Ocean Cove
Jenner, CA

Ocean Cove is a privately operated campground and beach access south of Salt Point State Park, popular with divers and anglers who use it as a launch point rather than a swim beach. It fills a gap between the bigger state parks nearby with a straightforward, no-frills stop.
A genuinely useful launch point for divers and anglers, though it's a private, fairly plain stop compared to the state parks on either side of it.
How we score beachesAsk at the campground office about day use rates before walking down, this is private land with its own fee structure separate from the state parks around it.
A day use fee applies; the exact amount is best confirmed at the campground office.
A path leads from the campground to the beach.
Dogs are welcome; check posted signage for specific leash rules.
Summer mornings run foggy before clearing, typical of the Sonoma coast, with water staying cold year round.
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