Best Campgrounds near Petaluma, CA

Petaluma, California camping options include several worthwhile spots within a short drive. Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground draws many campers with its cool, shady sites among the redwoods. The grounds are quiet and come with good hiking trails and a creek nearby. You'll want to book ahead, particularly in summer when spots fill quickly. San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA works well for RVs and families, with full hookups, a pool, and play areas for kids. Bodega Dunes Campground in Sonoma Coast State Park gives you more private sites and quick beach access. The campground has showers and restrooms, but pack for changing coastal weather. You'll likely see deer and lots of birds around these campgrounds, so store food properly. During dry spells, fire rules might limit campfires, so check current rules before you go. The Petaluma area campgrounds blend good natural surroundings with practical facilities. Tent campers and RV owners both have good choices here. Book well in advance, as weekend spots go fast. The area around Petaluma gives you many different landscapes and things to do while camping.

Best Camping Sites Near Petaluma, California (130)

    1. San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA

    28 Reviews
    Penngrove, CA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 763-1492

    "For us, this is a great spot to shoot down the highway and pull in for a few days to get away from the hustle and bustle of normal life!"

    "A nice KOA close to Petaluma with great facilities. We took advantage of doing some laundry and having a hot shower."

    2. Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground

    51 Reviews
    Lagunitas, CA
    17 miles

    $35 - $225 / night

    "This campground is less than an hours drive from San Francisco. It is along Sir Francis Drake Boulevard which takes you through a bunch of very cute tiny towns."

    "Beautiful trees and wonderful California charm. The campsites were decently located. Above the Mendocino coast the mornings are wet and Cold. Loved this place"

    3. Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground

    30 Reviews
    Kenwood, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 833-5712

    $35 - $45 / night

    "Easy access to a lot of trails. The view from the campground is nice and relaxing. Some sites are very tight and close to each other. Some are spacious enough."

    "There are certainly some that are better situated than others regarding size, shade, and other amenities--but the entire campground is nice."

    4. Olema Campground

    23 Reviews
    Olema, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (415) 663-8106

    "Nice place to eat within walking distance but make reservations on a weekend. WiFi. Showers. Spots are close together but the drive here is amazing. Openings on a Saturday night."

    "Near Pt. Reyes National Seashore.  One complaint was they weed whipped the sites next to us rather then mow.  Very loud."

    5. Lawson's Landing

    24 Reviews
    Dillon Beach, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 878-2443

    "Walking distance to the beach. Quiet place on non holiday weekends. Fun place to fish and the Beach is also pretty clean."

    "There are a variety of campsites, and they are many - we camp as close to the ocean as possible in the meadow area."

    6. Skyline Wilderness Park

    27 Reviews
    Napa, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 252-0481

    "A ton of great hiking and horseback riding trails. Literally 5 mins outside of the town of Napa. Ate at an amazing Brazilian Steakhouse and came to camp in just a short drive."

    "Nice, clean place with beautiful hiking trails. The garden is very cute, perfect for a quiet walk or meditation. Sites are close to each other. This place is a good getaway into nature."

    7. Bodega Dunes Campground — Sonoma Coast State Park

    37 Reviews
    Bodega Bay, CA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 875-3483

    $45 / night

    "This campsite is centrally located on the peninsula. Access to several roadside dog friendly beaches within minutes. The bay and the beach are within walking distance to campground."

    "The California coast is hard to beat. This campground is in the sand dunes, with a short walk to the beach. This is absolutely one of the best places to see the sunset."

    8. Ritchey Creek Campground — Bothe-Napa Valley State Park

    26 Reviews
    Deer Park, CA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 942-4575

    $43 / night

    "We just stayed here for 2 nights, great location very close to Calistoga and not to far from Saint Helena! Next time i would love to try out a cabin or yurt."

    "Good access to wineries close by.  Only real downside was that because of the dry conditions we could not have a campfire."

    9. Sky Campground — Point Reyes National Seashore

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

    "Point Reyes in California has to be my all time favorite camping site. There are miles and miles of beaches surrounded by dunes, hills, and cliffs."

    "Hike in (and around!) this gorgeous area. We chose to stay two nights and had a great time exploring the surrounding hiking trails - a personal favourite was Alamere Falls."

    10. Spring Lake Regional Park

    8 Reviews
    Santa Rosa, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 539-8092

    $35 / night

    "It’s close to the entrance but the driveway only had a slight grade. Mostly folks with trailers. The sites are not too close together but it is easy to see into the surrounding neighbors."

    "Spring Lake has been that for us. We have been here for 2 weekends in the last few months."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 130 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Petaluma, CA

839 Reviews of 130 Petaluma Campgrounds



Guide to Petaluma

Camping near Petaluma, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the stunning trails at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The local trails and creeks were breathtaking," making it a great spot for both novice and experienced hikers.
  • Beach Activities: Head to Bodega Dunes Campground — Sonoma Coast State Park for some beach fun. A reviewer noted, "The trail to the beach was a nice walk and easy to follow," perfect for a day of sunbathing or beachcombing.
  • Wine Tasting: Enjoy the nearby wineries while camping at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground. One camper shared, "It’s a lovely campsite with most sites being under tree canopies...great hiking, an observatory, and often nature events."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. A visitor at Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground said, "Campsites are right by the beach," highlighting the stunning coastal views.
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many appreciate the peaceful environment. One camper at Lawson's Landing mentioned, "Quite, grassy site on the dunes. Cool and beautiful," making it a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle.
  • Clean Facilities: Clean restrooms and showers are a big plus. A reviewer at Anthony Chabot Regional Park noted, "Beautifully maintained campgrounds. Lots of trees for shade from the sun/rain."

What you should know:

  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. One camper at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground shared, "We were harassed by cute little chipmunks and birds that didn’t seem too intimidated by humans."
  • Site Sizes Vary: Campsite sizes can differ significantly. A visitor at Bodega Dunes Campground mentioned, "Not all campsites at Sammy P. are the same size," so check the specifics before booking.
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A reviewer at Ritchey Creek Campground — Bothe-Napa Valley State Park pointed out, "There are no hookups," so plan accordingly.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. One parent at San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA said, "This KOA offers a variety of activities that cater to children," making it a great choice for families.
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on little ones, especially around wildlife. A camper at Lawson's Landing advised, "Make sure you have the map oriented the correct way or you will drive around forever looking for your site."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can keep kids happy. A visitor at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground mentioned, "The campsite is clean and well maintained," making it a comfortable spot to relax after a day of activities.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Make sure to confirm if your chosen campground has the necessary hookups. A reviewer at Skyline Wilderness Park noted, "It’s good for an RV park type setting," which is helpful for those traveling in RVs.
  • Plan for Waste Disposal: Some campgrounds may not have dump stations. A camper at Woodside Campground — Salt Point State Park mentioned, "No dump station," so plan your trip accordingly.
  • Stay Connected: If you need internet access, check for Wi-Fi availability. A visitor at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground mentioned, "Free (slow) Wi-Fi covers half the camp," which can be useful for staying in touch.

Camping around Petaluma offers a variety of experiences, from beach days to hiking adventures. Whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking comfort, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Petaluma, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Petaluma, CA is San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA with a 4.4-star rating from 28 reviews.

What parks are near Petaluma, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Petaluma, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.