I go camping as an intentional exercise in self-sufficiency and humility, and for that reason don't show up with any entitlements or expectations. If my reserved campsite is available when I arrive, I'm good to go. Woodside did not fail me in any way, shape or form during my 2-night stay this summer.
I made my reservations ahead of time on ReserveCalifornia.com, but if you show up out of the blue the rangers put in the meticulous effort every day of marking which sites have no-shows or cancellations, allowing you to essentially walk right into a premium summer camping location. My site had a placard with my name and date range on it, a little detail of service I completely love. Showing up after 5 pm was nbd, because our place was saved. $80 very well spent.
At site 41, we were a short walk to the restroom, but had a water spigot and small, clean trash cans right next to the site. For convenience, we often used the restroom while we were coming and going to Stewarts Point Store for breakfast or the beach for hiking. No problemo. No showers at Woodside, yay to a washcloth and soap to clean up after a long day of hiking.
In the campground we saw bats, chipmunks, baby deer (with white spots still on their fur), woodpeckers, jays, and all sorts of other birds. Gratefully, no mosquitoes in mid-July. We loved sliding into nighttime with a campfire.
If you haven't camped in Salt Point, you're in for a treat. The area has an interesting history and the bluff trails have to be experienced firsthand. Your reservation includes Day Use fees for all areas of the park, including Gerstle Cove and the Salt Point Bluff trails. Make a reservation and get out there! read more