Sonoma County offers diverse pet friendly camping options near Fulton, California, just minutes from the Russian River. The region experiences mild temperatures year-round, with summer highs around 80°F and winter lows rarely dropping below 40°F. Most campgrounds remain accessible throughout all seasons, though winter camping requires preparation for occasional heavy rainfall that can create muddy conditions at tent sites.
What to do
Hiking with dogs: The Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground trail system connects to extensive hiking networks. "There are a handful of great loop options and a few great out and backs too. My personal favorite hike in this park is at the bottom of the hill from the campground, but can be accessed by trails and a short road walk, and that is the Goodspeed Trail to Gunsight Rock" which offers challenging terrain with 2,444 feet of elevation gain.
Stargazing opportunities: The Robert Ferguson Observatory at Sugarloaf Ridge offers guided astronomy programs. "We went on a night hike for a star gazing tour and had a great time!" One camper appreciated how the park "has wifi, camp store, excellent hikes, and a general good groove."
Waterfront activities: Casini Ranch Family Campground provides direct river access with designated pet areas. "They have an insane amount of kids activities! Face paining, s'mores campfire, hay ride, parks, kareoke- just to name a few!" Another visitor mentioned "The dog parks were clutch, since my dog needs to run," highlighting the dedicated spaces for pets to exercise freely.
What campers like
Privacy levels: Sites at Bodega Dunes Campground offer varying degrees of seclusion. "The sites were separated by trees and shrubbery, giving the feeling of more privacy. We were in site 60 and thought it was very nice." Other campers note that "sites 13 and 15 of the Bodega Dunes loop are by far the best sites. The others had uneven tent pads or awkward orientations."
Beach proximity: Wright's Beach Campground situates campers exceptionally close to the ocean. "On the sand 50 steps from the beach," wrote one reviewer, while another mentioned "Our site was tucked away from the ocean breeze but only steps away from the sand," providing protection from coastal winds while maintaining quick beach access.
Clean facilities: Doran Regional Park maintains well-kept restrooms and shower facilities. "The bathrooms were nice and had hot water," one visitor reported. Another mentioned "Clean bathrooms and showers. No power and water spigots are there to gather water," indicating the availability of potable water despite limited hookups.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most popular sites fill quickly, especially during peak season. "We didn't stay long enough for sure. We also appreciated that it was close to city amenities like Lagunitas Brewing Co," reported a visitor to San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA.
Terrain challenges: Schoolhouse Canyon Campground features varied terrain that affects camping comfort. "It is in a canyon so noise does carry," one regular visitor noted. "The spots closest to the enterance have the most privacy, the sites in the back are good for large groups and families and are noisier than the sites up front."
Wildlife considerations: Sonoma County's diverse ecosystems include active wildlife. "We did see a few foxes, or the same fox a few times, so make sure to keep camp sites clean," warned a visitor to Bodega Dunes. At Sugarloaf Ridge, campers should prepare for "rattlesnakes on trails are not uncommon" during warmer months.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: Sugarloaf Ridge accommodates first-time campers with supportive amenities. "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 and it's a short drive into town in case you need to stock up."
Activity planning: Spring Lake Regional Park offers numerous recreational options for children. "It is very kid friendly with a fun loop for the kids to bike or scooter around plus easy access to the lake," mentioned one family. Another visitor added that "we explored the area, including eating at the famous 'Birds' restaurant" which connects camping to local attractions.
Beach considerations: Dog-friendly beaches vary in accessibility and comfort. At Doran Regional Park, "The beach is wide, flat and great for families. The first Saturday of the month the rangers do a tide pool talk. They bring sea creatures (like sea stars, sea slugs etc) to share and let the kids hold them."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: When choosing RV spots at Casini Ranch, consider the layout differences. "Casini Ranch is really two campgrounds: the tent campground features charming sites tucked into private groves; the RV sites with electrical and water hookups are crammed together, with little more than a fence post to demarcate them."
Utility access: Resources at Bodega Dunes require planning. "The dump station and water fill up spigot were excellent," noted one RVer. Another mentioned "There is no water fill up (there are a couple of spigots) but fill and dumping are available at Bodega Dunes."
Leveling requirements: RV pads at many campgrounds present leveling challenges. "Take extra blocks if you go because our site was uneven tip to tail," advised one camper at Bodega Dunes. Similarly, at Wright's Beach, "Many of the sites in the lower areas had standing water and torn up asphalt pads from the heavy rains the last couple of years."
