Rohnert Park sits in Sonoma County, about 50 miles north of San Francisco at 105 feet elevation. The Mediterranean climate creates mild conditions for pet friendly camping year-round, with summer temperatures typically ranging 50-90°F. Campgrounds in this region offer varying levels of shade and exposure, which can affect your pet's comfort during seasonal temperature shifts.
What to do
Explore coastal trails with pets: At Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground, visitors can access multiple hiking paths directly from their sites. "There is a paved path that runs for at least a mile or so along the creek, that used to be the old railroad line through that area," notes Joseph F., who adds that the park has "informational signs all over the place providing historical or ecological information."
Wildlife watching opportunities: Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground offers excellent wildlife viewing with your leashed pet. "The Nature Trail through the campground is a nice short easy walk, where we saw a rabbit, turkeys, lizards, deer, & quails," explains Brittney L., though she warns that "the flying bugs/mosquitoes were out so come prepared."
Water activities for all: At Spring Lake Regional Park, both you and your pet can enjoy waterfront recreation from May through September. "The bike paths between the regional park and city park were wonderful for riding or walking," shares Tammy B., while Scott R. mentions you can "rent or bring your own kayaks or stand-up paddle boards" for water recreation.
What campers like
Observatory access: Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground features the Robert Ferguson Observatory. "You can walk to the Robert Ferguson Observatory as well! We went on a night hike for a star gazing tour and had a great time," reports Syd D., who also appreciated that "every site had their own cleaned porta potty."
Beach proximity: Bodega Dunes Campground provides easy coastal access for pets and owners. "Hiking among the sand dunes and along the beach provide some really stunning scenery," writes Shari G., who explains that "reaching the beach, you'll find as much coastal sand as you can handle with miles and miles of it to yourself."
River recreation: Casini Ranch Family Campground offers access to the Russian River where pets can cool off. "Campground is next to the Russian River. Family activities and games for kids. River access for swimming & boating," notes John G., though he points out there's "no sandy beach."
What you should know
Seasonal closures and conditions: Some campgrounds have specific operating seasons. Spring Lake Regional Park only operates from May through September, while others may have trail restrictions. According to Irina Maddie P., "Access to the creek is seasonally restricted for spawning, and I believe that goes from spring to about mid June or July" at Samuel P. Taylor.
Wildlife awareness: Lawson's Landing visitors should secure food from wildlife. "We did see a few foxes, or the same fox a few times, so make sure to keep camp sites clean," advises Michael I. about Bodega Dunes, a reminder applicable to all area campgrounds.
Bathroom facilities vary: Campground restrooms range from full facilities to portable options. "There is only one spigot with threads (for attaching hose to fill tanks); it was at spot 29," notes Tammy B. about Spring Lake Regional Park, while Sabrina V. points out that Lawson's Landing has "Porter potties only/no shower houses."
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning for kids: Casini Ranch Family Campground offers numerous family amenities. "Spent the weekend with family (10 kids, 6 adults) at Casini Ranch for a couple birthdays. Kids were busy the whole time, riding bikes and scooters, playing on the jump pillow, feeling the animals," shares Dustin C., who appreciated that "sites are HUGE!"
Educational opportunities: Look for ranger-led activities that engage both children and pets. "The first Saturday of the month the rangers do a tide pool talk. They bring sea creatures (like sea stars, sea slugs etc) to share and let the kids hold them," explains Teresa B. about Doran Regional Park, making it an excellent choice for pet friendly camping near Rohnert Park.
Consider site placement: When booking at Samuel P. Taylor, site selection matters for privacy. Kathleen C. advises, "Had I chosen the site to my left, or a few more down the road, I would have barely noticed them at all - sites 47-44 had no one across the way, more private, set back."
Tips from RVers
Site size considerations: Olema Campground accommodates larger rigs but varies in layout. "Lovely large meadow with scattered trees. RC/van spots are arranged in cul de sacs, tent spots on the edges of fields," explains Gabriel F., noting it's a "decent backup option for the area if Samuel Taylor is booked."
Weather preparation: Coastal sites experience significant temperature shifts. "One thing to note, the night is COLD up this way, and mere miles will cover several different weather systems. Bring layers," advises Kathleen C. about camping with pets at Samuel P. Taylor, a consideration for any overnight stays in the region.
Water management: Not all pet friendly campgrounds near Rohnert Park offer full hookups. Patrick J. notes at San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA that "water tested as acceptable tap water after running it through an external filter. 21 elements checked, all within range. Dissolved solids were 251...pretty high."
