Sunset State Beach Camping

We visited for an overnight stay mid-week in May 2019. The three campgrounds here are all quite different. We stayed at the Dunes, which has sparse vegetation and experienced a strong cold wind in the afternoon. The more sheltered Pines section to the south looked much more comfortable.

It's a lengthy walk to the beach from the Dunes campground--down a long stretch of eroded steps. For those with limited mobility, there's parking at beach level at the very south end of the campground.

There are a lot of rules here! Dogs on leash are prohibited on the beach for environmental reasons, though it's hard to see how a dog walking on the beach is any more damaging than allowing people down there. Picking up sticks is also against the rules (to avoid disturbing insects). I'm all for preserving nature, but being super-strict about it seems a little disingenuous with a strawberry farm stretching as far as the eye can see literally 20 yards from the campsite.

The park employee at the gate when we checked in was rude to the point of hostility, which set a negative tone for the visit.

We traveled with a 22ft travel trailer. Spot 79 at Dunes Camp. This is the best spot at Dunes camp. Flat with lots of space.

There is NO dump station or water for RVs anywhere at this campground. Closest dump station is at New Brighton State Beach 10 miles away for $20.

Bathrooms old. Showers ok, old but clean.

The beach only allows dogs in one location and you need to drive to it. There are stairs to the trail from Dune Camp but dogs are not allowed there because it is a Plover nesting site. Rangers drive by to tell you that if they see you.

Last thing, only one bar AT&T cell coverage