Camping opportunities near Vacaville, California range from established campgrounds to upscale outdoor accommodations. Located in Solano County at an elevation of 106 feet, Vacaville sits within a temperate Mediterranean climate zone with hot, dry summers and mild winters. Winter overnight temperatures can drop to 37°F while summer days often exceed 95°F, making spring and fall ideal for outdoor stays.
What to do
Hiking trails nearby: Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground offers accessible trails through redwood groves just over an hour from Vacaville. "There is a paved path that runs for at least a mile or so along the creek, that used to be the old railroad line through that area. They have informational signs all over the place providing historical or ecological information," notes one visitor.
Stargazing opportunities: At Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground, the Robert Ferguson Observatory offers astronomy programs. "We went on a night hike for a star gazing tour and had a great time! Every site had their own cleaned porta potty which was very nice," shares a camper who visited with family.
Water activities: For those seeking recreation on the water near Vacaville, Brannan Island State Recreation Area provides river access. "Great place to chill or add in some hiking. It has great facility for disabled and has great area to run around and you can fish the bay area from the area or go fishing in boat," explains a visitor.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: Skyline Wilderness Park offers chances to observe local animals without leaving your campsite. "Wild turkey, deer, wood peckers regularly seen!" reports one camper, while another mentions seeing "a doe within 10 mins of setting up camp just a few steps away."
Wine country proximity: Camping near Vacaville means easy access to renowned vineyards. At Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, "A shuttle stops at the park to take people into town for dinner if they don't want to drive after drinking," making wine tasting accessible and safe for campers, according to a recent visitor.
Geese watching: Canyon Creek Resort Members Only provides unique seasonal wildlife viewing. "We stayed in section C as far away from the road as possible, right next to Putah Creek. It was April and the pairs of geese were abundant. No checks yet, but I understand in May they were hatched," notes a traveler who stayed in a travel trailer.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Some campgrounds near Vacaville have strict reservation policies. At Lake Solano County Park, a visitor reported: "An empty campground, tired family and the host can't let us take a space because we don't have a reservation two weeks prior." However, another camper clarified: "Contrary to other posts, they take walkups. It is just on the website it requires 2 weeks out."
Weather variations: The area experiences significant temperature fluctuations. "The night is COLD up this way, and mere miles will cover several different weather systems. Bring layers," advises a camper who stayed at Samuel P. Taylor State Park.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience road noise. A visitor to Samuel P. Taylor noted, "If you're tent camping, the vehicle noise from the nearby Sir Francis Drake Blvd can be distracting if you are a light sleeper (and you are tent camping)."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly glamping options: For upscale glamping in Vacaville, California area with children, consider Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park. "We go with several families with kids 5-13 and they all have a blast... There is an ice cream shop, general store, and crafts some free some for purchase $7-$30. We went for Christmas in July and Santa was there for pictures," shares a parent who visits regularly.
Seasonal activities: Family camping experiences change with the seasons. "For October, we did an outdoor movie, magic pumpkins, costume contest, trick or treating, hay ride, and haunted house. My daughter loved everything except the haunted house, which she said was 'too scary!'" reports a parent who visited Jellystone Park.
Pool amenities: When glamping near Vacaville in summer, look for swimming options. At SacWest RV Park & Campground, visitors appreciate the "Pool, game room, wifi, SHOWERS!😍💞" as noted by one enthusiastic camper, making it ideal for families seeking glamping comforts.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: When choosing RV sites near Vacaville, consider specific site numbers. At Skyline Wilderness Park, "RV Campsites are nothing fancy and close together. But the park itself is nice...hiking trails, views, nature, and close to Napa," notes one RVer who still rated their stay highly despite tight spacing.
Setup challenges: Some campgrounds require careful maneuvering. At Samuel P. Taylor, one visitor observed it's "a bit too tight for large trailer or RV camping (unless you are an expert at maneuvering through tight spaces)."
Full hookup options: For RV glamping near Vacaville with complete amenities, San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA offers comprehensive services. "The host says they will come around in the morning and empty our tanks! No need to hook up our sewer hose!" remarked one impressed visitor staying at their VIP campsite.
