Camping spots near Glen Ellen, California range from forested sites to open coastal campgrounds within a landscape that rises from 600 feet in the valley to over 2,500 feet in surrounding hills. The region's Mediterranean climate creates distinct camping experiences between inland locations that can reach 95°F in summer and coastal sites where morning fog keeps temperatures 15-20 degrees cooler. Winter camping is possible but requires preparation for nighttime temperatures that frequently drop into the 40s between November and March.
What to do
Hiking with elevation gains: Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground offers trails with significant vertical challenges. "From the campground you can easily hike 20 miles around the park. 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."
Stargazing opportunities: Sugarloaf Ridge hosts nighttime astronomy events at their observatory. "We went on a night hike for a star gazing tour and had a great time! The Robert Ferguson Observatory as well!" The area's low light pollution and clear skies make it ideal for viewing celestial objects during new moon phases.
Water recreation: Spring Lake Regional Park offers boating and paddling options. "We walked to the water park on spring lake that featured an inflatable, floating obstacle course/ bouncy house thing. The kids LOVED that." The lake permits non-motorized boats including kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.
Wine tasting transportation: Several campgrounds provide shuttle services to nearby wineries. "Shuttle stops at the park to take people into town for dinner if they don't want to drive after drinking." Some campers report hiring local transportation services that specialize in wine tours from campgrounds.
What campers like
Natural wildlife encounters: Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground offers regular animal sightings. "The wildlife is incredible - we saw a gorgeous grey fox visit our camp! We had a ton of shade and enough sun to warm up, it was cooler this time of year then we expected." Many campers report seeing deer, turkeys, and various bird species throughout the camping areas.
Post-fire ecological recovery: Witnessing landscape renewal following wildfires provides unique educational opportunities. "While the landscape has changed dramatically, the fires have provided an interesting new perspective to the park. Watching the landscape recover from an intense forest fire is very interesting."
Creek and water features: Multiple campgrounds feature accessible water elements. "There's a creek and many hiking trails!" and "The sites backs up to Wilderness and saw a doe within 10 mins of setting up camp just a few steps away." Streams often run highest in winter and spring months but remain partially flowing year-round.
Private camping spots: Skyline Wilderness Park offers sites with natural separation. "Sites backs up to Wilderness and saw a doe within 10 mins of setting up camp just a few steps away." Several campgrounds have loops where sites are spaced with vegetation buffers providing more seclusion.
What you should know
Seasonal amenities and closures: Facilities vary by season at many campgrounds. "On our first visit, there was no running water or showers, but they did have portapotties. On our second visit, water was available, but it was not potable, and the showers and toilets were still not working." Always check current status before arrival.
Poison oak prevalence: Several parks report significant poison oak growth. "Beautiful and close to downtown Calistoga however the campgrounds were infested with poison oak. Maybe just the time of year and because of so much rain this year? Not sure but it was thick and lush everywhere." Spring rains can accelerate growth; learn to identify and avoid this plant.
Wildlife food management: Proper food storage is critical throughout the region. "Raccoons, Chipmunks and Blue Jays were NOT SHY but also not a harrowing issue." Most campgrounds provide food lockers or require secure storage to prevent wildlife encounters.
Connectivity considerations: Cell service and WiFi availability varies significantly. "No cell coverage for any of the major providers, but free (slow) Wi-Fi covers half the camp, and premium Wi-Fi is available to purchase." For remote work needs, Skyline Wilderness Park reports consistent coverage with "Verizon and Att with at least 2-3 bars. 10-12 Mbps down 4-5 Mbps up."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly entertainment options: Petaluma KOA offers multiple structured activities. "Great things for kids to be entertained by and enjoy for sure. Short drives to the beach and town for candy and ice cream. Will definitely be back." Many families report not needing to leave the campground for full days of entertainment.
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds feature nature programs. "They have everything you need for a great weekend! The visitor center has snacks and ice cream bars, firewood, simple essentials, etc." Rangers often lead junior naturalist programs during summer months.
Temperature management: Coastal vs. inland temperature variations require different planning. "It can get warm in the summer, but the cool moist ocean fog comes in and blankets the area in the evenings, which can really cool it down." Pack layers for children regardless of season, especially for coastal campgrounds.
Campsite selection strategy: Noise considerations differ between campground loops. "I think Sam T should have a big sign that says, 'This is not Spring Break. This is not a place to work out your family trauma.'" Researching specific site numbers and requesting areas away from main gathering points can improve the experience.
Tips from RVers
Space constraints at historic parks: Bothe-Napa Valley State Park has specific limitations. "They are generally smaller pull-in sites geared more toward tents, vans, and small travel trailers. There are just a handful of sites that can accommodate bigger RVs." Length limitations typically restrict vehicles over 24-28 feet.
Power and hookup variations: Electrical hookups and amperage differ between campgrounds. "Hookups include 30 and 50 amp with water and sewer. Nice cemented pads." Most RV-friendly sites near Glen Ellen require reservations 3-6 months in advance.
Urban vs. natural settings: RV camping experiences vary from fairground-style to nature-immersed. "Not much of a campsite. But RV spot, same location as BottleRock. In the heart of Napa." Urban locations offer convenience while wilderness sites provide more traditional camping experiences but with fewer amenities.
Accessibility considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging navigation for larger vehicles. "After looping around to approach the site, I found the streets all very tight for RV maneuvering." Research turning radiuses and site approach angles when booking larger rigs.
