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Gualala Point Regional Park
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
8 reviews for Gualala Point Regional Park
8 reviews in English
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Review from Saunders C.
San Francisco, CA
7/11/2011
Them raccoons are sneaky lil' critters.
Gualala Point Regional Park is situated at the mouth of the Gualala River where it empties into the Pacific. It provides a great campground with several campsites nestled amongst the trees along the river and only a short hike to the beach. If you're planning on stopping here for a few days, here's what you'll want to know:
1) Campgrounds: These campgrounds ($26/day) are probably near the top of my list in terms of amenities. Very easy to get to off of Highway 1. A relatively small number of campsites, so it doesn't get crazy crowded. Each campsite is pretty big, too, so good for groups of 6-8 at least, and many accommodated a fairly large family with their RVs and campers trailers in tow. We had a walk-in site, which doesn't allow you to park your car at the campsite, but there's a 15-minute loading area very close so you can load/unload with ease. There's also a site for hikers/bikers only ($5/day). The campgrounds are well maintained with an on-site camp host who sells firewood ($7/bundle). He keeps the firewood under an electrified fence? That seems kind of weird unless you get a lot of people pilfering firewood. He also has a wagon or wheelbarrow you can borrow to lug the wood to your campsite.
2) Campsites: Campsites are spacious and not too crowded together, so at least you can't hear your neighbors' conversations. Most campsites are in the trees, so there's not a ton of sunlight that gets in, although some sites did get healthy patches of sun. This can be an issue if it gets cold. Thus, fires were started pretty early in the evening. Campsites have a firering with removable metal grilling grate, a picnic table, and a small cupboard at the end of the picnic table for storing stuff. This cupboard is absolutely key to avoid having your food raided by the nocturnal masked bandits that come out for a free meal at night.
3) Bathrooms: The bathrooms are as pristine as camping restrooms come. There's hot water (HOT WATER!) in each individual bathroom, an electrical outlet (ZAP!), a flush toilet, ample toilet paper, and a paper towel dispenser with actual paper towels. Throw in a bathmat and you'd think you were at home. Seriously, though, they keep the bathrooms in great shape, and we saw one guy hanging out by the bathrooms a lot charging his cell phone. Seriously, what was he doing? There's no cell phone reception so maybe he was watching movies on his phone. Dude, take a look around at the trees, maybe.
4) Activities: There seemed to be pretty much two activities you could do while camping here. You could hike down to the beach (about a one mile, 30-minute walk, really), or you could canoe up the river. The canoeing/kayaking looked like a lot of fun, but it also looked like everyone had brought their own boats, so I don't think there was anyplace to rent, although I'm not sure. For most of the campsites along the river, it looked like you could launch straight from your campsite, that's pretty fancy. Otherwise, there was a small landing that you could launch from closer to the ocean. The hiking trail is well-defined and you could walk along the coast for several miles if you chose to be ambitious. The coastal area is beautiful and if you venture further along the trail, you get a lot of gorgeous views of the ocean. The beach is a nice place to hang out, but I think due to the ocean shelf falling off suddenly, you're not really advised to go into the water because of the very strong undertow. You can also go abalone diving (there's a limit) or fishing. Mostly, this place is made for chillaxin'.
5) Random notes: The town of Gualala is a 2 minute drive from the campgrounds, so don't worry if you forgot anything like your bug spray, citronella candle, lighter, firestarter log, tent, sleeping bag, food, etc. There's a farmers market there on Saturday morning, and a couple of supermarkets, and several shops. I can't think of many basic camping supplies that they wouldn't have at one of these places. The Surf supermarket also has a BBQ stand out front where they were serving grilled oysters, hells yeah. The campsites aren't that far from the road, so you do hear occasional cars passing, but it's not that noticeable. There were a LOT of mosquitos, so make sure to bring your bug spray and citronella candles (or buy them at the local supermarket).
Seriously, lock up your food. The raccoons were fearless. We had the cupboard open for a few minutes while we were all standing nearby and one snuck up and took off with a loaf of bread. They'll climb up to your garbage bag and crawl over your stuff at night. Throw everything away and keep things secure in the cooler or in the car. I heard they made off with one of the local kids when the parents weren't looking and raised it as their own. I can't confirm this, but there did seem to be one exceptionally large raccoon walking on his hindlimbs.
Gualala Point Regional Park, you are pretty awesome. -
Review from Pearly C.
Elk Grove, CA
9/12/2011 2 photos
My first impression was the quiet dark stillness of the campground as we first drove in. The trees were tall and the vegetation was plentiful. Being so close to the coast is cold enough. But also imagine a campsite surrounded by dense trees and shrubbery that it literally blocks out ANY sunlight from filtering thru plus the coldness of the ocean...it spells out DARK & COLD! If you enjoy dense dark forestry camping then this is the place for you. Don't get me wrong though...we enjoyed ourselves despite this. They had clean restrooms that provided flushing toilets with toilet paper and paper towels (but no soap, so bring your own) and a HOT shower. A fire pit is provided per campsite and there is someone on the premises that sells a bundle of wood ($7) if you forget or run out.
I have to warn you though...if you are traveling afar: beware the winding roads of CA-1. The drive is very scary unless you enjoy sharp & winding roads. -
Review from Sacstyle H.
Sacramento, CA
8/19/2011
A little jewel on the North Coast. Unlike a lot of campgrounds with Redwood trees, you get good light during the day. It is still chilly until the afternoon, so bring warm clothes. Still, it feels good after the valley heat. We burnt a lot of campfires.
Small campground, only 19 sites, so it does not appear hectic. Sites are well spaced away from the river, close together along the river. Take your pick. We like more room, so we chose the larger sites. Look at the map and make your decision. It is pretty accurate as far as how much space you will have.
Rangers are helpful and wonderful, and not overbearing. You feel very secure, the Rangers and Sheriffs Department cruise through. Lots of families. Showers and bathrooms are clean, $1.50 for 5 minutes, $.25 for every 50 seconds after that. Hot water starts immediately, so you don't waste any money.
Take the hike that leaves from the walk in campsites, goes under Hwy 1 to the Visitors Center and then to the ocean and the river. Go south on Hwy 1 and hit some of the trails in Sea Ranch. Spectacular ocean views.
Gualala is about one minute away, a charming little town. Two supermarkets across from each other. One has senior discounts on Mondays, the other on Thursdays. Food is good in town. We ate at the Taqueria and was happy. The Azul Cove and Grill had a great burger. We chose them over Bones Roadhouse, which had mixed reviews from the locals.
The one negative: The camp host. Sold us wet wood. When I knocked on his trailer to buy it, his Greeting was "What do you want?" When I went to ask him about the wet wood, he greeted me with "What is your problem? " He also yelled at the guy before me who was taking some kindling after asking permission. They also never left the trailer, the "Off Duty" sign was up permanently. Camp Hosts with negative attitudes like this have no business working with campers. If you see a Saturn out front, that is the guy, and good luck. You can buy wood albeit a bit expensive at the stores in town. They also have a hardware store.
We will be heading there again. -
Review from Zella B.
Benicia, CA
7/30/2007 2 photos
Gualala, Gualala, Gualala - I love that name..
It kinda rolls off your tongue.
The other thing I love about Gualala, is the view!
Simply stunning! It's one of those, slam on your brakes, pull the car to a screeching halt, jump into oncoming traffic to get the perfect picture type views. It's that good! (And yes, I kinda did that. Luckily, no large vehicles were coming.)
Enough silly talk, Gualala really is a place you must see before you go six feet under. It's one of the unexpected places in Northern California. You're just cruising along Highway 1, trying to pass the slow cars or being one of the slow cars and then BOOM you've found one of the quirkiest little towns along the coast.
Oh and I mean quirky. Ever met a dinosaur?? I bet you haven't! That's right folks, I was almost eaten by a dinosaur. He had his huge T-Rex head formed around my little teeny noggin and *snap*, perfect picture! T-Rex is located at one of the local nurseries/novelty shops. Anyway, he's a perfect example of how random Gualala is.
The park itself, is nothing short of stunning. Picnic tables are sprinkled throughout the 195 acre park. Wow, that reminds me - I need to go back! I don't think I even explored an acre of Gualala Point Regional Park. Shame on me! However, I do remember the redwoods. I just have to say, I bet those trees are happy. I'd be happy if I was growing next to the Pacific Ocean with sandy beaches lying in front of me and a cool breeze rustling my leaves every day. Eh, then again I'm a sucker for a good view and nice sand.
Go see Gualala Point Regional Park - it's only $5 for day use, unless you bring a TON of people.. Not a ton, like 9 people.. Then it's a little more. Take a camera, some good food and enjoy! -
Review from Nick C.
Sacramento, CA
4/21/2010
Awesome State Park. Perfect views of the ocean complemented by a variety of environs. You can be down by the river, strolling along the ocean, tramping through a seaside meadow to climbing through coastal redwoods. You can whale watch at the appropriately named "Whale Watch Point" and spy on the resident sea otters and seals as well. Stop by the Visitor Center (if open) and learn about Gualala's history. Beachcomb the mile long spit of beach. Picnic on the tables facing the ocean and people watch. Great trails and one of the most maintained State Parks I have ever been to.
Oh and learn from our first experience 3 years ago when we were much younger (and poorer)... Just pay the (now) $6 dollar fee to park. Or else you might end up with a *friendly* reminder that they have your license plate number and you are a cheat and need to pay up. Or don't and have a hell of a time coming up with all the spare change you can muster and writing a note saying that you are sorry but that this was all you could come up with and laughing all the way home about it. Awww memories. -
Review from Star B.
San Francisco, CA
6/17/2008
Gualala State Park is beautiful! As long as you bring your bicycle, you're all set!! IF you don't have one, the only other option for activities is kayaking because the town doesn't provide bike rentals.
I agree with Zella: $5 entrance fee, amazing views, & very clean. We obtained the bicycle/hiking maps from the Gualala Visitor Center (called the Dolphin), picnic'd, & biked along the beach trail.
& the name: Gualala - one that you can't forget & how can you not? It means, "when the river meets the ocean"... it literally does. -
Review from Anne P.
Red Bluff, CA
9/24/2009
Great on the weekdays as there were only a few other in the campground on Sunday night!
At night the Racoons come out so beware, they will snitch food right off your table while you are 10 feet away! Be sure to secure ALL edibles in a SECURE place! -
Review from r f.
San Francisco, CA
12/2/2009
Great hikes through meadows, and along the coast and beach. Incredible views - a great thing to do when you're in the area.
