Best Campgrounds near Rio Nido, CA

The Russian River region near Rio Nido, California features several established campgrounds offering access to redwood groves and riverside camping. Facilities include Schoolhouse Canyon Campground, a family-run establishment with separate family and adult-only sections, and Johnson's Beach, which provides convenient access to both the Russian River and downtown Guerneville. Most campgrounds in the area accommodate tent camping and RVs, while some like Casini Ranch Family Campground and Porto Bodega Marina & RV Park also offer cabin rentals. These developed campgrounds are primarily clustered along the Russian River corridor and extend westward toward Bodega Bay on the Pacific coast.

Camping in this region is available year-round at many locations, though summer brings higher demand for sites near water access points. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "The Russian River is right out front of the campground. They offer kayaks, canoes, and whatever else you want to rent." Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak summer months when water recreation is popular. Sites close to the river often fill quickly, particularly on weekends and holidays. The terrain consists primarily of river valleys surrounded by redwood forests, with coastal options available near Bodega Bay. Most campgrounds provide basic amenities including drinking water, picnic tables, and fire rings, while showers and electrical hookups vary by location.

Riverside camping remains the primary draw for visitors to the Rio Nido area, with numerous reviewers highlighting swimming and water recreation opportunities. A recent review noted, "Great location on the Russian river. Host was attentive and the facilities were clean. The sites are big and surrounded by trees." Family-friendly atmospheres prevail at many campgrounds, with quiet hours enforced to maintain peaceful settings. Several campgrounds feature private beach access to the Russian River, allowing for swimming and floating during summer months. Proximity to local towns like Guerneville provides convenient access to restaurants, markets, and wineries, making these campgrounds suitable for both wilderness enthusiasts and those seeking amenities. Noise levels vary by location, with campgrounds closer to highways experiencing more traffic sounds than those tucked into canyon areas.

Best Camping Sites Near Rio Nido, California (130)

    1. Casini Ranch Family Campground

    24 Reviews
    Duncans Mills, CA
    6 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."

    2. Bodega Dunes Campground — Sonoma Coast State Park

    39 Reviews
    Bodega Bay, CA
    13 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."

    3. Wright's Beach Campground — Sonoma Coast State Park

    18 Reviews
    Bridgehaven, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 875-3483

    $45 / night

    "This campground is in the perfect location. The beach is amazing and you feel like you have it all to yourself and your fellow campers."

    "This campground is located on mile-long stretch of beach within the Sonoma Coast State Park. I lived in Sonoma County for 15 years and this is my favorite beach."

    4. Doran Regional Park

    25 Reviews
    Bodega Bay, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 875-3540

    "We stayed here for a night at the tail end of a December California adventure before flying out of SFO the next day."

    "General: Located between Bodega Bay and Bodega Harbor, this county park has over 140 sites in four campgrounds: Shell, Gull, Cove, and Jetty."

    5. Schoolhouse Canyon Campground

    8 Reviews
    Rio Nido, CA
    1 mile
    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."

    6. Porto Bodega Marina & RV Park

    17 Reviews
    Bodega Bay, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 875-2354

    "If you wanna rv and craving crab,chowder, and oysters this is the spot for you, full hook up,fire pit , and picnic table walking distance to a restaurant and shops great views very relaxing...the down"

    "There is a coffee/breakfast place, and a wine/beer/restaurant at the edge of the property. Very good and convenient!

    Lots of nice walking opportunities!"

    7. Bodega Bay RV Park

    15 Reviews
    Bodega Bay, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 875-3701

    "With a good location you can take some walks to the Salmon River. The pull thru was long but is very narrow. Time you are setup, the camp side of the site is very small."

    "On the outskirts of Bodega Bay."

    8. Bullfrog Pond Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    7 Reviews
    Guerneville, CA
    4 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."

    9. Ocean Cove Store and Campground

    22 Reviews
    Cazadero, CA
    18 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."

    10. Mirabel RV Park & Campground

    6 Reviews
    Forestville, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 887-2383

    "The campsite is near plenty of amenities that you may need during your stay. Bathrooms have been clean and the showers 🚿 are nice and toasty!

    This will definitely be a regular spot in the future."

    "No glass around campsites. Lots of campers but they did make attemps to keep people quiet after 10.Great canoe rentals to take down the river and a shuttle back is right next door."

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Recent Reviews near Rio Nido, CA

881 Reviews of 130 Rio Nido Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Bodega Dunes Campground — Sonoma Coast State Park

    Loved Bodega Dunes

    We spent two nights at Bodega Dunes in the middle of September. The campground was clean with sites that were easy to back into. The sites were separated by trees and shrubbery, give the feeling of a more privacy. We were in site 60 and thought it was very nice.

    The folks manning the checkin hut were friendly and helpful. We had a grand time exploring Bodega Bay and enjoying the seafood available. This is the second campground we’ve visited in Bodega Bay and enjoyed the more private campsite found here.

    We’ll definitely go back!

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Pantoll Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park

    Pantoll

    Very nice small campground on Mt Tam. All sites are a small walk up on a hill kind of steep. Ranger station at parking lot that sells firewood. Water faucets, bathrooms. No showers. Bear lockers.

  • Jake M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground

    Very quite/ beautiful sites

    We’re hoping to get a spot with less of a hill to climb but on the top it’s a nice flat terrain. Nice view some campsites are closer to watch other than others.

  • Jake M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Salt Point State Park Campground

    Very secluded excellent trail to the ocean with scenic rock views

    Very clean and unkept campground low price for tents($35) . Site 30 was my favorite pick. Lots of nice lots and far spacing!

  • andrew The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Thousand Trails Russian River

    Tough sites

    I am reasonably ok at backing in my travel trailer but this place is a mess. I parked in wrong spot, moved to the right one, the power pedestal did not work. Had to walk to office because phone number on check-in sheet did not work. Camp worker in golf cart picked me up and checked pedestal. No good. Drove me around looking for another site but the camp side on most is terrible. My wife has mobility issues so I would not stay here again. Staff was great, area looks nice, but the sites I saw leave something to be desired.

  • Leafe Z.
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Johnson's Beach

    Perfext location for river

    Russian River is right out front of the campground. They offer kayaks canoes, and whatever else you want to rent however, if you have a dog, they don’t allow the dog on the beach or in the boat with you and they’re not allowed to stay behind in the tent, so you’re kind of stuck if you have a dog

  • yThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA

    Great area, safe, kid friendly

    I planned to stay here just one night and stayed like 4. Great spot, I loved downtown Petaluma and enjoyed the safe feeling and convenience of this location. Great amenities for children too.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground

    Feels much more remote than it is

    Great campsite, awesome staff. Tucked away off highway 12 in wine country it feels much more remote than it actually is. It's a great fast getaway from the northbay, but it can be hard to reserve a site ahead of time but they do have first-come first serve sites too. Excellent hiking with both fairly flat trails, to challenging trails with lots of elevation change. It's often very hot in the summer, and there can be lots of rattle snakes sunning themselves on the rocks. This is one of my favorite camping spots.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Westside Regional Park

    Decent landing spot

    If you are here for fishing or boating it’s perfect


Guide to Rio Nido

Camping near Rio Nido, California, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor fun. 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 reviewer mentioned, "The local trails and creeks were breathtaking," making it a great spot for both novice and experienced hikers.
  • Beach Access: Visit Bodega Dunes Campground — Sonoma Coast State Park for a lovely beach experience. A camper noted, "The trail to the beach was a nice walk and easy to follow," perfect for a day of sun and sand.
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground. One visitor shared, "We were harassed by cute little chipmunks and birds that didn’t seem too intimidated by humans."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. One reviewer at Bodega Dunes Campground said, "Overall, a beautiful campground, I'm hoping to go back again."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many appreciate the peacefulness of places like Woodside Campground — Salt Point State Park. A camper mentioned, "The park host was very helpful. Sites are small but adequate."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Families enjoy the amenities at San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA. One parent noted, "Great playground, jumping pillow, petting farm and mining fun."

What you should know:

  • First-Time Campers: Be prepared for a mix of camping experience levels. A reviewer at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground shared a story about "some of the most ridiculous first-time campers with no sense of camping etiquette."
  • Site Sizes Vary: Not all campsites are the same size. One camper at Bodega Dunes Campground mentioned, "Keep in mind, not all campsites at Sammy P. are the same size."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain facilities. A visitor at Ritchey Creek Campground — Bothe-Napa Valley State Park noted, "There are no hookups, but the sights are mostly shaded."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Plan for Activities: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly features. One parent at San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA said, "This place is busy and expensive... but great for kids."
  • Check Amenities: Make sure to check what amenities are available. A camper at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground mentioned, "Restrooms are clean. Showers are clean and tidy and warm."
  • Bring Entertainment: Keep kids engaged with games or crafts. A reviewer at Casini Ranch Family Campground noted, "Lots of activities for the kids (ice cream social, hay ride, parks, etc)."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Lawson's Landing advised, "Wide variety of spots available, from pull thru to back-in."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Some campgrounds can get busy. One visitor at Doran Regional Park mentioned, "This campground is lovely... but surrounded by large RVs."
  • Bring Your Own Supplies: Some campgrounds may not have firewood or other supplies. A camper at Woodside Campground — Salt Point State Park suggested, "Bring firewood there’s none available on site."

Camping near Rio Nido, California, has something for everyone, from families to seasoned RVers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Rio Nido, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Rio Nido, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 130 campgrounds and RV parks near Rio Nido, CA and 10 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Rio Nido, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Rio Nido, CA is Casini Ranch Family Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 24 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Rio Nido, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 free dispersed camping spots near Rio Nido, CA.

What parks are near Rio Nido, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Rio Nido, CA that allow camping, notably Lake Sonoma and Point Reyes National Seashore.