Destination: Wright's Beach Campground, Sonoma Coast State Beach

Location: Gorgeous California coastline

Weather: Expect morning fog, cool afternoon seabreeze.

Neighbors: Wright's is tightly packed, very popular. Reservations recommended far in advance.

Activities: Coastal hiking, beach, swimming not recommended due to rip currents.

Dog: On leash, strict rangers.

Facilities: Clean, newer bathrooms, flush toilets, hot water. Showers at Bodega Dunes campground.


When I was a kid and my parents said, "We're going camping at Sunset State Beach!" it sounded to me like we'd be camping on the beach. How cool would that be? Not wearing shoes the whole weekend, and making your brother eat breakfast while buried neck-deep in the sand!

That turned out to be a ruse, but at Wright's Beach you can camp on the beach. The tightly spaced sites are on the sand, and if you reserve your site really early, you will have an ocean view from your campfire. There is a trade off to the best sites, as they are the frontline to the chilly breezes that whip off the sea in the afternoon. It is an extremely popular campground, and people wait until the stroke of midnight to get choice reservations as they come available 6 months in advance.

Wright's beach is not a place to go if you expect to swim in the ocean. There is a very strong rip current just off the beach, and the park rangers are more than happy to regale you with stories of those who have been sucked under. I was indeed amused by the sign near the bathroom which depicts a cartoon man in a spin cycle under a wave.

Starting immediately from the campground is the Sonoma Coast Trail, which makes its way along the meadows above the beach, all the way to Goat Rock. This relatively flat hike will take you 3 miles across some truly beautiful coastline, and our trip in mid-May included some vivid wildflower displays.

Nearby Bodega Dunes Campground is also reportedly a fine place to camp, and is easier to get into, although it is not "on the beach". No dogs are allowed on the beach here to protect the endangered Snowy Plover.


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