Best Tent Camping near Occidental, CA

Tent campsites in the Russian River region near Occidental, California offer a mix of established campgrounds and environmental camps set among redwoods and along waterways. Schoolhouse Canyon Campground in Guerneville provides shaded tent sites under a 100-foot canopy of trees, while Bullfrog Pond Campground in Armstrong Woods offers a more secluded tent camping experience. Several walk-in tent locations in Sonoma Coast State Park, including Pomo Canyon and Willow Creek Environmental Campgrounds, provide primitive tent camping options within hiking distance of beaches.

Most tent-only campgrounds in the area feature basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. Schoolhouse Canyon provides access to potable water via spigots throughout the campground, while more primitive sites like those at Willow Creek may have limited facilities. Walk-in tent sites typically require campers to carry gear short distances from parking areas to designated camping zones. A review mentioned that "the campsites are large and include a fire ring with a flip-down grill, a standard-sized picnic table, and most important - it is very clean." Fire restrictions are common during summer and fall months, with some locations prohibiting wood fires entirely.

The tent camping experience near Occidental varies significantly by location. Sites closer to the Russian River offer easier access to swimming and paddling opportunities, while walk-in tent locations in the coastal hills provide more seclusion. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, tent campers appreciate the "quiet campsite" atmosphere at places like Schoolhouse Canyon, where "radios aren't allowed" creating a peaceful environment. Environmental campgrounds like Pomo Canyon and Willow Creek offer primitive tent camping with minimal facilities but maximum natural immersion. Many tent-only campgrounds in the region serve as excellent basecamps for day hiking, with trail access to coastal viewpoints, redwood groves, and riverside paths. Seasonal considerations include summer fog along coastal tent sites and potential closures during winter months at higher elevation locations.

Best Tent Sites Near Occidental, California (37)

    1. Schoolhouse Canyon Campground

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

    $48 / night

    "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."

    "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!!!)"

    2. Bullfrog Pond Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

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

    "Right by Armstrong Redwoods State Park there is a steep winding road at the end of which there is literally a pond. "

    "We had spot number 23 but I think 24 or 21 would have been the best for shade and privacy. THERE ARE NO SHOWERS HERE! we did not know this before hand."

    3. Highlands Resort

    2 Reviews
    Guerneville, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 869-0333

    $30 - $50 / night

    "Outdoor kitchen with grill and gas stove. ice machine, Camp among beautiful redwoods in Guerneville just off the Russian River. Many bars and restaurants in walking distance. Nearby supermarket."

    "Tucked away from the world, cozy little camp under a bridge and looking out of a crack to see huge waves coming in n! Almost like it will swallow us hole. Will be back for sure!"

    4. La Bohemia

    1 Review
    Rio Nido, CA
    6 miles
    +1 (510) 866-7826

    $200 - $800 / night

    5. Duncans Mills Campground (Membership)

    2 Reviews
    Duncans Mills, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 865-2024

    "Beautiful river along with campsites surrounded by tall tress. Nice place to relax,hike, fish and or kayaking. full hookups and well maintained campground along with a decent rec center."

    7. Willow Creek - Sonoma Coast State Beach

    1 Review
    Jenner, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 875-3483

    "It’s kinda tucked away and not too busy, which made it perfect by my book."

    8. Tomales Bay Boat-In Camping — Point Reyes National Seashore

    6 Reviews
    Marshall, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 444-6777

    "You can buy or rent a portable toilet if you want to camp at a more secluded beach or just camp at Marshalls beach and you can walk to the pit toilets there."

    "The beach camping is primative but there is a restroom.  Crossing the bay can be treacherous so study the weather - especially winds before you set out. "

    9. Sky Campground — Point Reyes National Seashore

    13 Reviews
    Point Reyes National Seashore, CA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (415) 663-8054

    "The hike in camp is only a 1.3 ish mile hike and it was awesome."

    "There is short backpack trip to Sky Camp which is litereally on the ridge.  You are in the Point Reyes National Seashore up on a ridge.  Beautiful views when there is no fog - but expect fog."

    10. Coast Campground — Point Reyes National Seashore

    9 Reviews
    Point Reyes National Seashore, CA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (415) 464-5100

    $30 - $90 / night

    "Fun baby backpacking trip with my husband . The hike to the campsite went by fast. Only 1.8 miles, not too bad on the elevation gain either."

    "Inside the Point Reyes National seashore, this is a hike in only campground. But has pit toilets, potable water. Groups sites also available."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 37 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Occidental, CA

788 Reviews of 37 Occidental Campgrounds



Guide to Occidental

Tent camping near Occidental, California offers a serene escape into nature, with a variety of campgrounds that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for a peaceful retreat.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

Some prices for tent camping range from $5 to $50

Tent campers should check out local activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Occidental, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Occidental, CA is Schoolhouse Canyon Campground with a 5-star rating from 8 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Occidental, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 37 tent camping locations near Occidental, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.