Lawson's Landing Tomales
Venerable fishing & boating resort and campground established in 1929, offering generations of family fun.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and secure a spot.
Lawson's Landing Tomales
Best Time
Beat the crowds and secure a spot.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Venerable fishing & boating resort and campground established in 1929, offering generations of family fun.
"A historic spot for crabbing and fishing, but be prepared for varied customer service experiences."
🎯 Arrive Before Opening
Lines can form early for day passes. Aim to be there before the stated opening time to avoid long waits.
🚗 Mind the Speed Limit
The 5 mph speed limit is strictly enforced. Be aware to avoid potential issues with management.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.3 · 900 reviews
Type
Campground
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tomales Bay Crabbing
Tomales Bay
A beloved spot for generations to cast crab pots and enjoy the coastal bounty.
Dillon Beach Access
Dillon Beach
Enjoy kite flying and beach days on a private-feeling stretch of coastline.
Boating and Fishing Resort
Mouth of Tomales Bay
A historic destination for anglers and boaters seeking the Pacific's offerings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Access
Navigating Owner Interactions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Before Opening
Lines can form early for day passes. Aim to be there before the stated opening time to avoid long waits.
🚗 Mind the Speed Limit
The 5 mph speed limit is strictly enforced. Be aware to avoid potential issues with management.
🗺️ Find the Beach Path
The path to the beach from campsites can be tricky. Ask staff for directions if you can't find it.
🎣 Gear Up for Fishing
Consider your target species. Sandworms for surf perch and swimbaits for rockfish are popular choices.
Does anyone know of any good beach camping sites that allow booze and fire?
Lawson's Landing at Dillion Beach in Petaluma, technically not on the beach, but on the sand dunes behind the beach. It's not a state park, so there's no issues with noise after dark, open containers, fires, or dogs. http://www.lawsonslanding.com/
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Before Opening
Lines can form early for day passes. Aim to be there before the stated opening time to avoid long waits.
🚗 Mind the Speed Limit
The 5 mph speed limit is strictly enforced. Be aware to avoid potential issues with management.
🗺️ Find the Beach Path
The path to the beach from campsites can be tricky. Ask staff for directions if you can't find it.
🎣 Gear Up for Fishing
Consider your target species. Sandworms for surf perch and swimbaits for rockfish are popular choices.
⚠️ Check Swell Conditions
Be cautious when crossing the bar at Tomales Bay, especially during large swells. Safety first!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Lawson's Landing is a historic coastal resort known for its crabbing and fishing, with a family-friendly campground. While many appreciate its traditional appeal and beach access, recent reviews highlight significant concerns regarding unprofessional customer service, inconsistent rule enforcement, and aggressive management interactions. Visitors should be aware of potential delays and be mindful of strict speed limits.
"I have been a faithful Lawson's Landing crabber since 2018. I have brought friends, my daughter, and raved about this special place. I am really disappointed to say I will taking a long break due to the rude and unprofessional conduct of the owner, Mr. Lawson. As I was driving in to the landing to enjoy a day of crabbing, a SUV in front of us was going much slower and braking. I attempted to go around them to get to the boat launch, when they abruptly swerved in front of me and cut me off, almost causing a wreck. A male got out of the car, approached our vehicle angrily, yelling at us "I'm Mr. Lawson, the owner, I own this place, get out now, off my property the speed limit is 5 mph!" There was no discussion, warning and the identified owner was very aggressive, akin to someone having road rage. I would have appreciated if the owner had a conversation regarding the speed limit and a warning or at least spoken in a professional manner. I was escorted off the property and supposedly given a refund of $15 which I have yet to receive. There is one small sign saying 5mph at the entrance, hard to notice. If going 5mph over the speed limits warrants being yelled at and removal from the property it should be reminded when you pay at the entrance and many signs should be posted that this is a strictly enforced. It's not good customer service and it just not how you treat people who are part of your community. I was not driving recklessly or fast, 10 mph is hardly dangerous. There were no pedestrians or other cars besides us and the SUV in front of us. This was the first time bringing my partner there and he was really upset about the treatment, we will not be going back and will be letting our friends know not to support this establishment. This was a very upsetting experience after driving 1.5 hours from Oakland."
Mehera Reiter
"Their website says that parking opens at 6am. Drove for over and hour to get there. I arrived a little after 6am. Sat in a line of cars for 1.5 hours waiting for someone to open the gate for parking. Nobody showed up. Finally got sick of waisting good fishing time and drove to Bodega Bay.
Show up to work when you say you're going to be there and/or provide accurate information to your patrons. Don't waste people's time. Very disappointing."
Zach S.
"We are frequent day-pass users! Love this spot for kite flying and beach days. Note - the beach path (from the campsites to the beach) is a little tricky to find - you can ask the staff if you don't see it. Have never camped there, but we enjoy the private-feeling beach area and easy access to a small convenience store on property. Lots of campers and RVs on the property."
Andy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lawson's Landing is located at Dillon Beach, about 50 miles north of San Francisco and 20 miles west of Petaluma. It's situated at the mouth of Tomales Bay.
Driving is the most common method. Be aware of the 5 mph speed limit once you enter the property.
Public transportation options are limited. Driving is highly recommended for ease of access to this coastal location.
Parking is available, but be prepared for potential lines and check opening times. Some visitors have reported significant waits.
Yes, Lawson's Landing is a boating resort, and access by boat is a primary feature. However, be cautious of the bar at the mouth of Tomales Bay during large swells.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Reservations are recommended, especially for camping. Day passes may also require advance booking or early arrival due to potential capacity limits.
Website information suggests parking opens at 6 am, but some visitors have experienced delays in gate opening. It's best to confirm current hours.
Costs vary depending on whether you are camping, a day-pass user, or launching a boat. Specific pricing should be checked on their official website or by calling ahead.
Yes, a 5 mph speed limit is strictly enforced. Be respectful of quiet hours if camping.
One reviewer reported being escorted off the property and expecting a refund, but it was not immediately received. It's advisable to clarify refund policies in advance.
🎫 🎣 Fishing & Activities
Crabbing and surf fishing for perch are very popular. Anglers also target rockfish and ling cod.
Sandworms are recommended for surf perch, while Texas-rigged swimbaits and grubs are effective for rockfish and ling cod.
Yes, clam digging is a popular activity, especially for Asian visitors. Be aware of potential language barriers and staff interactions.
Besides fishing and crabbing, visitors enjoy kite flying and beach days. The resort also offers camping and RV sites.
Yes, crossing the bar at the mouth of Tomales Bay can be dangerous during large swells. Exercise extreme caution.
🎫 🏕️ Camping & Accommodation
Lawson's Landing offers tent and RV camping sites. It's a family-friendly resort with a long history.
Campers should be aware of quiet hours and general campground etiquette. Some staff members have been reported as overly strict regarding minor issues.
The property has a small convenience store. Specific amenities for campers should be verified directly with the resort.
Yes, it's a family-oriented resort that has been a tradition for generations.
It's a mix of campers and RVs, with a focus on outdoor activities like fishing and beach access. Some reviews mention issues with specific staff members.
🎫 ⭐ Customer Experience
Customer service experiences are mixed. While some staff are professional and helpful, others have been described as rude, unprofessional, and even exhibiting racist behavior.
Common complaints include issues with staff professionalism, inconsistent enforcement of rules, and delays in opening gates.
Visitors appreciate the location, the private-feeling beach, and the long-standing tradition of family visits for crabbing and fishing.
The beach is described as private-feeling and is popular for kite flying and general beach days.
Document your experience and try to communicate professionally. Some reviewers have shared their negative experiences online to inform others.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit