Guinda, California sits in the northwestern Sacramento Valley at 351 feet elevation with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Temperatures frequently exceed 100°F in summer months, making spring and fall ideal for yurt camping in the region. The surrounding hills and watersheds create diverse camping environments from creek-side settings to higher elevation options.
What to do
Astronomical observation: At Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground, visitors can access the Robert Ferguson Observatory. "From the campground you can walk to the Robert Ferguson Observatory as well! We went on a night hike for a star gazing tour and had a great time!" notes one visitor about this yurt camping option near Guinda, California.
Wine tasting excursions: The region provides easy access to numerous vineyards. "It feels like a state park. They have hookups and also dry camping. The better spots are near the water," shares a camper at Lake Solano County Park. "This is a nice little campground right on Cache Creek. Great fishing! Lots of wildlife sightings across the creek in the state park reserve," reports another visitor.
Hiking trails: The area features various terrain and difficulty levels. "Sugarloaf Loaf Ridge State Park is a great little park and campground... 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," explains a visitor to Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campgrounds feature abundant wildlife. "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!" shares a camper at Sugarloaf Ridge.
Proximity to towns: Campers appreciate the balance of nature with nearby conveniences. "This is an excellent and straightforward country park. It feels like a state park," notes one visitor about Lake Solano County Park. At Skyline Wilderness Park, a camper shares, "Literally 5 mins outside of the town of Napa. Ate at an amazing Brazilian Steakhouse and came to camp in just a short drive."
Natural swimming spots: Some campgrounds offer water features for recreation. "When I was growing up they had swimming holes across the street from the campground at the day use area but they don't anymore and I find that takes away a big part of the fun. They should really consider putting them back in!" mentions a visitor to Lake Solano County Park.
What you should know
Water conditions: Creek and lake access varies seasonally. At Clear Lake Campground, a visitor warns: "Cute but older and I mean really old RV camp on what's called a creek. I was told I could pick any Lakefront campsite but this is not the lake!"
Reservation systems: Many campgrounds require advance planning. "An empty campground, tired family and the host can't let us take a space because we don't have a reservation two weeks prior," notes a frustrated visitor about Lake Solano County Park. Another camper adds, "Contrary to other posts, they take walkups. It is just on the website it requires 2 weeks out."
Climate preparation: Temperatures vary significantly by season. "It was cooler this time of year then we expected. Bring layers!" advises a Sugarloaf Ridge visitor. Another camper at Ritchey Creek Campground notes, "Stayed here in December. It was cold and drippy that time of year but it's a nice campground."
Tips for camping with families
Rental options: Some sites offer equipment for those without gear. "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," shares a visitor about Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground.
Pool access: Several campgrounds offer swimming pools for kids. At San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA, a visitor reports, "Playgrounds, swimming pool, lots of space to run and scream. We stay when visiting the area and endure the screaming kids. The kids do have fun, I give them that."
Educational opportunities: Look for parks with nature programs. "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," notes a Sugarloaf Ridge visitor about yurt camping options near Guinda.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Location within campgrounds matters for noise and views. "RV Campsites are nothing fancy and close together. But the park itself is nice...hiking trails, views, nature, and close to Napa," shares a visitor at Skyline Wilderness Park. Another notes, "Sites are free form and come as you are, basically you're assigned to a section and you camp where there room to do so."
Hookup quality: Water quality varies between campgrounds. At Ritchey Creek Campground, a visitor notes, "Traditional campground, yurts and a seasonal pool make this a fun place to go with the kids. Camp sites are on the smaller side."
