Boonville, CA is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Boonville is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near Boonville, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
COE Mendocino Lake Chekaka Campground - CLOSED PERMANENTLY
32 min away
COE Mendocino Lake Bu-Shay Campground
37 min away
$45 - $260 / night
"There are many sites next to the ocean."
"PROS
→ Campground is adjacent to the beach. You can hear the ocean and sometimes catch peeks of the ocean from the campground.
→ Campsites have bear lockers."
$45 - $70 / night
"This California State Park is located in the Anderson Valley, a historic agricultural area located in the Navarro river watershed. While only 120-ish miles from San Francisco, this area is remote. "
"The sites are situated among towering redwoods. Which blocks the amazing clear night skies, but offer there own beauty.
It was great! The nearby towns or phill and boonville are super cute."
$35 - $45 / night
"Water spigot right next to the site. You can park near the campsite to unload, but need to go and park at the front of the entrance to the campground."
"Surrounded by thick redwoods, trails run off every campsite."
"We've spent most of our twenty years of camping together off the beaten path, avoiding the likes of anything KOA, but for our RV's maiden voyage we thought we'd start with the Machester Beach KOA, and"
"The location is surrounded by a lot of fun things to do. The site has 2 parks, trails, pool/hot tub, and so much more."
$45 - $60 / night
"Beautiful scenery around the campground as it lays right in the edge of the ocean, instant walk to the beach."
"We found this campsite tucked away near Gualala during the lockdown in January. Almost every campground was closed after CA hospitalizations peaked, so this private campground saved our trip!"
"Surrounded by thick redwoods, trails run off every campsite."
"Nice campsite situated amongst beautiful trees with a great kids play area. River was running low but was very pretty - fun for the kids to paddle in. Our site was spacious and pretty."
$35 / night
"Next to koa. Just a power plant between you and the ocean via a long walk."
"The campground is just above the driftwood beach offering walks in solitude with the breaking waves in the background."
$10 - $35 / night
"The camp is right next to the road, but traffic was minimal. There is some hiking in the area, but no trails from the campground, you will need to drive to a trailhead."
"Nice campsite with around 27 ish spots. First come first serve at $35 as of 2025. I went tent camping but you can probably bring in a small RV."
"Tow behinds/trailers not recommended; rough roads and can’t turn back once on the path."
"Had deer, butterflies, and humming birds all around us. Babbling brook, cool and comfortable in mid-October. Looking forward to a springtime visit."
ScoutRussian River is right out front of the campground. They offer kayaks canoes, and whatever else you want to rent however, if you have a dog, they don’t allow the dog on the beach or in the boat with you and they’re not allowed to stay behind in the tent, so you’re kind of stuck if you have a dog
TravelerQuiet and peaceful, watch elk, birds, lizards, toads/frogs on weekdays. All but the hardiest of wildlife and people should avoid the weekends. We finally learned our lesson after every Friday and/or Saturday over the years has been disrupted by people yelling and/or blasting music, running dogs off leash, and then (last trip) racing dirt bikes through the campground until 1 am.
GuideWe had a big site, it was quiet. The bathrooms are clean, showers are $1.00, they have something for every type of camper here, from tents, covered wagons to rv sites. This is a large campground located on the Russian River. They have a well stocked store, laundry facilities.
Edit: Tuesday and Wednesday were as described above. Thursday a very loud rambunctious crowd showed up. Casini Campground has a ton of rules, one of which is you shouldn’t play your music loud enough for your neighbors to hear, we were able to hear the music and the people who were trying to talk over their music. If you going to have rules, please enforce them. Edited to change from 5 stars to 4.
TravelerI stayed in the Gerstle cove campground midweek in August. id say it was about 3/4 full, but the sites are so widely spaced it feels very private. Compared to other CA campgrounds in summer, it was desolate (in a good way)
The ocean is a ways off, but you can hear it. Short drive down to the beach for stunning bluff trails. Very few people around.
My site wasn’t perfectly level, but good enough. Just keep a hand on that pot of boiling water.
I was tempted to move to the overflow lot for its panoramic views of the ocean but opted for my forest-side spot. There were only two campers in the lot when I was there.
The whole site felt strangely apart from other more crowded coastal sites - felt like northern Mendocino. Although apparently it can fill up so maybe I just got lucky.
Either way, seems like a bit of a hidden gem.
ScoutThe road to this pin is completely impassable in any regular vehicle, this would require an ATV. We took a regular AWD midsize SUV, after seeing the review with photos of a regular car. The road is EXTREMELY narrow and windy on the edge of a cliff. There is no way to turn around once you start up it. It has deep ruts in the road. We got to a large trench in the road that we couldn't go around because we would fall off the cliff. We tried to put the trench between the wheels, but our tire went in it and we bottomed out very badly and almost got stuck. We ended up having to spend 30 minutes backing slowly down the road. Long story short, just don't even try.
TravelerI had a deus pass to the area so I just walked around. It’s more like an RV park where people seem to come for the whole summer. But it’s in an incredibly beautiful location has one of the best beaches I’ve ever seen and everybody is incredibly friendly.
ScoutThe way they spoke to us was rude, unwelcoming, and completely uncalled for. We were treated like a problem rather than potential guests. Based on this experience, I would caution others to be aware that not all staff here are friendly. in fact, they were hostile and aggressive. Not a place for children.
ScoutLove this place been coming here since 1980 owed by the same person
ScoutThis tiny house is at the mouth of the Noyo Harbor and the ocean. It’s not truly camping per se. Although it does have tiny houses combined with RV spaces.
Camping near Boonville, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for you.
Camping near Boonville, California, is a great way to enjoy nature and create lasting memories. Whether you prefer tent camping or RVing, there are plenty of options to suit your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds in Boonville?
Hendy Woods State Park Campground is the premier camping destination in the Boonville area, nestled among towering old-growth redwoods. This family-friendly campground serves as an excellent base for exploring local attractions like Boonville Brewery and nearby wineries. For those willing to venture a bit further from town, Paul M. Demmick Campground in Navarro River Redwoods State Park offers a more secluded experience with sites suitable for both tent and RV camping.
When is the best season to go camping in Boonville?
The best time to camp in Boonville is late spring through early fall (May-October) when temperatures are most moderate and rainfall is minimal. Russian Gulch State Park Campground is particularly pleasant in early October with quiet, secluded sites and good hiking opportunities. Winter camping can be challenging as temperatures can drop to freezing at night, especially at Woodside Campground, where campers have reported unusually cold conditions during wet winter months.
What amenities are available at Boonville camping areas?
Johnson's Beach offers river access and proximity to local shops and bars, making it ideal for campers who appreciate convenience while still enjoying nature. The campsite provides basic amenities with the added benefit of being within walking distance to town amenities. For RV travelers, Mendocino Redwoods RV Resort offers full hookup sites, though it's located just outside of Willits. Most campgrounds in the region provide clean restrooms, drinking water, and flat sites, with state parks typically offering fire pits and picnic tables at each site.
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