Fort Ross Reef Campground and Beach
Jenner, CA

Fort Ross Reef Campground and Beach sits just south of the main historic park, a separate developed area with its own camping and beach access along a rocky reef shoreline. It's quieter and less visited than the fort itself, worth checking ahead since availability isn't guaranteed.
A genuinely quieter alternative to the main Fort Ross park, though the call-ahead requirement means it takes more planning than most stops on this list.
How we score beachesCall ahead before planning a visit, availability here isn't guaranteed the way it might be at the main Fort Ross park entrance.
A day use fee applies; the exact amount is best confirmed at the entrance station.
A path leads from parking to the reef beach.
Dogs must be leashed and are permitted on campground roads and in the picnic, parking and camping areas, with no stated allowance for the cove itself.
Summer mornings run foggy before clearing, typical of the Sonoma coast, with water staying cold year round.
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