Best Campgrounds near St. Helena, CA
Campgrounds near St. Helena, California range from state park facilities to private resorts, catering to diverse camping preferences in the heart of wine country. Bothe-Napa Valley State Park's Ritchey Creek Campground offers tent sites, RV spots without hookups, and glamping options including yurts and cabins. Located between Calistoga and St. Helena, this park serves as a budget-friendly base for exploring nearby vineyards. Other options include Skyline Wilderness Park near Napa and San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA, which provides full hookup sites and cabin rentals for those seeking more amenities.
Most campgrounds in the region require reservations, particularly during peak wine tourism seasons from late spring through fall. The Mediterranean climate creates ideal camping conditions throughout much of the year, though summer temperatures can rise significantly. Winter brings cooler temperatures and occasional rain, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons. Fire restrictions frequently impact camping experiences during dry summer months, with bans often extending into fall. A camper noted, "The sad reality of the ongoing drought in California is that summer camping is not the experience it used to be. Winter or early spring is now the best time to visit places like Bothe-Napa."
Several visitors highlight the strategic location of campgrounds relative to wine country attractions. Ritchey Creek Campground receives particular mention for its proximity to wineries and tasting rooms. "It's so nice to be right in the Napa Valley. If you're a wine drinker, during non-COVID times you can catch a wine bus from here," wrote one reviewer. Poison oak presents a common challenge throughout the region's campgrounds, with multiple campers mentioning its prevalence at Bothe-Napa Valley State Park. The natural surroundings feature oak, madrone, and manzanita forests with creeks running through some properties. Campers appreciate these locations as affordable alternatives to expensive wine country accommodations, with one reviewer noting, "Camping here leaves lots of money for food and wine splurges!"
