'll receive an email that you need to be at your site by 2 PM or risk forfeiting it, but no one is posted at the entrance station and the rangers don't actually show up until about 6 or 7 PM to verify everyone's paperwork. The whole process had a kind of refugee camp vibe, and took about an hour or longer, depending on how full the campground was. The rangers were incredibly warm and friendly however!
All in all, you will have a place to stay for the night, as the camp meets the bare minimum requirements for a campground. We stayed here for 2 nights to check out the area and head into Sonoma/Napa. I could see why there were more openings here vs. nearby campgrounds. It was a solid hub for having a place to sleep at night though."
Courtney Mintz
"It is a small campsite that only allows 2 vehicles and 2 tents per site. Must book in advance. Running water sparingly provided throughout the site for cleaning. Restroom on the outside edge. Quiet time after 10pm. No generator operating after 8 pm. Very closed to the water for fishing and crabbing during open season - bring your crabsnare and net if you are licensed. There are lots of hiking spots nearby. Low tide in the morning and high tide in the afternoon. Bring water shoes/moccasin/sandals/boots. It gets cold at night, so bring/ load up some firewood to burn at the fire pit. Site is in the open. Bring a pop-up tent (10'x10') so you don't get sunburn from the cool & sunlight. Nearby restaurant closed early @ 6pm. The kids and pets would definitely enjoy playing on the beach when it is low tide, supervision recommended and DO NOT turn your back on the water for safety measures. Day use area is just next door with plenty of parking plus the boat launch."
Dao Hanoumane
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Westside Regional Park is located in Bodega Bay. It's accessible by car and is a popular stop for those exploring the Sonoma Coast. The park has a day-use area with parking and a boat launch adjacent to the campground.
Public transportation options to Bodega Bay are limited. It's generally recommended to travel by car. Once in Bodega Bay, the park is a short drive from the main coastal routes.
The campground is part of the Westside Regional Park. Follow signs for the park and then for the campground entrance. Camp hosts are usually available near the entrance to assist with check-in.
Yes, there is a day-use area with ample parking, which is convenient for visitors who are not camping but wish to access the fishing, boating, or birding areas.
The roads leading to Bodega Bay and Westside Regional Park are generally well-maintained coastal highways. Be prepared for winding roads and potential fog, especially during certain times of the year.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for RV and tent sites, as the park is popular and fills up quickly.
Check-in typically begins at 2 PM. While you might receive an email about this, rangers often don't arrive until later in the afternoon or early evening to verify paperwork. Be patient, as the process can take some time.
While specific day-use fees aren't detailed in the provided information, it's common for regional parks to have a day-use fee. It's best to check the official Sonoma County Parks website for current pricing.
Generators are permitted to operate between 8 AM and 8 PM. Visitors are expected to be mindful of noise levels during these hours.
While some reviews suggest fishing is allowed overnight with a line in the water, it's always best to have the proper fishing and crabbing permits and be aware of local regulations to avoid any issues with wardens or law enforcement.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Campsites offer potable water, flush toilets, and coin-operated showers. Each site typically includes a fire pit and space for vehicles and tents.
Restrooms are cleaned daily, usually around 9 AM, and are generally stocked with soap and toilet paper. Showers have hot water but can be a bit dated in appearance.
While there are accessible restroom stalls and shower benches, the campground layout can be challenging for those with walking difficulties. Booking a site closer to the facilities is advisable, as there are no specifically designated accessible reserved sites.
The campground is often described as a 'parking lot' with amenities, attracting a mix of travelers passing through and those exploring the area. It's more of a functional overnight stop than a 'hanging out' campground.
Activities include camping, fishing, crabbing, boating, kayaking, and birding. The park is also a good base for exploring the surrounding Sonoma Coast.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Bodega Bay has several restaurants, but be aware that many close early, often around 6 PM. It's advisable to plan your meals accordingly or bring your own food.
Campfires are permitted in the provided fire pits. Firewood is available for purchase from the camp hosts.
Firewood is sold by the camp hosts. For other food items, you'll need to visit nearby stores or restaurants in Bodega Bay.
Bringing your own groceries and cooking at your campsite is the most budget-friendly option. Local grocery stores in Bodega Bay can supply your needs.
The day-use area likely includes picnic facilities, making it a pleasant spot for a meal with bay views.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning bay views, especially during sunrise and sunset. The coastal landscape, birdlife, and RVs/vans set against the backdrop offer unique photographic subjects.
While sunny days offer vibrant views, grey and foggy conditions can create a dramatic and atmospheric mood for photography. The coastal fog adds a unique character to the landscape.
Early mornings and late afternoons (golden hours) provide the best natural light for landscape and wildlife photography. However, the unique coastal fog can make any time of day visually interesting.
The shoreline and areas overlooking the bay offer excellent vantage points. The boat launch area also provides scenic perspectives of the water and surrounding coastline.
A versatile lens (e.g., 24-70mm) is useful for capturing both landscapes and details. A wide-angle lens can be great for expansive bay views, and a telephoto lens is helpful for birdwatching photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing beach toys and comfortable footwear for exploring. The park's dog-friendly policy also means families can bring their pets along, adding to the fun. While the campground might not be a 'destination' in itself, it serves as a practical and affordable base for exploring the wider Bodega Bay area, which has more attractions for children.
🚐 RV & Van Life Travelers
Generator hours (8 AM-8 PM) are clearly defined, allowing for power usage during the day.While some find the campground basic, its location is ideal for exploring the Sonoma Coast. The proximity to fishing, boating, and scenic drives makes it a convenient overnight stop. Booking in advance is highly recommended, as these spots are sought after by the van life community.
🎣 Anglers & Outdoor Enthusiasts
Beyond fishing, the park is a great spot for birdwatching and offers access to nearby hiking trails. The coastal environment provides a diverse range of outdoor activities for those who love to be in nature. Even if the fishing isn't biting, the scenic beauty and fresh sea air are a reward in themselves.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Camping at Westside Regional Park
Generator use is permitted from 8 AM to 8 PM, making it a functional spot for those needing power.Reservations are highly recommended, and booking in advance is crucial to secure a spot. The check-in process can be a bit informal, with rangers often arriving later in the afternoon to verify paperwork. Despite this, the camp hosts are noted for being very friendly and helpful, providing shower tokens and firewood for purchase.
Campfire pits are available, and firewood can be bought on-site. However, the fire pits are quite high, requiring visitors to stand close to feel the heat. The park's location offers bay views, but the coastal weather can be damp and cold, so packing appropriate clothing is essential. Water shoes are also recommended for exploring during low tide.
Fishing, Boating, and Coastal Activities
Beyond the water, Westside Regional Park is a haven for birdwatching. The coastal environment attracts a variety of bird species, offering excellent opportunities for observation and photography.
For those looking to simply enjoy the coastal atmosphere, the park offers opportunities for relaxation. Even on a rainy day, the peaceful ambiance can be quite enjoyable. The nearby beach is great for kids and pets to play on during low tide, though constant supervision is recommended due to safety considerations.
Understanding the Campground Experience
Showers are available for a fee ($2.75 for 8 minutes) and require quarters obtained from the camp hosts. While functional, the shower areas themselves have been described as less than pristine.
Accessibility can be a concern for some visitors. While accessible restrooms and shower benches exist, there are no designated accessible reserved sites, and the overall terrain might pose challenges for those with mobility issues. It's advisable to request a site close to the facilities if accessibility is a priority.
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