There are campgrounds near the beach, and then there’s Lawson’s Landing — a campground that is, quite literally, on the beach. Pitch your tent in the dunes, fall asleep to the sound of waves, wake up and walk 30 seconds to the sand. It’s one of the most unique camping experiences on the Northern California coast, and it’s right here at Dillon Beach.
Lawson’s Landing has been a family-run operation for generations, sitting on a stretch of private land at the northern tip of the beach where Tomales Bay meets the Pacific. It’s not a polished resort campground with WiFi and heated pools. It’s raw, windswept, and beautiful — and that’s exactly why people love it.
Types of Camping Sites
Beach tent camping
This is what most people come for. The beach camping sites are right in the dunes, with nothing between you and the ocean but sand and sea grass. You drive your car to your site, set up your tent, and you’re home. The sites aren’t formally marked with numbered posts — you pick a spot in the designated camping area and claim it. First come, first served during off-peak times; reserved in summer.
The ground is sandy, which is great for sleeping (soft) and challenging for tent stakes (they pull out easily). Bring long sand stakes or screw-in stakes, and consider a freestanding tent that doesn’t rely entirely on stakes to stay upright. You’ll thank us when the wind picks up at 3 PM.
Inland sites
Further from the beach, there are sites in grassy areas that are more sheltered from the wind. These are a better choice if you have young kids who need calm sleeping conditions, or if the forecast calls for strong coastal winds (which is… frequent). You’re still just a short walk from the water, but the dunes and vegetation provide a natural windbreak.
RV sites
Lawson’s has RV sites with hookups for those who prefer their camping with a roof, a heater, and a real mattress. No judgment — coastal camping in a tent when it’s 50 degrees and blowing 25 knots is not for everyone. The RV sites have water and electric hookups. Some have sewer connections. Check with Lawson’s directly for current availability and which hookups are at which sites.
Beach Bonfires
Here’s the thing that sets Lawson’s Landing apart from almost every other campground on the Sonoma Coast: you can have a bonfire on the beach. Most coastal parks in California have banned beach fires entirely, or restrict them to metal fire rings. At Lawson’s, you can build a fire in the sand as the sun goes down, watch the flames against the dark ocean, and feel like you’re the only people on earth.
Firewood is sold on-site at the camp store. Bring it in your car if you want to save a few bucks, but either way, don’t skip the bonfire. It’s the signature Lawson’s experience. Roast marshmallows, tell stories, listen to the waves. This is the good stuff.
A few fire rules: keep fires a reasonable size, don’t burn trash or treated wood, and make sure your fire is completely out before you leave it. Bury the ashes in the sand. Leave no trace.
Facilities
Lawson’s Landing keeps things simple:
- Restrooms: Available in the camping area. Basic but functional. Porta-potties are also placed around the property.
- Showers: There are no showers. Plan accordingly. A solar shower bag or a jug of warm water will get you through.
- Camp store: A small on-site store sells firewood, bait, ice, and basic supplies. Don’t rely on it for groceries — stock up before you arrive.
- Boat launch: A concrete boat ramp provides access to Tomales Bay. Popular with fishermen, kayakers, and small boat owners.
- Dump station: Available for RVs.
There’s no cell service at Lawson’s Landing for most carriers. Some spots get a faint signal, but don’t count on it. Consider this a feature, not a bug.
Fishing and Clamming
Lawson’s Landing is a fishing destination in its own right. You can surf fish from the beach for perch and striped bass, or launch a boat into Tomales Bay for halibut, leopard shark, and bat rays. No fishing license is required for ocean surf fishing in California, but you will need one for bay fishing from a boat.
Clamming is the other big draw. Lawson’s Landing is one of the best spots in California for digging horseneck clams (also called gaper clams). You’ll need a valid California fishing license and a separate clam stamp. Check the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) website for current seasons, bag limits, and any health advisories — Tomales Bay is occasionally closed to shellfish harvesting due to elevated domoic acid or bacterial levels.
The camp store sells bait and basic tackle. For a deeper dive on fishing options, see our Dillon Beach fishing guide.
Reservations and Timing
Summer at Lawson’s is busy. If you want a spot between June and September, especially on weekends, make a reservation well in advance. Book through the Lawson’s Landing website or call them directly.
Off-season (October through May), you can often show up and find a spot, particularly on weekdays. Some of the best camping at Lawson’s happens in the shoulder months — September and October bring warm, calm weather with fewer crowds, and spring weekdays can be stunning.
Winter camping here is for the hardy. It’s cold, often wet, and the wind can be relentless. But if you have good gear and a tolerance for rawness, a winter weekend at Lawson’s is an experience you won’t forget. The beach is completely empty, the storms are dramatic, and the bonfire at the end of the day feels earned.
The Wind — A Serious Topic
We need to talk about wind, because it’s the single biggest factor that catches people off guard at Lawson’s Landing. Dillon Beach is exposed to northwest winds that funnel through the Tomales Bay gap, and they can be strong. On a typical summer afternoon, you’re looking at 15–25 mph sustained winds. On a windy day, gusts can exceed 35 mph.
What this means for camping:
- Your tent matters. A lightweight three-season tent will get destroyed. Bring something robust with a low profile and strong poles. A four-season tent or a quality three-season with a full-coverage rainfly is ideal.
- Stake everything. Use long sand stakes, and add extra guylines. Stake your rainfly even if it looks calm when you arrive — it won’t stay calm.
- Secure loose items. Chairs, coolers, towels, anything not tied down will blow away. Use your car as a windbreak on the upwind side of your camp.
- Mornings are calm. The wind typically picks up by noon and dies down after sunset. Plan your relaxing time for morning and evening.
What to Bring
- Warm sleeping bag. Rated to at least 30°F. Nights are cold here year-round, often dropping into the mid-40s even in summer.
- Layers. A warm jacket, fleece, beanie, and gloves are not overkill. Wind chill is real at the beach.
- Firewood (or buy on-site). You don’t want to skip the bonfire.
- Cooking supplies. A camp stove, fuel, pots, utensils, and all your food. There’s no restaurant at Lawson’s.
- Water. Bring more than you think you need. There’s potable water available, but having your own supply is wise.
- Sand stakes and extra guylines. Standard tent stakes are useless in sand.
- Sunscreen and sunglasses. Even on foggy days, the UV is strong off the water.
- A windbreaker or pop-up wind shelter. Makes a huge difference for daytime comfort.
- Trash bags. Pack out everything. Leave your site cleaner than you found it.
Bay Side vs. Ocean Side
Lawson’s Landing sits at the tip where the beach meets Tomales Bay, so you get two very different waterfronts within walking distance.
The ocean side faces west toward the open Pacific. This is where the surf crashes, the sunsets happen, and the drama lives. It’s also more exposed to wind and waves. Camping on the ocean side means falling asleep to the roar of the surf — incredible, but loud.
The bay side faces east into Tomales Bay. The water is calm, the wind is less intense (the dunes provide some shelter), and the vibe is quieter. This is where the boat launch is, where the clamming happens, and where kids can safely wade. Camping on the bay side is more sheltered and peaceful.
If it’s your first time, we’d suggest the bay side for comfort and the ocean side if you want the full wild-coast experience. Both are wonderful.
Beyond the Campground
While Lawson’s Landing is a destination in itself, you’re also perfectly positioned to explore the rest of Dillon Beach and the surrounding area. The main Dillon Beach is a short drive south. Things to do in the area include tide pooling, kayaking, hiking, and eating some of the best oysters in California.
If you want a day off from camping meals, Coastal Kitchen in Dillon Beach and the oyster farms along Tomales Bay are within easy reach. Check our dining guide for options.
Prefer a roof over your head? Dillon Beach Sea Esta is a comfortable coastal home with a full kitchen, real beds, and hot showers — all the beach, none of the sand in your sleeping bag.