Rocky promontories, panoramic views, kelp-dotted coves, and the dramatic sounds of pounding surf; open grasslands, forested hills, pristine prairies, and pygmy forests- you can experience all of these coastal wonders within the Salt Point State Park. With 20 miles of hiking trails, over six miles of rugged coastline, and an underwater park, you can enjoy a variety of picnicking, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, skin and SCUBA diving, and camping. The weather can be changeable along the rugged Northern California Coast. Even summertime can be cool as fog hugs the coastline and ocean winds chill the air. We recommend layered clothing for your visit.
RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES
Activities at the park include camping, picnicking, fishing, free diving, kayaking, scuba diving, horse riding and hiking.
Camping—Camping reservations are strongly advised from March 5 to October 31, especially on weekends. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table with food locker. Drinking water and restrooms are nearby, but no showers or sanitation stations are available. Call (800) 444-7275 to reserve campsites.
Family Campsites—The 109 family sites at Salt Point State Park include 30 on the ocean side of the highway at the Gerstle Cove Campground, and 79 on the east side of the highway at the Woodside Campground.
Walk-In Campsites—The 20 walk-in sites in the Woodside Campground do not require reservations, but they are frequently unusable in bad weather. Check at (707) 847-3221 before your trip.
Hike/Bike Campsites—Ten hike/bike campsites are behind the ranger office near the Woodside Campground.
Group Campground—The group campground, on the ocean side of Highway 1, accommodates a maximum of 40 people and 10 cars. No dogs are allowed.
Overflow Camping—A day-use parking lot below Gerstle Cove Campground is available for self-contained vehicles only (no tent camping or open fires). There are no restroom facilities, and you must bring your own drinking water.
Fishing—Salt Point is a very good spot for surf fishing. In the Gerstle Cove State Marine Reserve and the Stewarts Point State Marine Reserve, marine life is completely protected. Abalone diving, spearfishing, and rod and reel fishing are in bad weather. Check at (707) 847-3221 before your trip. The sites are approximately /*- to Vi-mile from the parking area. No dogs are allowed. Hike/Bike Campsites—Ten hike/bike campsites are behind the ranger office near the Woodside Campground. Group Campground—The group campground, on the ocean side of Highway 1, accommodates a maximum of 40 people and 10 cars. No dogs are allowed.
Overflow Camping—A day-use parking lot below Gerstle Cove Campground is available for self-contained vehicles only (no tent camping or open fires). There are no restroom facilities, and you must bring your own drinking water. Fishing—Salt Point is a very good spot for surf fishing. In the Gerstle Cove State Marine Reserve and the Stewarts Point State Marine Reserve, marine life is completely protected. Abalone diving, spearfishing, and rod and reel fishing are permitted elsewhere in the area. Anglers over the age of 16 must carry a valid California fishing license.
Diving—Salt Point's rocky coastline attracts abalone divers. Abalone collection is highly regulated. People taking abalone need a valid California fishing license abalone report card. Additional rules apply regarding minimum size, daily bag and possession limits, tagging and reporting. For more information on abalone and fishing regulations.
Picnicking—Fisk Mill Cove, a day-use area with paved parking, picnic tables, upright barbecues, restrooms and drinking water, is shielded from the wind by Bishop pines. For a dramatic view of the Pacific Ocean, take a short walk from the north parking lot to Sentinel Rock's viewing platform. Stump Beach, one of the few sandy beaches north of lenner, has some picnic tables near the parking lot and a primitive toilet, but nc running water. A !4-miIe trail leads to the beach. Gerstle Cove also has picnic tables, a primitive toilet and a scenic view of the ocean.
Trails—The park has more than 20 miles of hiking and equestrian trails.
BOATING
OVERNIGHT FACILITIES
En route Campsites
Family Campsites
Group Campsites
Hike or Bike Campsites
Primitive Camping
RV Access
TRAIL USE
Hiking Trails
DAY-USE ACTIVITIES & FACILITIES
Historical/Cultural Site
Picnic Areas
Env. Learning/Visitor Center
Exhibits and Programs
Fishing
Interpretive Exhibits
Scuba Diving/Snorkeling
Beach Area
Windsurfing/Surfing
Family Programs
Geocaching