172 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Cloverdale, California range from RV parks with electric hookups and pools to rustic tent sites within a short drive of town. The Cloverdale/Healdsburg KOA accommodates tents, RVs, and offers cabin camping with amenities including electric hookups, showers, and a swimming pool. Russian River RV Campground provides similar accommodations about 7 miles north of downtown. The surrounding region includes several state parks and recreation areas that support a variety of camping styles, from developed campgrounds to more remote experiences along the Russian River and Lake Sonoma.
Access to many campgrounds varies seasonally, with some sites requiring alternate routes during winter months when seasonal bridges are removed. The winding roads leading to several area campgrounds can present challenges for larger RVs and trailers. "The drive in will not be fun, to say nothing about trying to park a trailer or RV larger than 25' in Hendy Woods," notes one camper about a nearby state park. Lake Sonoma's Liberty Glen Campground, approximately 20 minutes from Cloverdale, provides more isolated camping options but requires visitors to bring all supplies as the nearest store is in town. Most campgrounds in the area feature potable water and restroom facilities, though amenities vary significantly between public and private operations.
Campers report high satisfaction with sites that provide recreation opportunities and natural settings. The Cloverdale KOA receives positive reviews for its amenities including a fishing pond, swimming pool, and hiking trails, making it popular for glamping experiences. Several campgrounds in the region offer easy access to wine tasting in the surrounding valleys, with the Anderson Valley wineries accessible via Highway 128. The proximity to the Russian River provides opportunities for swimming during summer months when water levels permit. While some campgrounds offer relative seclusion, others feature more open layouts with limited privacy between sites. Reviews consistently mention the scenic beauty of the area, with options ranging from redwood groves to oak-studded hillsides that showcase Northern California's diverse landscapes. For campers seeking both convenience and natural beauty, the Cloverdale area campgrounds provide excellent access to both small-town amenities and the stunning wilderness of Sonoma County.
"Love this spot for glamping it has a fishing pond, swimming pool, and a hiking trail! Very beautiful scenery! Very close to the town of Cloverdale about a 5-10 min drive!"
"Always a fun time when your up at the cloverdale koa."
from $89 - $109 / night
Check Availability"Having visited Lake County many times, I wasn't expecting much from this camp ground. I had intended to camp at Boggs Forest - my usual hangout for mountain biking when in the area."
"Had a nice spot that was semi-shaded in the afternoon, next to a lovely couple who I was able to share some beers with. The place was at capacity, but many people leave during the day."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"Love this spot for glamping it has a fishing pond, swimming pool, and a hiking trail! Very beautiful scenery! Very close to the town of Cloverdale about a 5-10 min drive!"
"If you talk to the the ranger at the gate, most of the time they will let you drive around the grounds and pick any open site."
"The walk down to swim in the lake was a significant downhill but the dip was worth it! Funny dead trees sticking out of the lake were fun to climb on."
from $25 - $100 / night
Check Availability"The other campground near the lake is quite a bit further drive from the actual lake. This one is closest and parking at the marina is included with the camp slip."
"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."
"I've taken my 3 kids a couple of times now, and it's such a great location along the Sonoma Coast."
"The sites are tucked on the hillside amongst mixed evergreen forests, redwoods, ferns, and oaks. The sites all have picnics tables with food lockers, large fire pits, and privacy."
"Great scenery, and many of the tent sites are tucked away in little nooks and crannies for privacy if you don’t want the more open outer ring sites."
"Ocean Cove is a private campground right off Highway one. The owners are very friendly and helpful and they also own the grocery store across from the campsites."
from $28 - $280 / night
Check Availability"A few friends and I recently spent 4 days camping at this beautiful ranch right outside of Duncan Mills and absolutely loved our stay."
"Fire puts when allowed by California. Russian River gets surprisingly warm during the summer."
GuideLots of beautiful campsites by the beach. It’s in Bodega Bay so all of the beach is pretty protected. Many are in the harbor and there’s a place to launch your watercraft. Dogs are allowed yon the beach on leash. The campground was full but the beach wasn’t crowded at all.
The shower was coin operated. The dial didn’t change the temperature or volume of water at all. ☹️
TravelerCowboy Camp had everything I had heard it offered & more! There was plenty of space when I visited and I got to pick a spot down by the water. Easy access & semi-secluded. The spot was half shaded and half sunny by 3 PM. Perfect for our truck to park in & stay cool. Vaulted toilets were in decent shape & even had TP. Lots of awesome spots to pull off at on the way there from Winters area. Beautiful views of flowing green water & colorful trees.
GuideThere aren’t a lot of options for camping on the coast in California outside of busy campgrounds. But as those go, Doran Beach is ok. Try to get a site that backs up to the harbor for more privacy and an almost private beach to walk. But be aware there are lots of sounds going on all day and night, including people talking, sea birds squawking, sea lions barking, and a 24/7 foghorn (whether there’s fog or not). Sites are close together but pick wisely and you can get one that affords you a little more privacy.
GuideHard to get reservations but worth it. Super close to beach. Some spots have trees with shade.
TravelerI stayed here for one night and overall had a good experience. The location is beautiful and very convenient, with the beach right across the road and the water nearby. It was calm, scenic, and there were lots of birds around. The bathrooms and showers were clean, and the shower had warm water.
The sites are very close together, though, so there is essentially no privacy between campsites. The shower was also a little expensive at around $2 for only a few minutes of water.
The biggest issue for me was the foghorn. I actually timed it, and it went off roughly every 10 seconds, apparently 24/7. It was extremely loud and continued day and night, whether there was fog or not. Some people may find it soothing, but I found it impossible to ignore, especially at night. Honestly, this is the main reason I wouldn't stay here again.
Overall, it's a nice campground in a great location, but the lack of privacy and especially the constant foghorn are significant drawbacks.
LegendI convinced myself to stay on the coast one more night and gambled I'd get a spot here, and it paid off gangbusters. Cramped sites were a bummer, but cool neighbors and an awesome sunset made it a minor detail.
TravelerGreat campground on the Russian River. Big grassy area for single or group camping. Friendly staff. Walking distance to downtown Guerneville.
TravelerUpside: almost no one here, including security and onsite host (private and undisturbed), no road noise, great playground, bathrooms, showers and water views.
Downside: no onsite host, book online (reserveca.com). Some spots are VERY OPEN no privacy and all overgrown meadow. Campsite is above lake, no access feom campground. Not all water faucets have hose attachment.
See attached map for most private $35 spots ( not waterfront) and the blue dot has a water spiket with hose attachment.
LegendSome campgrounds stay with you because of the scenery, while others become part of your family history ... and Salt Point will forever be both for me. Perched along one of the wildest stretches of the Sonoma Coast, this coastal park combines six miles of rugged Pacific shoreline with grasslands and forest, and its two primary campgrounds offer very different experiences: Gerstle Cove sits on the ocean side of Highway 1, while Woodside is tucked into the trees inland. Together they have 109 developed campsites, most with level paved pads, picnic tables, food lockers and fire rings, but no hookups or showers.
What makes Salt Point truly special is everything waiting beyond the campsite. Trails lead along rocky bluffs, through forests and down toward Gerstle Cove, while tide pools, extraordinary sandstone formations and the pounding Pacific make this feel wonderfully removed from civilization. There are more than 20 miles of trails and Stump Beach provides the park's only sandy beach.
But none of that is why I remember this place so vividly. Salt Point was the very first place I ever took my daughters camping. I can still remember that wonderful mixture of excitement and uncertainty that comes with introducing your children to something you love: setting up camp together, watching them explore this enormous new outdoor world and realizing that what felt like a simple weekend away was quietly becoming one of those family memories you carry forever. At least for me, that is true.
This is real camping rather than resort camping: no electricity, no showers and no dump station, while the nearest gas stations are roughly 18 miles away. Tent campers should feel particularly at home here and I’d favor Woodside, which is where we stayed, for its more sheltered, forested camping experience; however, choose Gerstle Cove if quicker access to the rugged coastline is what brought you here. Either way, come prepared for changing coastal weather and embrace the simplicity as that's part of Salt Point's magic.
Insider’s Tip: If this is your first visit, don't spend the entire trip at the campsite. Walk the Salt Point Trail around Gerstle Cove and give the kids time simply to explore the shoreline. Years later, they probably won't remember whether the campsite was perfectly level, but you may be surprised by what they do remember.
Happy Camping!
Camping near Cloverdale, California occurs across terrain that ranges from oak-studded hillsides to dense redwood groves. The climate varies significantly with coastal campgrounds experiencing summer fog and inland sites reaching daytime temperatures above 90°F during summer months. Seasonal bridges impact access to several campgrounds, particularly from November through April when water levels rise.
Fishing opportunities: At Cloverdale/Healdsburg KOA, campers can fish in the on-site pond. "Love this spot for glamping it has a fishing pond, swimming pool, and a hiking trail! Very beautiful scenery!" notes a reviewer. The fishing areas are suitable for beginners and don't require special permits beyond standard California fishing licenses.
Beach access: Ocean Cove Store and Campground provides trails to tide pools during low tide. "Trails to the beach, and at low tide there was so much sea life for my son and I to explore," reports one camper. The trails require sturdy footwear as they involve rock scrambling in some sections.
Animal encounters: Casini Ranch Family Campground offers a small petting zoo. "Kids were busy the whole time, riding bikes and scooters, playing on the jump pillow, feeling the animals," shares a visitor. The animal area operates daily and is included with camping fees.
Privacy options: BLM Sheldon Creek provides secluded campsites with natural separation. "There are about 4/5 sites, only 2 with actual fire pits," explains one visitor. The creek creates natural white noise that helps maintain privacy between sites during summer months when water is flowing.
Family activities: Casini Ranch offers scheduled events that keep children engaged. "They have an insane amount of kids activities! Face paining, s'mores campfire, hay ride, parks, kareoke- just to name a few!" reports an enthusiastic camper. Activity schedules are posted weekly at the camp store.
Affordable options: Free camping exists within driving distance of Cloverdale. "FREE BLM campground - travel trailers not advised," notes a Sheldon Creek visitor. The trade-off for free camping includes vault toilets or no facilities, limited or no water access, and rougher access roads.
Seasonal access challenges: Reaching Thousand Trails Russian River can become complicated during certain times of year. "Getting to the campground is easier in the summer because there is a bridge that goes over the river, making it a shorter drive. In the winter, the bridge is removed, so you have to go through the town of Cloverdale and back track, adding about 15-20 minutes to your trip," explains a camper.
Varying shower facilities: Campgrounds in the area have different shower setups, from tokens to coins to none at all. "Showers are token operated. Outside the bathrooms is a machine for token exchange. It takes $1 and $5 bills. They are these cute, unique coins specific to the park... It's 50¢ per token and one token gets you 2 minutes," reports a visitor to Kelsey Creek Campground.
Cell service limitations: Service varies widely across Cloverdale-area campgrounds. "There is NO VERIZON service in the campsite and limited to no Verizon service for about 1/2 mile out of the campsite," warns a Casini Ranch visitor. T-Mobile coverage tends to be stronger than Verizon in most area campgrounds.
Seek jumping features: Kelsey Creek Campground at Clear Lake State Park has designated swimming areas with safe entry points. "Great camping, hiking, boating. Lots of nature trails. Super friendly staff," notes a visitor. The visitor center offers junior ranger programs during summer weekends.
Consider nearby supply access: Lake Sonoma camping requires planning ahead. "Bring everything you need, the closest store is in Cloverdale, 20 minutes away," advises a Liberty Glen camper. The nearest gas stations to most campgrounds are in Cloverdale and Healdsburg.
Look for campgrounds with organized activities: Structured programming helps with entertainment. "A little run down but my four year old did not care! Lots for kids to do. Pool, fishing pond, playground, hiking trails. We were there for one night during the week but it looks like they have additional activities on the weekend," explains a KOA visitor.
Road condition awareness: Access to several campgrounds requires careful driving. "The drive in will not be fun... trying to park a trailer or RV larger than 25' in Hendy Woods," warns one camper. Alternate routes may be necessary for larger rigs, particularly when approaching from Highway 128.
Site selection strategies: Lake Sonoma Marina Campground has varied site layouts. "Some of the sites are more secluded but a couple are great if you have a group of 10 or so. Some have beautiful views of the lake and hills," notes a camper. Arriving midweek improves chances of securing preferred sites at first-come, first-served campgrounds.
Hookup considerations: Full hookups are limited in the region. "No sewer but they do have a dumping station and a honey pot service for $35 so we took advantage of that," explains a Thousand Trails visitor. Most campgrounds have dumping fees ranging from $10-20 for non-campers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds in Cloverdale, CA?
Cloverdale offers several excellent camping options. Koa Cloverdale Camping Resort stands out with its fishing pond, swimming pool, and hiking trails, all just 5-10 minutes from town. For those seeking a redwood experience, Hendy Woods State Park Campground is a nearby gem featuring beautiful old-growth redwood groves that create a magical camping atmosphere. The area also offers access to Lake Sonoma camping opportunities and coastal options within driving distance. Most campgrounds in the area provide a mix of natural beauty and recreational activities, making Cloverdale an ideal base for exploring Sonoma County's diverse landscapes.
What RV parks are available in Cloverdale?
Cloverdale/Healdsburg Campground is the primary RV park in the area, offering typical KOA amenities including full hookups, a store, pool, fishing pond, bathrooms, and cabins. The campground features open sites that can accommodate various RV sizes. Just a short drive away, Clear Lake Campground provides another RV option with a quaint, small-town feel. Other nearby RV-friendly options include Thousand Trails Russian River and Lake Sonoma Marina Campground. Most parks in the region offer electric and water hookups, with some providing full sewer connections and pull-through sites for larger rigs.
What amenities do Cloverdale camping sites offer?
Camping sites around Cloverdale feature diverse amenities to enhance your outdoor experience. Bodega Dunes Campground offers clean bathrooms, coin-operated showers, flat and semi-private sites, and friendly staff, with beach access nearby. Woodside Campground at Salt Point State Park provides a unique forest-to-ocean experience with hiking trails and ocean overlooks. Most campgrounds in the area feature fire rings, picnic tables, and restroom facilities. Recreation amenities vary by location but commonly include swimming pools, fishing opportunities, hiking trails, and disc golf. Many sites also offer potable water, shower facilities, and camp stores for supplies, creating comfortable bases for exploring Sonoma County.
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