Camping spots near Winters, California range from lakeside parks to riverside retreats within the Sacramento Valley region. Most locations sit at elevations between 100-500 feet, with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F from June through September. Several campgrounds offer water access at Lake Berryessa or along Putah Creek, providing cooling options during hot weather.
What to do
Kayaking at Lake Solano: Launch directly from Lake Solano County Park for paddling on the creek. "This is an excellent and straightforward country park. It feels like a state park. They have hookups and also dry camping. The better spots are near the water," notes Adrian J.
Wildlife viewing: Spanish Flat at Lake Berryessa offers excellent bird watching and wildlife spotting opportunities. "It gets hot in summer so easy access to water is the key," mentions Nando 5., highlighting the importance of water proximity when planning activities.
Observatory visits: Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground features the Robert Ferguson Observatory. "You can walk to a trail to check out a waterfall from there (pretty darn steep!) and you can walk to the Robert Ferguson Observatory as well! We went on a night hike for a star gazing tour and had a great time!" shares Syd D.
Hiking through regenerating forest: Sugarloaf Ridge trails showcase fire ecology recovery. "Tucked away off highway 12 in wine country it feels much more remote than it actually is. Excellent hiking with both fairly flat trails, to challenging trails with lots of elevation change," explains Scott J.
What campers like
Proximity to wineries: Skyline Wilderness Park offers camping with easy access to Napa Valley attractions. "Super easy access and safe, in the city so close to wineries, restaurants and shops. We were here as a stop in our road trip so it was a perfect stay," reports Letícia I.
Free hot showers: Lake Solano County Park provides unexpected amenities. "Love that the showers are hot and free! You may have to push the button several times but totally worth while in my opinion! The creek is very cold but on a really hot day with a raft you can cool off," explains Mandy T.
Waterfront camping: Steele Canyon (formerly Lupine Shores) at Lake Berryessa offers prime lakeside spots. "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," shares Shiva S.
Secluded atmosphere: Some locations provide isolation despite proximity to towns. "I got a beautiful spot secluded from everyone. I loved it! Just me and nature," says Izzy H. about Steele Canyon.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Advance planning is often necessary. "Contrary to other posts, they take walkups. It is just on the website it requires 2 weeks out," notes Adrian J. about Lake Solano County Park.
Fire restrictions: Many campgrounds implement seasonal fire bans. "No fires, no water, no hookups, etc.). Fire scars all around the lake...looks like this entire area got hit a few years ago," mentions Joel A. when describing Steele Canyon.
Water levels fluctuate: Lake Berryessa water levels vary significantly by season and drought conditions. "Lake water level is pretty low," observed Nicholas M. during his stay at Steele Canyon, though conditions change seasonally.
Poison oak awareness: SacWest RV Park & Campground and other sites have natural hazards to watch for. "Rattlesnakes on trails are not uncommon," warns Scott J. about Sugarloaf Ridge.
Tips for camping with families
Peacock encounters: Lake Solano County Park offers unique wildlife viewing. "Peacocks are everywhere, so be prepared to a little noise. We were in campsite #17 and there was no shade," advises Lisa E.
Nature programs: Sugarloaf Ridge offers educational opportunities. "There's great hiking, an observatory, and often nature events throughout the summer (docent led hikes for example). 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," explains Scott J.
Campgrounds with playgrounds: Canyon Creek Resort and SacWest RV Park provide dedicated play areas. "Lots of things to do for kids: great playgrounds, swimming pool, more than 100 ducks going around! Beautiful place!" shares Tatiana I. about SacWest.
Swimming options: Lake access points offer cooling opportunities during summer heat. "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!" mentions Mandy T. about Lake Solano.
Tips from RVers
Pull-through access: Several campgrounds accommodate larger rigs with easy access. "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," notes Lori H. about Skyline Wilderness Park.
Cell service considerations: Coverage varies significantly by location. "Cell phone coverage is good. Have both Verizon and Att with at least 2-3 bars. 10-12 Mbps down 4-5 Mbps up," reports Adam B. about Skyline Wilderness Park.
Power options: Yolo County Fair RV Park provides affordable hookups close to Winters. "This place is in a great location with easy access from I 5. Plenty of room and easy on-line registration," mentions Marsha G.
Site leveling needs: Prepare for terrain variations at some campgrounds. "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," shares Jennifer D. about Canyon Creek Resort.
