RV camping near Rohnert Park, California provides access to the Russian River Valley's wine country terrain with elevations around 100-400 feet. The Sonoma County climate features warm summer days with average highs reaching 82°F in July and August, though evenings cool significantly to around 55°F. Most campgrounds in this region experience seasonal crowding between May and September when water activities are at their peak.
What to do
Riverfront recreation: Russian River access points allow for summer swimming and water activities. At River Bend Resort, the private beach creates a swimming area with "easy swimming without a strong current. Lots of shallows but a deep swimming hole are for adults too."
Kayaking options: Water recreation includes convenient rental services. "Great canoe rentals to take down the river and a shuttle back is right next door," notes one camper about Mirabel RV Park & Campground.
Coastal excursions: Bodega Bay camping provides oceanfront options within 30 miles of Rohnert Park. At Porto Bodega Marina & RV Park, visitors enjoy "lots of nice walking opportunities" with "very good and convenient" dining options at the "coffee/breakfast place, and a wine/beer/restaurant at the edge of the property."
City access: Camp locations serve as bases for San Francisco trips. "The sites are gravel, level and close together. Good stores near by. Great location to the city and Muir woods," reports one Marin RV Park camper who appreciated the strategic location.
What campers like
Swimming holes: River access points create natural water features. "We have a Ford E350 van with a bed conversion in back. No need for hookups but they are availabile," mentions a camper at Porto Bodega Marina & RV Park who enjoyed the "quiet quaintness of this campground at this snug harbor."
Market access: Many campgrounds provide shopping convenience. At Bodega Bay RV Park, "A Mexican restaurant and coffee shop are at the front of the property, and other businesses are nearby. On Saturdays there is a farmer's market on the property adjascent to the park."
Natural soundscapes: Coastal locations offer unique sensory experiences. Porto Bodega campers can "see the Milky Way at night while listening to the soft foghorn and every now and then a soft bark of a seal" while waking up "to either fog or bright warm sun overlooking a very sleepy Glassy harbor with fishing boats bobbing in the docks."
Responsive staff: Many campgrounds feature attentive service personnel. At Bodega Bay RV Park, "Best friendly and helpful staff. Very clean sites and restrooms. We have stated there in the past and are very presently surprised when we go back and find it has not changed from being a great place to stay."
What you should know
Weekday advantages: Booking outside peak times improves experience. "I was there on a weekday during the summer so it wasn't too busy but on a weekend I think it gets full," notes a camper about River Bend Resort.
Site variability: Campsite quality varies significantly within the same facility. At Thousand Trails Russian River, "Spaces are all 30 amp with no sewer hookups. Many spaces are very narrow/tight and uphill from your neighbor. The asphalt of many spots is crumbling along the edges and the dirt eroding away."
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some locations. Tradewinds RV Park has "Full hookup but sites are very tight and it's noisy being right against the freeway. Other campers are noisy running their cars and motorcycles at night."
Wildlife awareness: Some campgrounds have nighttime visitors. Porto Bodega Marina "have raccoons but don't tell you that, we didn't leave anything out but had muddy footprints all over our table in the morning! their garbage cans are not raccoon proof."
Fishing schedules: Marina activities start early. One camper noted that at Porto Bodega Marina, "the fishermen docked in the marina start getting ready at about 4:30am! They are not quiet."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several parks offer dedicated play areas. "The camp store is cute and there's a brewery next door if you want a meal out. There are several playgrounds which are fun for kids. And an arcade," mentions a River Bend Resort visitor.
Beach selection: Child-friendly water areas are available at specific locations. "Great for familes with children and pets. We have a dog and two very young children. We had a blast there lots to do and see!" reports a Bodega Bay RV Park guest.
Activity restrictions: Some parks limit recreational options. At one campground, "No bike riding or scooting, so we had to walk them to the walking path. They also mention a few times about well behaved children."
Rental alternatives: Non-camping accommodation options exist for mixed groups. River Bend Resort provides options as "there is every type of camp spot, river front RV, tent, back your overland rig and camp off your tailgate. They even have cabins and a whole home you can rent on the property."
Tips from RVers
Site spacing: Campgrounds vary in density and privacy. At Sonoma County Fairgrounds RV Park, "A little close to others for my liking, but everyone was friendly and helpful" while another noted it's "an overpriced gravel lot."
Washroom considerations: Facility quality differs between locations. At San Francisco RV Resort, "Bathrooms were pretty dirty - not as pictured. Although I liked that the showers locked. Rec area was very run down. Laundry has mobile payment and was clean and accessible."
Parking angles: Site configuration affects setup difficulty. Thousand Trails Russian River requires careful navigation as "If you have a larger rig be very conscious of where the spots are that allow for them. Ask at the ranger office for the list of ones they should have open. Drive extremely slow. Roads and turns are very narrow."
Awning limitations: Some sites restrict expansion options. At Marin RV Park, "The spots are narrow. No room for awning. Close to gather. Sites are gravel and level. Nice area for pets with view."
