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Take a special camping trip to Anchor Bay Campground. This six-acre campground on the Mendocino coast is privately owned and on a beautiful piece of land. Situated on a narrow gulch surrounded by native redwood trees, ferns, and coastal flora, the campground opens up to a secluded half-mile-long beach known as Anchor Bay Beach. It’s a popular destination, especially during weekends, summer, and holidays, attracting visitors seeking a peaceful and family-oriented retreat. Anchor Bay is located on the vast Northern California coast, nestled in between tiny communities. To give you an idea of just how secluded this campground is, Anchor Bay is an hour south of the town of Mendocino and about 10 minutes north of the tranquil Sea Ranch community. We think this just might be one of the best campgrounds in Gualala in Northern California!
The campground is approximately a 3-hour drive from San Francisco. It offers 30 overnight camping sites, with 5 located in the redwoods and 25 in the main campground.
Each site can accommodate tents. Amenities include water hookups, picnic tables, and fire pits. Some sites also have electricity and sewer hookups. The campground also provides restrooms with flush toilets, hot and cold-water sinks, and coin-operated showers.
Outdoor enthusiasts love this campground! Anchor Bay is a favorite spot for fishermen, beachcombers, divers, and hikers. The area offers opportunities to explore marine life during low tide, making it an ideal destination to go tide-pooling.
It’s also a great place to go crabbing and fishing! After a successful fishing trip, take your catch to the fish house to clean it. Then you can cook your catch over a fire. The campground store sells bait, ice, firewood and more!
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Overlooking the campground and beach is Anchor Bay Village, accessible via a short trail. The village features essential amenities for campers, including the Anchor Bay Store (an organic-based grocery store), The White Cap Cafe (a local favorite offering coffee and pastries), and The Thai Kitchen restaurant.
The history of the area dates back to the turn of the century when Fish Rock Gulch was a hub for shipping and trade. The region's rugged terrain and lack of natural harbors made sea access crucial for the timber industry.
Schooners and small, rural ports played a vital role in transporting lumber and other goods from the coast to growing California cities. Fish Rock was one such town that thrived during this era, with the last ship using the Fish Rock chute in 1914.
In 1924, Anchor Bay began to take shape as a tourist destination. W. S. Pierce, caretaker of the Anchor Bay Store, moved the store to the south side of Fish Rock Gulch, initiating the development of Anchor Bay as a commercial and camping site.
The completion of the coast road in the late 1920s facilitated tourism to the area, and Anchor Bay gradually expanded to include various facilities such as rental cabins, a restaurant, a gas station, and a dance hall.
Today, Anchor Bay Campground continues to offer a unique coastal experience, blending natural beauty with a rich history.
Visitors can enjoy a peaceful getaway surrounded by redwoods and the soothing sounds of the Pacific Ocean. For those interested in planning a stay, reservations can be made by calling the number on their website. Peak season is March 1 to Oct. 31, and off-peak season is Nov. 1 to Feb. 28.
So plan a trip to Anchor Bay Campground in Gualala, one of the best campgrounds in Northern California. You won’t forget this beautiful campground with so many amenities, a private beach, and dark night skies.
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