Tent camping near Rumsey, California offers access to diverse terrain across Napa and Lake counties. The region sits at the edge of the Mendocino National Forest with elevations ranging from 400 to 2,500 feet throughout accessible camping areas. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 95°F during daytime hours, while spring camping provides moderate temperatures and occasional wildflower displays across open hillsides.
What to do
Kayaking and paddleboarding on Lake Berryessa: Steele Canyon Campground provides tent sites with access to protected cove waters. "I came to check out the more calm waters in the canyon for my paddleboard. The site was great layout and I had a really enjoyable time out on the water. Other boaters where very respectful of the no wake zones," notes one visitor to Steele Canyon.
Swimming and water recreation: The Russian River offers excellent swimming spots accessible from nearby campgrounds. At Schoolhouse Canyon Campground, "The Russian River is conveniently across the street, and the gravel beach area is great for little waders... River shoes are a must though. There are inner tubes and paddle boards for rent if you are so inclined."
Mountain hiking: Several campgrounds offer direct trail access to elevated terrain. A visitor to Boggs Mountain Demo Forest notes, "I still come here to enjoy the new growth, the impressive new trails and the new views of the valleys below." The area continues recovering from past fires with new trails opening regularly.
Wine tasting: Multiple wineries operate within 5-10 miles of camping areas. Korbel Winery sits approximately half a mile from Schoolhouse Canyon Campground, with one camper mentioning it has an "amazing deli." Most wineries open daily from 10am-5pm with tasting fees ranging from $15-30.
What campers like
Private beach access: Several campgrounds offer exclusive water access. Schoolhouse Canyon Campground provides "a private beach across the road and through a little trail but well worth it. Very nice water for floating and swimming, with a cute little beach area to keep your stuff."
Clean facilities: Putah Canyon - Lake Berryessa receives praise for maintenance: "Loads of space, security driving around, noise limit is 10pm. Toilets are clean and trash cans are provided. They sell ice and propane on-site."
Secluded sites: Despite being near popular recreation areas, some campgrounds offer quieter options. At Bullfrog Pond Campground, "You feel you are so far from the world when you are not. The pond sites are again first come and first served. Well maintained facilities - nothing fancy - no showers."
Adequate spacing between sites: Many tent campgrounds provide reasonable distance between neighbors. Cole Creek Campground offers "nice clean camp sites close to restrooms and showers. Lots of places to fish, hike and bike."
Convenient water access: Multiple campgrounds feature direct water access for recreation. One camper at Steele Canyon mentioned, "Lake water level is pretty full at the moment which is great!" providing good conditions for water activities.
What you should know
Fire restrictions vary seasonally: Restrictions frequently change based on conditions. At Cole Creek Campground fires are permitted in designated rings, while a Steele Canyon visitor noted, "it's dry camping at this time (no fires, no water, no hookups, etc.)."
Wind conditions affect lakeside sites: Lake Berryessa campsites experience significant wind patterns. "The campsites on the bluff of the hill can get windy so be prepared for that," advises a Steele Canyon camper.
Road access challenges: Some campgrounds require navigation of narrow, winding roads. Regarding Bullfrog Pond Campground, a visitor warns of "one lane road access that would be intimidating at night."
Limited cell service: Coverage varies significantly between locations. Verizon typically provides the most consistent coverage, with one Steele Canyon camper noting "Full bars on Verizon service!" though other carriers may have limited or no connectivity.
Limited shade: Recent wildfires have affected tree cover. "Fire scars all around the lake...looks like this entire area got hit a few years ago," reports a Steele Canyon visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Look for sites with beach access: Locations with gradual water entry work best for children. "Our favorite spot to take the kids to the lake. If you're looking for something calm this is the spot at Lake Berryessa," says one family who visited Steele Canyon.
Consider noise policies: Some campgrounds maintain strict quiet hours. At Schoolhouse Canyon, "it's a quiet campsite. Radios aren't allowed, so if you are looking to party late into the night this isn't the spot for you."
Check for family sections: Several campgrounds designate specific areas. "There are two sections to this campground. Lower half is family section and the upper section is adults only," explains a regular Schoolhouse Canyon visitor.
Pack extra water: Many sites have limited or no water access. A Steele Canyon camper advises, "Bring extra H2O" as facilities may be limited during peak summer months when temperatures frequently exceed 95°F.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Campgrounds in this region often feature uneven terrain. At Manzanita Canyon, a visitor noted the campground had "gorgeous views, room for multiple tents, but no shade and difficult access to rocky waterfront."
Limited hookup availability: Most sites offer primitive camping options. One RV camper at Steele Canyon reported "no fires, no water, no hookups, etc." despite the campground being RV-accessible.
Advance reservations needed: Summer weekends fill quickly at most campgrounds. For Bullfrog Pond, a visitor shared, "We made the reservation in March and the earliest we could get was the end of July by that point."
