Albion River Flat is a large campground adjacent to the Albion River mouth. The campground has ample parking, pay showers, fish cleaning facilities, and a small camp convenience store. The campground is on a flat grassy area and it is an excellent spot to launch a small inflatable or a kayak. A very unique feature of this campground is the large wooden bridge which I believe is the last of its' kind still used as part of a highway in the state of California. To the left of the beach there is a small river which is normally suitable for boat launch from within the campground.

This is a private campground and reservations can be made by phoning 1 (707) 937-0606. To get to this campground go to the Albion River bridge at milepost 43.93. Turn East at the North end of the bridge and follow the road down to the camps. There are two campgrounds: the large one is at the bottom of the hill and is normally referred to as "Albion Flats", the smaller campground called "Schooners Landing" is upriver on a small road about ½ mile or so. For a small day use fee, the owners will allow you to use the spot to launch your boats and kayaks. It is well worth the small fee for the amount of convenience this spot affords.

The diving in this area is very good for rockfish and abalone. A boat or a kayak is necessary for quality diving in this area. You can either go North or South at the mouth of the river and you will find nice diving areas in both directions. My favorite dive in this area is a little South at Salmon Creek - turn South at the mouth of the Albion river and go about ½ mile to the next large cove. There is a bridge over the creek visible from the ocean at this cove. There is usually an abundance of kelp in this area. The many rocks, combined with the kelp, make this an excellent area for abalone diving and spearfishing.

If the tides are low it may be difficult, if not impossible, to launch anything other than an inflatable or kayak at this location. There is a large gravel/sand bar across the mouth of the river which become very shallow at low and minus tides.

For additional information please go to a very complete description of a normal days diving by Eric S. on diver.net.

The decision to dive (or not) is your responsibility. Keep diving activities within your training and comfort level. If you feel more training or experience is needed before attempting a dive, don't dive. Know personal limits, skill levels, and abilities of yourself and your dive buddy. Dive Safely and Dive Often!

If you have any questions, concerns, or comments, contact me