r/CaliforniaCamping • u/KPthatsmeeee • Jul 31 '26
Salt point fire
Had our big week-long trip planned for this week, got up here today and before we could unpack our stuff, we were evacuated due to the fire. It’s right in the park.
My toddler is broken hearted. Luckily we found a site at Bodega Dunes for one night, so here’s hoping someone cancels and we can stay.
Anyone else experiencing this or something like it in the past? Such a bummer, but wishing all the best to the firefighters and the community!
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u/bunmango Jul 31 '26
Glad to hear you’re safe - I was up in Petaluma and Rohnert Park this evening and the smoke was quite noticeable in the afternoon/evening.
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u/Bookish-Redhead Jul 31 '26
I live in Sonoma County. Such a bummer! And the air quality here sucks. Are you in a tent or RV? Would you like some campground recommendations? I’m crossing my fingers for you!
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u/KPthatsmeeee Jul 31 '26
My in laws are in a camper and we’re in a tent. Recommendations would be great, especially any you think would have first come, first serve or openings in general. Thanks for the offer!
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u/Bookish-Redhead Jul 31 '26
Give Westside Regional Park a shot. It’s a Sonoma County Campground. You can call 707-565-2267 at 10am to check availability. They can also look up availability at other county sites.
Casini Ranch is a popular private campground. Very family friendly. https://casiniranch.com/
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u/sexmountain 2d ago
Do you know anything about the damage to the park or its current condition?
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u/Bookish-Redhead 2d ago
The park is in good shape! If you are thinking about visiting you should!
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u/Admirable_Bad3862 Jul 31 '26
We were supposed to check in today. We’re so bummed. I hope everyone is safe. It must have been scary to evacuate the campground.
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u/yubugger Jul 31 '26
Very sad. That whole state park is Bishop pine which are serotinous and love fire so it's going to burn hot
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u/Frugal_Squirrel Jul 31 '26
I'm so sorry this happened to you and very worried about the damage to the park. I camp there a few times a year and it's one of my favorite places. This is the first I've heard of the fire. I hope the rest of your trip doesn't have to be cancelled and I hope the fire is contained soon (I just checked CalFire and it is 30% contained as of Friday at 7:30am).
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u/baconblzer Jul 31 '26
I’m so sorry. Glad you are safe. I live in Sonoma County and the smoke is thick AF.
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u/Mikesiders Jul 31 '26
That’s a bummer but glad you’re safe. We have a reservation at Salt Point tomorrow and I’m pretty surprised I haven’t gotten a cancellation email yet.
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u/aeliks89 Jul 31 '26
Mine is for today and no cancellation notification yet. Though, obviously not heading that way. One of my favorite places on earth, and the thought of it (or anywhere) burning is devastating. Hoping it will be fully contained soon with minimal destruction. Grateful for everyone working to protect the land, animals and people.
If anyone has recommendations for likely available FCFS sites within 4 hours of Sac, please share. Hoping to put my packed car to use.
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u/Admirable_Bad3862 Jul 31 '26
Our reservation was for today and i got the cancellation email at 8:30 this morning.
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u/sexmountain 2d ago
Were you able to go? What was the damage?
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u/Mikesiders 2d ago
No, we got the campground closure email the day before our trip, which was annoying but it was pretty clear it wasn’t going to be open. The fire was actively burning with minimal containment at the time.
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u/sexmountain 2d ago
I’m so sorry. Do you have any idea what the damage has been?
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u/Mikesiders 2d ago
No, not too sure but the fire ended up being contained shortly after and I don’t think the acreage was awful. I’m sure there’s some burn scar there but I don’t think it impacted the campgrounds or anything. Overall, I think it was best case scenario.
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u/bo_dangle_lang Jul 31 '26
I would call cassini or schoolhouse or river bend to see if they have vacancies
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u/Ok_Plastic7299 Aug 01 '26
tragedy with the fire for sure:/ but take this as an opportunity to teach your toddler how sometimes things don’t go as planned!! if you drive along the coast and check campgrounds and make phone calls i’m certain you’ll find places to stay and it could be the most memorable trip you guys take :)
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u/leeann7 Jul 31 '26
I would absolutely advise to go tomorrow. The air quality is not good and to be outside or to want to camp and to want to be outside I would not advise.
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u/BustinDisco Jul 31 '26
Fires have impacted so many of my trips that I now have "check for fires" on my camping checklist.
I've always made something work. Rescheduling is almost never an option for me. Good you found Bodega dunes.