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Camping near Lake Sonoma

815 Reviews

Lake Sonoma offers a mix of established campgrounds with varying amenities within the California wine country. Liberty Glen Campground provides tent and RV sites with lake views, though it is temporarily closed for maintenance. The Lake Sonoma Marina Campground offers open grounds with scenic vistas of the water, while nearby options include the Cloverdale/Healdsburg KOA and Thousand Trails Russian River, both featuring cabin accommodations alongside traditional camping. Most campgrounds in this region are situated within 20-30 minutes of Cloverdale and Healdsburg towns, providing access to wine country attractions.

Seasonal considerations impact the camping experience throughout the area. Campgrounds like Ocean Cove Store and Campground operate on a limited schedule from April through November, while others remain open year-round. During summer, facilities can reach capacity quickly, particularly on weekends. Water availability varies between locations—Lake Sonoma Marina Campground notably lacks potable water, requiring campers to bring their own supplies. Roads to certain campgrounds may require longer routes during winter months when seasonal bridges are removed. A review noted, "In the winter, the bridge is removed, so you have to go through the town of Cloverdale and back track, adding about 15-20 minutes to your trip."

Campers report mixed experiences with noise levels at Lake Sonoma area campgrounds. Several visitors mentioned concerns about limited noise enforcement at Lake Sonoma Marina Campground, particularly during weekend nights. The terrain at many sites features rolling hills with limited flat areas for tent setup. Facilities range from basic with porta-potties to more developed campgrounds offering showers, swimming pools, and recreation options. Family-friendly activities are highlighted at the KOA locations, where fishing ponds, playgrounds, and swimming pools provide entertainment options. A recent review of Cloverdale KOA described it as having "a fishing pond, swimming pool, and hiking trail with very beautiful scenery," making it popular for families seeking a balance between outdoor recreation and comfort.

Map showing campgrounds near Lake Sonoma, CaliforniaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Lake Sonoma (154)

    1. Cloverdale/Healdsburg Campground

    10 Reviews
    Cloverdale, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 894-3337

    $89 - $109 / night

    "Love this spot for glamping it has a fishing pond, swimming pool, and a hiking trail! Very beautiful scenery! Very close to the town of Cloverdale about a 5-10 min drive!"

    "Off the beaten path so if you plan to visit cities or wineries you need a tow vehicle."

    2. Thousand Trails Russian River

    13 Reviews
    Cloverdale, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Location to the river/ creek is great."

    3. Casini Ranch Family Campground

    24 Reviews
    Duncans Mills, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 865-2255

    "A few friends and I recently spent 4 days camping at this beautiful ranch right outside of Duncan Mills and absolutely loved our stay."

    "Fire puts when allowed by California. Russian River gets surprisingly warm during the summer."

    4. Woodside Campground — Salt Point State Park

    24 Reviews
    Annapolis, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 847-3221

    "I've taken my 3 kids a couple of times now, and it's such a great location along the Sonoma Coast."

    "The sites are tucked on the hillside amongst mixed evergreen forests, redwoods, ferns, and oaks. The sites all have picnics tables with food lockers, large fire pits, and privacy."

    5. Ocean Cove Store and Campground

    22 Reviews
    Cazadero, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 847-3422

    $28 - $280 / night

    "Great scenery, and many of the tent sites are tucked away in little nooks and crannies for privacy if you don’t want the more open outer ring sites."

    "Ocean Cove is a private campground right off Highway one. The owners are very friendly and helpful and they also own the grocery store across from the campsites."

    6. Bullfrog Pond Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    7 Reviews
    Guerneville, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 869-2015

    "Bullfrog campground is located in Armstrong woods (Guerneville, CA). It's on top of a rugged drive up the woods and they are first come first serve basis."

    "The entrance to the campground is located at the back of the park and you drive up a very winding, bumpy one lane road for about 10 minutes before you reach the campgrounds."

    7. Liberty Glen Campground - Temporarily Closed for Maintenance

    4 Reviews
    Cloverdale, CA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 431-4533

    $25 - $100 / night

    "If you talk to the the ranger at the gate, most of the time they will let you drive around the grounds and pick any open site."

    "The walk down to swim in the lake was a significant downhill but the dip was worth it! Funny dead trees sticking out of the lake were fun to climb on."

    8. Koa Cloverdale Camping Resort

    3 Reviews
    Cloverdale, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 894-3337

    "Love this spot for glamping it has a fishing pond, swimming pool, and a hiking trail! Very beautiful scenery! Very close to the town of Cloverdale about a 5-10 min drive!"

    9. Lake Sonoma Marina Campground

    5 Reviews
    Lake Sonoma, CA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (707) 433-2200

    $30 / night

    "The other campground near the lake is quite a bit further drive from the actual lake. This one is closest and parking at the marina is included with the camp slip."

    10. Schoolhouse Canyon Campground

    8 Reviews
    Rio Nido, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 869-2311

    $48 / night

    "Location location location…. 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!!!)"

    "He put us in a very level spot that was great for my rooftop tent situation. Can’t say enough good things about him and his staff. Everyone was very friendly."

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Recent Camping Photos near Lake Sonoma

331 Photos of 154 Lake Sonoma Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Lake Sonoma

815 Reviews of 154 Lake Sonoma Campgrounds

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 12, 2025

    Putah Canyon - Lake Berryessa USBR

    Fish splash cows moo, and great lake views

    The campsites have various placements on the hill and two walkable peninsulas. The sunrise is wonderful from the views on the hillside campgrounds. Has amenities but since it's by the lake the firewood was damp and made getting a fire going a struggle of feeding it more and more bundles of dried pine. The highway is within earshot and cars can be heard faintly going by. I did see mosquitos, only few, and they were not trying to bite often (Nov 2025). There's a farm keeping cows which moon all night. The stargazing is great and there's a periodical splash of a fish from the lake. Overall great and would go again, maybe site 118 next time, but 117 was close to the lake and a parting in the trees made a great lookout.

  • Anna R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 30, 2025

    Dawn Ranch: Hotel – Restaurant – Spa

    Riverside Retreat

    Easily accessible & right near downtown. These cabins are thoughtfully developed with wonderful onsite amenities. The staff are incredible and the restaurant is delicious! Enjoy relaxing near the Russian River here.

  • s
    Oct. 28, 2025

    Doran Regional Park

    Bodega Beach Getaway

    A great camping spot in Bodega Bay. We stayed in the shell loop and it was a short walk to the bathroom. Bathrooms were very clean, I was impressed, with coin operated showers (we did not use). There are lots of RVs but we pitched a tent. We went in October and one day it was completely sunny and the next morning it was pretty wet. Nothing too bad though. Only downside is how close together the campsites are, otherwise great site with fire ring and picnic table provided. We were at site 44 which had a great tree, but sites 42, 41, and 40 looked spacious and had great views. The town is a short drive away too with good seafood spots.

  • R. J.
    Oct. 26, 2025

    Lower Bayview Campground — Clear Lake State Park

    Not completely worth it

    Great campground, not so great in the summer. There is barely any airflow. Once in a while a breeze will manage to pass through, but when its 100ºF outside...you'd wish it were breezy all day.

    Campsite #99 is literally right next to the restroom, as well as a few other campsites at the Lower Bay View campsite(93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 100, & 110) with a bit more walking. The other campsites are a bit of a walk the further you get away.

    If you are expecting it to be quiet during the evening nearby the restrooms, these sites will not help. Not everyone is respectful of their camping neighbors and will either stand there and chitchat...for some odd reason...but also, you can really hear the toilet flush as it was amplified.

    I do highly recommend to bring a rake and rake out where you are going to put your tent. Soo many twigs and rocks on the ground, ain't fun. Also, be sure to bring a canopy with a mosquito screen...tons of flies, yellow jackets, moths, gnats, just all around flying bugs. Remember when I mentioned the breeze coming once in a while...yeah, this is another reason why.

    Thankfully no trash pandas(racoons) were seen the entire trip. But we have seen tons of lizards, crows, and bluejay's. I did see however on our last night at the camp, a California Kingsnake. I was going to the restroom before going to bed and 3 women were by the men's side of the bathrooms. Once I was done, I came out and saw the snake with my headlamp. I stepped aside and told the women to be careful, there is a snake.

    They told me its just lizards...apparently a few ran across their feet. I told them "No, its a snake...look". They looked down where my light was spotted and saw the snake. 2 of the 3 women ran while the 3rd stood by me til it moved away. The 3rd ran once the snake continued to where it was going. I went to my tent and zipped it up tightly and went to bed. While laying down, I can hear the ladies talking to the men at their campsite about the snake and couldn't help but laugh a bit silently.

    The swimming lagoon was not worth even trying to get in. The water level is low, boat launch nearby was closed due to waterline being low. There is soo much algae, the water stinks if you break the surface. Wasn't even worth trying to swim.

    Oh and one last thing, call before you arrive the day you plan on visiting. No Charcoal Grills, No Campfires, Only gas or propane grills. Due to an extreme risk of fire, there has been a ban. I asked the ranger about using the fire pit rings at the campsite, and seeing on the website reservation system that we are allowed to use it. That is not true and whoever is responsible on maintaining the system hasn't updated it to reflect the fire ban according to what the ranger at the station stated.

  • VThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 26, 2025

    Sonoma County Fairgrounds RV Park

    Santa Rosa Fair grounds review

    We love this park, we are full timers with a severely autistic son and this park has plenty of spots so we usually dont have neighbors. They have an amazing Laundry room that gets cleaned practically everyday and a little dog park that is the only dog park my Mufasa can go to. The park itself is like a little slice of heaven and surrounded by the town so nothing is that far away. It is 5 min away from the Planet fitness and it is quiet and has a night security guard too.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Cowboy Camp

    Served its Purpose

    This site served its purpose; spot to sleep after a long day of driving. The disbursed camping area was down a gravel road to the left next to the day use vault toilet through a cattle gate.

    There were several campers already there but plenty of room for more. There were also several vault toilets on the property as well.

  • Vinny A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Doran Regional Park

    Doran Jetty Campground

    Cool spot. We stayed in a site on the Jetty. Only this I wish was a little better were the showers… they were in the bathroom even though they have a separate door and are coin operated

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Cache Creek Regional Park Campground

    Nature solace

    I pulled in here for the night and found I was completely alone. Except I kept hearing splashing in the creek. I wasn't alone - there was a herd of Elk. Super cool. This is a great spot for a short stay. No real 'sites' but a pleasant spot in the middle of the Cache Creek Natural Area.

  • Craig B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Gualala Point Regional Park

    Quiet spot

    This is a beautiful and quiet spot to stop at. Although a smaller campsite with just 19 spots, it is beautiful with fishing in the river that runs next to it. The spots are beautiful,each he's a fire pit and picnic table. Coastal access in near by . I highly recommend it as a most see

Guide to Lake Sonoma

Camping near Lake Sonoma, California, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a quiet retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Bodega Dunes Campground — Sonoma Coast State Park. One camper mentioned, "The trail to the beach was a nice walk and easy to follow," making it a great spot for a leisurely hike.
  • Beach Access: Enjoy the sandy shores at Lawson's Landing. A visitor noted, "Super close to the beach, just up and over a hill," perfect for a day of sun and surf.
  • Wine Tasting: Visit nearby wineries when staying at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground. One reviewer shared, "It’s a lovely campsite... only a few minutes from Kenwood and many wineries."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Hendy Woods State Park Campground. A reviewer said, "The restrooms are clean and the showers are a nice amenity," which is always a plus when camping.
  • Privacy: Many enjoy the spacious sites at Gualala Point Regional Park. One camper remarked, "The campsite we got was pretty big as well," allowing for a more relaxed camping experience.
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Families love the amenities at San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA. A parent mentioned, "Great playground, jumping pillow, petting farm and mining fun :)," making it a hit with kids.

What you should know:

  • Poison Oak Warning: If you're camping at Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, be cautious of poison oak. A visitor warned, "It's full of poison oak!!!! But you can get around it."
  • Limited Hookups: Many campgrounds, like Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground, do not offer electric hookups. A camper noted, "There are no hookups but does have a dump station," so plan accordingly.
  • Busy Seasons: Expect crowds during peak times at Doran Regional Park. One camper expressed frustration, saying, "It sucks that so many people go here now," highlighting the need for early reservations.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Kid-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA, where activities keep kids entertained. A review stated, "This place is busy and expensive... but great for kids."
  • Pack Essentials: Bring your own supplies, especially toilet paper, when visiting Lawson's Landing. One camper advised, "Bring your own TP!" to avoid any surprises.
  • Plan for Quiet Time: Consider campgrounds with more space, like Gualala Point Regional Park, where you can find a peaceful spot. A visitor mentioned, "This campground is beautiful and peaceful."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Before booking at places like Casini Ranch Family Campground, ensure your RV fits. A reviewer noted, "Some spots aren't worth the price they're asking," so do your research.
  • Be Prepared for Limited Services: Campgrounds like Hendy Woods State Park Campground may have limited amenities. One camper shared, "The shower was $1 for 5 minutes," so bring quarters!
  • Avoid Busy Holidays: If you can, steer clear of holiday weekends at Lawson's Landing. A visitor said, "I would go back, maybe not on a holiday weekend," to enjoy a quieter experience.

Camping near Lake Sonoma, California, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make reservations for camping at Lake Sonoma?

For Lake Sonoma camping, reservations can be made for Liberty Glen Campground through recreation.gov or by calling the reservation line. Even during peak season, Liberty Glen often has availability, and rangers sometimes allow visitors to drive around and select open sites upon arrival. For boat-in camping at Lake Sonoma Marina Campground, contact the marina directly to reserve your spot. It's advisable to book well in advance during summer months and holidays, though mid-week reservations are typically easier to secure. Be aware that Liberty Glen is currently closed for maintenance, so check reopening dates before planning your trip. Reservation fees are required and must be paid at the time of booking.

What camping options are available at Lake Sonoma?

Lake Sonoma offers several distinct camping experiences. Liberty Glen Campground provides traditional drive-in camping with family-friendly sites, though it's temporarily closed for maintenance. The Lake Sonoma Marina Campground offers a unique experience near the water, but be aware that campers report no potable water is available at these sites, so bring your own supply. Beyond these main options, Lake Sonoma features boat-in campsites accessible only by water, which provide more secluded experiences. There are also numerous primitive camping areas around the lake's perimeter. Facilities vary by location, with some offering vault toilets while others are more rustic. Most sites include fire rings and picnic tables, though amenities are generally basic.

Are there camping areas near Lake Sonoma but outside the main campgrounds?

Yes, several excellent camping options exist near Lake Sonoma beyond its main campgrounds. San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA serves as an ideal base camp for exploring both Lake Sonoma and wine country, located just a short drive away in Petaluma. For coastal camping within driving distance of Lake Sonoma, Bodega Dunes Campground offers clean facilities and semi-private sites with easy access to dog-friendly beaches. Other nearby options include Cloverdale/Healdsburg Campground, which provides amenities like water and toilets with big-rig-friendly sites, and Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground, a quiet family-friendly option with hiking trails and scenic views.

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