Situated at 118 feet above sea level, the Russian River region near Windsor offers a diverse camping landscape that's accessible year-round. The Mediterranean climate features warm, dry summers with daytime temperatures typically ranging from 75-90°F and cooler nights that can dip into the 50s. Winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that can drop into the 30s overnight, with most rainfall occurring between November and March.
What to do
Horseback riding tours: 5 miles from camp. At Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, visitors can access Five Brooks Ranch in nearby Olema for guided rides. "This place had many sites and super family friendly. Very easy to find. There was lots of deer/wildlife which was cool to see up close," shares Lauren B.
Astronomy programs: Reserve 2-3 weeks ahead. The Robert Ferguson Observatory at Sugarloaf Ridge hosts regular stargazing events. "We went on a night hike for a star gazing tour and had a great time!" reports Syd D., who visited the park with family.
Bike path access: Direct from campground. Ritchey Creek Campground offers cycling options right from your site. "Bike trail right out of the campsite, through the vineyards into Calistoga," notes Bonnie C., highlighting the convenient access to wine country scenery.
Waterfall hiking: Moderate difficulty, 2.5 miles round trip. Multiple campgrounds connect to seasonal waterfall trails. "I wish I got to do was the Bald Mountain hike and the Waterfall hike," mentions Irina Maddie P. about the trails at Samuel P. Taylor State Park, suggesting spring as the optimal viewing time.
What campers like
Natural swimming holes: Open May-September. The Russian River provides ideal swimming spots at several campgrounds. At River Bend Resort, "The private beach is great for kids (and adults). Easy swimming without a strong current. Lots of shallows but a deep swimming hole area for adults too," explains H.L.
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk best times. Multiple camping areas offer chances to spot local fauna. "We saw a rabbit, turkeys, lizards, deer, & quails!" reports Brittney L. who visited Spring Lake Regional Park in mid-April, noting that the short "Nature Trail" through the campground provided numerous wildlife sightings.
Local culture access: Walking distance. Johnson's Beach campsites offer proximity to town amenities. "If you enjoy Guerneville and want a simple campsite where you can easily walk to every bar, restaurant, and the redwoods, this is the spot," recommends Reza T., highlighting the balance between nature and conveniences.
Observatory visits: Weekend programs available. Sugarloaf Ridge State Park houses the Robert Ferguson Observatory with regular astronomy events. "You can walk to the Robert Ferguson Observatory as well!" notes a camper who participated in their night hike program.
What you should know
Site spacing varies significantly. At Samuel P. Taylor State Park, "Most of the sites are pretty decent, but 44 was the best... sites 47-44 had no one across the way, more private, set back," advises Kathleen C., offering specific site recommendations for those seeking more privacy.
Weather preparation crucial. Temperature swings of 30-40 degrees between day and night are common. "One thing to note, the night is COLD up this way, and mere miles will cover several different weather systems. Bring layers," warns a camper who stayed at Samuel P. Taylor State Park.
Poison oak awareness needed. Several campsites in the region have this native plant. "Beautiful and close to downtown Calistoga however the campgrounds were infested with poison oak. Maybe just the time of year and because of so much rain this year?" reports Samantha T. about Ritchey Creek Campground.
Highway noise varies by location. Some campgrounds sit near major roads. "River Bend Resort has a great helpful staff, great Russian River wine country location... And the traffic noise is considerable," notes Beverly W., suggesting selecting sites further from highways when possible.
Tips for camping with families
Find camps with swimming options: Check water levels in advance. Spring Lake Regional Park offers water recreation alongside camping. "Walked to the water park on spring lake that featured an inflatable, floating obstacle course/bouncy house thing. The kids LOVED that," shares Daniel D.
Look for educational opportunities: Free programs available. Multiple parks offer nature activities. "Ask about the free quest hike. They send you on an adventure hike and there is treasure at the end of it," recommends Irina Maddie P. who camped at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park.
Consider noise levels when booking: Mid-week quieter. Family-focused campgrounds can get lively. "I haven't actually been there for 3 years, but the reason for that is that we felt like we were being hemmed in by other campers and swarms of screaming children on every side," explains Robin H. about their experience at Ritchey Creek Campground.
Check site amenities for group sizes: Some offer multi-vehicle parking. Larger family campsites exist at several parks. "The parking area for our site was large enough to accommodate our SUV and another vehicle," notes Joseph F. regarding Samuel P. Taylor State Park.
Tips from RVers
RV site selection varies by park: Reserve ahead for level sites. At Bodega Bay RV Park, "Sites are gravel, which are racked before your arrival," explains Mike W., noting the well-maintained spaces that accommodate larger rigs.
Dump station access limited: Plan accordingly. Not all parks offer sewer connections. "Arrive at this park full of water. There was only one spigot with threads (for attaching hose to fill tanks); it was at spot 29," advises Tammy B. about Spring Lake Regional Park.
Early arrival fees at some parks: Check policies. Some parks charge for early check-in. "Do not go in early least you pay a $10 fee. They do maintain the grounds so an early arrival is not good," warns Linda A. about practices at Bodega Bay RV Park.
Site navigation challenges: Research beforehand. Some RV areas have tight access. "After looping around to approach the site, I found the streets all very tight for RV maneuvering," shares Patrick J. about the San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA, suggesting caution when selecting sites for larger vehicles.
