Tent camping near Sebastopol, California offers diverse environments ranging from redwood forests to coastal settings. Winter camping temperatures typically drop to 38-39°F overnight, requiring proper cold-weather gear even when daytime temperatures reach the 70s. Many campgrounds implement seasonal fire restrictions, particularly during dry periods when wildfire risk increases.
What to do
Beach activities: Access private beaches at Schoolhouse Canyon Campground where campers can rent equipment for water recreation. "Very nice water for floating and swimming, with a cute little beach area to keep your stuff," notes Amber D. The campground offers tube rentals for $5 per day, making it easy to enjoy the Russian River without bringing your own gear.
Hiking trails: Explore diverse terrain within short distances at Armstrong Woods State Natural Reserve. The trails range from easier paths through redwoods to more challenging routes. Rosina A. mentions, "You can do some tough hill hikes through the Oaks or easier hikes through the Redwoods which remind me a lot of Muir Woods (but less crowded than that)."
Wildlife viewing: Search for native species around the campgrounds and beaches. Tidepools near the coast offer glimpses of marine life. At Coast Campground, "The beach offers tidepools close by as well as a great place for beach fire (permit needed)," according to one camper. Remember proper food storage practices since wildlife encounters are common.
What campers like
Secluded camping areas: Some campgrounds separate family and adult sections for different camping experiences. "There are two sections to this campground. Lower half is family section and the upper section is adults only," explains Kenneth S. about Schoolhouse Canyon Campground.
Star gazing opportunities: The minimal light pollution at Tomales Bay Boat-In Camping creates excellent conditions for night sky viewing. Chris M. notes it has "Very little light pollution, good times." The coastal setting adds to the experience with the sounds of waves as a backdrop.
Natural landscape variety: Within a relatively small geographic area, campers can experience redwood forests, coastal bluffs, rivers, and more. "Inside the Point Reyes National seashore, this is a hike in only campground... 2 min walk to beach, with amazing views of the cliffs and seashore. Access to a long list of other short/long hikes," reports Jason R. about Coast Campground.
What you should know
Campsite privacy varies: Research specific site numbers before booking. At Sky Campground, "I personally wouldn't reserve sites 1 or 2 due to odors that drift over from the toilets. I stayed at site #12 and felt that it and #11 were the best ones there because they are surrounded by lush vegetation and have trees that provide shade and protection against the wind," advises Kim C.
Weather patterns: Expect significant temperature changes between day and night. Coastal fog is common year-round. A camper at Coast Campground recommends: "Always expect fog. Expect cold and damp at night."
Access challenges: Some campgrounds require difficult drives or hikes to reach. Bullfrog Pond Campground sits "on top of a rugged drive up the woods" according to a reviewer. Another camper mentions the "very winding, bumpy one lane road for about 10 minutes before you reach the campgrounds."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water areas: Seek out swimming spots with gradual entry points and calmer water. At Willow Creek - Sonoma Coast State Beach, the campground is "right on the Russian" river, providing easy water access. The nearby beach areas often have shallow sections suitable for children.
Noise considerations: Family camping areas can be livelier than adult sections. Nathan H. notes about Schoolhouse Canyon, "The sites closer to river road do have quite a bit of road noise but the ones further in are great! Chris is great at placing people in the correct sites for their needs." Request sites farther from roads when booking if quiet is important.
Activity planning: Schedule shorter hikes for children and plan for frequent stops. "A quick walk to the river to swim or sunbathe," is available at several riverfront campgrounds according to reviewers, providing convenient recreation that doesn't require extensive travel with kids.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Many campgrounds have limited access for larger vehicles. At Bullfrog Pond Campground, Cyrel T. warns "The entrance to the campground is located at the back of the park and you drive up a very winding, bumpy one lane road for about 10 minutes before you reach the campgrounds."
Hookup availability: Full-service sites are limited in the area. Duncans Mills Campground offers variable hookup options. "Nice sites, although not all sites are full hook up. You can pay to have your Honeywell dumped if not at a full hook up," explains Cathy.
Space considerations: Most campsites are designed primarily for tent camping with limited RV spaces. Campgrounds like Highlands Resort and La Bohemia focus more on tent accommodations, though some can accommodate smaller camper vans and trailers. As one camper points out, the sites "are very close together" at many locations, making them better suited for compact setups.
