Tent camping near Sonoma, California offers diverse ecosystems ranging from coastal bluffs at 150 feet elevation to forested ridges reaching 2,571 feet at Mount Tamalpais. The Mediterranean climate creates distinct camping seasons with foggy summers along the coast and warmer inland temperatures reaching 90°F during peak months. Many campgrounds implement seasonal fire restrictions that vary based on drought conditions, with complete bans common during red flag warnings.
What to do
Kayak to secluded beaches: At Tomales Bay Boat-In Camping, paddle 5 miles from launch points to remote campsites. "If you're planning on kayaking out to a campsite on a Saturday, book your site and kayak rental a few months in advance. But if you go out on other days there are less people and less lines when waiting for your permit or rental," advises Deanna K.
Explore marine wildlife: Coastal waters near Tomales Bay offer opportunities to view sea creatures during paddling trips. "Cool things about this place: you will see sea jellies, bat rays, maybe a leopard shark, and bioluminescent plankton!!!! Hope for no full moon because running your hands through that water at night with no light is a trip!!!" shares Deanna K.
Hike to waterfalls: The Coast Trail from Wildcat Campground offers access to Alamere Falls. "We had fun making a fire on the beach at night. It's pretty windy, so be prepared. Enough room for a big group of us and the remote location was perfect. The site was very close to Alamere Falls, which was great," reports Madelyn G.
Stargaze from the island: Sunrise Campground on Angel Island offers unique night sky viewing across the bay. "One of the great things about the island is they have a Immigration museum (think Ellis Island but for the west coast!)... I would definitely suggest this as a tourist many locals tried to show me the best view of the city but in my opinion the best view is to camp out and see the view at night and in the early morning!" explains Marion D.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Glen Campground, vegetation creates natural separation. "A nice place to stay for backpacking. Site 8 was a little bit secluded and away from other sites. The site was smallish and had a fox box and picnic table. Water and vault toilet provided in the campground. Quaint and cozy overall," notes Taylor A.
Beginner-friendly backpacking: Glen Campground offers accessible trails for new backpackers. "This was our first backpacking trip and we mostly wanted to test our gear. This was perfect for that. 5-mile hike in with some uphill in the last 1.5 miles that was challenging but not too hard. Site 3 was relatively private, shady in the morning and evening," shares Emily A.
Protected beach access: At Coast Campground, sites balance proximity to the ocean with wind protection. "Fun baby backpacking trip with my husband. The hike to the campsite went by fast. Only 1.8 miles, not too bad on the elevation gain either. During the day it actually got pretty hot at our campsite (#1), lots of exposure probably around low 70s," explains Char A.
Historical exploration: Angel Island State Park provides multiple points of interest beyond camping. "You can hike throughout the island to with great bay views and bridge views on all sides. Then there is the history there from the Civil War sites to the immigration sites - so there is much to see and do beyond hiking. Great sunrise and sunsets depending on your site choice," recommends MarinMaverick.
What you should know
Wind conditions: Many coastal sites experience strong winds, particularly in afternoon hours. At Steep Ravine Campground, "It's a classic, twisty ride on Highway 1 to get to the entrance, and then another steep, curvy ride down to the campground. Campers sensitive to motion sickness or vertigo be warned," advises Adam.
Wildlife precautions: Small animals frequently visit campsites seeking food. "The campground itself is set on an open plateau just a dozen or so feet above the beach and there isn't a lot of cover between campsites. Site 7 is a bit protected by trees and is the closest to the beach so would be my choice in the future," notes Michael I. about Wildcat Camp.
Seasonal water considerations: Water availability varies by season and campground. "There is water and it doesn't have any weird taste. Vault toilets, trash, and recycling are also present," reports Ann E. about Glen Campground.
Reservation competition: The best tent camping near Sonoma requires advance planning. One camper described Steep Ravine as "the number one most difficult to reserve spot in all of California (and therefore presumably all of America)!" Adam continues, "You need to be ready to click 'reserve' on the website at no less than 5 minutes before the window opens for your dates of interest."
Tips for camping with families
Protected beach play: For families with children, look for sheltered shoreline areas. "Tomales Bay State Park - in particular, Heart's Desire Beach is a gem. Great beach for kids as there is sand bar so there is shallow area that warms the water for them to play. Also hiking on the ridges and resident spotted owls to seek out," recommends MarinMaverick.
Short hike options: Choose campgrounds with accessible trails for younger hikers. "The hike to the campgrounds from the Bear Valley Visitors Center is about 2-3.5 miles depending on the route. Best Sites - 10, 11," advises Gustavo M. about Sky Camp.
Weather preparation: Pack for temperature swings, especially at coastal sites. "At night it did get chilly, 38-39 degrees F, nothing a good sleeping bag couldn't fix. We went for two nights on 02/28. Got a permit for a beach fire but couldn't find enough drift wood to make it last," reports Char A. about Coast Camp.
Family-friendly water access: Lake Berryessa offers calm waters for safer swimming. "Our favorite spot to take the kids to the lake. If your looking for something calm this is the spot at Lake Berryessa," shares Vanessa A.
Tips for RVers
Limited RV access: Most backcountry and tent-focused campgrounds near Sonoma restrict RV access. "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 Shiva S. about Steele Canyon.
Dry camping preparations: When RV camping is available, services are minimal. "Nice site. Look in the 50's & 80's for the more secluded campsites. Can get windy, and 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," shares Joel A.
Alternative accommodation options: Some areas offer cabin alternatives to traditional RV camping. "These cabins are well worth the cost. There is a separate bedroom, you could sleep 2 couples on beds easily with extra floor space and a small individual bunk for larger families. No electricity but the wood burning stove provides some light," explains Amber D. about Steep Ravine cabins.
