Best Tent Camping near Winters, CA

Recent Tent Reviews near Winters, CA

399 Reviews of 17 Winters Campgrounds

• D

  Donnalyn C.

  Guide

  

  May. 13, 2021

  Beals Point Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area

  Hook up Campsite vs Tent Campsite

  There are two sites at Beal’s Point, the hook up campsite and the tent campsite. We went to the tent campsite and was surprised how many RVs were parked in the tent campsite. We didn’t mind until they used their generators. I wasn’t sure if the camp host saw/heard them but it was on for quite a while and was loud. The campsite we had was beautiful but bug infested and had lots of crawlies. If you are looking for a short walk from the parking to the tent site, call them first. I looked at the photo online for a back in type site. I was expecting that I could just back in and the tent site would be less than 10 steps away. The tent site was quite a walk from the parking lot, can’t even see it from the car. We had to carry heavy stuff back and forth. There’s a nice trail where you can hike or bike. The lake is almost dry, so it wasn’t as beautiful and fun as it used to be. The campsite is very noisy because it’s so close to the main road. We could hear cars, motorcycles, sirens all night long. Shower was out of service at the time we were there. Glad we were only there for 1 night.

• S

  Susan V.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 17, 2021

  Sherwood Harbor Marina & RV Park

  Tent site experience

  I stayed one night in one of the 2-3 tent sites, which was on the water. -It was quite expensive ($55/night) for a tent site. I didn’t request, want, or use them, but I did have a faucet and two 110-V outlets available; perhaps I was paying for that. -Office staff told me I had to sleep in a tent, not my car (I’m testing out a cot in my car; can’t do a tent any more). My thinking is, if I pay and take good care of the tent site, why insist on controlling how I sleep? I found this intrusive - and I set up a tent, but slept in my car. -The sites for RVs were very small. The campground was pretty much full and I felt bad for the RVers, who were almost on top of each other. -Additional notes: good, free showers (but $15 returnable cash deposit to get a restroom/shower key); tent site was on water and had privacy of bush on one side (unlike RVs); friendly office staff; not near town or residential areas, despite being so near an urban area.

• 

  Melissa P.

  Traveler

  

  Apr. 22, 2019

  Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground

  Small camp ground

  Tent camp here every year. It's small but great for families! Has a creek and many hiking trails!

• S

  Susan V.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 12, 2021

  Midway RV Park

  No tent sites

  This management informed me they do not have tent sites, contrary to the information the Dyrt app provided.

• 

  Les S.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 24, 2019

  Skyline Wilderness Park

  Beautiful campground and park

  I tent camped here and really liked it. There is also an RV section. It has flush toilets, showers and WiFi. For recreation you have the park behind the camp with great hiking trails and the whole Napa region. The people who work there are nice and do a great job keeping it up.

• J

  Julie H.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 3, 2021

  SacWest RV Park & Campground

  Decent city camping

  Right off the freeway - easy access to the city. We didn’t book ahead much and ended up with a site that just had rocks and a picnic table. No grass except at tent sites. Not wide enough to fully put out slider. The bathroom were great in the tent area. Nice pool and dog area.

• 

  MarinMaverick

  Legend

  

  Sep. 1, 2020

  Brannan Island State Recreation Area

  Access To The Delta

  I am a tent camper and there are some good tent sites here.  A bit open so can be windy but pick your site.

  Access to the Delta with a boat ramp.  Access to fishing all around you. Beyond water sports not a lot to do here but relax. Or go fly a kite.

• J

  Jason S.

  Scout

  

  Mar. 31, 2019

  Ritchey Creek Campground — Bothe-Napa Valley State Park

  Glamping

  Nice state park north of Napa, the few car tent sites are nicely situated near a creek. Good space between sites. Easy and fun camping.

  Yurts and cabins available. Close to road so a little noisy. Great for a less expensive stay. Saves money for wine tastings...

• 

  Lori L.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 20, 2023

  California Delta's Snug Harbor

  Worth the drive

  Snug harbour sits on Steamboat Slough of the California delta. It is a small island that has pretty calm water around it. It is under new management (2022). They were gracious and helpful. Bathroom were clean. (I am a bathroom snob). Extremely dog friendly. Tent camping is allowed. Back in RV SITES back right up to the river, with their own dock. There are also cabins and two manufactured homes. A cute beach sits at the end of the island. There was plenty to do if you enjoy boating or fishing. Looking forward to going back.

• 

  Leah L.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 17, 2021

  SacWest RV Park & Campground

  City stop

  Camp site is clean. You can order food and they will deliver. Wonderful ada bathroom/showers with a fold down bench. Friendly staff. Near freeway (lots of traffic noise. Quiet morning. Stayed for a quick night. The cabins and rv section are top notch. Tent sites are ok. If we come back will choose site 10 of 12. River was dry in july

• J

  Jessi D.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 22, 2016

  Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground

  Hidden Gem Among the Vineyards

  While driving through Sonoma Valley, I found this hidden campground that was one of the most amazing campgrounds that I have stayed at. I was tent camping and easily found the perfect spot. Until this trip, I had never seen a banana slug which was HUGE! I stayed for just one night while continuing on my way up to the Redwoods. The hills were covering in the yellowing grass of the summer and combined with the tranquility of the rolling hills, I experienced one of the most calming sunsets of my life. Not far from this campground is the Jack London Historical State Park, which i highly recommend going to see. Overall, this was a fun little hidden gem in California.

• C

  Colleen T.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 29, 2021

  Skyline Wilderness Park

  Camping during Covid

  The tent camping is good. It’s spread out now because of social distancing. There are only 3 other campers besides me. Dogs are allowed but not on the trails so that’s a real bummer because this is a great place for hiking and horseback riding. Campsite is nothing special but the restroom gets 4 stars and the shower does as well only because the shower pressure is fantastic. Take yer skin clear off . I’m happy that I’m here and really that’s all you can ask for

• D

  Daniel D.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 22, 2020

  Ritchey Creek Campground — Bothe-Napa Valley State Park

  Great camping in wine country

  Tent camped here several times before I got my trailer. Fantastically close to many great wineries, and minutes from Calistoga. The park has a great swimming pool that my kids enjoyed, and I heard there was a fun hike to the mill located elsewhere in the park. Heads up for RV campers- the park is hilly, and some of the parking spots aren’t flat, so make sure you check sites like campsitephotos first to make sure you get a spot that works for you.

• N

  Nick T.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 26, 2021

  San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA

  Great camp for the kids

  This KOA is pretty big with plenty of options for RV sites. Wide variety of full hook-ups or partial hook-ups. Like most (if not all) KOAs, you can also tent camp or tent cabins. Good size dog park for the pets to run and be free, as well as plenty of fun activities to entertain the kiddos. 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! Close to downtown Petaluma with plenty of premium shops and restaurants.

• E

  Elizabeth S.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 29, 2020

  Skyline Wilderness Park

  Not Fancy, but Well Appointed

  Basic outdoor setting near downtown Napa. Clean and well appointed bathrooms and showers. RV as well as tent camping in different sections. Recommend bicycles, if you have them, to ride into town, or on nearby backroads to view acres upon acres of vineyards. Park allows daytime use for mountain bikes, hikers and horseback riders. During current COVID times (eg 6/2020), wineries require appointments for visiting, as compared to many with “drop in” ability in the past, so plan ahead. Open 7am-7pm, with gate code given for late entrants. Recommend earlier check in (starts at 1pm).

• 

  Jeanna J.

  Traveler

  

  May. 12, 2021

  Beals Point Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area

  Excellent No-Frills Experience

  This was my first solo camping experience.  I stayed overnight with the intention of simply testing out my gear.  The reservoir is currently nearly dry, so the "beach" is just a field.  Luckily, I was only there for the site and the hiking.  The Camp Hosts were lovely and accommodating; they came around a couple times, once to say hello (and ensure my car belonged to the correct site) and once to bring firewood.  The tent site was level and raked.  It was exactly what I was looking for.

• R

  Renee T.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 19, 2020

  Putah Canyon Campground

  Nice lakeside sides

  We went during a month that only Self contained RVs were allowed. So we had two sites that were normally tent sites for our one camper. It was a lot of space and pretty quiet since the campers were spaced out. Bathrooms were all tied together so they couldn’t be used. Most of the sites are just a couple min walk to the beach front. Lake was warm and clear. Not a lot of upkeep, so there were some real janky stairs and stuff that I wouldn’t walk on. But the proximity to the lake makes up for it

• H

  Hannah

  Scout

  

  Aug. 22, 2021

  Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground

  Clean, but close camping.

  We got a same day reservation, thankfully, because it was impossible to reserve anywhere in the area. We just wanted to car camp overnight to test drive our gear before a longer road trip. We got placed into site 6, which happened to be a handicapped accessible spot. It was level (perfect for our needs) had a fire pit, two picnic tables, and water source, and handicapped accessible (larger) porta-potty right at our site. Very convenient. 

  Overall the campground was nice, clean, and well maintained. Lots of portapotties available around the campsite. Plus, the site offers a location with flush toilets, and pay-for-showers if wanted. Most of the campsites were pretty close together, with no trees or shrubs to give privacy. Those who tent camped had more options for more private settings.

  Good for families.

• 

  Nathaniel S.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 24, 2021

  Ritchey Creek Campground — Bothe-Napa Valley State Park

  Fun Camping in the Middle of Napa Valley Wine Country

  I've camped here more times than I can count.  I remember camping here during several wine-soaked weekends with large groups of friends, back in my younger days.  We rode our bikes through the Napa valley, stopping at multiple wineries along the way.  Then, after a day of riding and wine tasting, we retired back to our campsites for an evening of grilling and drinking of local wines (of which there are many, many excellent choices). I've only tent camped here; I've not brought my Airstream because I don't think there are spots that are large enough for it.  However, I do recall seeing trailers and RV's here in the past, so it can accomodate rigs of smaller sizes.

  There's nothing dramatically beautiful about this park, but if you like California country living - oaks, madrone, rolling hills, and lots of sunshine - than you'll enjoy it here.  It's a short drive from the San Francisco Bay Area, and is quite literally in the Napa valley, on its northern end, near Calistoga.  You'll easily be able to get to all the restaurants and wineries in the valley. You won't be disappointed with a couple of nights camping at Bothe-Napa.

  One important note: I have not been here since the fires that have ravaged Napa and Sonoma every year since 2017.  There has been at least one fire that burned very near this park, causing it to close temporarily.  I don't know how bad the impact to the park has been, as I've not seen it first hand.  As I write this in summer 2021, the campground is open, so hopefully the fire and smoke damage was minimal.   As I've mentioned in many of my other posts, the sad reality of the ongoing drought in California is that summer camping is not the experience it used to be.  It's still fun, but I would argue winter or early spring is now the best time to visit places like Bothe-Napa.  The creeks will be flowing, you'll be allowed to have a campfire, and the vegetation will be greener and lusher.

  Per my rating system, I give this 4 stars as it's not a place you'd plan a trip to from out of state, but it is a place you should consider visiting as part of a larger trip to Napa/Sonoma.  For locals, this is a top tier spot.

• 

  Michael I.

  Ranger

  

  May. 22, 2018

  Spring Lake Regional Park

  Nice relatively urban campground. Great for Mountain Bikers!

  Spring Lake is a local destination for summertime fun and cooling off. This regional park is located on the southeast edge of the city of Santa Rosa and is surrounded on three sides by neighborhoods. That being said, this park is nice and while you won't feel far from civilization, it's a nice spot to spend a weekend.

  Connected to Spring Lake Regional Park to the west is Howarth Park, a small city park offering a train ride, carousel, jump house, petting zoo and pony rides. The park also has multiple tennis courts, some trails as well as Lake Ralphine where you can fish, SUP, or bring your own boat. If you are interested in paddling however I would recommend Spring Lake, which is much larger giving you more areas to explore.

  Connected to the west of Spring Lake is Trione-Annadel State Park, a wildly popular spot for local mountain bikers. In fact, as a hiker I tend to avoid Annadel because there are so many mountain bikers, many of whom unfortunately ride as if there is no chance of them coming upon a hiker. That said, there are miles upon miles of trails in to explore Annadel State Park.

  Camping at Spring Lake is fine, but reminds me of bit of a KOA with the way it’s set up. All campsites are in a couple of small loops centered around bathrooms and showers with most all of the sites being set up for RVs. There are a few tent sites, but it just doesn’t feel like camping to me personally.

  Recently they have added cabins which look really cool, but I have not stayed in one yet.

• 

  Julie D.

  Ranger

  

  Oct. 25, 2020

  Harbin Hot Springs

  Unique camping experience

  The camping area is first come first serve.  Very peaceful.  There are platforms that are right on the creek where you can pitch your tent.  We have an 8×8 tent and it was a little tight, so if your tent is bigger than that, you might want to call to get exact dimensions.  Otherwise, there is a large open field for camping too.  

  Lots of shade and decent space between platforms. Close to the parking area, though the creek is between the parking and the camping platforms, so you can't drive directly up to your site.  Very clean showers and restrooms nearby.  No picnic tables at the individual sites.

  One downfall (though very understandable) is not being able to have campfires or camp stoves, even in the winter.  You cant really cook any food, BUT the cafe onsite had very tasty food if you want a hot meal or coffee.  

  The camping fee includes use of the hot springs too, which are amazing.  Clothing optional, and I would say not that many people had clothes.  The trail to the hot springs is right by the camping area, and a nice little hike.

• 

  Tanja W.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 15, 2021

  Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Tower Park

  It was great I think more so for younger age groups or those who want it peaceful and quite...great staff easy to get to

  Loved the access to rhe Delta. Only negative was it is more of A nightly party. So if you want quite. Not your place maybe in fall and winter

• 

  RoamingAspen V.

  Traveler

  

  Dec. 29, 2023

  Ritchey Creek Campground — Bothe-Napa Valley State Park

  Quiet in Winter

  Nice sites in Oak, Madrone and Manzanita forest. As many have mentioned, it’s also a Poison Oak farm, but if you keep to the trails and roads it’s fine. Many sites are not level. Road is narrow. Bathrooms clean, showers although clean were not inviting. ATT was a bar, occasionally two. Was able to make a call if I stood still. Minutes away from Calistoga and St. Helena. We imagine it’s a very busy place in peak season, but a nice quiet getaway in winter.

• 

  Sky D.

  Scout

  

  May. 8, 2020

  Midway RV Park

  ok needs improvement

  it’s a decent spot for last minute if you need a place to crash but there needs to be a better place for tents

• C

  Chris

  Traveler

  

  Apr. 30, 2022

  Skyline Wilderness Park

  Great location

  I camped with a roof top tent so was away from the RV parking lot. Fantastic views and good facilities. Would come back for sure.

• 

  Jordan L.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 15, 2021

  Mirabel RV Park & Campground

  Nice chill spot

  Even though its an RV spot we camped in tents along with many other campers choosing tents. Not noisy or busy at all, maybe it would be during summer peak times. Each site has a table, fire pit, and even outlets which was a nice surprise. Tons of trees so every site has plenty of shade. Theres a short trail down to the river, perfect for kayaking or paddleboarding. I'll be coming back again.

• 

  joe & Isabel M.

  Traveler

  

  Nov. 12, 2024

  Delta Shores Resort and Marina

  I’m a owner

  This is a nice mostly Rv sight haven’t seen tenting, but I’m sure you could It has some year round renters towards the backside, of the park. Slips available for needed.