Camping near Kenwood offers options beyond the popular wine country state parks. The area sits at elevations ranging from 400-1,200 feet with oak-studded hills transitioning to mixed conifer forests at higher elevations. Summer temperatures regularly reach 90°F during day but drop 30-40 degrees at night, creating significant temperature variations that require layered clothing even in summer months.
What to Do
Stargazing sessions: At Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground, visitors can participate in guided astronomy programs. "We went on a night hike for a star gazing tour and had a great time!" reports Syd D., who visited with family.
Wildlife spotting: The diverse terrain supports various animals easily spotted from campsites. "We saw a rabbit, turkeys, lizards, deer, & quails! Seems they have lots of hikes available," notes Brittney L. about her Sugarloaf Ridge visit.
Horseback riding excursions: The region offers equestrian opportunities for campers seeking alternative ways to explore. At Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground, one visitor recommends "Five Brooks Ranch in Olema for horseback riding," making it an excellent day trip option from Kenwood-area camps.
Biking on dedicated paths: Multiple campgrounds connect to cycling routes. "Bike trail right out of the campsite, through the vineyards into Calistoga," mentions Bonnie C. about her stay at Ritchey Creek Campground.
What Campers Like
Creek access: Water features enhance camping experiences throughout the region. At Ritchey Creek Campground — Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, the stream setting provides natural cooling. "There are nice hiking trails in the park though they are closed currently (Dec 2020) due to the fire in the area. There was no damage to the campground even though the fire burned into the grounds," reports Robert S.
Camping without crowds: Weekday visits offer significantly quieter experiences. "The weekends usually are full, it clears out Sunday evening so during the weekdays it is really nice," notes Robert S. about Ritchey Creek Campground.
Easy resupply options: The proximity to towns provides convenience without sacrificing natural settings. At Skyline Wilderness Park, Jamie G. appreciated the "short drive to Downtown Napa" and called it "a safe, beautiful, affordable property to spend outdoors time on."
Diverse activity options: Many campgrounds offer multiple recreation types in one location. "The 800+ acres of hills, woods and fields offers archery, disc golf, hiking, horseback riding and more," shares Jamie G. about Skyline Wilderness Park.
What You Should Know
Seasonal closures and conditions: Trail access varies throughout the year due to weather and maintenance. At Bodega Dunes Campground — Sonoma Coast State Park, Michael I. found "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."
Wildlife precautions: Some areas have significant wildlife presence requiring careful food storage. "We did see a few foxes, or the same fox a few times, so make sure to keep camp sites clean," advises Michael I. about Bodega Dunes Campground.
Poison oak awareness: This irritating plant grows throughout the region's campgrounds. "Be careful of the poison oak, it is prevalent there as it is anywhere in Northern California," warns Robert S. about his Ritchey Creek Campground experience.
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies dramatically between campgrounds. "Cell service is good. Have both Verizon and Att with at least 2-3 bars. 10-12 Mbps down 4-5 Mbps up," reports Adam B. about Skyline Wilderness Park, making it an exception to the typically spotty coverage.
Tips for Camping with Families
Kid-friendly trails: Easier hiking options accommodate young campers. "There's a pool for warm summer days and some awesome trails," shares Peter M. about San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA, noting its family appeal.
Entertainment amenities: Some campgrounds provide dedicated facilities for children. "Great things for kids to be entertained by and enjoy for sure," notes Patrick J. about San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA, which offers various recreational options.
Education opportunities: Nature programs enhance children's outdoor experiences. At Sugarloaf Ridge, Syd D. recommends asking "about the free quest hike. They send you on an adventure hike and there is treasure at the end of it."
Safety considerations: Temperature variations require extra preparation with children. "It was cooler this time of year then we expected. Bring layers!" advises Syd D. about their family camping experience.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger vehicles equally. At Spring Lake Regional Park, Tammy B. notes "Spot (3) was great and accommodated both our truck and 32" fifth wheel, as well as having plenty of space for all 3 slides."
Utility limitations: Water access can be restricted at some locations. "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," advises Tammy B. about Spring Lake Regional Park.
Leveling challenges: Terrain varies significantly between sites. At Bodega Dunes Campground, Leonard H. recommends selecting a "non-reserved level paved site in 54-89 loop (close to bay)" for easier setup.
Dump station access: Not all campgrounds offer on-site dumping facilities. Spring Lake Regional Park provides dumping services, but Tammy B. notes many smaller campgrounds in the area require using off-site facilities.
