Woodside Campground
4.1611 reviews25050 Highway One, Jenner, CA 95450
Woodside Campground
$35.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$35.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$5.00
Group Site Fee$200.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Campsite fees are $35/night for Woodside Campground, applicable for one vehicle and one legally-towed vehicle. Additional vehicles incur an $8 fee. Group camping rates are $200/night.
About this campground
Tucked away on the eastern slopes of Highway 1, Woodside Campground beckons with 79 secluded campsites woven throughout a tapestry of towering conifers. Here, dappled sunlight filters through the canopy, creating an intimate retreat where the rhythmic crash of distant waves mingles with the whisper of wind through ancient trees. This haven particularly appeals to tent campers and small groups seeking respite from the modern world.
Woodside Campground accommodates tent camping, RV camping (subject to vehicle size restrictions), and hike/bike sites. The campground features site-specific reservations.
Historical SignificanceLong before the first tent was pitched here, the Kashaya Pomo people called this land home, their deep connection to the coast still echoing through preserved traditions and sacred sites. In the mid-1800s, ambitious quarrymen carved sandstone from these cliffs, shipping it south to literally build the foundations of San Francisco. Today, weathered remnants of this industrial past stand as monuments to human ambition, slowly being reclaimed by nature's patient hand.
Weather and SeasonsThe Northern California coast dances to its own meteorological rhythm, where winter mornings greet you with crisp 40-degree air and summer afternoons hover around a perfect 64 degrees beneath veils of coastal fog. This is a land of layers, where savvy visitors pack for four seasons in a single day. The ever-changing weather adds drama to your camping experience, from sun-drenched mornings to mysterious fog-wrapped evenings that transform the landscape into something otherworldly.
ElevationPerched at 1,000 feet above sea level, Woodside Campground occupies a unique ecological sweet spot where dense forest groves give way to sweeping prairie meadows. This elevation creates a microclimate all its own, offering cooler temperatures than the coast below while providing spectacular vantage points for sunset watchers and stargazers alike.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living cathedral where bishop pines stretch skyward alongside mighty Douglas firs, their branches intertwining with the twisted limbs of madrone trees and sturdy tan oaks. Second-growth redwoods add their ancient presence to this forest symphony. Just beyond the treeline, the Pacific Ocean unleashes its primal power against rocky cliffs, sending salt spray into the air and filling the campground with the eternal soundtrack of crashing waves. On clear days, the horizon stretches endlessly, offering front-row seats to nature's most spectacular light shows.
Geological RegionSalt Point State Park showcases Northern California's coastal drama at its finest, where tectonic forces have sculpted a landscape of stunning contrasts. Rocky promontories jut defiantly into the Pacific, while inland, the terrain softens into rolling grasslands and forested hills. Hidden within this diverse ecosystem are pristine prairies and rare pygmy forests, where ancient soils have created miniature wonderlands of stunted, centuries-old trees. This geological tapestry tells a story millions of years in the making, inviting exploration at every turn.
Campsite details
AccessibilityWoodside Campground has three accessible campsites (#56, #59, and #98), including accessible parking, routes, and restrooms near site #98. Accessibility updates are continuously improving.
Sites SizeSites are generally described as small to medium-sized, suitable for 2-3 people with small tents. Some sites like campsite 91 have space for up to three large tents.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies; sites on the outer loop offer more privacy while inner loop sites are closer together. User reports suggest campsite privacy is impacted by proximity and terrain.
Total Campsites79 campsites
Recommended CampsitesOuter loop sites offer more privacy; avoid sites prone to sogginess during wet weather. Larger sites like #91 are recommended for groups.
Best CampsitesAccessible sites include #56, #59, and #98, which feature tables, fire rings, and nearby accessible restrooms.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2PM
Check-out
12 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay duration is 14 consecutive days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 8 guests, including children, per campsite.
Groups
Group camping accommodates up to 40 people and 10 cars at Gerstle Cove.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutWoodside Campground has two loops: lower loop closest to Highway 1 and upper loop offering more secluded sites. Sites vary in size and privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonWoodside Campground is open year-round, though reservations are strongly recommended from March 15 to October 31.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are available by calling (800) 444-PARK (7275) or visiting www.parks.ca.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityHike & Bike sites and overflow parking are available on a first-come-first-served basis. Regular sites are reservable.
Cancellation PolicyFull refund available for cancellations due to water restrictions. Email Lilia.Ponce@parks.ca.gov to process refunds.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
WiFi
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Woodside Campground offers access to hiking, wildlife viewing, and nearby ocean activities. Visitors can spot sea lions, whales, and rich marine life at nearby coves. The forest provides opportunities for birdwatching and exploring varied ecosystems.
Hiking
Reviews highlight extensive hiking opportunities, including over 20 miles of trails in Salt Point State Park. The trails vary from paved roads to more rugged paths, with picturesque ocean and forest views.Fishing
Fishing opportunities abound at Salt Point SP, excluding Gerstle Cove Marine Reserve. Species like lingcod and rockfish are commonly caught.Biking
Mountain bikes are allowed on fire roads from May 1 to October 31 but are restricted on single-track trails to preserve trail conditions.Wildlife viewing
Marine life such as whales and sea lions can be observed. Birdwatching is also popular, with sightings of pelicans, ospreys, and woodpeckers.Winter Activities
Winter recreational options are not explicitly detailed for Woodside Campground but nearby Salt Point SP may offer limited winter hiking.Water Sports
Water sports like diving and snorkeling are common at Gerstle Cove but not explicitly tied to Woodside Campground.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires are allowed only in designated fire rings. Gathering wood is prohibited; firewood must be purchased on-site.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM
Hazards
General hazardsCampers should remain cautious of ticks, poison oak, and wildlife such as raccoons, Steller’s jays, and occasional bears or mountain lions. The shoreline and ocean are dangerous, with cold, swift waters and rogue waves.
Active alertsBoil water notice: Bring potable water due to a main water line break. Gerstle Cove Campground is without running water; alternative water tanks are available at Bodega Dunes.
Weather forecast
62
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 89%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 4.8 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Mainly clear
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
The nearest emergency services are located in Jenner, approximately 18 miles south.
Good to know
Peak season datesMarch 15 to October 31
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are present but reviewers did not provide specific details about recycling or trash pickup schedules.
Proximity to water featuresWhile the campground itself lacks direct water access, it is near Gerstle Cove and coastal areas with tide pools and marine reserves.
Common complaintsReviews mention small and soggy campsites, particularly in wet weather. Lack of cell coverage is cited as a drawback, and some find the sites too close together.
HostCamp hosts are available and sell firewood. Hosts were praised for their helpfulness and availability in user reviews.
Campground Map
25050 Highway One, Jenner, CA 95450
Driving directionsSalt Point State Park is accessible off Highway 1, approximately 90 miles north of San Francisco. The park features winding roads, so travelers should exercise caution when driving. For directions, Google Maps provides detailed routing.
Access to Salt Point State Park is via paved roads, though Highway 1 is known for its winding and narrow sections. Drivers should be cautious, especially with trailers or larger vehicles.Nearby places
Gualala (18 miles north), Jenner (18 miles south)
Nearby supplies
Basic groceries and supplies can be found at the Fort Ross store, about 5 miles south. Gas stations are located approximately 18 miles away in Jenner or Gualala.
Camper Reviews
4.2
11 reviews
Woodside Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Woodside Campground frequently mention its beautiful forested environment, proximity to the ocean, and lack of showers. Campsites are described as small and close together, with some sites becoming soggy after rain.
Review Summaries
Based on 11 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include the campground's scenic location, access to wildlife viewing, and helpful camp hosts. Gabe Santos remarked, "Loved the campsite we got. It was roomy, had a picnic bench, and...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include small and crowded campsites, limited cell service, and soggy sites during wet weather.
Based on 11 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Tips include choosing a site on the outer loop for more privacy, bringing binoculars for whale watching, and booking reservations well in advance during peak season.
Based on 11 reviewsSeasonal Insights
During wet periods, campsites can become soggy, as noted in multiple reviews like Jessi Griffioen’s Memorial Day visit. Dry summer months offer the best camping conditions.
Based on 11 reviewsCamper Quotes
"While the campground area is very beautiful, I might only recommend the Upper Woodside sites for 2-3 people with small to medium tents," Daryl Shook noted. Chelsea B added, "Nice campground with...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Site 91 is praised for its ample space and shade by Douglas Chan. Campsite 108 is described as narrow and compact by Daryl Shook.
Based on 11 reviewsAccessibility Features
Three campsites (#56, #59, #98) are noted for accessible features including parking, restrooms, and routes.
Based on 11 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be leashed. Dogs cannot access trails or beaches, with enforcement on these rules emphasized in park regulations.
Based on 11 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025