Tent campgrounds near Kenwood, California range from high-elevation sites with panoramic views to lakeside spots where water levels fluctuate seasonally. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F during day and drop to 50-60°F at night, creating significant temperature variations campers must prepare for. Most campgrounds enforce strict noise curfews starting at 10pm, particularly at the adult-only sections of certain Russian River locations.
What to do
Beach exploration: Walk to Alamere Falls from Wildcat Campground at Point Reyes National Seashore. The falls can be reached via a beach walk rather than the often crowded inland trail. "The hike to the campgrounds from the Bear Valley Visitors Center is about 2-3.5 miles depending on the route," notes camper Gustavo M.
Wildlife viewing: Scan for marine mammals along Tomales Bay where kayakers often spot bat rays, sea jellies, and occasionally leopard sharks in the shallows. "The pristine shores of the Western beaches of Tomales Bay await you. Primitive sites are unmarked, first come first serve, and accessible only by boating in. If you plan it right, you may catch a bioluminescence show in the water once the sun sets," reports Tiffany F.
Paddleboarding: Try calm coves at Steele Canyon (formerly Lupine Shores) where wind conditions vary throughout the day. "I came to check out the more calm waters in the canyon for my paddleboard. The site was great layout and I had a really enjoyable time out on the water. Other boaters where very respectful of the no wake zones," writes Shiva S.
Stargazing: Clear nights are optimal at inland campgrounds when coastal fog remains offshore. "Very little light pollution, good times," mentions Chris M. about Tomales Bay boat-in sites.
What campers like
Group-friendly layouts: The Schoolhouse Canyon Campground near Guerneville features distinct camping zones. "There are two sections to this campground. Lower half is family section and the upper section is adults only. This is a family run campground," explains Kenneth S.
Private beach access: Schoolhouse Canyon Campground maintains a dedicated swimming area. "The beach is across the street and through a little trail but well worth it. Very nice water for floating and swimming, with a cute little beach area to keep your stuff," mentions Seneca E., who adds, "They own a large beach across the road and is only open to schoolhouse guests so it's not too crowded and all familiar faces."
Wind protection: Several Coast Campground sites at Point Reyes provide natural barriers against coastal gusts. "The campsites go from surrounded by coyote brush to out in the open to secluded. I like the sites back in the valley as there is less wind or fog. That would be 13 and 14," advises MarinMaverick.
Proximity to wineries: Campgrounds near Guerneville provide convenient access to notable vineyards. "The Schoolhouse Canyon Campground is located about 400 yards off the Russian River / 1/2 mile down the road from the Korbel Winery (amazing deli!!!) and about 5 miles from the town of Gurneville (Safeway + bakery's etc.)," notes Christopher M.
What you should know
Seasonal water restrictions: Lake Berryessa campgrounds implement fire bans during dry months and water availability varies. "No fires, no water, no hookups, etc. Fire scars all around the lake...looks like this entire area got hit a few years ago. Nice host at the front gate, $45 and at least on a Sunday PM (July) it's mostly empty. Bring extra H2O," advises Joel A. at Steele Canyon.
Wind exposure: Lakeside Manzanita Canyon - Lake Berryessa sites experience significant afternoon gusts. "Gorgeous views, room for multiple tents, but no shade and difficult access to rocky waterfront. Site was $45 a night, plus a $35 resort fee," reports Lisa C.
Advanced reservation requirements: Point Reyes backcountry sites book months ahead, especially spring through fall. "These sites are in high demand, but totally worth the wait to experience. The hike in was somewhat lengthy but the views make it seem far less daunting," shares Sara S. about Wildcat Camp.
Wildlife interactions: Small mammals actively target food storage at Point Reyes campgrounds. "One thing to be aware of with Wildcat Camp is the small field mice that can get into the food storage boxes. Bring some steel wool or a critter-proof container to keep food safe, even inside the locker," warns Michael I.
Tips for camping with families
Water-focused sites: Seek campgrounds with shallow swimming areas for younger children. At Bullfrog Pond Campground near Guerneville, "the pond is (obviously) full of bullfrogs so the sound is either annoying or a lullaby, depending on your attitude," notes Nikki T.
Campsite selection strategy: Base your choice on noise tolerance and privacy needs. "For privacy, book a site out of the meadow," suggests J.D. E. at Coast Camp. At Schoolhouse Canyon, Nathan H. explains, "Chris is great at placing people in the correct sites for their needs. There is an adult only section as well."
Weather readiness: Pack for significant day-to-night temperature fluctuations, particularly at higher elevations. "During the day it actually got pretty hot at our campsite (#1), lots of exposure probably around low 70s. At night it did get chilly, 38-39 degrees F, nothing a good sleeping bag couldn't fix," reports Char A. about Coast Camp in February.
Entertainment options: Consider campgrounds near small towns for supply runs or recreational alternatives during inclement weather. "If you're looking for something calm this is the spot at Lake Berryessa," says Vanessa A. about Steele Canyon, making it ideal for families seeking quieter water recreation.
Tips from RVers
Accessibility limitations: Most tent campsites near Kenwood have restricted RV access due to narrow roads. At Sky Campground, "the hike in camp is only a 1.3 ish mile hike and it was awesome. The campsite is literally on the side of a mountain and you're overlooking the SF Bay," notes Garrett M., highlighting why this remains a tent-only destination.
Dirt road conditions: Access roads to elevated campgrounds require careful navigation. "One lane road access that would be intimidating at night," warns Corey O. about Bullfrog Pond Campground.
Limited hookups: Even at sites that accommodate small RVs, services are minimal. "They have charcoal grills and food lockers but we set up a camp stove and prepared some meals for the night," shares one Sky Camp visitor, indicating the self-sufficient approach needed.
