Best Campgrounds near Santa Rosa, CA

Camping near Santa Rosa, CA, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're a family looking for a weekend getaway or an experienced camper seeking adventure, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

• Hiking: Explore the trails at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "The local trails and creeks were breathtaking," making it a great spot for nature lovers.
• Beach Access: Visit Bodega Dunes Campground — Sonoma Coast State Park for a quick walk to the beach. A camper noted, "The beach itself was quiet and only a few folks were out there after the storm."
• Wine Tasting: Stay at Ritchey Creek Campground — Bothe-Napa Valley State Park for easy access to nearby wineries. One visitor shared, "Great spot for cheap and restful accommodation while visiting wine country."

What campers like:

• Scenic Views: Campers appreciate the stunning scenery at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground. A review stated, "It’s a lovely campsite with most sites being under tree canopies."
• Clean Facilities: Many enjoy the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A reviewer at San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA mentioned, "The bathrooms were clean compared to other places."
• Wildlife: Campers often spot wildlife, adding to the experience. One visitor at Anthony Chabot Regional Park noted, "A couple of wild turkeys came to pick up the dropped food on the ground."

What you should know:

• Crowded on Holidays: Many campgrounds can get busy during holidays. A camper at Lawson's Landing said, "Went on Veterans Day weekend so it was pretty busy."
• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Woodside Campground — Salt Point State Park, lack showers and RV dump stations. A review mentioned, "Unfortunately no showers, no RV dump station."
• Poison Oak: Be cautious of poison oak in certain areas, especially at Ritchey Creek Campground — Bothe-Napa Valley State Park. One visitor warned, "It's full of poison oak!!!! But you can get around it."

Tips for camping with families:

• Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids, like San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA, which has a playground and petting farm. A parent shared, "Great playground, jumping pillow, petting farm and mining fun."
• Quiet Spots: Choose campgrounds that offer some privacy. A reviewer at Hendy Woods State Park Campground said, "Cozy campsites with plenty of privacy."
• Plan for Weather: Be prepared for changing weather conditions, especially near the coast. One camper at Bodega Dunes Campground — Sonoma Coast State Park noted, "It rained during our trip which we knew about beforehand."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure to check the size of RV sites before booking. A reviewer at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground mentioned, "Most sites being under tree canopies, with a large meadow in the center."
• Bring Your Own Firewood: Some campgrounds, like Woodside Campground — Salt Point State Park, do not provide firewood. A camper advised, "Bring firewood there’s none available on site."
• Be Mindful of Slopes: Some sites may be on a slope, which can be tricky for leveling RVs. A visitor at Anthony Chabot Regional Park noted, "A lot of the sites are on a slant."

Camping near Santa Rosa, CA, has something for everyone, from families to seasoned RVers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful surroundings!