Best Dispersed Camping near Lake Sonoma
Lake Sonoma has several spots for dispersed camping where you can stay away from the crowds. At Lake Sonoma Recreation Area, you'll find basic sites without any facilities - no bathrooms or running water, so you need to bring everything with you. The area follows Leave No Trace rules, which helps keep the place clean. Lake Sonoma County Park Campground gives you access to more remote camping areas if you're looking for backcountry spots. Remember to camp at least 200 feet from any water sources to protect the environment. You can stay up to 14 days in most areas before you need to move on. Many of the roads to these sites are rough, and you'll probably need a vehicle with good clearance to reach them. Since there are no trash cans, you'll need to take all your garbage when you leave. Fire bans are common during dry periods, so check before planning to have a campfire. The National Forest land around Lake Sonoma has additional places where you can camp for free. These spots are particularly quiet and isolated. Since you won't find any amenities in these areas, make sure to pack enough water, food, and other supplies. Before heading out, it's worth checking the specific rules for the public land where you plan to camp.
