Best Campgrounds near Glen Ellen, CA

The Sonoma Valley surrounding Glen Ellen, California features diverse camping opportunities within a landscape of rolling hills, vineyards, and oak woodlands. Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground, located just 5 miles northeast of Glen Ellen, offers 48 year-round sites for tent camping, RVs, and glamping accommodations with hiking trails that provide panoramic valley views. Within a 30-minute drive, campers can access Spring Lake Regional Park in Santa Rosa with family-friendly amenities, while those seeking coastal experiences can venture west to Bodega Dunes Campground in Sonoma Coast State Park. The region balances wine country proximity with natural settings, allowing visitors to experience both forested campgrounds and open valley sites.

Reservations are essential at most established campgrounds, particularly during summer weekends and fall harvest season when wine tourism peaks. Many campgrounds in the area maintain year-round operations, though Spring Lake Regional Park operates seasonally from May through September. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 90°F in inland areas like Glen Ellen, while coastal campgrounds experience cooler conditions with morning fog. As one camper noted, "Sugarloaf is a great campground for families. It is small but has all you need for a nice weekend. Many of the campsites offer lots of shade. Great hiking trails surrounding the campground. Also, close to many wineries in the Sonoma/Glen Ellen region." Cell service is generally reliable at developed campgrounds but can be spotty in more remote areas of Sugarloaf Ridge.

Family-friendly amenities receive consistent praise from visitors to campgrounds near Glen Ellen. Sites with shade are particularly valued during hot summer months, with several reviewers highlighting the importance of tree cover at Sugarloaf Ridge. Hiking trail access directly from campgrounds ranks as a top feature, allowing campers to explore without driving to trailheads. Proximity to wineries creates a unique camping experience where outdoor recreation and wine tasting can be combined. A visitor to Spring Lake Regional Park observed, "This campground is nice with newer bathrooms and shower facilities, but it's also very open and exposed. Great access to Spring Lake's water-based activities and hiking trails. Overall a good campsite for families in need of lots of recreation options, but not the best for those wishing to get away from it all."

Best Camping Sites Near Glen Ellen, California (159)

    1. Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground

    31 Reviews
    Kenwood, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 833-5712

    $35 - $45 / night

    "Great hiking trails surrounding the campground.  Also, close to many wineries in the Sonoma/Glen Ellen region."

    "Easy access to a lot of trails. The view from the campground is nice and relaxing. Some sites are very tight and close to each other. Some are spacious enough."

    2. San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA

    31 Reviews
    Penngrove, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 763-1492

    "showers were always clean. there was some construction going on, since it was the off season. it looked like they were renovating some of the bathrooms and aisle end sites to add grass and decks. the location"

    "For us, this is a great spot to shoot down the highway and pull in for a few days to get away from the hustle and bustle of normal life!"

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

    27 Reviews
    Deer Park, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 942-4575

    $43 / night

    "We just stayed here for 2 nights, great location very close to Calistoga and not to far from Saint Helena! Next time i would love to try out a cabin or yurt."

    "Good access to wineries close by.  Only real downside was that because of the dry conditions we could not have a campfire."

    4. Skyline Wilderness Park

    29 Reviews
    Napa, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 252-0481

    "A ton of great hiking and horseback riding trails. Literally 5 mins outside of the town of Napa. Ate at an amazing Brazilian Steakhouse and came to camp in just a short drive."

    "Nice, clean place with beautiful hiking trails. The garden is very cute, perfect for a quiet walk or meditation. Sites are close to each other. This place is a good getaway into nature."

    5. Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground

    53 Reviews
    Lagunitas, CA
    25 miles

    $35 - $225 / night

    "This campground is less than an hours drive from San Francisco. It is along Sir Francis Drake Boulevard which takes you through a bunch of very cute tiny towns."

    "Beautiful trees and wonderful California charm. The campsites were decently located. Above the Mendocino coast the mornings are wet and Cold. Loved this place"

    6. Spring Lake Regional Park

    8 Reviews
    Santa Rosa, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 539-8092

    $35 / night

    "It’s close to the entrance but the driveway only had a slight grade. Mostly folks with trailers. The sites are not too close together but it is easy to see into the surrounding neighbors."

    "Spring Lake has been that for us. We have been here for 2 weekends in the last few months."

    7. Sonoma County Fairgrounds RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Santa Rosa, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 293-8410

    $33 - $70 / night

    "A little close to others for my liking, but everyone was friendly and helpful."

    "Full hookup sites, reasonably close to shopping & restaurants, and good value with Passport America savings."

    8. Bodega Dunes Campground — Sonoma Coast State Park

    39 Reviews
    Bodega Bay, CA
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 875-3483

    $45 / night

    "This campsite is centrally located on the peninsula. Access to several roadside dog friendly beaches within minutes. The bay and the beach are within walking distance to campground."

    "The California coast is hard to beat. This campground is in the sand dunes, with a short walk to the beach. This is absolutely one of the best places to see the sunset."

    9. Lawson's Landing

    25 Reviews
    Dillon Beach, CA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 878-2443

    "Walking distance to the beach. Quiet place on non holiday weekends. Fun place to fish and the Beach is also pretty clean."

    "There are a variety of campsites, and they are many - we camp as close to the ocean as possible in the meadow area."

    10. Napa Valley Expo RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Napa, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 333-6014

    $60 - $80 / night

    "Rv park at the fairgrounds, walk to downtown Napa. Concrete pads, full hook ups. Basic but great!"

    "The site is very clean but noise from the traffic outside of it. It’s difficult to sleep."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 159 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Glen Ellen, CA

939 Reviews of 159 Glen Ellen Campgrounds


  • Vinny A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Doran Regional Park

    Doran Jetty Campground

    Cool spot. We stayed in a site on the Jetty. Only this I wish was a little better were the showers… they were in the bathroom even though they have a separate door and are coin operated

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Cache Creek Regional Park Campground

    Nature solace

    I pulled in here for the night and found I was completely alone. Except I kept hearing splashing in the creek. I wasn't alone - there was a herd of Elk. Super cool. This is a great spot for a short stay. No real 'sites' but a pleasant spot in the middle of the Cache Creek Natural Area.

  • VThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Thousand Trails Russian River

    A little piece of paradise

    This is a rustic park with no sewer hookups, so you need to bring a sewer caddy, and also, they have laundry onsite. They are remodeling and repairing and it is coming along very nicely.

  • Fighter J.
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Thousand Trails Russian River

    Russian River

    Place is quiet at night, but seems run down. They are going to assign sights which is what I don’t like in most camp grounds. I like the A section and it not being a choice anymore is my last time here.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Bodega Dunes Campground — Sonoma Coast State Park

    Loved Bodega Dunes

    We spent two nights at Bodega Dunes in the middle of September. The campground was clean with sites that were easy to back into. The sites were separated by trees and shrubbery, give the feeling of a more privacy. We were in site 60 and thought it was very nice.

    The folks manning the checkin hut were friendly and helpful. We had a grand time exploring Bodega Bay and enjoying the seafood available. This is the second campground we’ve visited in Bodega Bay and enjoyed the more private campsite found here.

    We’ll definitely go back!

  • Sary W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    San Francisco RV Resort

    Close to City

    We stayed here as we had baseball game tickets in SF during our RV trip. Close to city and in a safe area. Liked sleeping to the sounds of crashing waves and was able to use full hookups.

    Bathrooms were pretty dirty - not as pictured. Although I liked that the showers locked. Rec area was very run down. Laundry has mobile payment and was clean and accessible.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Pantoll Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park

    Pantoll

    Very nice small campground on Mt Tam. All sites are a small walk up on a hill kind of steep. Ranger station at parking lot that sells firewood. Water faucets, bathrooms. No showers. Bear lockers.

  • Jake M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground

    Very quite/ beautiful sites

    We’re hoping to get a spot with less of a hill to climb but on the top it’s a nice flat terrain. Nice view some campsites are closer to watch other than others.


Guide to Glen Ellen

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

What to do:

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers appreciate the beautiful surroundings. One reviewer at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground said, "It’s a lovely campsite with most sites being under tree canopies."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds pride themselves on cleanliness. A visitor at San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA mentioned, "The bathrooms were really clean compared to other places."
  • Wildlife: Campers enjoy spotting local wildlife. One reviewer at Anthony Chabot Regional Park shared, "We were able to take a closeup look at wild turkeys."

What you should know:

Tips for camping with families:

Tips from RVers:

Camping near Glen Ellen, California, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. Just be prepared for the unique quirks of each campground, and you’ll have a great time!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find camping in Glen Ellen, CA?

The Glen Ellen area offers several excellent camping options. Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground is the closest campground to Glen Ellen, offering a small but well-equipped facility with shaded campsites and access to hiking trails, all within close proximity to the Sonoma/Glen Ellen wineries. For a nearby alternative, consider Ritchey Creek Campground — Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, which provides walk-in sites and water access. Additional options within a short drive include Spring Lake Regional Park in Santa Rosa and Skyline Wilderness Park near Napa.

What amenities are available at Glen Ellen campgrounds?

Glen Ellen area campgrounds offer varied amenities to suit different camping preferences. Spring Lake Regional Park features newer bathroom and shower facilities, with excellent access to water-based activities, hiking trails, and connections to Trione-Annadel State Park for mountain biking enthusiasts. Meanwhile, Skyline Wilderness Park provides separate tent and RV camping areas, picnic tables, and proximity to downtown Napa. Most campgrounds in the region typically offer fire rings, restrooms, and drinking water, though specific amenities vary by location.

What are the best seasons for camping in Glen Ellen?

Late spring through early fall (May-October) offers the best camping weather in Glen Ellen, with warm days, cool evenings, and minimal rainfall. Summer (June-August) provides ideal conditions for enjoying Woodside Campground — Salt Point State Park, where you can experience both forest camping and coastal views along the Sonoma Coast. For those who prefer water activities, Johnson's Beach is excellent in summer months when river access is most enjoyable. Fall brings beautiful wine country colors and fewer crowds, while winter camping (November-March) can be rainy and chilly but offers tranquility for experienced campers.