Tent camping options near Winters, California extend beyond Lake Berryessa, with several alternatives within a 60-90 minute drive radius. The region experiences hot, dry summers with daytime temperatures regularly exceeding 95°F from June through September, while spring and fall offer milder conditions ideal for camping. Winter months typically see cooler temperatures and occasional rainfall, with camping availability reduced at some locations.
What to do
Swimming and paddling: Rancho Seco Recreation Area offers a 160-acre lake with swimming beaches and boat rentals. As one visitor notes, "Clear and beautiful water. Awesome views," making it perfect for cooling off during hot summer months.
Mountain biking: The trails at Boggs Mountain Demonstration Forest provide excellent riding opportunities despite recovery from past wildfires. A regular visitor reports, "I still come here to enjoy the new growth, the impressive new trails and the new views of the valleys below."
Fishing: The Delta region provides productive fishing spots accessible from Delta Bay RV Resort. One angler shared, "Spent the night at my usual fishing spot and had a great time. Staff is friendly and food is good."
Wildlife viewing: Tilden Regional Park offers frequent turkey sightings around campsites. According to campers, the park "is great for anyone whose interested in wildlife and hiking in perfect climates" with "lots of turkeys" visible throughout the park.
What campers like
Secluded sites: Lake Berryessa campgrounds offer privacy options if you select carefully. A camper at Steele Canyon recommends, "Look in the 50's & 80's for the more secluded campsites" for greater privacy.
Peaceful evenings: Many campgrounds become significantly quieter after day-use visitors depart. One visitor noted, "I got a beautiful spot secluded from everyone. I loved it! Just me and nature."
Family-friendly water access: Manzanita Canyon provides "Nice crystal clear water. There's a pretty awesome cliff jump nearby as well" according to reviews, though access can be rocky at some points.
Spacious tent sites: Putah Canyon Campground offers "Loads of space, security driving around, noise limit is 10pm. Toilets are clean and trash cans are provided," making it comfortable for tent campers needing more room to spread out.
What you should know
Water availability: Many tent sites lack potable water. Bring extra supplies as noted by campers: "It's dry camping at this time (no fires, no water, no hookups, etc.)... Bring extra H2O."
Wind conditions: Lake Berryessa sites can experience significant wind, particularly those on hills or bluffs. A paddleboarder mentioned, "The campsites on the bluff of the hill can get windy so be prepared for that."
Fire restrictions: Seasonal fire bans are strictly enforced throughout summer months. Sites at Lower Hunting Creek Campground may permit fires outside peak fire season but always check current restrictions.
Site selection: For tent campers, choosing the right site matters significantly. Campsites directly adjacent to Lake Berryessa can be rocky with difficult water access. One reviewer noted that Manzanita Canyon has "Gorgeous views, room for multiple tents, but no shade and difficult access to rocky waterfront."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water options: Lake Berryessa provides protected areas for children to enjoy. One parent shared that Steele Canyon is "Our favorite spot to take the kids to the lake. If your looking for something calm this is the spot at Lake Berryessa."
Nature activities: Tilden Regional Park offers educational opportunities with its Little Farm. A visitor recommends, "bring your own carrots, kale and lettuce" for feeding animals, which children particularly enjoy.
Wildlife awareness: Keep food secure at all campgrounds to prevent unwanted visits. One camper at Rancho Seco warns, "make sure you put your food away at night raccoons will get your food and snacks."
Amenity access: For families needing more facilities, Rancho Seco Recreation Area provides "free showers there and the campground are awesome and you can camp right on the water. They have boat rentals and a fishing derby every year too."
Tips from RVers
Seasonal considerations: Many RV sites close during winter months. The most reliable year-round camping is found at Rancho Seco Recreation Area, which offers "21 water and electric sites with a dump station on the way out. Some pull through sites."
Alternative accommodations: For those wanting a hybrid camping experience, Delta Bay RV Resort offers unique options. "They have a lot of cute tiny houses in this campground. You can bring your own tiny house, or rent one for the weekend."
Access challenges: Some area roads have clearance limitations. At Briones Regional Park, one RVer noted, "A few low spots. Cleared 12' barely with minor scrapes. Good parking and turn around."
Spacing between sites: RV sites at Lake Berryessa campgrounds vary in size and privacy. For optimal experience at Rancho Seco, "The sites are spacious and you don't feel over crowded if there is a family next to you."
