Best Tent Camping near Kenwood, CA
Tent campgrounds near Kenwood, California provide campers with scenic access to both wine country and recreational waterways including Lake Berryessa and the Russian River. Schoolhouse Canyon Campground in Guerneville offers dedicated tent sites with ample shade from tall trees, while Steele Canyon at Lake Berryessa provides lakeside tent camping with expansive views but limited amenities. Several Point Reyes National Seashore locations like Coast Camp and Sky Campground offer walk-in tent sites about an hour southwest of Kenwood.
Most tent sites in the region feature established fire rings with grill grates, though seasonal fire bans are common due to wildfire risk, particularly at Lake Berryessa campgrounds. Surface conditions vary considerably, with Russian River sites typically offering level, shaded dirt pads while Lake Berryessa sites tend to be more exposed with rocky or gravelly surfaces. Potable water is available at Schoolhouse Canyon and Point Reyes campsites, but Lake Berryessa tent sites require campers to bring their own drinking water. Toilet facilities range from clean porta-potties at Steele Canyon to proper restroom buildings at more developed campgrounds.
Tent campers seeking seclusion should consider weekday visits as many sites fill quickly on summer weekends, especially those with water access. The Russian River provides excellent swimming and floating opportunities directly accessible from tent sites at Schoolhouse Canyon. Lake Berryessa campsites offer more wind exposure but spectacular lake views, though the shoreline can be rocky and difficult to access. Point Reyes sites require more planning but reward tent campers with quieter, more immersive natural settings. According to one visitor, "The spots closest to the entrance have the most privacy, while sites in the back are good for large groups and families but are noisier than the sites up front."
