Ocean Cove Store & Campground

Having no reservation for campgrounds n the CA coast in summer severely limits the possibilities but luckily I had come across both Ocean Cove and Timber Cove during a search and decided to gamble on Ocean Cove since they did not take reservations and our plans were fluid. All of these are good reasons for checking out Ocean Cove but the campground is the best one.

It IS 17 miles north of Jenner on the winding twisting Rte 1, there is no cell reception and most of the sites are not very level when your rig is longe than about 25 ft but it is beautiful.

There are 2 group sites for which they b take reservations and they are the closest to the road. There are two sites for single sites, tents and RVS mixed. One is closer to the road but protected from ocean breezes the other is literally on the bluff overlooking the ocean and is beautiful. There are two very choice spots that are on the edge but any of the others have great views. It is essentially a big field with fire rings and picnic tables scattered about and the only rule is that you need to set up next to one set. That is where leveling a rig comes in bUT there was a variety of types and sizes and all of us were level with varying numbers of blocks. The Ocean Cove store is on the right as you come around a corner. To register, pull into the large parking area/camp entrance across the road (on the left)and go into the store to register.

There is water but no electricity. People run generators for brief periods usually at eal time but the noise was not a problem. We have solar and the gorgeous, sunny blue skied days recharged our batteries completely every day. There are coin showers, $2; the Ocean Cove store has essentials plus other stuff and will let you use their land line phone if you need to make a call; the toilets are Portalets but clean. The CG in summer (they are open Apr- Dec) fills up for weekends starting Thurs but even then there were a few spots. (One guest from Santa Rosa had driven up stopping at every single CG from there to OC and it was the first one with openings.) There is a boat ramp ($8 charge if the boat is on a trailer) and many of the guests go fishing. Stillwater Cove State Park abuts the CG with lovely walking trails along the ocean or inland a bit through groves of trees and wildflowers. There is one point in the park that juts out into the water where people said there is cell reception. (Both Verizon and ATT) other than that area there is a spot about 7 miles north- a turnout with a phone box, that had reception and further up the road in Stewart's Point we had Verizon and ATT (2-3 bars) further still in Sea Ranch. (There is NONE in Jenner)

They are very dog friendly and the park allows dogs on the trails. We saw several well controlled ones off leash.

There are a number of places to visit near here, wineries, Fort Ross (Russian settlement in the 19th century and we'll worth a visit- only open until 4pm though unless you just want to enjoy the park which closes at sundown) and all the little towns. Jenner is at the mouth of the Russian River and has SUP rentals and a seal sanctuary. Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, Guerneville, Forestville are all within an hour's drive.

During our stay in July, and the owners said it was pretty typical all the time, Ocean Cove had no fog, no clouds and a breeze. A drive north or south could be in coastal fog while OC was clear. Inland was beastly hot and Ocean Cove was comfortably cool. The sunsets are beautiful, the waves crashing to shore below, the birds and the beauty are unbeatable. This is a great place to stay for a visit to the coast.

Oh, as to our other possible choice-Timber Cove- so glad we chose Ocean Cove. As we drove by we noticed the sites at Timber Cove were so close together that people could not have their awnings out. No privacy, no space.

We stayed here for a single night on a coastal drive in the van. Referred by family who have stayed here numerous times in the past, we were hopeful they knew what they were talking about. It was late - very late - in the season, so most spots were available. We just happened to snatch up one of the best ones, right on the edge of the bluff, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Quiet (this time of the year) and well kept, we couldn't have asked for anything more. Views were amazing, and the nature trail hit the spot for a morning hike with the dogs.

No cell coverage

One of our favorite campgrounds in all the world. Went here for the first time when we got married in 1981.

On a windy and chilly bluff, but you know what you're getting in this part of CA.

No toilets or sinks or showers, just Porta Potties which was fine for an overnight. Sites are not numbered, just snag a spot with a picnic table. I was along a slight ridge that was too small for your average RV, so was surrounded by tent campers.
There was a bit of a wild family atmosphere.
Lots of kids playing in the roads, walking puppies, running about unsupervised, on bikes, learning to ride bikes, yelling.

This is a gem. Location is just beautiful, you pick your own site ( right on the cliff, in the woods, close to the store or boating ramp...and you will get a spot even on a Saturday in July. Staff in the store (where you register & pay) is very friendly and helpful and the store carries a little bit of everything. Would have loved to stay longer but plans were made so left after only 2 nights but this is one of our favorite spots - and will return for sure.

This place is first come first serve, only the group sites have reservations. You pay at the Ocean Cove store and if you take the road straigt in you can pick a spot on the ocean bluff with amazing views but its super winder in the late afternoon/eve. If you take the road to the left past the group campgrounds, that area is more sheltered for tent camping. We have a cabover camper but our friends were in a tent so we took shelter. Cost was $28 per night plus $4 per dog.

We arrived Friday appx 2pm with no problem for choices of campsites. We didnt use the coin operated showers. There were plenty of portable toilets that had just been cleaned. Our site was pretty large and was freshly mowed, there is a picnic table and fire pit. You can buy wood at the store right across the street. The store is small but nicely packed with amenities, I even bought benadryl since my allegies kicked up.

Our first night we drank too much wine and left our cooler out. (amatuers) The racoons got our marinated steak that was our dinner for night 2. Lucky for us they only got a few items on the top of the cooler but no problem we walked to the restaurant for dinner. Its a short walk from the store. Had fish/chips and a burger food was ok. Nice view from the bar and they have outdoor seating you can bring your dog but we did not.

There were many fisherman that were camping with their families. It was pretty quiet. No loud partying. The restaurant and store folks were really nice.

Wildlife sightings include tons of Condors flying above and tree tops, quail darting below the bush coverings, Osprey with fish clutched in talons, yellow finch, and many more birds.

There is zero cell coverage. However, if you walk the day use area along the south fence and head along the bluff to where you can see the large grey house on the bluff there is coverage at that spot

Pretty amazing location! A bit pricey for such a basic place with not much privacy between campsites. But it’s obvious that you camp here because you’re close to the bluffs... or you’re having fun group camping. Very children and dog friendly. Lots of fishermen using the boat ramp. My husband and I spent one night here on our way to the Redwoods. It’s first come first served except for group sites. We arrived around 6pm on a Friday night mid-September and there were plenty of spots available. Check in at the store to reserve your spot. They sell firewood and lots of drinks and snacks. No AT&T service at the campground nor along most of the PCH in this area.

Closed for April. Message on a machine.

Great place to stay along the coast if you are looking for beachfront views. Almost no privacy between spaces, but would work out well if you are in a group or ok with getting to know your neighbors. Our biggest problem was that we arrived late, after the sun had set. In the dark this place is like a maze, and it is challenging to figure out where open sites are given that there aren’t any numbers or dividers distinguishing the spaces. If you do happen to arrive after the store is closed, you just pick a site and camp, then pay in the morning when the store opens. Good bathrooms, trash cans and water spigots spread through camp for you to use. If you are lucky enough to get a bluff spot it is quite the view to wake up to in the morning.

This place is a different type of camping. Its 30 cash dollars per car for camping. No site numbers. You find a spot where you can and settle in for great views of the ocean and campers right next to you. The staff are very laid back and helpful. We fish from kayak this cant be a better place to stay if you enjoy the ocean.