Great campground next to a private beach. When the tide goes down, it's yours for the taking! So much to explore. The tide pools are amazing, there is a creek that flows into the ocean. In the tide pools there are anemones, starfish, hermit crabs, and more. Very clean site with clean restrooms and showers. The staff there are amazing. Quiet location also! read more

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I saw this spot as we drove past it while RVing up Hwy 1. It's located right at a tight turn on PCH 1 and we missed it as we went by. As fate would have it, we were forced back to Gualala the next day to see a doctor and as I drove past Anchor Bay from opposite direction I knew we were staying that night. While in waiting room I called and they had a spot for my 24' RV that night. The woman was delightful on the phone and reserved our spot for the night. Pulled in right at closing time and got set up for sunset. This is a quaint little spot on the ocean with its own private beach. Dog friendly and beautiful as the waves crashed the shore. Hookup was easy, although I couldn't get my water hose to stop leaking at the RV inlet so it was puddling in the sand. Sites are a tad closer so you get to know your neighbors since they have limited space, I think only 45 sites. But as evening fell, you could hear the crashing waves. Was great to sit out in the darkness at midnight and see the moon reflecting in the crashing waves. Looked like electric flowing across the waves. A very memorable spot. There is supposedly a good Thai restaurant in walking distance with easy access from the beach. We only stayed one night, but would definitely go back. Our neighbors said they'd been there all week and meet up each year there. read more

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My family and I go camping often and I can honestly say this is our new favorite spot. Staff were friendly and went out of their way to make sure we had a great stay, facilities were clean and maintained, and the grounds were beautiful! We will absolutely be back. Highly recommend! read more

Anchor Bay Campgrounds - Beach - Campgrounds Near Me - Gualala, California

Let me tell you about the most amazing campground. We decided as a family to go camping for my daughter's birthday/Halloween camping trip and to our Surprise. This campground was all decked out with dancing skeletons, spooky grave yards, trick-or-treating, and games for all the campers. Many memories were made. We were able to camp right on the ocean's edge every night being put to sleep by the most amazing sunsets. blu and penny the campground host were helpful and polite. They Made sure that even the littlest details of making our trip magical were taking care of. The facilities were very clean from where we were camping to the showers and the bathrooms. We cannot wait to make this a yearly tradition. read more

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Tracy and Chris are exceptional camp host's. They make you feel like family! We enjoy coming here every year for our family vacation! read more

Anchor Bay Campgrounds - Campgrounds Near Me - Gualala, California

What a little gem of a spot. It's more of a quirky lil' RV community than a traditional campground, but both the permanent and long-term traveling residents were all super kind to us last-minute tent campers. It's true that the sites are squished together and the road noise starts early, but it quiets down almost completely at night and the location is a dream, so we didn't mind. Tracy (in the office) is an absolute sweetheart. If you're looking for an off-the-path experience where you don't have much contact with other people, this isn't it, but we loved the special, funky vibe here and will definitely be back. read more

As a returning customer this was a magical experience, but that has all disappeared with the abrupt firing of two of the best camp managers I have ever come in contact with. Chris & Traci were let go for the crime of being ethical in administering the premises. Now the terms of occupancy are altered with a 50% reservation charge up front and a pay in full two weeks prior to arrival with full forfeiture on cancellation. Advance reservations will be a thing of the past. This place will never be the same. read more

I took my two dogs here for the day and had a blast! It's so beautiful here! The lady working the desk was so nice and the bathrooms were clean. Will definitely be coming back read more

BE FORWARNED! Angry pony tailed grounds/staff person. very hostile aggro staff person yelled *just as us as we were coming in* (maybe 25 Yards, from the sharp hairpin turn entrance. you have to go fr 35-40mph to 10miles from that turn). no greeting just yelled "hey it's 9miles an hour here"! Mind you it's slowing down from 35-40 highway speed then braking down to a sharp hair pin at 10miles an hour and into their driveway which slopes down into the grounds. Dude, give me a second to go down fr 10pm to your arbitrary 9mile an hour descending driveway. I turned into an empty stall to make a uturn. which is when I saw him yell something again, then angrily throw down his tools and walk towards us muttering something. He came to the drivers side and was upset that we turned into his empty camp stall/site to make a uturn. After yelling that, he told us "get out"! And went to the rear of our vehicle. I asked if he and everything was ok? And followed up that I didn't mean to make his day worse or cause trouble. "Just leave"! was his response. I then wished him a nice day and drove off. The important thing here is, if working in a public facing, serving and hosting visitors, even if someone grates you, one has to stay professional, dont personalize it, stay tactful while in that role. Ironically, I work with the public and we have local state and national visitors on our 35,000acre Preserves daily. If I were to short fuse like this gentleman did, I'd be appropriately admonished by my supervisor. I hope this to be a reminder for their staff and myself, to not ever act in that manner. read more

Really cool place, The staff (Tess) is extremely nice. You're about a 5 minute walk to the grocery store. Sites are on the sand close to the beach. With that being said of its raining you have to walk in wet sand, so let your wives are girlfriends kn ow before hand. Not expensive either. Great showers and toilets read more

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I wish I could give 1k stars by far our favorite spot on our #gypsylife vacation. The staff here are so amazing and helpful. I loved the community feeling it has and was so quiet. Being able to wake up to beachfront views was spectacular. read more

Anchor Bay Campgrounds - Our little spot for NYE!!! - Campgrounds Near Me - Gualala, California

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a very friendly place. it's an owner owned so you will see a mix bag of sites. the staff is very helpful and friendly. it's on the beach and you will have to be aware that day use is allowed so there in and out traffic. the road noise is awfull because it's in a small canyon. but it is so quaint that you must overlook the negative. read more

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I used to love this campground, not any more. We had reservations for a 3 night stay and had to cancel because of the weather and upcoming rain. Because it is under new management they will not give you your refund back so I am now paying $65 for nothing. DON'T STAY HERE, THEY WILL NOT REFUND ANY OF YOUR DEPOSIT AND WILL NOT PUT TOWARDS ANOTHER RESERVATION read more

Pros: Location, Location, Location.... on the beach! At 10pm all is quiet, for $15 they will come to your site and dump your tank for you. Water/Electric at sites, dump station near office. Staff is super nice/friendly. Cons: Packed in like sardines ... you are on top of your neighbor. Camping on dirt/gravel. read more

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I was doing a solo trip up the coast from Point Reyes to Eureka and needed a place to stop for the night. Very randomly pulled into this campground not expecting a spot. Looked like it was a mostly long-term stay campground, but they have day-use and drop in spots! I stayed in site 35 RIGHT ON THE OCEAN. I cannot recommend this place enough. I felt safe as a solo traveler, hot showers, wifi!!!, amazing customer service, and beach front sites. This is a great place to stay! read more

Anchor Bay Campgrounds - view from the site - Campgrounds Near Me - Gualala, California

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Our very favorite campground! Beautiful beach... and yet I can't give it 5 stars because they choose to keep horrifying people as their main office staff and maintenence person... We've been coming several times a year for the past 10yrs but this past September was a nightmare as we were harassed by their staff... Such a shame that the best little campground we've ever enjoyed has chosen to have such poor representation. Verbal menacing threats are not what we camp for... Hoping the owners wake up & smell the coffee before its too late... read more

Customer service....WOW , abysmal. Called Wednesday morning for a reservation for the weekend, they had a spot open, great going to book it ! then the woman on the phone says they have a 10.00 reservation "fee" why? I am paying 47 dollars already and is non-refundable? She stated that it was to guarantee the reservation, but you are already paying 47 dollars?!?! when I expressed my confusion and feeling of being "nickel and dime" really? 10 bucks to just make a reservation? she hung up .. I guess they are that busy where they don't care . If this is how the treat a reservation, i would hate to see you the treat a customer. just RUDE! read more

We LOVE Anchor Bay Campground! We have been coming to Anchor Bay Campground for 5 years and could not recommend a better place to stay for a beautiful view and nice camping facilities. The campground has beachfront access to a closed cove that has excellent fishing, crabbing, and abalone (restrictions permitting). The pictures say it all- this is a gorgeous spot. Beautifully maintained campground with clean nice bathrooms and showers. The town is a short, less than one minute walk away, where you can go to replenish supplies without having to take the car. Our experience with the staff has always been very positive. Tessa does a great job running the camp- making sure the campers have everything they need and regulating who comes in and out of the camp- I have noticed there is some negative feedback about this- but think about it...it is PRIVATE property and she is in charge and responsible for what goes on in this space...that is a HUGE responsibility...regulation also makes sure our campsites are safe from loitering, theft, crowded beach, poaching, etc. Personally we appreciate their dedication to protecting the space, and Tessa + crew have been nothing but kind, inviting, and helpful to us. This campground is a second home to us and we will continue to come every year and bring more friends to experience the beauty of this place - the standard rule applies- give respect and get respect. Anchor Bay we love you! read more

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Very limited beach access and very populated. We went for day use and the lady at the check-in was very bossy and impatient to be paid. She was also very nosey and started our visit out oddly, we left our car thinking what did we get ourselves into? Once on the beach, the views made up for the odd energy at the gate. I can't even imagine staying here for more than a few hours. read more

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Great campground period. A great staff of folks here. My favorite place to camp. Beautiful private beach. Stores nearby if you forget something. Clean bathrooms with hot showers. These folks make you feel safe and welcome. read more

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Been coming to this place for 20+ years with a group of about 30 people. They have really gone down hill and this last visit was the straw that broke my back. I rent the "crows nest", a trailer at the top of the hill, but it should be called the "rats nest". Last time we rented it, the rats ate all of our grapes and when we get there I noticed some rat friendly traps and deterrents. When I checked in I mentioned that it looked like they were still having issues with rats - no comment. Then I see a sign on a water spicket " danger don't touch". I asked the maintenance guy about it and he said "is there anything you like about this place"... are you freakin kidding me. This guy was such a jerk, another owners saw this whole thing transpire - no apology the next day. That cost this campground our entire group not to book October of next year. It turned out that the "danger don't touch" was because it will shock you - YES electrical current! Then there is the money "monger" manager that has put up a barricade and chases cars. She had an old credit card number and was making it sound like I am trying to get over on her or something. She tells me kids to have me come down right away and pay - I have been coming here for a long time and never have been treated this bad. My wife pulls up and she literally runs after the car and questions her - oh that's a $20 charge for bringing another car (that we are parking in our own private driveway at the "rats nest". I am so upset about this trip that I am putting it out there - someone should call the Health Department on this group! Come on electrical shocking water hose, rats, rotting decks - oh my. One star for the view. read more

Anchor Bay Campgrounds - The view - Campgrounds Near Me - Gualala, California

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I'll start by saying it hurts my heart a little to leave this review. I grew up coming here every summer (25+ years) and have the softest spot in my heart for this beautiful little corner of the earth. The beach is stunning, the little town is quaint and the facilities are generally kept very clean. Now fully grown, with kids of my own, we've tried to continue the tradition of coming to Anchor Bay each summer. As others have noted though, the campground, it's management and it's campers have changed, pretty dramatically, over the last 10+ years. Most of the available camping sites are now in the front, gravel area of the campground. Most of the "forested" sites are now inhabited by one of the dozens of "owners" of the campground -- making it feel very much like a trailer park with a few rogue campsites. Getting reservations for impacted weekends can be a complete nightmare and challenging during other times of the year. Two years ago we lined up at the office early in the am on the 4th of July, hoping to reserve the two forest sites we'd stayed in with our family for several years prior -- only to have the rudest, most entitled woman ever spend the entire time in line bragging about how dedicated her family is to this campground (all while her daughter-in-law rolled her eyes next to her) before booking up whatever she could find -- starting with the spots we had expressed we hoped to book. As they left her daughter-in-law pulled me aside and told me she probably wouldn't use the sites, she just did it to be a ....well, use your imagination -- it rhymes with itch. This is, unfortunately, what we were finding more and more often -- people who had been coming for "5 years" or "10 years" behaving as though they actually owned the campground and were somehow better than anyone else there. It was putting a real damper on the experience overall (even though some of the ACTUAL owners are incredibly nice people). Last year was the final straw. We managed to get two sites for us and our extended family at opposite ends of the gravel area. At some point we had removed the parking pass for a day trip, and hadn't yet put it back on the rear-view (it was visible though). The site manager came over and was so aggressive and rude with my dad about the placement of the placard that at first we thought she must be joking. She wasn't. And we left that day all rattled by the confrontation. This place will always have a special place in my heart-- the beach is beautiful and the memories from my childhood are the best, but it turns out there are many beautiful beaches along the north coast and campgrounds that still have actual campsites, super friendly management (we stayed up in Manchester this weekend and the campground manager there actually helped us park our trailer when we rolled in clearly exhausted with two kids at 9:30pm). We had the BEST weekend there and it made me realize I've probably been giving a pass to Anchor Bay based on memories for far too long. So it's time to move on to a new place that captures what Anchor Bay used to be -- a warm and welcoming family-friendly spot filled with beauty and friendly people that are just as happy to be there taking it all in as you are. read more

My family of four have stayed at this unique and well kept spot since 1994 every other summer and now we have added an annual Fall trip in October/ November. I have driven to compare the beach access to the nearby state beaches - THEY DO. NOT COMPARE TO THIS COVE. There are 4-5 beachfront sites ( with only water , access, and 8-10 sites partial beach views w / only water hookups. BUT THERE ARE 10-12 partial view ( nicely spaced sites ) WITH BOTH electric/ water hookups. ( All on raked & level dirt sites.)ALL CAMPSITES have a picnic table and fire ring provided, trash area, showers & bathrooms ( thoroughly CLEANED though dated.) There is a fish cleaning station, and community area w/dish washing area( CLOSED during Pandemic of course.) I CAN'T RAVE ENOUGH about this Cove which also has a 5$ day use fee for the cleanest beach around for those who don't camp here. Shhhhh Best kept secret on the coast. Excellent getaway during COVID all we're cooperative wearing masks. Staff here are communicative, friendly and accommodating as well. CELL SERVICE IS Good in camp & on beach. WIFI STRONG IN ALL CAMP SITES. Our satellite TV worked great here read more

Anchor Bay Campgrounds - Beach scene with driftwood shelter - Campgrounds Near Me - Gualala, California

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Very disappointed in the interaction from the front office .. we pulled in inquiring about day use ( surf boards and picnic baskets in tow .. ) was told we don't belong here ..And I was to sit in the car and park over there while my partner takes a look .. in mean time I was stared and glared at and filmed sitting in my car doing nothing which I found very invasive and un necessary I ask why are u filming the worker says I don't Know I was told .. this camp ground has a great beach that I will never see .. the grounds are dirty ,people are rude and no one was wearing a mask ! read more

The beach is gorgeous here, not crowded clean however this is a mobile home park with some campsites near the beach access point. I don't know what these other reviews are about but there is no way you can get 5 stars just for the beach. If you are tent camping or have a small: like 20' trailer it's great but this place despite their website is not fit for motor homes especially over 25'. There are only about 10 actual campsites and the rest of the park is filled with permanent trailer residents. Staff and residents are all very friendly and bathroom facilities are clean. If you don't mind camping in a trailer park it has great beach access but again not a campground does not have any full hookup sites and the road to get here is 25 mph in anything over 20' -25' Luckily we are experienced rvers and have experienced worse but I found the website to be very misleading and wouldn't want someone else to be disappointed. That said the price is more than fair for the great beach, it's just sad that what could be an amazing campground is actually a weird but friendly trailer park that is overpopulated but clean read more

Anchor Bay Campgrounds - Gorgeous Beach - Campgrounds Near Me - Gualala, California

The fishing at this camp is one of the best on the coast. We camp here all the time and its a fun place to be. The staff here are very friendly and helpful. The do everything they can to insure that the place is clean and sites are tidy. We will be spending many vacations here in the future read more

If you are looking for a rustic fish camp with incredible beach access this is the place for you. This place is NOT fancy, to say the least! The reviews say staff are a problem, but in my experience they just want folks to follow the rules , and they have a business to run. The sites are just dirt, so the appeal is not there for folks who like to hang in the camping area, but the beach is nothing short of phenomenal. Kayaking, boogie boarding, surfing, building sand castles and if you have small boat the camp can launch it for you for a fee if you are looking to fish or dive. There is a fish cleaning station and a spot to wash your gear if you dive. There is a group area that you can reserve for meals if you have a larger group, it has a sink and a microwave and lots of picnic tables. read more

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Oh HELL no. Why on earth would anyone want to drive for nearly 3 hours, through remote, wildly beautiful Northern California, and then set up camp here -- in a glorified parking lot crammed with RVs!? It's like a cramped little city. The bad neighborhood in a cramped little city. I swear to you, campsite #6 (depicted on their web site as a tree-shrouded getaway) is a joke. It is right next to a big metal wall, and exactly underneath Highway One, so you can hear the roar of traffic going over your head. The campsites are all crowded together and it's a complete hellhole. We paid something like $45 to reserve one night here, and when we got here my husband said, "Are you KIDDING? We would be happier setting up our tent in East Oakland." Thank god the Gualala River Redwood Park a couple of miles down the road had an open space. We HAPPILY forfeited our one-night deposit to get the hell away from this place. read more

I am very disappointed with my experience with Anchor Bay Campgrounds. This campsite came highly recommended by one of my good friends, so my husband and I looked into it and decided to book a reservation. I spoke with Tessa on June 16th to make a reservation for July 15th (note: 29 days in advance). I specifically asked about the cancellation policy because my husband had to submit a time-off request for work. I "heard" 3 days. This made sense to me because 2-3 days was typical for other places that I looked into. Ok, great. So I paid my $52 deposit. One night + $10. Fast forward 4 days to June 20th (25 days prior to the reservation date). I e-mailed to give my cancellation notice. I was denied a refund because it was less than 30 days prior to the reservation. What?! We came to the conclusion that I "misheard" when I had made the reservation. Regardless, how could I have given a 30 days cancellation notice if I made the reservation 29 days in advance? I completely understand the point of cancellation policies and yes, I get that I misheard, but 25 days is plenty of notice. I feel like they could have compromised and given a partial refund and I offered this as a solution, but no, I lost $52 for a reservation that I held for 4 days. Very disappointing. Lesson learned. This looked like a fun place to visit and perhaps we could have made it work at a later date, but after this experience I refuse to give Anchor Bay Campgrounds one more dollar. read more

I loved this place. It is not perfect--read the other reviews--but such a great friendly setting with people walking around and kids playing, surrounded by redwoods and a short walk to a love beach. I only stayed for one night and would have stayed for a week however their wifi was not working (there was a guy coming to fix it) and we got zero cell phone coverage on all three of different service phones. We have a 41' RV and we lucked out and got a site because not many of their sites would fit us, and it is hard to maneuver in this small area and a bit hard to get out of (we scrapped our hitch on the way out. I would recommend it highly and doubly so if you have kids. I can't imagine a more magical place to spend a week as a kid. read more

So there are pros and cons... Pros: Close to a very nice beach. Super easy access to sandy beach that's good for launching small craft. Clean restrooms, including showers and places to wash off wetsuits Well stocked store if you need forgotten incidentals (like cooking oil) Cons: The smell. The whole campground area is down wind from the large dumpster that smells terrible. Cramped quarters. You are essentially parking on the road through the campground and there is a log that separates you from your neighbor. No space between sites. All in all, I'd send my husband and his friends there to go fishing and have a guy's weekend, but I wouldn't go back if we were going for a family trip. read more

I used to camp here when I was a little girl. So, I though we'd go up to Anchor Bay to relive the past and make some new memories with the hubby and kidletts. Not much has changed over the last 25 years except now the camp sites are filled with "yearly" owner's mobile homes and trailers. There are very few camp sites available these days...BUT, this camp ground is in the Redwoods and is on a beach! We reserved 2 sites which were located at the entrance. Hwy 1 is a little loud at night, but the trees and ocean are awesome. The bathrooms have quarter operated showers and they're clean. There's also a little store where you can purchase fire wood and other items. Truly the best thing about this place is the beach. Tons of tide pools and a big sandy area to explore. We really enjoyed camping here and will come back to relive old memories and to make new ones. read more

My husband and I are seasoned campers and fell in love with this place. That being said it isn't perfect but what it does have makes up for what it doesn't. Pros: It's steps to the beach that's absolutely beautiful and more than enough room for nice walks, beautiful surroundings with the redwoods, electricity and water hook ups on some sites (if your into that), clean bathrooms, and clean campground, the campground is in a small ravine and makes for a cozy area that feels closed off from the rest of the world, the front sites fit tents and trailers up to mid size, there's no bus size RV sites near the beach. Cons: Sites close together, only one bathroom at the center of the park, campground workers are only semi friendly and not very attentive to the campers, the back part of the campground that's in the redwoods is for permanent residents with only a few camp site that are right off Highway 1. This place is very popular and you have to book way in advance but if you love the beach you'll love this place it's a smaller campground and seems to create an atmosphere where everyone talks to each other. I had my best birthday ever camping here and will be going back next year. read more

Three and a half stars. I would rate higher if the parking situation was better. Been coming here for the past three years. Its a great spot to relax and let the dogs run on the beach. parking is tight when the grounds are full. so having nice neighbors to help guide you in or move their car temporarily to allow you to manuever easier is definetely a place. We will continue to return here. Bathroom are clean and showers are hot. Dress warm it gets cold at night.. read more

Staff were friendly but wound super tight (kinda tweekerish), disorganized, and bringing chaos to simple situation of two people checking in at once - even though neither of us were in a hurry, no frustration, etc. When the manager arrived to help she was flat out rude, passive aggressive, made mean/nasty remarks under her breath, and then just walked away when I astonishingly asked her to repeat what she had said - and shut the door in my face. And I had given her nothing but yes ma'ms, pleases, and thank you's. No sarcasm, attitude, or frustration from my end. I said nor did a single thing to warrant such reactive/dominating behavior. It was appalling. To patronize this business is to vote with your dollars for the decline of customer service. read more

This place is amazing! Not sure why the bad reviews. This is our second time here and we love it. Clean bathrooms and showers, super friendly staff. read more

All I can say is this place is weird. We were there on a day pass in order to take the 13 year old to the beach to try surfing. The beach itself is really nice... a great place to spend a day relaxing with kids. But to get there it feels like you have to deal with a bunch of really entitled people who make you feel like you don't belong and are quite unwelcome. Half of the campground is taken by RVs and trailers that seem to be permanent. Looked it up and turns out they are... these are the group of part owners of this place. Well to get to the beach you pass all of them in order to reach the office to pay your day use fee, which is pretty steep... $5 per car and $3 per person on top of that. So after paying our $11 we saw all the signs telling us we couldn't use the garbage cans, restrooms, trail to town etc. All of that is for residents and campers only. Drove quite consciously as slowly as I possibly could to get to the office, only to be yelled at through my open window by a guy in front of his trailer that "the speed limit here is 5mph!" I wasn't even upset at first because I agree that you need to drive very slowly there, so I looked down at my speedometer in surprise that I was going any faster than that. But nope, it said I was going 5mph because that's the very lowest speed it shows so I was actually going even slower. It's just that the residents and other campground in-crowd don't really want you there, even after you pay to park. I'd say skip it. There are other nice places to go nearby. read more

I'm not a camper but we did just recently purchase a house in Anchor Bay. We haven't obtained our beach "permit" yet but I wanted baby to see the ocean so we had to pay in order to check out the grounds (we were there for like 15 min). The campground is kind of trashy tbh. Really cluttered and if just feels dirty. I could totally see what everyone was complaining about, RVs packed really close together. As a pedestrian seeing this is kind of off-putting if I just want to access the beach but not camp. It'd be nicer if the pedestrian access trail did not go through the campground but then ... how would they charge, right?! I don't know if all other costal access points charge as well (I asked but I wasn't given a proper answer) but I would try accessing another beach instead. It's a shame though since this access point is SO walk friendly and convenient! read more

Reading some of the recent negatives reviews is interesting. I love the staff here, and I consider this my favorite place on earth - that I can afford to get to. Yes, campsites are close together. It's never an issue - I meet wonderful people each visit and we all respect each other's space. I stay on a sea wall site each time I go and can lay in my tent and have an unobstructed view of the beach and the cove. Bathrooms and showers are always in great condition when I go, the community sink and kitchen area is nice to have, and the private beach for only the campers and day use visitors is simply incredible. read more

If i could give this place zero i would. This is not owned by one person several by the way. I have gone here since i was 2 years old but thinking to go somewhere else to camp. The place is beautiful but not worth the trouble with staff or owners they are shady with reservations they give there friends first pick even though you stay.the staff is not friendly yes there are rules but does not mean u can be rude. there overnight to try to reserve for the next year maybe just doing a one day pass would be good to do so to play at the beach but to stay there i don't think so. It really sad because i have had lots or memories here and wanted my daughter to experience that but not if things stay the way they do. Please change your staff or correct situation otherwise people wont stay here read more