Camping near St. Helena, CA

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    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. St. Helena camping options are particularly popular for those looking to combine outdoor recreation with wine tasting adventures. 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!"

    Best Campgrounds near St. Helena (176)

      1. Ritchey Creek Campground — Bothe-Napa Valley State Park

      4.1(32)5mi from St. Helena31 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "The location is great since you’re close to st Helena and Calistoga. The road is narrow and the spots are tricky to back into."

      "You need reservations but there are a few walk in campsites up at the end that go on first come first serve basis. Great hiking in the redwoods along a nice creek."

      from $43 / night

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      2. Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground

      4.2(32)5mi from St. HelenaRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "Easy access to a lot of trails. The view from the campground is nice and relaxing. Some sites are very tight and close to each other. Some are spacious enough."

      "There are certainly some that are better situated than others regarding size, shade, and other amenities--but the entire campground is nice."

      from $35 - $45 / night

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      3. San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA

      4.5(33)20mi from St. HelenaRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "showers were always clean. there was some construction going on, since it was the off season. it looked like they were renovating some of the bathrooms and aisle end sites to add grass and decks. the location"

      "For us, this is a great spot to shoot down the highway and pull in for a few days to get away from the hustle and bustle of normal life!"

      4. Skyline Wilderness Park

      4.2(31)20mi from St. HelenaRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "A ton of great hiking and horseback riding trails. Literally 5 mins outside of the town of Napa. Ate at an amazing Brazilian Steakhouse and came to camp in just a short drive."

      "Nice, clean place with beautiful hiking trails. The garden is very cute, perfect for a quiet walk or meditation. Sites are close to each other. This place is a good getaway into nature."

      5. Spring Lake Regional Park

      3.8(9)11mi from St. HelenaRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "It’s close to the entrance but the driveway only had a slight grade. Mostly folks with trailers. The sites are not too close together but it is easy to see into the surrounding neighbors."

      "Spring Lake has been that for us. We have been here for 2 weekends in the last few months."

      from $35 / night

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      6. Sonoma County Fairgrounds RV Park

      3.1(10)14mi from St. Helena1 siteRVs, Tents

      "Very quiet and there's lots of trails to walk. Easy walking around the lake."

      "The park itself is like a little slice of heaven and surrounded by the town so nothing is that far away. It is 5 min away from the Planet fitness and it is quiet and has a night security guard too."

      from $33 - $70 / night

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      7. Napa County Fairgrounds

      3.7(3)8mi from St. HelenaRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "Close to Oxbow public market, great spot for lunch or dinner."

      8. Steele Canyon (formerly Lupine Shores)

      4.3(6)14mi from St. HelenaTents

      "Our favorite spot to take the kids to the lake. If your looking for something calm this is the spot at Lake Berryessa."

      "Lake water level is pretty low. Overall nice experience."

      from $5 - $55 / night

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      9. Sugarloaf Ridge State Park

      5.0(1)5mi from St. HelenaRVs, Tents

      from $35 / night

      10. Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground

      5.0(1)5mi from St. Helena39 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Close to Santa Rosa up a long windy road sites Sugarloaf Ridge park.   A pretty popular place, even in November. Lots to do here. Hiking, biking trails. Many families camping."

      from $35 - $165 / night

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    Recent Reviews near St. Helena, CA

    1019 Reviews of 176 St. Helena Campgrounds

    • SThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 13, 2026

      Cowboy Camp

      Great Getaway & Location.

      Cowboy Camp had everything I had heard it offered & more! There was plenty of space when I visited and I got to pick a spot down by the water. Easy access & semi-secluded. The spot was half shaded and half sunny by 3 PM. Perfect for our truck to park in & stay cool. Vaulted toilets were in decent shape & even had TP. Lots of awesome spots to pull off at on the way there from Winters area. Beautiful views of flowing green water & colorful trees.

    • LThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 12, 2026

      Doran Regional Park

      If you want to camp on the coast in California …

      There aren’t a lot of options for camping on the coast in California outside of busy campgrounds. But as those go, Doran Beach is ok. Try to get a site that backs up to the harbor for more privacy and an almost private beach to walk. But be aware there are lots of sounds going on all day and night, including people talking, sea birds squawking, sea lions barking, and a 24/7 foghorn (whether there’s fog or not). Sites are close together but pick wisely and you can get one that affords you a little more privacy.

    • DThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 10, 2026

      Sherman Island Regional Park

      Sherman island is about the wind and the beach and the launch

      This is a fun place for you and the fam either to camp or for the day.

      The tide comes in and out here as it’s a low level island and the approach to access sometimes will be under water from the tide. It is just like that, not poorly maintained, just one short section that can get 6inches deep and is not an issue for anybody.

      I stayed in a tent camper fold-out. I hugged the hedge next to a teardrop. Everyone was nice and it was a relaxing stay. Can launch boat/kayak or do all the wind surfing type sports they talk about.

    • Joshcfi The Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 7, 2026

      Doran Regional Park

      Close to nice beach

      Hard to get reservations but worth it. Super close to beach. Some spots have trees with shade.

    • EThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 5, 2026

      Doran Regional Park

      Cool spot but low privacy and constant horn

      I stayed here for one night and overall had a good experience. The location is beautiful and very convenient, with the beach right across the road and the water nearby. It was calm, scenic, and there were lots of birds around. The bathrooms and showers were clean, and the shower had warm water.

      The sites are very close together, though, so there is essentially no privacy between campsites. The shower was also a little expensive at around $2 for only a few minutes of water.

      The biggest issue for me was the foghorn. I actually timed it, and it went off roughly every 10 seconds, apparently 24/7. It was extremely loud and continued day and night, whether there was fog or not. Some people may find it soothing, but I found it impossible to ignore, especially at night. Honestly, this is the main reason I wouldn't stay here again.

      Overall, it's a nice campground in a great location, but the lack of privacy and especially the constant foghorn are significant drawbacks.

    • GThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 2, 2026

      Camp Russian River

      Riverfront on the Russian River

      Great campground on the Russian River. Big grassy area for single or group camping. Friendly staff. Walking distance to downtown Guerneville.

    • Stuart K.The Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 1, 2026

      Salt Point State Park Campground

      The First Campground I Ever Shared With My Daughters

      Some campgrounds stay with you because of the scenery, while others become part of your family history ... and Salt Point will forever be both for me. Perched along one of the wildest stretches of the Sonoma Coast, this coastal park combines six miles of rugged Pacific shoreline with grasslands and forest, and its two primary campgrounds offer very different experiences: Gerstle Cove sits on the ocean side of Highway 1, while Woodside is tucked into the trees inland. Together they have 109 developed campsites, most with level paved pads, picnic tables, food lockers and fire rings, but no hookups or showers.

      What makes Salt Point truly special is everything waiting beyond the campsite. Trails lead along rocky bluffs, through forests and down toward Gerstle Cove, while tide pools, extraordinary sandstone formations and the pounding Pacific make this feel wonderfully removed from civilization. There are more than 20 miles of trails and Stump Beach provides the park's only sandy beach.

      But none of that is why I remember this place so vividly. Salt Point was the very first place I ever took my daughters camping. I can still remember that wonderful mixture of excitement and uncertainty that comes with introducing your children to something you love: setting up camp together, watching them explore this enormous new outdoor world and realizing that what felt like a simple weekend away was quietly becoming one of those family memories you carry forever.  At least for me, that is true.

      This is real camping rather than resort camping: no electricity, no showers and no dump station, while the nearest gas stations are roughly 18 miles away. Tent campers should feel particularly at home here and I’d favor Woodside, which is where we stayed, for its more sheltered, forested camping experience; however, choose Gerstle Cove if quicker access to the rugged coastline is what brought you here. Either way, come prepared for changing coastal weather and embrace the simplicity as that's part of Salt Point's magic.

      Insider’s Tip: If this is your first visit, don't spend the entire trip at the campsite. Walk the Salt Point Trail around Gerstle Cove and give the kids time simply to explore the shoreline. Years later, they probably won't remember whether the campsite was perfectly level, but you may be surprised by what they do remember.

      Happy Camping!

    • EThe Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 29, 2026

      Porto Bodega Marina & RV Park

      Nice RV Park

      I enjoyed my two night stay here, the location is great right on the water.

      Campsites are very close together and the Bodega Bay foghorn goes off every 10 seconds 24/7 and that got annoying.

      Great for Starlink

    • Sidney C.
      Aug. 28, 2026

      Olema Campground

      Loved it!

      Had a late check in after scheduling in the same day, but the staff were so welcoming and helpful over the phone! The campsite is so clean you could walk around barefoot. the scenery is so beautiful with sheep, cattle, mountains and a stream surrounding/on the property. Would definitely recommend

    Guide to St. Helena

    Camping sites near St. Helena, California range from basic fairground accommodations to wilderness parks with extensive hiking trails. Located in the Napa Valley at approximately 250 feet elevation, the region experiences warm, dry summers with daytime temperatures often exceeding 90°F and cooler winters with occasional frost. Fire restrictions typically remain in place from May through October, with many campgrounds limiting or prohibiting open flames during peak fire season.

    What to do

    Hiking trails at Sugarloaf Ridge: The park offers numerous hiking options within easy reach of camping areas. "There are a handful of great loop options and a few great out and backs too. My personal favorite hike in this park is at the bottom of the hill from the campground, but can be accessed by trails and a short road walk, and that is the Goodspeed Trail to Gunsight Rock," explains one visitor to Sugarloaf Ridge State Park.

    Observatory access: Astronomy enthusiasts can visit the Robert Ferguson Observatory at Sugarloaf Ridge. "You can walk to a trail to check out a waterfall from there (pretty darn steep!) and 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 a camper at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park.

    Water activities on Lake Berryessa: The lake provides options for paddleboarding and boating in designated areas. "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 were very respectful of the no wake zones," notes a visitor to Steele Canyon.

    What campers like

    Strategic wine country location: Campers appreciate the cost-effective base for exploring nearby vineyards. "Nice campground halfway between St. Helena and Calistoga giving you access to the Napa Valley at a very reasonable price. Not very crowded during the week, but weekends are usually generally full," writes a reviewer about Ritchey Creek Campground.

    Seasonal wildlife viewing: Several campgrounds offer opportunities to observe local fauna. "The site was great and I had a really enjoyable time... I walked the 'Nature Trail' through the campground and when we tried to sit they would swarm. But it was a nice short easy walk, where we saw a rabbit, turkeys, lizards, deer, and quails!" shares a camper at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park.

    Creek-adjacent campsites: Sites near flowing water provide natural sound barriers and cooling effects. "We had campsite 47 which backs up to the creek. The rumbling sound from the creek lulled us to sleep. We set up our tent towards the back of the site closest to the creek because it was more private," recounts a camper at Ritchey Creek Campground.

    What you should know

    Seasonal temperature fluctuations: Be prepared for significant daily temperature swings. "Make sure you are prepared for the temperature swing. 89 in the day and down to 51 at night. I love a shower and they also have a pool open Memorial Day to Labor Day. Pick a spot in the shade if possible," advises a camper at Ritchey Creek Campground.

    Limited water access: Some campgrounds require self-sufficiency with water supplies. At Skyline Wilderness Park, a reviewer notes it's "dry camping at this time (no fires, no water, no hookups, etc.). Fire scars all around the lake...looks like this entire area got hit a few years ago. Nice host at the front gate, $45 and at least on a Sunday PM (July) it's mostly empty. Bring extra H2O."

    Insect preparation: Mosquitoes can be problematic in certain seasons. "The flying bugs/mosquitoes were out so come prepared. Only left with 1-2 bites = victory! We walked the 'Nature Trail' through the campground and when we tried to sit they would swarm," shares a Sugarloaf Ridge camper.

    Tips for camping with families

    Child-friendly activities: Many campgrounds offer dedicated recreational spaces. "We've camped here a couple of times with our kids it's perfect for novice campers like us. The staff is awesome, there are bathrooms and showers. You can rent a tent, buy wood and it's a short drive into town in case you need to stock up," explains a visitor to Sugarloaf Ridge State Park.

    Biking opportunities: Several campgrounds feature kid-friendly biking loops. "It is very forgiving here and close to everything in case you didn't pack enough food or propane or fire starter. The camp host is amazing. The bathrooms are clean with free cold showers or quarters for hot showers. They have fire pits at every location, firewood to buy on site, it is very kid friendly with a fun loop for the kids to bike or scooter around plus easy access to the lake," reports a camper at Spring Lake Regional Park.

    Educational programs: Some parks offer structured activities for children. "They have a quest hike. They send you on an adventure hike and there is treasure at the end of it," shares a Sugarloaf Ridge visitor.

    Tips from RVers

    Leveling considerations: Some campgrounds have uneven sites. "Sites are level with minimal need for blocks. Staff are friendly. Native garden is very nice," notes an RVer at Skyline Wilderness Park.

    Urban RV options: For those seeking full hookups and proximity to wine country, fairground RV parks provide basic services. "Centrally located but a little walk to downtown Napa. Hookups include 30 and 50 amp with water and sewer. Nice cemented pads. Easy place to stay for the weekend and explore downtown Napa," explains a visitor to Napa Valley Expo RV Park.

    Variable site dimensions: RV site layouts can vary significantly between campgrounds. "All of the sites are good though space 43 is awkward if you have a 25ft+ trailer," warns a camper at Ritchey Creek Campground.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What are the best campgrounds near St. Helena, California?

    Ritchey Creek Campground — Bothe-Napa Valley State Park is ideally located between St. Helena and Calistoga in the heart of wine country. This campground offers clean sites nestled among redwoods, oaks, and madrones with hiking trails throughout the park. For those wanting to explore beyond Napa Valley, Skyline Wilderness Park provides another excellent option near St. Helena with varied terrain and recreational opportunities. RV travelers may appreciate Napa Valley Expo RV Park for its proximity to wineries, while those seeking a more rustic experience can check out the campgrounds at Lake Berryessa, approximately 30 minutes from St. Helena.

    How far is Spring Lake Regional Park from St. Helena?

    Spring Lake Regional Park is approximately 25 miles west of St. Helena, about a 45-minute drive via Highway 12. This Santa Rosa park offers camping with newer bathrooms and shower facilities, though sites are relatively open and exposed. The campground provides excellent access to water activities on Spring Lake, hiking trails, and connects to both Trione-Annadel State Park and Howarth Park. For a coastal alternative at a similar distance, Bodega Dunes Campground is about 50 miles from St. Helena, offering access to several dog-friendly beaches with clean facilities and semi-private sites.

    Where can I find a map of St. Helena, CA camping areas?

    The most reliable maps of camping areas around St. Helena can be found on The Dyrt app or website, which offers interactive maps showing campground locations with reviews and amenities. Official maps are also available at visitor centers in Bothe-Napa Valley State Park and the St. Helena Chamber of Commerce. For specific campground layouts, Sugarloaf Ridge State Park and Napa County Fairgrounds provide downloadable site maps on their websites. California State Parks' official website features detailed PDF maps of state park campgrounds in the region. Most visitor centers in Napa Valley also distribute free printed maps showing local camping options.