Glamping near Vineburg, California places visitors at the western edge of the Sonoma Valley, approximately 55 miles north of San Francisco at an elevation of about 100 feet. This area experiences mild Mediterranean climate with summer daytime temperatures averaging 75-85°F, though evenings can cool to the 50s. Winter temperatures rarely drop below freezing, making year-round camping possible with proper preparation.
What to do
Hiking mountain trails: Skyline Wilderness Park offers extensive hiking opportunities with 800+ acres of varied terrain. "The 800+ acres of hills, woods and fields offers archery, disc golf, hiking, horseback riding and more. Very friendly, helpful staff. Bonus: short drive to Downtown Napa," notes one visitor to Skyline Wilderness Park.
Wildlife viewing: Samuel P. Taylor State Park provides excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. A camper reported, "We saw a rabbit, turkeys, lizards, deer, & quails! Seems they have lots of hikes available." This park is particularly good for family nature walks with "wonderful campsites nestled among mature trees with a stream that runs through it."
Stargazing sessions: Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground features the Robert Ferguson Observatory. "We went on a night hike for a star gazing tour and had a great time!" shares one visitor. The park hosts regular astronomy programs, with the observatory typically open Friday and Saturday nights for public viewing.
Kayaking and paddle sports: Spring Lake Regional Park offers water recreation options. "We have been here for 2 weekends in the last few months. It is kid friendly, fun easy hike around the lake (no swimming but you can rent or bring your own kayaks or stand-up paddle boards)," according to a recent visitor.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Steep Ravine Campground, campers appreciate the secluded setting. "Lots of space between you and other campers. Wear layers of clothing. Can't beat the view!" One visitor described it as having "incredible views. Bolinas, Stinson, The Farallon Islands, fishing boats, the night sky, raptors, seals, all manner of water fowl…that's why you're here."
Hot showers: Lake Solano County Park receives praise for its shower facilities. "Love that the showers are hot and free! You may have to push the button several times but totally worth while in my opinion!" Another camper noted the campground has "hookups and also dry camping. The better spots are near the water."
Convenience to wineries: Skyline Wilderness Park offers easy access to Napa Valley attractions. "Clean showers and bathrooms, some trees, close to Raley's Grocery store. Easy drive to the wineries of Napa Valley, a little further to Sonoma but a nice drive," states one review. Another camper added, "This place is nice. RV location is basically a gravel parking area pretty close to one another. Sites are level with minimal need for blocks."
Wi-Fi availability: Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground provides internet connectivity. "There is no cell coverage for any of the major providers, but free (slow) Wi-Fi covers half the camp, and premium Wi-Fi is available to purchase," notes a regular visitor.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Temperatures vary significantly between day and night at Coast Campground in Point Reyes. A winter camper reported, "During the day it actually got pretty hot at our campsite (#1), lots of exposure probably around low 70s. At night it did get chilly, 38-39 degrees F, nothing a good sleeping bag couldn't fix."
Poison oak awareness: Bothe-Napa Valley State Park requires vigilance regarding poison oak. "The campgrounds were infested with poison oak. Maybe just the time of year and because of so much rain this year? Not sure but it was thick and lush everywhere," cautions a visitor. Another camper advised, "Be careful of the poison oak, it is prevalent there as it is so anywhere in Northern California."
Reservation challenges: Steep Ravine Campground is notoriously difficult to reserve. "Extremely hard to get a reservation. Can get very windy! Georgeous spot to pitch your tent on the ocean cliffs," warns one camper. Another explains, "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, which was 6 months ahead of time."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience road noise. At Samuel P. Taylor State Park, "if you're tent camping, the vehicle noise from the nearby Sir Francis Drake Blvd can be distracting if you are a light sleeper."
Tips for camping with families
Rental options: San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA offers family-friendly accommodations if you're seeking glamping near Vineburg. "Playgrounds, swimming pool, lots of space to run and scream. We stay when visiting the area and endure the screaming kids. The kids do have fun, I give them that," notes one visitor to San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA.
Kid-friendly activities: Spring Lake Regional Park provides numerous activities for children. "This camp ground is clearly a getaway from the more congested parts of the area. Cute petting zoo and a pool that was open during COVID! We didn't stay long enough for sure."
Educational opportunities: Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground offers learning experiences. "Ask about the free quest hike. They send you on an adventure hike and there is treasure at the end of it," recommends a visitor. Another camper mentions that "the volunteers who run the place do a fantastic job with everything, from keeping the site clean, to providing tons of info for budding naturalists."
Swimming options: Though not every park has swimming facilities, Lake Solano County Park has alternatives. "The creek is very cold but on a really hot day with a raft you can cool off. You can also rent canoes and paddle boats to get around on the water!"
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Olema Campground near Point Reyes, RVers should note the layout. "RV Campsites are nothing fancy and close together. But the park itself is nice...hiking trails, views, nature, and close to Napa," explains one visitor. Another adds, "RV campsites are close together and semi-level. Bathrooms could use some TLC."
Hookup options: Skyline Wilderness Park offers various hookup configurations. "Full and Partial Hook-ups in Napa Valley... some full hook-ups and some partial, we will ask for full hook ups next time just for ease of getting out when your ready to go."
Size limitations: Samuel P. Taylor State Park has restrictions for larger vehicles. "It's a bit too tight for large trailer or RV camping (unless you are an expert at maneuvering through tight spaces)," cautions a reviewer.
Convenience services: Olema Campground offers services that RVers appreciate. "They have great ameneities - a store, post office, hot showers. Everything you need is there. There is a great restuarant down the road and a church next door!"
