Dive Site Overview:
Reef Campground – Sonoma Coast
Dive Site Overview:
Reef Campground (Fort Ross Reef) is one of the first accessible sites North of Bodega Bay, and like many other areas, it has several different entry areas available. Reef Campground is located 2 miles South of Fort Ross, and is one of the first popular abalone dive sites on the Sonoma Coast.After entering Reef Campground, you’ll see the pay kiosk at the entrance. Be sure to pay the $8 parking fee, as this area (like most in the area) is heavily patrolled, and you will get a ticket if you don’t pay. From the kiosk, there is a road straight ahead that winds through the camping area and down to a parking lot, with a very short trail to the protected cove (see photo above). This site offers a relatively easy entry and plenty of abalone, with a gradually deeper slope as you head out of the cove. There are restrooms located near the parking area, and of course, camping within a few hundred yards of the beach.
Note that during times of budget cuts, Reef Campground will likely be closed to vehicles and camping. Hiking in is still allowed.
Another popular area to dive is located down a dirt road just to the left of the entry kiosk. After paying for your parking at the booth, make a sharp left and double back a hundred feel or so, then turn right down the dirt road. There is a parking area that overlooks a cove and entry area to the right, and a short trail to the left takes you to another cove to the South. At the point between these two coves is a popular rock picking area, and at low tide, shore pickers can make it quite a ways offshore to a small island or outcropping.
Both of these sites have good numbers of abalone, but of course be sure to check the conditions and evaluate the conditions carefully before entering the water.
Getting There:
Traveling North on Highway 1, about 12 miles North of Jenner (and 20 miles North of Bodega Bay), you’ll see the sign on the left side of the road for Reef Campground. It’s well marked and easy to find. There is camping available (20 sites) April through November, restrooms, and plenty of parking at both dive areas. Camping is $20 per night, parking is $8. There is a pay phone at the entry kiosk.
Typical Conditions:
Depths range 10-50 feet, and conditions are variable, as all North coast sites are. Water temperatures are typically 48-56 degrees year ’round. You can get a general overview of conditions by checking the Salt Point Ocean Conditions website, and be sure to carefully evaluate conditions when you arrive.