Can’t beat this spot off CA Highway 1 if you love sleeping at the water’s edge and yummy fresh seafood! I arrived at Bodega Bay on Labor Day weekend (Saturday) and of course all the campgrounds were full. I was just going to enjoy the day and then drive off to overnight park somewhere but low and behold I discovered this free spot to camp. Wowza! Video
I went straight to Doran Regional Park and Campground and bought a day pass—only $6. I asked about camping and the nice park ladies in the booth pointed out to me that just across the bay was a Free RV Camping area. “Look across the water and you will see the trailers,” the nice lady said. Talk about a score. I drove around the bay to Campbell Cove and found a spot, thrilled to get to enjoy the area for a few days.
Activities are fishing, clamming, and beachcombing
This Free RV Camping area is just outside the day use entrance to Campbell Cove, and right before the steep climb to Bodega Head. Over the holiday weekend were a bunch of families camping, people flying kites on the beach, kids splashing around in the water, etc. One mom and son made off with a bag full of fresh clams!
It’s a popular spot but not over-crowded. We stayed three nights and most campers had left by Monday afternoon.
Fresh seafood and award-winning clam chowder
I try to eat gluten-free (CFS issues for decades) so skipped the chowder but could not skip the fresh Dungeness Crab po’boy sandwich. OMG. So good! I could have eaten three.
And since I was off my diet anyways, had to go back and get some fish and chips at Fisherman’s Cove next door—to share with Tiger of course. 🙂
Both meals were not cheap ($20 each) but well worth the splurge. If I had more cash I would have gotten some fresh oysters too! These restaurants are located just a few miles from Campbell Cove, across the street from the marina.
Video of Free RV Camping at Bodega Bay
Here’s a short video of the camping area, the bay, and you can also see Doran Regional Park across the bay. I wish I could post the stay limit but I have not been able to talk with anyone yet to ask. Will keep trying!
Cell service was excellent
As to be expected in any area close to a major town or tourist spot, the cell coverage was excellent. I could work, watch movies, etc. with my 5G iPhone and Verizon service.