Come for the vineyards, and stay for Redwood camping, whale-watching, and gorgeous hillside hikes.
Just 45 miles north of San Francisco, the California landscape gives way to rolling hills. This is Sonoma wine country, where you can ride a horse through a sunlit vineyard or hike to epic Pacific views. Tucked between the hills, you’ll find campsites for every style. Walk to a wine-tasting from a cozy RV park, book a luxury yurt, or sleep in silence near the Russian River.
Throughout Sonoma County, regional parks offer affordable camping. Near Santa Rosa, take in breathtaking mountain views from your picnic table at Spring Lake Campground. With 10 miles of trails and a large reservoir, this park is ideal for hiking, biking, and swimming.
Prefer to stay near the ocean? On Bodega Bay, Doran and Westside offer beach access and sport fishing. Camp on the rocky, quiet Sonoma coast at Stillwater Cove or Gualala Point. As you hike the ocean bluffs, be sure to watch for whales offshore.
If redwood camping is more your speed, head to Samuel P. Taylor State Park. The tent and RV sites (no hookups) have fire rings and drinking water. Nearby, biking trails and a wheelchair-accessible path run by lovely Lagunitas Creek.
The best part? Since Sonoma has a mild climate, you can camp year-round. From November through February, bring warm layers for days in the 50s and 60s. Evenings are cool and foggy year round, so a jacket is a must.