Gerstle cove or Woodside (Salt Point)

Hi everyone-

Looking to do some camping Sept / Oct up in Salt Point. What are the recommendations as far as campground up there? Any particular sites I should target or avoid? Are these my best two campground options or is there something better I am missing? Thanks!!

Woodside is very wooded and protected. Each campsite is nestled back in the woods and feel very private even though you're only a stone's throw from the neighboring site. Quick walk to bathrooms and water, paved parking spots, fire pits, nice open sites for tents. You can access Gerstle Cove(across the highway) for free to get to the water. One of my favorites.

Gerstle cove is great because you can see the ocean and you don't have to cross the highway to get to the water. You can walk the trails down to coast and all along the rocky shore there. However, the campsites are very exposed which is great for the view, not so much for the wind. It can definitely howl, and when it does, it can kick your tent's butt and make sitting around the campfire a task. Very pretty though.

Ocean Cove and Timber Cove are other nearby camping options too. Never camped at either myself but others can definitely chime in.

Have fun !

Ocean Cove campground or Stillwater.

Based upon camping alone I prefer the State Campgrounds to either the Sonoma County Regional or the private campgrounds mentioned. The facilities are well maintained and the rangers tend to deal with noise, drunkenness, ect. So you don't have to not to mention it is the prettiest, <25 yo no family or high maintence girlfriend Gystle due to wind and cold >25yo suffering from arthritis or soft family members=Woodside.that being said if you remain calm and catch fish it's hard to go wrong, have fun

If I HAVE to stay in a "campground" Woodside is my favorite in the state. I prefer making camp, but you cant always do that.

Based upon camping alone I prefer the State Campgrounds to either the Sonoma County Regional or the private campgrounds mentioned. The facilities are well maintained and the rangers tend to deal with noise, drunkenness, ect. So you don't have to not to mention it is the prettiest, <25 yo no family or high maintence girlfriend Gystle due to wind and cold >25yo suffering from arthritis or soft family members=Woodside.that being said if you remain calm and catch fish it's hard to go wrong, have fun

Thanks for the great information... that was sort of my impression of the two Salt Point campgrounds.  Hard to enjoy the view if its side affects are making everyone else miserable!

If I HAVE to stay in a "campground" Woodside is my favorite in the state. I prefer making camp, but you cant always do that.

By 'make camp' what exactly do you mean?  What are the options on the Sonoma Coast?  Thanks.

FWIW some of the state parks have shut off their water....hope you find a good place

Great info to have! Happened to me in the beginning of a 1 week camping trip in Santa Barbara last year, that was rough!

Likely will just be a weekend trip at Salt Point, so should be able to manage, at least with this info ahead of time!

If I HAVE to stay in a "campground" Woodside is my favorite in the state. I prefer making camp, but you cant always do that.

By 'make camp' what exactly do you mean?  What are the options on the Sonoma Coast?  Thanks.

Find a good spot on national forest, and camp there. Lots of times you will need a permit for a fire, charcoal or gas grill. So you gotta plan cooking ahead of time.

If I HAVE to stay in a "campground" Woodside is my favorite in the state. I prefer making camp, but you cant always do that.

By 'make camp' what exactly do you mean?  What are the options on the Sonoma Coast?  Thanks.

Find a good spot on national forest, and camp there. Lots of times you will need a permit for a fire, charcoal or gas grill. So you gotta plan cooking ahead of time.

Ah yes, of course. To my knowledge no option for that on Sonoma coast... correct me if I am mistaken!

According to ReserveAmerica, Woodside closes on Sept 7 this year, sucks for the fall, Gerstle open all year.  And yeah Woodside is tops for the area. 

According to ReserveAmerica, Woodside closes on Sept 7 this year, sucks for the fall, Gerstle open all year.  And yeah Woodside is tops for the area.

Wow, that's so early. Bummer. Thanks for the heads up !

According to ReserveAmerica, Woodside closes on Sept 7 this year, sucks for the fall, Gerstle open all year.  And yeah Woodside is tops for the area.

Wow, that's so early. Bummer. Thanks for the heads up !

Agreed, thanks for pointing that out

I am at Mackerricher right now. Water is on. Will be at woodside starting tomorrow through the weekend. Where is the best spot to fish there?  And I serving the state parks being the better option. Maintained better and the rules are actually enforced.  I stayed at shelter cove rv park last week and it was ridiculous.  I will never stay there again.

I am at Mackerricher right now. Water is on. Will be at woodside starting tomorrow through the weekend. Where is the best spot to fish there?  And I serving the state parks being the better option. Maintained better and the rules are actually enforced.  I stayed at shelter cove rv park last week and it was ridiculous.  I will never stay there again.

Will you have the kayak or are you going to be shore fishing at Woodside ?