Camping areas near Winters, California offer access to Lake Berryessa's shoreline and Putah Creek's waterways. Summer temperatures typically range from 90-105°F during July and August, dropping to 45-60°F in winter months. Most campgrounds require reservations during peak season from April through October when waterfront sites fill quickly.
What to do
Paddling at Lake Solano: Launch kayaks or canoes directly from the park into the calm waters. "This campground is my happy place! I grew up going here, so lots of great memories. You can also rent canoes and paddle boats to get around on the water!" reports Mandy T. from Lake Solano County Park.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Observe local fauna including peacocks, geese, and deer. "Camp ground was clean and it appears that they are planting a lot of new trees. Bathroom was clean. Peacocks are everywhere, so be prepared to a little noise," notes Lisa E. about Lake Solano County Park.
Hiking at Skyline Wilderness: Access multiple trail systems with varying difficulty levels. "The park itself is nice with lots of hiking, views, nature, and close to Napa," explains Rich J. at Skyline Wilderness Park, which maintains trail access year-round for campers.
Stargazing programs: Participate in guided night sky events. "We went on a night hike for a star gazing tour and had a great time!" says Syd D. about Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, which houses the Robert Ferguson Observatory accessible by walking trail from campsites.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Many locations offer generously sized sites for setup. At Spanish Flat on Lake Berryessa, "The sites that we stayed in are huge. Double the size of most campgrounds," according to Boberto R. at Spanish Flat - Lake Berryessa.
Free amenities: Several parks include unexpected complimentary services. "Love that the showers are hot and free! You may have to push the button several times but totally worth while in my opinion!" shares Mandy T. about Lake Solano County Park.
Natural water features: Creeks and lakes provide cooling options during hot weather. Jennifer D. notes about Canyon Creek Resort: "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."
Dog exercise areas: Designated spaces for pets to run safely. "Skyline Wilderness Park provides a dog run area that is nice and large!" Jules S. mentions, making it a standout among dog friendly campgrounds near Winters.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds require advance booking. "Contrary to other posts, they take walkups. It is just on the website it requires 2 weeks out," explains Adrian J. about Lake Solano County Park.
Temperature fluctuations: Be prepared for dramatic daily temperature changes. "It got really cold at night (32 degrees), but my fault for not checking the weather," reports Nicholas M. at Steele Canyon, formerly Lupine Shores.
Wildlife encounters: Prepare for both pleasant and potentially hazardous wildlife. "There can be lots of rattle snakes sunning themselves on the rocks," warns Scott J. about Sugarloaf Ridge State Park.
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies significantly across the region. "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 Scott J. at Sugarloaf Ridge.
Tips for camping with families
Creek activities: Shallow water access points work well for younger children. "The creek is very cold but on a really hot day with a raft you can cool off," recommends Mandy T. about Lake Solano County Park.
Educational opportunities: Look for ranger-led programs and nature events. "They have everything you need for a great weekend!" shares Syd D. about Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, which offers docent-led hikes and educational activities throughout summer months.
Wildlife viewing spots: Find areas where children can safely observe animals. "We saw a rabbit, turkeys, lizards, deer, & quails!" reports Brittney L. after walking the "Nature Trail" at Sugarloaf Ridge.
Family-friendly campground layouts: Choose parks with open common areas. "It's a lovely campsite with most sites being under tree canopies, with a large meadow in the center, which is great for frisbee, or other games," says Scott J. about Sugarloaf Ridge State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Research specific site numbers for best accommodations. Joel A. recommends at Steele Canyon: "Look in the 50's & 80's for the more secluded campsites. Can get windy, and it's dry camping at this time (no fires, no water, no hookups, etc.)."
Full hookup availability: Several parks offer complete RV services. "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. Picnic table, some full hook-ups and some partial," reports Lori H. about Skyline Wilderness Park.
Length limitations: Check maximum RV sizes before booking. "We stayed here in a 27' travel trailer," notes Cyndi D. about Lake Solano County Park, indicating accessibility for moderate-sized rigs.
Pet policies for RVers: Verify specific pet rules, which vary by location. "Midway RV Park max 2 dogs," warns Tim M. about Midway RV Park, reflecting stricter pet limitations at some dog friendly RV campgrounds near Winters.
