The Russian River corridor and Sonoma Coast define the camping landscape around Windsor, California, with a mix of state parks, regional parks, and private campgrounds. Camping near Windsor ranges from full-hookup RV sites and cabin rentals to tent campsites at coastal dunes and riverside parks. Casini Ranch Family Campground in Duncans Mills offers tent, RV, and cabin camping along the Russian River, while Bodega Dunes Campground provides coastal camping within Sonoma Coast State Park. Spring Lake Regional Park near Santa Rosa features tent sites, RV spaces, cabins, and glamping options. The San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA accommodates various camping styles with full hookups for RVs, tent sites, and cabin rentals. Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground, located in the hills east of Windsor, offers a more secluded camping experience with 48 sites for tents, RVs, and glamping.
Road conditions and accessibility vary significantly throughout the region, with coastal campgrounds often experiencing fog and wind while inland sites may be warmer and more sheltered. Most developed campgrounds require reservations, particularly during summer weekends and holidays when sites fill quickly. Winter camping is available at many locations, though coastal areas can be especially windy and wet. Facilities range from primitive sites with vault toilets to full-service campgrounds with showers, dump stations, and electrical hookups. Cell service can be spotty in more remote areas, particularly in the coastal hills and deeper river valleys. A camper at Bodega Dunes noted, "This campsite is centrally located on the peninsula. Access to several roadside dog-friendly beaches within minutes. The bay and the beach are within walking distance to campground."
The Russian River provides a focal point for many camping experiences in the region, with several campgrounds offering direct river access for swimming and paddling. Campers frequently mention the contrast between the foggy coastal areas and the sunnier inland valleys. At Wright's Beach Campground, visitors appreciate the proximity to the ocean, with one reviewer stating, "The beach is amazing and you feel like you have it all to yourself and your fellow campers." Inland campgrounds like Spring Lake Regional Park offer different attractions, including hiking trails and water-based recreation. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, many campers value the region for its diverse ecosystems within short driving distances—from redwood forests to coastal dunes, allowing for varied outdoor experiences during a single camping trip.
$43 / night
"We just stayed here for 2 nights, great location very close to Calistoga and not to far from Saint Helena! Next time i would love to try out a cabin or yurt."
"Good access to wineries close by. Only real downside was that because of the dry conditions we could not have a campfire."
$45 / night
"This campsite is centrally located on the peninsula. Access to several roadside dog friendly beaches within minutes. The bay and the beach are within walking distance to campground."
"The California coast is hard to beat. This campground is in the sand dunes, with a short walk to the beach. This is absolutely one of the best places to see the sunset."
"A few friends and I recently spent 4 days camping at this beautiful ranch right outside of Duncan Mills and absolutely loved our stay."
"Fire puts when allowed by California. Russian River gets surprisingly warm during the summer."
$35 - $45 / night
"Easy access to a lot of trails. The view from the campground is nice and relaxing. Some sites are very tight and close to each other. Some are spacious enough."
"There are certainly some that are better situated than others regarding size, shade, and other amenities--but the entire campground is nice."
"showers were always clean. there was some construction going on, since it was the off season. it looked like they were renovating some of the bathrooms and aisle end sites to add grass and decks. the location"
"For us, this is a great spot to shoot down the highway and pull in for a few days to get away from the hustle and bustle of normal life!"
$48 / night
"Location location location…. The Schoolhouse Canyon Campground is located about 400 yards off the Russian River / 1/2 mile down the road from the Korbel Winery (amazing deli!!!)"
"He put us in a very level spot that was great for my rooftop tent situation. Can’t say enough good things about him and his staff. Everyone was very friendly."
"We stayed here for a night at the tail end of a December California adventure before flying out of SFO the next day."
"General: Located between Bodega Bay and Bodega Harbor, this county park has over 140 sites in four campgrounds: Shell, Gull, Cove, and Jetty."
"The campsite is near plenty of amenities that you may need during your stay. Bathrooms have been clean and the showers 🚿 are nice and toasty! This will definitely be a regular spot in the future."
"No glass around campsites. Lots of campers but they did make attemps to keep people quiet after 10.Great canoe rentals to take down the river and a shuttle back is right next door."
$35 / night
"It’s close to the entrance but the driveway only had a slight grade. Mostly folks with trailers. The sites are not too close together but it is easy to see into the surrounding neighbors."
"Spring Lake has been that for us. We have been here for 2 weekends in the last few months."
$45 / night
"This campground is in the perfect location. The beach is amazing and you feel like you have it all to yourself and your fellow campers."
"This campground is located on mile-long stretch of beach within the Sonoma Coast State Park. I lived in Sonoma County for 15 years and this is my favorite beach."
ScoutWe came with a big group of 11 families and we have had a blast. Floated the river each day, movie night at the theatre, the kids loved the arcade, and the staff was awesome. We will return!
GuideSites are jammed together and lots of families with screaming kids. If you’re old and cranky, it probably isn't the vibe you’re after. If you have kids, maybe this would work for you. Bathrooms are old and dirty—a park service employee came by at one point on a Saturday but the women's bathroom was still out of soap and paper towels when she left.
ScoutAgree with the other poster. Road is in bad condition and cars won't make it through.
ScoutThere's a lots of variety of the sites including grassy areas and then also kind of parking lot areas. There's lots of amenities at one end of the RV camping area with a store. Lots of water and nice toilets and showers! Lots of water and nice toilets and showers!
The sites that are closer to the entrance of the RV park are a little bit more rustic in that they only have porta potty that is easy to access.
All the spots had good firings and well-kept picnic tables.
There's tons of wildlife here.
GuidePros: Campground is on the beach (although only a few sites are literally on the beach—the others are set back). It’s on the small side, which I consider a big plus. You really can’t beat the location (just north of Jenner). Staff is helpful and friendly. Bathrooms (with flush toilets) are very clean. Beach is huge and beautiful—lots of pelicans and cool rock formations just offshore in the surf.
Cons: Sites are very close together, although privacy is somewhat maintained with thick, tall bushes between campsites. Gets windy, especially if you get one of the sites right on the beach.
TravelerLike to end trips at an RV park and this was what I was looking for. Easy to check in, to park, hookups worked. Near spectacular natural beauty.
I didn’t use any other amenities on site or go to the restaraunt, which seemed lively.
No privacy.
TravelerExceptional campground, clean, well kept, and very clean bathrooms/showers. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Grounds green, mowed lawns and nicely trimmer hedges. Campsites have ample room between neighbors. Well done Travis outdoor recreation team.
TravelerEnjoying this campground a lot. It’s a 10-15 minute walk down to Salt Point Trail head and it is STUN-Ning.
Could hear the sea lions barking from the campsite.
I moved from site 4 to 1.
4 had trees over it which was messing with the starlink.
1 is much better for starlink.
Another commenter mentioned the overflow parking lot and I agree that would be a nice option, I wasn’t able to find a staff member to ask to move there. It would be very cold and windy at night and no fire pits.
What I ended up doing was driving down to the Salt Point trailhead lot for the day to work and look at the view of the ocean then I’d come back up to the campsite for the night.
A very peaceful location!
There is pretty much nothing around here so need to come prepared.
ScoutNot much camping in the but Skyline fit the bill. Typically RV style campsites but showers were good, and the grounds were beautiful. Good hiking trails as well.
The Russian River watershed spans the camping landscape around Windsor, California, with elevations ranging from sea level at the coast to approximately 1,000 feet in the eastern hills. Winter temperatures typically drop to the 40s at night while summer days often reach the 80s inland, with cooler coastal areas rarely exceeding 70 degrees. Frequent morning fog along the coast burns off by midday, particularly in summer months, creating distinct microclimates within a 30-mile radius.
River recreation access: At Schoolhouse Canyon Campground, guests enjoy direct access to the Russian River. "Schoolhouse Canyon Campground is on Russian river. They have full hook ups and a lot of very cool sites," shares Miya B. The campground offers inner tube rentals and stand-up paddleboard options.
Observatory stargazing: Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground features the Robert Ferguson Observatory. "There is an observatory and nice hiking here," notes Kristin H. Another camper, Syd D., shared, "We went on a night hike for a star gazing tour and had a great time!"
Kid-oriented activities: For families looking for structured activities, Casini Ranch Family Campground provides numerous options. "They have an insane amount of kids activities! Face paining, s'mores campfire, hay ride, parks, kareoke- just to name a few," explains one reviewer. The campground also features a jump pillow for children.
Coastal wildlife viewing: The Bodega Bay area offers excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. Campers frequently see harbor seals, various shorebirds, and occasionally river otters. One camper noted seeing foxes: "We did see a few foxes, or the same fox a few times, so make sure to keep camp sites clean."
Private beaches: Casini Ranch Family Campground offers private river access. "Sites are HUGE! We had plenty of room for our trailer, tent, corn hole, and more," shares Dustin C. Campers appreciate the size of individual sites and direct river access.
Wine country proximity: Many campgrounds serve as bases for wine tasting. "This place was wonderful! We stumbled upon this place after wine tasting in Sonoma," writes Lauren B. about Sugarloaf Ridge. Another camper noted, "Very close to all wine country has to offer and a well stocked deli/store and post office just down the road."
Trail connectivity: Spring Lake Regional Park connects to multiple trail systems. "Connected to the west of Spring Lake is Trione-Annadel State Park, a wildly popular spot for local mountain bikers," notes one reviewer. Another mentions, "The bike paths between the regional park and city park were wonderful for riding or walking."
Beach camping: The Sonoma Coast offers direct beach access at several campgrounds. "Van was almost on beach. Great to wake up with the waves crashing," writes Cathy S. about Wright's Beach. Another camper shared, "The beach is amazing and you feel like you have it all to yourself and your fellow campers."
Reservation requirements: Most sites require advance planning. "We've camped here a couple of times with our kids it's perfect for novice campers like us. The staff is awesome, there are bathrooms and showers. You can rent a tent, buy wood," notes Isabel B. about Sugarloaf Ridge State Park.
Microclimate variations: Weather can change dramatically within short distances. "It was nice and quiet, the showers were awesome never ran out of hot water and the management fantastic," reports a Mirabel RV Park camper. Coastal areas experience more wind and fog than inland sites.
Site selection strategy: Bodega Dunes Campground offers varied camping experiences. "If you want a sunny site, go for the center of the loop in the 60s/70s. We prefer shade and some space. Have stayed in 36 and 90. 36 was big enough for two tents," advises Emily W.
No-noise policies: Some campgrounds enforce strict noise regulations. "It's a quiet campsite. Radios aren't allowed, so if you are looking to party late into the night this isn't the spot for you," notes one Schoolhouse Canyon camper. Many campgrounds enforce 10 PM quiet hours.
Playground access: San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA caters specifically to families. "This campground is clearly a getaway from the more congested parts of the area. Cute petting zoo and a pool that was open during COVID!" shares Marnie G. Multiple play areas provide options for children of different ages.
Protected swimming areas: Several campgrounds feature river access with gentle current areas. "The river is aprox five minute walk. You do have to wait to safely cross the busy street," notes Kenneth S. about Schoolhouse Canyon Campground. Parents should supervise river activities as current strength varies by season.
Educational opportunities: Doran Regional Park offers environmental education. "The first Saturday of the month the rangers do a tide pool talk. They bring sea creatures (like sea stars, sea slugs etc) to share and let the kids hold them," shares Teresa B.
Kid-friendly trails: Look for loop trails with minimal elevation gain. "We walked the 'Nature Trail' through the campground & when we tried to sit they would swarm. But it was a nice short easy walk, where we saw a rabbit, turkeys, lizards, deer, & quails!" describes Brittney L. about Sugarloaf Ridge State Park.
Dump station access: Wright's Beach Campground has limited facilities but alternatives nearby. "There is no water fill up (there are a couple of spigots) but fill and dumping are available at Bodega Dunes," advises Debbie M. Many campgrounds require advance planning for tank management.
Uneven sites: Coastal campgrounds often have sloping or sandy sites. "The ground is volcanic rock and super hard in the dry weather. I broke a couple tent poles and couldn't pull the rest out of the ground," notes one camper about Bothe-Napa Valley State Park. Another mentions, "Take extra blocks if you go because our site was uneven tip to tail."
Generator policies: Rules vary by campground, with many restricting generator use. "Dry camped here with my 20ft R-Pod. Had a fun time," shares Daniel D. about Spring Lake Regional Park. Most campgrounds allow generators only during limited daytime hours.
Interior site advantages: At coastal campgrounds, interior sites provide wind protection. "Some of the sites are pretty well protected," notes one Wright's Beach camper. Many RVers prefer sites away from the immediate shoreline for more comfortable overnight conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best camping sites near Windsor?
The Windsor area offers several excellent camping options within a short drive. Spring Lake Regional Park provides convenient access to water activities, hiking trails, and connects to Trione-Annadel State Park for mountain biking enthusiasts. Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground is another great option, offering quiet surroundings perfect for families, easy access to hiking trails, and beautiful views. Both campgrounds feature clean facilities and are within easy reach of Windsor. For those willing to drive a bit further, the Sonoma Coast offers spectacular oceanside camping experiences, while the Napa Valley region provides wine country camping opportunities.
What tent camping options are available in Windsor?
Tent campers near Windsor have several excellent options to choose from. Woodside Campground — Salt Point State Park offers a unique experience where you can camp in wooded forest areas while still having access to Pacific Ocean views via nearby hiking trails. The campground is clean with easy coastal access. Johnson's Beach provides a more social tent camping experience with river access and proximity to local shops and restaurants, perfect for campers who want to balance outdoor experiences with town amenities. Additional tent options include Schoolhouse Canyon Campground near Guerneville, which offers walk-in tent sites with water and toilet facilities.
Are there RV parks available near Windsor?
Yes, several RV parks are available near Windsor. Clear Lake Campground offers a quaint, small RV park experience with helpful management and a nostalgic atmosphere. For coastal RV camping, Westside Regional Park in Bodega Bay serves as an excellent base camp for exploring the Sonoma Coast. This dry camping facility is situated by the yacht harbor and is less crowded than other coastal options. Bodega Bay RV Park and Mirabel RV Park & Campground near Forestville are additional options with full hookups and amenities for RV travelers in the area.
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