Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground sits at around 170 feet elevation in Marin County, just 25 miles northwest of Glen Ellen. The area features dense redwood groves and oak woodlands that create cool microclimates, even during summer heat waves. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-85°F, while winter brings cooler conditions between 35-60°F with increased rainfall from November through March.
What to do
Hiking through vineyards: At Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground, trails connect directly to panoramic views and wine country landscapes. "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," notes Isabel B.
Stargazing opportunities: Many glamping sites near Glen Ellen offer excellent night sky viewing. "We went on a night hike for a star gazing tour and had a great time! Every site had their own cleaned porta potty which was very nice. Make a donation to help keep it going!" explains Syd D. about their experience at Sugarloaf Ridge.
Paddling and water activities: Spring Lake Regional Park provides water-based recreation options. "We have been here for 2 weekends in the last few months. It is kid friendly, fun easy hike around the lake (no swimming but you can rent or bring your own kayaks or stand-up paddle boards), great location to way more technical hikes," reports Scott R.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: The campgrounds near Glen Ellen offer excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. At Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground, campers enjoy "walking the 'Nature Trail' through the campground & when we tried to sit they would swarm. But it was a nice short easy walk, where we saw a rabbit, turkeys, lizards, deer, & quails!"
Well-maintained glamping sites: Most luxury camping options maintain high standards of cleanliness. "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," notes Michael I. about Spring Lake Regional Park.
Proximity to wine country: Many campers appreciate the strategic location. "This place was wonderful! We stumbled upon this place after wine tasting in Sonoma. This place had many sites and super family friendly. Very easy to find," shares Lauren B. about Sugarloaf Ridge State Park.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Winter camping requires preparation. "It was cold and drippy that time of year but it's a nice campground. We had a nice quiet stay but we wimped out and went into town for breakfast on our last morning there," says Pete M. about Ritchey Creek Campground.
Mosquito activity: Some areas have significant insect presence. "The flying bugs / mosquitoes were out so come prepared. Only left with 1-2 bites = victory! We walked the 'Nature Trail' through the campground & when we tried to sit they would swarm," warns one Sugarloaf visitor.
Limited privacy at some sites: "RV Campsites are nothing fancy and close together. But the park itself is nice...hiking trails, views, nature, and close to Napa," notes Rich J. about Skyline Wilderness Park, a common issue at several area campgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
Look for accessible activities: San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA offers extensive family-friendly amenities. "Had a blast here. A lot of different areas for the kids. Swimming, giant bounce area, and mild weather. Coffee bar, large play grounds and near shopping for any needs," recommends Chris B.
Choose parks with educational elements: Some campgrounds offer learning experiences. "The volunteers who run the place do a fantastic job with everything, from keeping the site clean, to providing tons of info for budding naturalists," explains Scott J. about Sugarloaf Ridge.
Consider varied terrain for kids: Look for campgrounds with multiple environment types. "We had a ton of shade and enough sun to warm up, it was cooler this time of year then we expected. Bring layers! You can walk to a trail to check out a waterfall from there (pretty darn steep!) and you can walk to the Robert Ferguson Observatory as well!" advises Syd D.
Tips from RVers
Seek level sites: Many RV campers mention site levelness as important. "Sites are level with minimal need for blocks. Staff are friendly. Native garden is very nice," notes Adam B. about Skyline Wilderness Park.
Reserve well ahead: Popular glamping sites book quickly, especially during peak seasons. "This KOA is pretty big with plenty of options... Weekends usually are full, it clears out Sunday evening so during the weekdays it is really nice," advises one camper.
Check water access: Not all sites have direct hookups. "Arrive at this park full of water. There was only one spigot with threads (for attaching hose to fill tanks); it was at spot 29," suggests Tammy B. about Spring Lake Regional Park.