Best Campgrounds near Lagunitas, CA

Camping near Lagunitas, California, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're a family looking for a fun getaway or an experienced camper seeking tranquility, there’s something for everyone.

What to do:

• Hiking: Explore the stunning trails around the area. Many campers rave about the local hikes, with one reviewer mentioning, “Hiking through the forest felt like you were walking through a scene from Fern Gully” at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground.
• Beach Access: If you’re up for a drive, head to Bodega Dunes Campground — Sonoma Coast State Park for a day at the beach. One visitor noted, “The beach itself was quiet and only a few folks were out there after the storm.”
• Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. Campers at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground enjoyed spotting wild turkeys wandering through the camp.

What campers like:

• Peaceful Atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the quiet surroundings. One reviewer at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground said, “It was quiet and peaceful.”
• Clean Facilities: Campers often mention the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Bodega Dunes Campground — Sonoma Coast State Park remarked, “Bathrooms and showers were really clean compared to other places.”
• Great Hiking Trails: The trails are a big hit. One camper shared, “The local trails and creeks were breathtaking” at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground.

What you should know:

• Crowded on Weekends: Expect busy campgrounds, especially on weekends. A reviewer at Doran Regional Park mentioned, “It sucks that so many people go here now.”
• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Lawson's Landing, lack showers and toilets. A camper noted, “Porta pottys were very dirty and TP less.”
• Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife interactions. Campers at Bodega Dunes Campground — Sonoma Coast State Park reported being “harassed by cute little chipmunks and birds.”

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots with activities for kids. One parent at San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA said, “Great playground, jumping pillow, petting farm and mining fun.”
• Plan for Noise: Be ready for some noise, especially from other families. A camper at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground mentioned, “You might have neighbors not up to speed on camping etiquette.”
• Pack Extra Supplies: Bring your own firewood and other essentials, as some campgrounds have high prices for these items. A visitor at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground advised, “The wood cost is high here so I recommend getting some before you arrive.”

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Not all sites are the same size. A reviewer at Bodega Dunes Campground — Sonoma Coast State Park noted, “Keep in mind, not all campsites at Sammy P. are the same size.”
• Be Mindful of Generators: If you’re camping during busy times, be prepared for generator noise. A camper at Lawson's Landing mentioned, “Most people have RVs so the generators start early.”
• Bring a Lock for Food Storage: Some campgrounds have food lockers that aren’t secure. A visitor at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground advised, “Make sure you bring a pad lock as there is no locking mechanism on the door.”

Camping near Lagunitas, California, offers a unique blend of nature and community. With a little planning, you can enjoy a memorable outdoor experience!