Camping near Santa Rosa

Enjoy city amenities and a lively cultural scene at the urban center of Sonoma County.

96% (5628 reviews)
96% (5628 reviews)

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Camping near Santa Rosa guide

Overview

Located in northern Sonoma Valley, Santa Rosa is the largest city and county seat of Sonoma County. A vibrant city with plenty of culture, performing arts, museums, shopping, and farm-to-table dining, highlights include the Historic Railroad Square, Charles M. Schulz Museum, and Safari West. In addition to wineries and tasting rooms, the city is home to craft breweries and distilleries, and also offers easy access to nearby wine growing regions of Sonoma, Healdsburg, and the Russian River Valley. There are also plenty of parks and nature in the region, where you can stay and play near lakes, among the redwoods, and along the coast.

Where to go

Wine Country

Just outside of Santa Rosa, the Spring Lake Campground offers a large reservoir, 10 miles of trails, mountain views, and lakeside camping. Tent cabins are also available at Safari West. Stay at a family-friendly campground near Sonoma Creek at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. Further east, camp near redwoods and a pretty stream at Bothe-Napa Valley State Park. For water play and a choice of tent, RV, walk-in, and boat-in campsites, head to Lake Sonoma Recreation Area. Private options can also be found near Napa, Petaluma, Calistoga, and Guerneville.

Mendocino National Forest

North of Napa Valley, enjoy water sports at Clear Lake, California’s largest natural lake and choose from six campgrounds at Clear Lake State Park. Further north, Mendocino National Forest offers a rugged and wild outdoor experience, and more than 40 developed campgrounds. Options at the southern end of the park include Deer Valley and Middle Creek campgrounds, and several campgrounds around Lake Pillsbury.

Along the Coast

Head to the coast to enjoy rugged beauty and camping near the Pacific. At Gualala Point Regional Park, camp near the ocean and river. Further south, stay at Stillwater Cove Regional Park and Salt Point State Park near Fort Ross. Explore the beaches of Sonoma Coast State Park, and choose from four campgrounds. Hike or boat to your campsite at Point Reyes National Seashore. Just inland, stay along the Russian River at Austin Creek State Recreation Area.

Bay Area

Stay among the redwoods at Samuel P. Taylor State Park. At Mount Tamalpais State Park, choose from rustic cabins and primitive tent sites. The Marin Headlands offers four campgrounds, while groups in San Francisco can camp at the Presidio. In the East Bay, enjoy sweeping views and three campgrounds at Mount Diablo State Park, with additional camping options at Anthony Chabot Regional Park and Del Valle Regional Park.

When to go

High season in Santa Rosa runs from May to October, with the peak during the harvest season, in September and October. Numerous festivals are held over the summer, especially in June. In September, the lagoon at Spring Lake Regional Park is only open on weekends. Winter is a great time to escape the crowds. Visit in the spring for prolific wildflower displays.

Know before you go

  • Sonoma County transit buses serve the city and surrounding areas in Sonoma Valley, but have limited routes. Many wineries are far apart, and require a car to visit.
  • Most wineries charge a fee for tastings, which sometimes go towards the purchase price of a bottle. Some wineries require reservations for tastings.
  • Reservations are required for certain campgrounds, including at Spring Lake.
  • Many parts of the northern California coast are not safe for swimming and there are very few lifeguards on duty.

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