Glamping opportunities near Kenwood, California extend beyond the well-known locations in Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. Most luxury camping options in the area sit at elevations between 400-1,200 feet, resulting in temperature swings of up to 40 degrees between day and night. The region's Mediterranean climate creates ideal conditions for upscale outdoor accommodations from April through October when rainfall averages less than one inch per month.
What to do
Hiking with elevation challenges: Bothe-Napa Valley State Park offers trails with varying difficulty levels. "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," notes one visitor to Ritchey Creek Campground.
Stargazing opportunities: Samuel P. Taylor State Park provides excellent dark sky viewing in winter months. A camper reports, "The park has many different sized sites available, and we like the sites in the high teens (18 & 19), as they seem a bit larger and are right along the creek" at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground.
River recreation: Russian River access provides swimming and paddling options for glampers seeking water activities. "Russian River is right out front of the campground. They offer kayaks canoes, and whatever else you want to rent," explains a visitor to Johnson's Beach.
Wine tasting day trips: Multiple wineries within 5-15 minutes of most glamping sites offer tastings from $20-45 per person. Skyline Wilderness Park puts you "Close to all wine country has to offer and a well stocked deli/store and post office just down the road."
What campers like
Proximity to towns: Many luxury glamping sites sit within minutes of small towns with shopping and dining. "This is a great getaway spot in the city so close to wineries, restaurants and shops. We were here as a stop in our road trip so it was a perfect stay," remarks a visitor to Skyline Wilderness Park.
Year-round accessibility: Unlike seasonal campgrounds, luxury glamping near Kenwood remains open through winter. A camper at San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA notes, "We checked in from just a 30 minute drive from our home due to evacuations taking place in Santa Rosa due to fires. Petaluma KOA told us to head on in and check in with no minimum night stay."
Property amenities: Many glamping sites offer unexpected amenities beyond standard camping. "They have everything you need for a great weekend! You can walk to a trail to check out a waterfall from there and you can walk to the Robert Ferguson Observatory as well," a camper explains about Sugarloaf Ridge.
Natural features: Creeks, meadows, and forest settings enhance the upscale camping experience. "The camp also has wifi, camp store, excellent hikes, and a general good groove. Showers are available. Very close to all wine country has to offer," explains a visitor about the ecological features.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Peak seasons (May-October) require bookings 3-6 months in advance for weekend stays. "The weekends usually are full, it clears out Sunday evening so during the weekdays it is really nice," mentions a visitor about camping availability.
Fire restrictions: Rules vary by location and seasonal fire danger levels. "It's a private owned so fire rings are always ok," notes a visitor to Olema Campground, highlighting an exception to common fire rules.
Wildlife awareness: Encounters with local wildlife require proper food storage. "Raccoons, Chipmunks and Blue Jays were NOT SHY but also not a harrowing issue," explains a camper about the local wildlife presence.
Temperature fluctuations: Pack layers for evening temperatures that can drop 20-30 degrees from daytime highs. "The night is COLD up this way, and mere miles will cover several different weather systems. Bring layers," advises a visitor about the climate variations.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Schedule kids' activities at specific glamping locations. "It is a wonderful campground for families with children and pets. We have a dog and two very young children. We had a blast there lots to do and see!" shares a visitor to Bodega Bay RV Park.
Noise considerations: Choose sites away from common areas for better sleep with children. "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," explains a camper about conditions affecting sleep quality.
Educational opportunities: Several glamping sites offer ranger programs specifically for children. "Ask about the free quest hike. They send you on an adventure hike and there is treasure at the end of it," suggests a visitor to Sugarloaf Ridge.
Family-friendly amenities: Look for sites with playgrounds and dedicated children's areas. "Great things for kids to be entertained by and enjoy for sure. We were passing through and I think we would have been better served elsewhere," shares a Bodega Bay RV Park visitor, noting the site's family focus.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Request specific sites based on size requirements and access needs. "RV Campsites are nothing fancy and close together. But the park itself is nice...hiking trails, views, nature, and close to Napa," explains an RVer about site conditions.
Utility hookups: Check water quality reports before connecting to campground water systems. "Tested the water-Water tested as acceptable tap water after running it through an external filter. 21 elements checked, all within range. Dissolved solids were 251...pretty high," reports an RVer about water conditions.
Maneuvering challenges: Some glamping sites have tight access roads requiring careful navigation. "After looping around to approach the site, I found the streets all very tight for RV maneuvering," warns a visitor about navigating within the campground.
