RV campsites near Sonoma, California sit within a diverse landscape where coastal fog mixes with inland warmth. The region features elevations from sea level along Bodega Bay to 833 feet at Sonoma Mountain, creating varied camping experiences. Most campgrounds open year-round with summer temperatures averaging 83°F and winter lows rarely dropping below 39°F.
What to do
Beach exploration: 10 minutes from Bodega Bay RV Park. The coastline offers several access points for beachcombing and wildlife viewing. "On Sunday's the farmers market is nextdoor so you can walk over!" reports Sasha M. about Bodega Bay RV Park.
Kayaking: Direct access at Mirabel Park. Rent equipment on-site for river paddling with return shuttle service. "Great canoe rentals to take down the river and a shuttle back is right next door," notes Gregory L. from Mirabel RV Park & Campground.
Urban day trips: 30 minutes to San Francisco. Use public transit connections from Marin RV Park to avoid city driving and parking hassles. "Drive in, park and then walk to all the sights you want to see in San Francisco. A short 10 minute walk from the RV Park is the ferry that will drop you off downtown," explains Jeff T. about Marin RV Park.
What campers like
Harbor views: Waterfront sites at Porto Bodega. Premium spots overlook fishing boats and marina activities. "You can see the Milky Way at night while listening to the soft foghorn and every now and then a soft bark of a seal," shares Duranne C. from Porto Bodega Marina & RV Park.
Swimming access: Private beach area at River Bend. The Russian River forms natural swimming holes with varying depths suitable for different abilities. "The private beach is great for kids (and adults). Easy swimming without a strong current. Lots of shallows but a deep swimming hole are for adults too," notes H L. about River Bend Resort.
Convenience to supplies: Walking distance to stores. Many RV sites near Sonoma provide easy access to grocery shopping. "Convenient location. Well stores near by," mentions Todd H. about Marin RV Park, while another camper notes, "a quick walk to coffee, food and groceries" at San Francisco RV Resort.
What you should know
Site spacing varies significantly. Many parks prioritize capacity over privacy, especially at coastal locations. "The sites are fairly short and very close. Bigger rig tow vehicles either extend into or are parked partially on the roads through the campground, although the roads are fairly wide throughout," reports a camper at Vineyard RV Park.
Weekend noise levels increase. Several campgrounds report different experiences on weekdays versus weekends. "It was fairly quiet when we arrived during the week, but got a little raucous on the weekend," notes a reviewer from Vineyard RV Park.
Highway proximity affects some parks. Road noise can be noticeable at certain campgrounds. "What was not mentioned is that it is right next to the highway so we heard frequent traffic day & nite," warns DEL H. about River Bend Resort.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple options at River Bend. The resort offers several play areas plus an arcade for older children. "There are several playgrounds which are fun for kids. And an arcade," mentions H L.
Swimming safety: Russian River spots. Look for designated swimming areas with natural features for different ages. Jordan L. from Mirabel RV Park notes, "Theres a short trail down to the river, perfect for kayaking or paddleboarding."
Rule restrictions vary by park. Some locations have specific policies about children's activities. "No bike riding or scooting, so we had to walk them to the walking path. They also mention a few times about well behaved children," reports Stephanie E. about Bodega Bay RV Park.
Tips from RVers
Internet connectivity challenges. Expect variable speeds and connection methods across parks. "AT&T coverage was just ok, with 2 bars of LTE and speeds up to 0.8 MB/s. The CG WiFi through TengoInternet.com is bit wanky, only allowing 3 connected devices and requiring a Browser to connect," explains Ray & Terri F. about Vineyard RV Park.
Power limitations at some parks. Check electrical service specifications before booking. According to a camper at Mirabel RV Park, "Each site has a table, fire pit, and even outlets which was a nice surprise," though they primarily offer 30-amp service rather than 50-amp connections needed by larger RVs.
Off-season availability improves. Many parks have open spaces midweek or during non-summer months. Edward R. from Bodega Bay RV Park mentions, "I felt lucky to get a last-minute drop-in spot in busy Bodega Bay on the weekend. A two-night minimum is required, but I was happy to stay for two nights."
