Fairfield campers can access diverse settings from urban-adjacent sites to remote wilderness areas within a 50-mile radius. The region experiences Mediterranean climate patterns with hot, dry summers reaching 90°F and mild, wet winters averaging 40-55°F. Winter camping remains popular though seasonal closures affect some locations during November through March.
What to do
Hiking near water: Lake Solano County Park offers creek access with canoes and paddle boats available for rent. "The creek is very cold but on a really hot day with a raft you can cool off. You can also rent canoes and paddle boats to get around on the water," notes a visitor who enjoyed the park's recreational options.
Wildlife viewing: Skyline Wilderness Park provides opportunities to see local fauna along its trail system. "Wild turkey, deer, wood peckers regularly seen!" mentions one camper, while another adds that they "saw a doe within 10 mins of setting up camp just a few steps away."
Astronomy experiences: Many campgrounds offer excellent night sky viewing due to distance from major light pollution. "We went on a night hike for a star gazing tour and had a great time!" shares a camper who visited the Robert Ferguson Observatory at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park.
Biking through wine country: Ride directly from camp to nearby vineyards in several locations. "We rode our bikes around the vineyards and enjoyed every single moment," mentions one reviewer who appreciated the proximity to wine country attractions.
What campers like
Proximity to towns: Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground offers a woodland setting while remaining accessible to urban amenities. "This is a campground that checks a LOT of boxes. The win is how close it is to Point Reyes National Seashore, San Rafael, Olema, Novato and Marshall," explains one visitor who found the location ideal for exploring the region.
River access: Brannan Island State Recreation Area provides campsites with water views. "We stayed right on the levee. Bonus bike trail!" shares one camper who appreciated the waterfront location, while another noted it's "very close to the Sacramento River for a nice cruise."
Unique natural features: Seasonal changes create different camping experiences throughout the year. "It was April and the pairs of geese were abundant. No checks yet, but I understand in May they were hatched," explains a camper at Canyon Creek Resort who enjoyed the wildlife breeding season.
Free amenities: Several campgrounds provide unexpected conveniences. "Love that the showers are hot and free! You may have to push the button several times but totally worth while in my opinion!" notes a Lake Solano visitor.
What you should know
Seasonal challenges: Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground experiences distinct seasonal conditions. "It's often very hot in the summer, and there can be lots of rattle snakes sunning themselves on the rocks," cautions a regular visitor who recommends appropriate precautions during warmer months.
Site differences: Campgrounds often feature varied site qualities and layouts. "Sites are close, but have some privacy. Stream is accessible shallow," notes one camper about Samuel P. Taylor, while another advised, "If I returned I would snag site 44. Just trust me on this."
Wildlife encounters: Expect various wildlife interactions at most campgrounds. "Raccoons, Chipmunks and Blue Jays were NOT SHY but also not a harrowing issue," reports a Samuel P. Taylor camper, providing a realistic assessment of animal activity.
Reservation requirements: Many popular sites book quickly, especially during peak season. "Contrary to other posts, they take walkups. It is just on the website it requires 2 weeks out," explains a Lake Solano camper, offering helpful booking information.
Tips for camping with families
Campground amenities: San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA provides extensive family facilities. "Great things for kids to be entertained by and enjoy for sure. A lot of different areas for the kids. Swimming, giant bounce area, and mild weather," mentions one visitor who appreciated the family-friendly setup.
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer nature programs and learning experiences. "Lots of informational signs all over the place providing historical or ecological information," notes a camper at Samuel P. Taylor, highlighting the educational value.
Novice-friendly options: Some campgrounds specifically cater to beginning campers. "We've camped here a couple of times with our kids it's perfect for novice campers like us. The staff is awesome, there are bathrooms and showers. You can rent a tent, buy wood," explains a Sugarloaf Ridge visitor.
Special programs: Look for campgrounds with scheduled activities. "Ask about the free quest hike. They send you on an adventure hike and there is treasure at the end of it," suggests a Sugarloaf Ridge camper who enjoyed the structured activity.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Skyline Wilderness Park offers varied RV accommodations. "RV campsites are close together and semi-level. Bathrooms could use some TLC. But the park is nice with lots of hiking, views and close to Napa," reports an RVer who found the location convenient despite some drawbacks.
Hookup options: Research utility availability before arrival. "Picnic table, some full hook-ups and some partial, we will ask for full hook ups next time just for ease of getting out when your ready to go," advises an RV camper at Skyline Wilderness.
Connection capabilities: Cell service varies significantly between locations. "Cell phone coverage is good. Have both Verizon and Att with at least 2-3 bars. 10-12 Mbps down 4-5 Mbps up," shares a Skyline visitor who tested connectivity options.
Road accessibility: Consider vehicle size when selecting a campground. "All in all a great locale! It's a bit too tight for large trailer or RV camping (unless you are an expert at maneuvering through tight spaces)," cautions a Samuel P. Taylor visitor.
