Best Camping near Sonoma, CA

Are you in need of a campground near Sonoma, CA? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Sonoma is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near Sonoma, CA. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Sonoma, CA (163)

    Camper-submitted photo from Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground

    1. Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground

    51 Reviews
    154 Photos
    19 Saves
    Lagunitas, California

    Creekside Loop (sites 1-25)

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Picnic Table
    • Showers
    • Toilets

    $225 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground

    2. Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground

    29 Reviews
    64 Photos
    376 Saves
    Kenwood, California

    Sugarloaf Ridge State Park is nestled in the heart of Sonoma County. We offer camping for Tents and Rv’s, two luxurious glamping sites, and tent rental if you need a tent or an extra one for the kids. Visit our website for reservations - and our reservable instantly available - no more requirement to make reservations 48 hours before arrival day.

    We release first-come, first-serve sites over the phone at 10 am. We typically have room Sunday-Thursday, but fill up on good weathered weekends from April through October.

    You can enjoy camping year-round at Sugarloaf Ridge State

    • Park 47 family camping spaces are surrounded by a large meadow bordered by a year-round stream and a hillside forest. 
    • Group campground with room for up to 50 people.
    • 2 wheelchair-accessible campsites(6, 7) with an accessible restroom and showers. The campfire pits for these sites are also accessible, with a variety of wheelchair seating areas. 
    • Ability to accommodate RVs up to 28 feet and trailers up to 24 feet. There is no dump station at the campground. 
    • Two seasonal glamping tents (April-Oct)
    • Dog’s are allowed in the campground, but not on backcountry trails and roads.
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $35 - $45 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Skyline Wilderness Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Skyline Wilderness Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Skyline Wilderness Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Skyline Wilderness Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Skyline Wilderness Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Skyline Wilderness Park

    4. Skyline Wilderness Park

    23 Reviews
    65 Photos
    326 Saves
    Napa, California
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Ritchey Creek Campground — Bothe-Napa Valley State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ritchey Creek Campground — Bothe-Napa Valley State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ritchey Creek Campground — Bothe-Napa Valley State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ritchey Creek Campground — Bothe-Napa Valley State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ritchey Creek Campground — Bothe-Napa Valley State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ritchey Creek Campground — Bothe-Napa Valley State Park

    5. Ritchey Creek Campground — Bothe-Napa Valley State Park

    26 Reviews
    66 Photos
    195 Saves
    Deer Park, California

    Located in the heart of the beautiful Napa Valley wine country, the Park offers Napa valley camping, picnicking, swimming, and hiking trails that go through stands of coastal redwoods as well as forests of Douglas-fir, tanoak, and madrone.

    Park is open year round.

    A few drop-in sites are available on a first-come-first-serve especially during the off season.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $43 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Bodega Dunes Campground — Sonoma Coast State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Bodega Dunes Campground — Sonoma Coast State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Bodega Dunes Campground — Sonoma Coast State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Bodega Dunes Campground — Sonoma Coast State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Bodega Dunes Campground — Sonoma Coast State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Bodega Dunes Campground — Sonoma Coast State Park

    6. Bodega Dunes Campground — Sonoma Coast State Park

    34 Reviews
    118 Photos
    575 Saves
    Bodega Bay, California

    Bodega Dunes (Sonoma Coast Camping) has a potable water fill station and a dump station that service both campgrounds . There are no potable water filling areas at Wright's Beach. Do not use spigots for your filling needs. Fill up your water tanks at Bodega Dunes prior to you arrival. Maximum trailer length is 27' and hook-ups are not available. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring and a paved parking spur. Running water and flush toilets are available in the bathrooms. Max occupancy is 8 people and two vehicles per campsite. All vehicles MUST stay on paved parking spurs. Any vehicles that do not fit may be taken to the overflow parking lot in the day use area. Wright's Beach does not offer group camping. When the campground is full, the overflow area on either side of the kiosk may be used for self-contained vehicles on a first come, first served basis. Reservations are recommended, especially on the weekends, holidays and during the peak season.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $35 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Olema Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Olema Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Olema Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Olema Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Olema Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Olema Campground

    7. Olema Campground

    22 Reviews
    30 Photos
    341 Saves
    Olema, California
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Lawson's Landing
    Camper-submitted photo from Lawson's Landing
    Camper-submitted photo from Lawson's Landing
    Camper-submitted photo from Lawson's Landing
    Camper-submitted photo from Lawson's Landing
    Camper-submitted photo from Lawson's Landing

    8. Lawson's Landing

    23 Reviews
    52 Photos
    481 Saves
    Dillon Beach, California

    Lawson’s Landing is a fishing and boating resort and campground situated at the mouth of Tomales Bay, California. Generations of families have visited the area to rest along the shores of the Pacific Ocean. Lawson's Landing is located about 50 miles north of San Francisco and 20 miles west of Petaluma at Dillon Beach. The Landing was first established in 1929 and the family-owned and operated campground has been running since 1957. From camping to clamming to boating, there are so many activities to enjoy. Come discover what generations of visitors have long enjoyed. Bring your family and friends to experience the great outdoors along the beautiful Pacific coast.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Doran Regional Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Doran Regional Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Doran Regional Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Doran Regional Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Doran Regional Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Doran Regional Park

    9. Doran Regional Park

    22 Reviews
    107 Photos
    485 Saves
    Bodega Bay, California

    Doran Beach Camping has more than 120 RV and tent sites that are open year-round.

    Doran Regional Park features a wide, 2-mile stretch of beach on Bodega Bay and is ideal for walking, picnicking, playing in the sand, flying kites, surfing, and bird-watching.

    A boat launch provides access to Bodega Harbor and Bodega Bay for sport fishing, kayaking, stand-up paddling, and kite surfing. A rock jetty on the west end of the park is a popular spot for fishing and exploring sea life.

    Doran Regional Park features campsites for tents, trailers and RVs. Reservations are required and can be made up to 12 months in advance.

    The park includes five campground areas: The Shell, Gull and Cove campsites are located between Bodega Harbor and Doran Beach Road while the Jetty and Miwok campsites are between Bodega Bay and Doran Beach Road.

    Electrical hook-ups are not available. Generator hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Potable water is available throughout the campgrounds. Restrooms feature flush toilets, coin-operated showers and electrical outlets. Dogs on leash are allowed with a fee. Dump station fee is $7.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    Camper-submitted photo from Sky Campground — Point Reyes National Seashore
    Camper-submitted photo from Sky Campground — Point Reyes National Seashore
    Camper-submitted photo from Sky Campground — Point Reyes National Seashore
    Camper-submitted photo from Sky Campground — Point Reyes National Seashore
    Camper-submitted photo from Sky Campground — Point Reyes National Seashore
    Camper-submitted photo from Sky Campground — Point Reyes National Seashore
Showing results 1-10 of 163 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Sonoma

Recent Reviews in Sonoma

820 Reviews of 163 Sonoma Campgrounds


  • Ben W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Juniper Campground — Mount Diablo State Park
    Nov. 28, 2024

    Juniper Campground — Mount Diablo State Park

    Hot as hell in the summer

    Insanely hot in the summer, I would recommend not going in July like we did. It was 104° or something and I was just drenching my clothes in water to stay cool.

    The hike is pretty nice to the summit from there.

    Lots of free water and there's free showers too which is awesome, but don't use the stinky toilet at the top there's way better ones around the bottom area.

    They have food lockers, not bear lockers, and ours was broken one time so have a solid backup plan, the raccoons are very intelligent and they come out at night so be prepared for that.

    BRING SHOWER SHOES AND SOAP UR GOING TO WANT IT

  • Jeffrey A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Happy Time RV Park
    Nov. 26, 2024

    Happy Time RV Park

    Great for the night or long term.

    Reasonably priced campground off I5 between Yuba City and Sacramento at the 505 split. Full set ups and dry camp. Very friendly staff. Mixture of residents. Well maintained park.

  • L
    Camper-submitted photo from H. Dana Bower Rest Area Northbound
    Nov. 17, 2024

    H. Dana Bower Rest Area Northbound

    Good free overnight parking for our 30ft rv

    Good spot to spend the night. Rocked up at around 8pm, pretty busy at least 10 other vans and rvs there for the night. Couple of food vendors, great view of Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. Weren’t hassled at all, left around 9am.

  • Luke D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from San Francisco RV Resort
    Nov. 5, 2024

    San Francisco RV Resort

    Great Spot!!!!

    I’m very confused by the boojie negative reviews, what do you expect?

    This is an absolutely great spot! Restrooms and showers are clean and the staff is great. Will be back often.

    Not a far drive to the city either. Price is higher than other places but this close to the city with all of the amenities a pretty good deal.

  • Adrian J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Solano County Park
    Oct. 24, 2024

    Lake Solano County Park

    Great County Park

    This is an excellent and straightforward country park. It feels like a state park.

    They have hookups and also dry camping. The better spots are near the water.

    Contrary to other posts, they take walkups. It is just on the website it requires 2 weeks out.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Porto Bodega Marina & RV Park
    Oct. 20, 2024

    Porto Bodega Marina & RV Park

    Good spot for power+shower+refresh.

    This was some “glamping” for us. We’re in a van with no consistent onboard power or water, so we do a night or two out and a night at a site with more amenities. This was a perfect stop driving south on the 1 after the previous night remote on the coast and a planned need for StarLink with power source. Park is clean and well-organized, if tight, and the bathrooms are super clean and door-coded, with included hot showers. Right on the marina, fun if you enjoy harbor/boating scenery, and good food within walking distance. No way - that I found - to reserve online, but a phone call at 9am on a Saturday was returned within 10 minutes and got it done. Range of big rigs to camper vans, easy access and enough room to negotiate into spots. Very welcoming, safe, laid back environment.

  • Cloey J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Skyline Wilderness Park
    Oct. 19, 2024

    Skyline Wilderness Park

    Beautiful location

    Beautiful view we were in campsite 40. A beautiful view of vineyards and the sunset and people riding their horses. So calm and beautiful and so many activities here to do. Also there is showers, bathrooms, and hookups, we love this place. Only 8 mins from downtown Napa

  • M
    Camper-submitted photo from Olema Campground
    Oct. 17, 2024

    Olema Campground

    Spacious and Accommodating

    We visited this park earlier this spring. Yes it was wet, but we didn't mind. Liked the spaces and layout so much...we are going back this fall. Plus we love that whole area.

    However, DYRT got some info wrong. While there are plenty of full hookup spaces for RVs, there are no pull thru sites. Only back in for trailers and drive-in for coaches. Many tent camping spaces and RV spaces w/just water and power. The folks are friendly and helpful.

    M.R.

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bodega Dunes Campground — Sonoma Coast State Park
    Oct. 8, 2024

    Bodega Dunes Campground — Sonoma Coast State Park

    Quiet Spot Along the Spectacular Sonoma Coast

    Have you been over to Bodega Bay?  I think you'd like it there.  Our friends sure know us well!  While the town doesn’t look much different than when it appeared in Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds”, the cafes in the village have definitely upped their game. 

    Bodega Dunes State Park is a great way to experience the area without the same activity and noise in the camp grounds down closer to the water. The campsite loops wind through the coastal Live Oak and Bishop Pine trees and provide some privacy in between sites in some areas, though some sites are right on top of each other.

    They are generally smaller pull-in sites geared more toward tents, vans, and small travel trailers. There are just a handful of sites that can accommodate bigger RVs.  Many of the sites have decent open sky resources for solar power and satellite internet, though many in the lower areas had standing water and torn up asphalt pads from the heavy rains the last couple of years.

    The bathrooms were clean and comfortable with flush toilets and warm showers (coin operated). My only complaint about the bathrooms is that there weren’t quite enough for the demand, in my opinion, but a few port-o-potties might help offset that during the busy season. 

    Hiking among the sand dunes and along the beach provide some really stunning scenery. Reaching the beach, you’ll find as much coastal sand as you can handle with miles and miles of it to yourself. The water, which is normally pretty cold year round, can also be pretty rough for swimming.

    A short drive away is the gorgeous Bodega Head Trail which winds up along the headland and offers amazing scenery. It’s sort of like a small Point Reyes National Seashore, but much easier to get to.

    Bodega Bay has a couple of small grocery stores, gas stations, and more than a few restaurants to meet nearly any craving.  The area is known for its Dungeness Crab Harvest, so be sure to check that out when it's in season!

  • Carly C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from H. Dana Bower Rest Area Northbound
    Oct. 6, 2024

    H. Dana Bower Rest Area Northbound

    Great location

    Great location overlooking the city, has facilities like toilets and drinking fountains. Very busy when I was here on a Saturday night with locals, tourists and Mexican street vendors. Can’t complain because it’s free and close to the city

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Doran Regional Park
    Sep. 30, 2024

    Doran Regional Park

    Big and Busy

    Great (and big) park in Bodega Bay with several separate campgrounds. We got lucky and snagged a last minute spot for 2 nights in August. Easy access to the beach, lots of day use areas all around this park, and bonus: a dog beach that was available on a trial basis when we were there- dogs got to run free on this little patch of enclosed beach- wonderful. Hope it becomes a permanent feature! 

    Showers were $2 for 5 minutes, there’s recycling here (a separate bin for propane cylinders too). 

    This campground has a lot of in and out traffic and day use visitors and overall more activity than the Westside campground across the way. We enjoyed both of them.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Westside Regional Park
    Sep. 30, 2024

    Westside Regional Park

    Low key and beachy

    This is a mellow, low key, beachy Sonoma County campground in Bodega Bay. It’s got that vibe that so many beach campgrounds do, a little run down, no frills, open layout, and happy friendly campers. We stayed here for a couple of nights and had a great time. 

    There’s hiking all over this area, lots to explore and see. Cell service was good. Showers here are expensive at $2 for 5 min, quarters only. There’s a host on site who’s been hosting here for something like 15 (maybe 30) years. There’s a boat ramp adjacent to this campground, lots of boats in and out for fishing. 

    There’s a dump station for a $7 fee (though the website says $10, so maybe it's actually $10), honor box at the station to deposit your money. Water fill available here as well. 

    Recycling available, as well as a separate bin for green propane canisters. Camping is $35/night, plus $2 fee per dog per night (boo), plus whatever online reservation fee ($8?). Reservations must be made online. Hosts obviously do not handle that and there was nobody in the entrance shack when we arrived- though a ranger swung by later to collect the dog fee (that fee can’t be paid online when you make the reservation). Anyway, confusing process but just go with it and have a great time.

  • kThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bodega Dunes Campground — Sonoma Coast State Park
    Sep. 25, 2024

    Bodega Dunes Campground — Sonoma Coast State Park

    Clean campground

    There is upward of 90 sites, many are for just tents and are on sand with fire pit. I have our travel trailer there and are the site # in the 70's and are on a asphalt pad, which makes it cleaner and level. Down side would be close to a road and traffic during day, but at night very quiet except for fog horn which is no big deal. The beach walks and adventuring the coast and local fair makes it all worth it. Water and dump station available, not at campsites but at entry of park

  • Emma R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Ritchey Creek Campground — Bothe-Napa Valley State Park
    Sep. 25, 2024

    Ritchey Creek Campground — Bothe-Napa Valley State Park

    Close to wine country

    Lovely campsite with very sweet camp hosts. Always waved when they drove by.

    Chose site 17 because of the beautiful tree seen in another review but was felled prior to our arrival, so no big tree. We did however get a beautiful view of the stars.

    Two things to note, some of the sites (didn’t look like all of them had this issue) have an incredibly fine dusty dirt that gets on absolutely everything, it made our feet, legs and sandals completely beige from the dust and we had to wipe them with wet wipes before going into our tent and tracked a fair amount into our car upon leaving.

    The other thing we were disappointed with was that we had to pay for showers on top of already paying over $50 for our site for one night, we felt that was a pretty big con and that it should be included in the fees.

    Overall, you can’t get closer to the wineries and it was an otherwise lovely site.

  • Izzy H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Steele Canyon (formerly Lupine Shores)
    Sep. 24, 2024

    Steele Canyon (formerly Lupine Shores)

    Overnight stay

    I got there after they closed (closes at 5pm.) But there's a number to call that was posted for after hours. A camper in front of me had already called and someone arrived within minutes. They were very helpful and friendly. I got a beautiful spot secluded from everyone. I loved it! Just me and nature. I played some music dance by myself as if nobody was watching.

  • Brandon G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bodega Bay RV Park
    Sep. 24, 2024

    Bodega Bay RV Park

    Quiet place to work during the week

    Very enjoyable stay. The park is clean,quiet and there’s a few trails that take you to the Beach. It’s about a 30 min walk but an easy one. Theres electric, cable and water at the pole. The sewer is up near the entrance. All in all a nice peaceful retreat. I work remote and have had meetings all week. No issues with Verizon or T mobile Hot spots.

  • Mouni The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from H. Dana Bower Rest Area Northbound
    Sep. 24, 2024

    H. Dana Bower Rest Area Northbound

    Rest Stop

    I’m not sure that this can be considered established or even legal camping since it is a rest stop. The location is awesome considering it’s right beside of the Golden State Bridge, but it also makes it a popular spot for a lot of people to hang out at and watch the sunset and other tourist attractions and even local activity.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Ocean Cove Store and Campground
    Sep. 18, 2024

    Ocean Cove Store and Campground

    Campground by the Ocean

    I tent camped here on a September weeknight. The campground is very spacious on a bluff overlooking the ocean. Very few other campers so I had plenty of options for sites. It was cool, sunny, and no wind-perfect weather! Stunning views all around, with a trailhead to Stillwater Cove. Very quiet and relaxing stay here!

  • Roxanne S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Ocean Cove Store and Campground
    Sep. 16, 2024

    Ocean Cove Store and Campground

    Picture perfect views!

    The views are worth the drive!  The cliffs are just spectacular and there are places to walk and explore the coast, albeit it can be windy. We arrived on a Thursday afternoon and there were plenty of spots to choose from. Most campsites are fairly spacious, the general store is well stocked and prices are reasonable. The outdoor showers are a win, as we stayed 4 nights and it was so quite once the weekend passed. If the guy with the BBQ oysters is set up on the weekend - they are fabulous! Cafe Aquatica in Jenner has amazing chowda and quaint outdoor seating. Sunsets for days...

  • Catherine L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cowboy Camp
    Sep. 15, 2024

    Cowboy Camp

    Quiet

    Quiet stop, but I wouldn't call it the most beautiful stop I've ever stayed. Camping spots are to the left and the right I'd the day use. Pit toilets. No garbage.

  • Sean Z.
    Camper-submitted photo from Anthony Chabot Regional Park
    Sep. 2, 2024

    Anthony Chabot Regional Park

    Great time inconvenienced by yellow jackets

    We love to camp here for barbecuing, mountain biking and hiking. We always do it during 7/4 holidays except for this year when the park canceled our reservation due to high heat. So we booked for the Labor Day weekend. Temperature was perfect and biking and hiking were enjoyable as usual. This year we had two new types of visitors to the the site. A couple of wild turkeys came to pick up the dropped food on the ground. We were able to take a closeup look at them and they were beautiful birds with big eyes spotting tiny bits of crumbs. They come and go from one site to the next quietly and gently. Very cute and we took pictures with their presence. Then came the aggressive yellow jackets. We never had yellow jackets in our previous 7/4 outings here. Oh boy, they fought for the meat relentlessly. At the end of the outing, both my finger and my wife’s were stung. We reported the experience to the attendant at the gate when leaving. She said the park is looking for a solution. In the meantime, she suggested contacting them early on so they might be able to provide another site. Hopefully, next year, we won’t encounter so many nasties.

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground
    Aug. 30, 2024

    Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground

    Beloved Sam Taylor’s - Just Get Ready for Camping Virgins and Kooks

    Everything about the campground is GREAT. The location is CLASSIC. West Marin is BEAUTIFUL.

    And for families who want a quick trip over Golden Gate Bridge to introduce their children (or adults!) to the great outdoors, their first camp, nowhere is more convenient and instantly gratifying. 

    However! You are going to probably experience some of the most ridiculous first-time campers with no sense of camping etiquette you have ever met in your life. I put up with it, for kids—- and now I have great stories— but I’d never go back as an experienced camper. 

    Example A: Finally things quiet down and everyone is asleep, 2 or 3 am. A woman starts SCREAMING BLOODY MURDER, every single headlamp comes on, other people start screaming too, thinking it’s a bear attack. The ranger, where the F are they? 

    We literally WALKED OVER toward the screaming banshee, that went on for a few bloodcurdling minutes. Do you know what we found? This complete nincompoop was surprised when we stooped down to her tent and said, “What’s going on?”

    She was defiant, and her “companion” looked dazed. She said, “I just had a bad dream, what’s the big deal?” 

    I said, “Well, you can’t do that here, if that’s what it is. You’re going to have to stay up the rest of the night, to make sure you’re not screaming, or leave now. You just devastated  about 200 people, and children are crying everywhere, thinking there’s a bear.” (Not). 

    I think Sam T should have a big sign that says, “This is not Spring Break. This is not a place to work out your family trauma. This is not a garbage fight. This is not your narcissistic b.s.” 

    You might think, “oh just one bad time.” Well, that was the ultimate, but no, i went there dozens of times because the Kidds loved it, and we could live in SF and start camping in about a half hour. 

    Okay, now I feel like a curmudgeon. More good people who know how to camp SHOULD camp here, because peer pressure and good community is the only thing that works. I did my time ! now it’s up to you!



Guide to Sonoma

Camping near Sonoma, California, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the stunning trails at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "The local trails and creeks were breathtaking," making it a great spot for both novice and experienced hikers.
  • Beach Activities: Visit Bodega Dunes Campground — Sonoma Coast State Park for a day at the beach. A camper shared, "The beach itself was quiet and only a few folks were out there after the storm," perfect for a relaxing day by the ocean.
  • Wine Tasting: Stay at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground and enjoy nearby wineries. One visitor noted, "It’s a lovely campsite... only a few minutes from Kenwood and many wineries."

What campers like

  • Scenic Views: Campers appreciate the beautiful surroundings. A review for Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground stated, "Campsites are right by the beach," offering stunning ocean views.
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds, like Anthony Chabot Regional Park, are praised for their cleanliness. One camper mentioned, "Restrooms were clean and had flush toilets," which is always a plus.
  • Wildlife Watching: Campers enjoy spotting wildlife. At Lawson's Landing, a visitor noted, "A couple of wild turkeys came to pick up the dropped food on the ground," adding a fun element to the camping experience.

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Woodside Campground — Salt Point State Park, lack showers and RV dump stations. A camper pointed out, "Unfortunately no showers, no RV dump station," so plan accordingly.
  • Crowded During Peak Season: Campgrounds can get busy, especially on holidays. A review for San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA mentioned, "This place is busy and expensive," so consider visiting during off-peak times for a quieter experience.
  • Wildlife Caution: Be aware of wildlife, especially at campgrounds like Bothe-Napa Valley State Park. One camper warned, "It's full of poison oak!!!! But you can get around it," so keep an eye out.

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. At San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA, a reviewer said, "This KOA offers a variety of activities that cater to children," making it a great choice for families.
  • Space for Tents: Choose sites that offer enough space for your family. A camper at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground mentioned, "Most sites being under tree canopies," providing a nice shaded area for kids to play.
  • Plan for Meals: Bring food and snacks, as some campgrounds may not have markets nearby. A visitor at Bodega Dunes Campground noted, "The town of Half Moon Bay offers pretty much everything you need in terms of restaurants or grocery stores."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Hookups: Make sure to check if the campground has the necessary hookups for your RV. A reviewer at Skyline Wilderness Park mentioned, "It’s good for an RV park type setting," which is helpful for RV travelers.
  • Level Sites: Look for campgrounds with level sites. One camper at Anthony Chabot Regional Park noted, "Most sites being under tree canopies," which can help with leveling your RV.
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Some campgrounds may not have dump stations, so plan your route accordingly. A visitor at Woodside Campground — Salt Point State Park mentioned, "No dump station," so be prepared before you arrive.

Camping near Sonoma, California, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions