Camping near Lake Sonoma Recreation Area

93% (42 reviews)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Lake Sonoma Recreation Area adventure.

Discover the serene beauty of Lake Sonoma and its myriad outdoor activities.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Lake Sonoma Recreation Area

Book externally

Public campgrounds in the park
Book externally

Stay at a public campground in Lake Sonoma Recreation Area

89%

(17)

Lake Sonoma Boat-In Campground

108 sites In Lake Sonoma Recreation Area

95%

(25)

Liberty Glen Campground

5 sites · RVs, Tents In Lake Sonoma Recreation Area

Top-rated campgrounds near Lake Sonoma Recreation Area

99%

(1549)

Finley Camp

14 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Bodega Bay, CA

Finley Camp is nestled along Finley Creek in West Sonoma County. Campsites are located in open flats surrounded by Coast Doug Fir, Alder, and California Bay forests. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire pit with cooking grate, and access to a porta potty and hand washing station. The campsites are located past the end of the county road allowing for a quiet peaceful experience. Enjoy a quiet stroll on site, the surrounding communities of Bodega, Bodega Bay, Valley Ford, and Tomales, or just enjoy a quiet day in camp. Our sites are located approximately 20 minutes from Bodega Bay. The campsites are 2.5 miles from the coast and the weather can be unpredictable. As a general rule, it is very similar to that of San Francisco. All camp sites are situated in a valley that offers protection from the coastal winds. The have both morning and evening shade. Sites #2, #6, #7, and #11 have the most space, while sites #4, #7, #8, #9 and #11 offer the most privacy. Sites 1-3, any combination of 5-7, and 12-13 are well suited for groups. Other site groupings work well depending on the number of sites being reserved. Site #8 is unique in that it has a wood deck/platform for tents. There are also NO wood fires allowed at site #8 as it is under the tree canopy. A propane firepit is provided for your use. You can bring a 5 gallon propane tank from home, or a full one is available for rent on site. We have beef available for purchase from calves raised exclusively on our ranch. This beef is 100% grass fed and finished and never given grain of any kind. We have various cuts available such as steaks, ground, roasts, ribs, or other various specialty cuts. All beef is cut and wrapped by a USDA certified butcher. It is raised in an organic manner from cows that freely roam on the pastures of the coastal hills we call home. For further information or for a price sheet, please inquire with the camp host. Well behaved dogs are welcome at Finley Camp. All dogs must be kept on leash at all times while on the property. There are no exceptions to this. Finley Camp is located on an active cattle ranch and directly adjacent to a neighboring ranch with cattle. Also be sure to check out our orchard tours. The apples ripen from Late July thru late November. We'll take you to our family orchard where you can pick apples, pears, or blueberries in season and taste yummy treats out of our family garden.

97%

(3356)

Salmon Creek Ranch

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents400 acres · Bodega Bay, CA

Located within 45 minutes of the wine country and 2 miles from the coast, our property is 400 acres of rolling hills and redwood groves, with a creek running along its base. With miles of trails meandering through quiet woods and meadows, you will be able to revel in the tranquility of a private preserve, without sacrificing easy access to some of Sonoma County's most famous attractions. A hundred years ago, this land was used to graze sheep. Remnants of the old fence lines can still be seen in places, along with old cement troughs. Since then, the land has been left to its own devices, passing through many hands, most famously owned by two brothers in the 1980's who built a truly amazing tree house in the forest which has been featured in several magazine articles. It was revamped and updated in 2016 by a master craftsman, using fallen redwood logs found on the property and is now a unique structural work of art, available for overnight stays. We produce 100% grass fed, dry-aged beef on our certified organic pastures and have a store on site if you would like to purchase delicious steaks, ribs, ground beef for hamburgers or some roasts to take home. Our cattle graze on the native grasses, never grain, and drink only water produced from our own springs. We also raise Kiko meat goats and produce pastured, certified organic duck eggs on a commercial basis. Whether it's surfing at sandy beaches, award-winning clam chowder, a wine tour, horseback riding or a hot air balloon ride you're after, you won't have far to drive if you make our ranch your base camp. You may see a family of deer appear suddenly, or a few Scottish Highland cows which we allow to roam freely over the property. There are over twenty species of wild birds that grace this protected spot, so bring your binoculars! A portion of your fee goes towards protecting native flora and fauna as part of our private wildlife preservation program. A limited number of private, widely spaced camp spots are available for visitors. The Eagles' Nest Treehouse (mentioned above) is very isolated and you may or may not even be aware that there are other people within miles of you. For those who value nature, seclusion, quiet and the artistry of old growth redwood, this is the place for you.

95%

(331)

Forest Ocean Retreat

3 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · CA

Tree studded campsites with large view of the ocean. Not far off Hwy 1. Many beaches to choose from a few miles away. Close to Anchor Bay, Gualala and Point Arena. Large secluded sites with picnic tables and plenty of room to pitch a tent. Porta potty and potable water available. Great place to get away. Please note ticks are always prevalent on the coast and Spring time there are more of them please make sure you and your dog are protected.

98%

(589)

Baby Banana Slug Farm

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Albion, CA

Once an ancient Redwood grove full of mature redwood trees towering 250 feet in the air, This is a beautiful piece of property, very private, with an old growth Redwood snag still remaining and 30 foot diameter re-sprouted Redwood fairy rings. it has its own private entrance.In the redwood forest, lots of trees and other vegetation. Good wildlife watching area. 4 miles from the ocean. Campsites have own access point. Pack it in, pack it out. Please be respectful of neighbors and land around you.2 sites available - both with potable water, and area for campfires (outside of any burn ban), and toilet access. Firewood available for fee. Pets allowed.Guests love staying here: "This was such a treat. Nathan was a responsive, present host--made sure we had all of the wood we wanted. We were tucked away in the woods with great amenities... bathroom included. There is a beautiful tree on the campsite that made the whole experience magical. And my pup was free to run and around and bring me sticks. I will definitely come back again!"

98%

(595)

Estero San Antonio Wonderland

14 sites · Lodging, Tents120 acres · Tomales, CA

Camp with sweeping views of beautiful pastureland in West Marin. Enjoy privacy, birds singing, cows, chickens, food from the farm, and hiking our gorgeous land that is on the Estero San Antonio. The campsites are spaced far apart from one another to ensure some privacy. It is very quiet out here at night. If there are other campers you might hear them in the distance. All campsite are located overlooking the Estero and close to the grass road to enter and exit the property. You will have access to some of our pastures for picnics and leisurely walks. When you check in we will give you directions to a few special places around the surrounding area and see if you would like some grassland finished beef, lamb, pork, eggs, or vegetables all grown or made on our ranch. We offer other care packages, ask us when you arrive (include, home made focaccia, sourdough bread, local cheeses, etc...) A liability waiver will be needed to be signed. This is primitive camping, There is water but it is not potable. so bring your own drinking water. It can get very windy out here in Spring and Summer. Come prepared. We have situated the campsites to be on the leeward side and as protected as possible. We try to leave the land better off than we found it and hope that you will share the same respect for the pristine beauty of this place. We are 10 minutes away from the quaint town of Tomale and 15 minutes from the town of Valley Ford. Dillon Beach is only 3.5 miles away. Bring your own kayak or canoe and paddle to the ocean down the Estero San Antonio! You can learn more about our land and practices check out True Grass Farms online.

100%

(42)

Locus Solus

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Point Arena, CA

Tired of the scorching heat? Come chill out on the coast where it's always 20 degrees cooler than everywhere else. Located in the coastal prairie minutes from the Pacific Ocean and the town of Point Arena. Plenty of privacy to launch into day trips and other adventures in this special corner of the world. The Octagon and the campsite offer solitude, stunning views, bird watching, and walking trails on the property. We're 5 mins from town, the cove, various beaches, tide pools, the historic lighthouse, fishing spots, and the B Bryan Animal Preserve where you can view African animals and hand feed giraffes. Come find what you've been missing!

95%

(899)

The Meadow Grove of Hands Full Farm

8 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Valley Ford, CA

The Grove (5 total) campsites are located near the historic Narrow Gauge Railroad bed on a family owned working ranch in coastal Northern California. The camp sites are nestled in a pasture and grove of mixed Eucalyptus, willow and cypress trees. The sites are perfect for tents or camper vans, or small trailers. There are no hook-ups for RVs (the access to the camp sites also prohibits long vehicles). There is access to a composting camp toilet. The ranch itself is 300 acres of rolling hills pasture, with hilltop views of the Estero Americano valley. The Grove is home to many varieties of raptors and other birds-providing excellent bird watching. Seasonally there are blackberries to fill your containers, and some hiking. The sites are subject to some road noise, as we are right on Hwy 1. We are mere minutes from the quaint towns of Valley Ford, Tomales, and Dillon Beach, and a short drive from Bodega, Bodega Bay or Marshall, Pt. Reyes Station and Inverness. Nearby attractions include: Sonoma Coast beaches, Pt. Reyes National Seashore, coastal hiking trails, local farm-to-table eateries. Inland attractions include: redwoods, wine tasting, Russian River activities and so much more. Specifics about these campsites are: They each come with a picnic table (#1,#2, has a checkerboard painted on it-bring checkers or chess!)The grounds are a working ranch, so there is variations of the soil- some lumps and bumps and general natural state of a pasture v. a groomed lawn. There are certainly level places for tents and camper vans or trailers. The ranch borders Hwy 1, so there is some degree of road noise. Traffic usually dies down mid afternoon, and isn't too much of a disturbance. There can be however, some heavy weekend traffic during the day with car clubs and motorcycle riders enjoying the coastal highway. The Grove Sites #1, #2, and #3 are on this listing Site 4 and Site 5 are their own listing. *The Friendly Gray Cat's name is Boots!* If you plan on attending Outside Lands at Golden Gate Park, you've come to right place! Book your stay at The Grove, located 55 minutes from Golden Gate Park. Our space offers an ideal way to relax and recharge after a day's fun enjoying the music and food at Outside Lands.

88%

(8)

New Carpati Farm

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Sebastopol, CA

New Carpati Farm is a family farm and homestead that welcomes visitors! It is characterized by a view that goes for miles, overlooking evergreen fields along the Laguna Santa Rosa. Features of the Property: - Open fields - A barn with a mural of its residents: two Alpacas and 7 Jacob Sheep - A flower farm featuring magnificent Dahlias - A Treehouse - Several Camping Sites under trees or in the sun - A Glamping Tent - A hot tub tucked way in the trees New Carpati Farm is 8-10 minutes from downtown Sebastopol towards Highway 101, a great base to explore Sonoma County, from Bodega Bay to the Redwoods of Occidental, The Russian River, Healdsburg, and Petaluma. Hiking is great all year long. Quaint towns like Sebastopol, Petaluma, and Santa Rosa are nearby. The ocean is 30 minutes to the west and Sonoma and Napa wine country are 45-60. We hope to host you in this lovely place!

97%

(477)

Shangri-La

8 sites · Lodging, Tents100 acres · Upper Lake, CA

For 21 years, we have worked on keeping this property as a Sacred Space. There's a meadow with an Indian artifact and amazing views. We are a team, husband and wife, this is off-the-grid and we raise our children here. At the same time, we grow organic food and work on our crafts and spiritual practice, never using chemical fertilizers, and keeping all of the groundwater clear and clean with an abundance of spring water for drinking. This is a magical forest retreat and we love to share it with others who are like-minded. Right out of the Mendocino National Forest, 100-Acre Forest and Meadow Retreat is just minutes to the Eel River out of the small town of Potter Valley and 15 minutes to Lake Pillsbury. Private views, fresh spring water and endless possibilities. *******We also recommend that you have AWD or 4x4 vehicle, as the road is dirt coming in and the campsite are up the mountain off of a dirt road*******We have 2 campsites currently with fresh spring water, and fire pits. Private and in the woods. Lots of hiking on the land, with stunning views. Bring your own tent, hammock, food whatever you need to be a happy camper!! In the spring of 2019 we added in 2 new yurt sites, with soaking tubs, filled with hot spring water. We have 2 campsites to book for regular camping tents and we just added a community bathroom . Nestled away in the forest very private queen size bed natural spring water for soaking in the tub on your porch. In addition for comfort and convenience we have a nice bathroom with hand-washing station. Each yurt can come with propane heat in winter time you need to request it, in the Extras. making it cozy all year long. *******We also recommend that you have AWD or 4x4 vehicle, as the road is dirt coming in and the campsite are up the mountain off of a dirt road*******.

98%

(113)

Above the Clouds RV Park

3 sites · RVs23 acres · Glen Ellen, CA

23 beautiful acres at the top of the mountain overlooking the valley below and the mountains on the other side. We are often Above the Clouds in the mornings. You will need to come up a windy country road to get to us but it will be well worth it. Learn more about this land: Welcome to our Above the Clouds RV spot, tucked away in between Napa and Sonoma Valleys - right in the middle of wine country! This is the perfect peaceful getaway near great outdoor activities and some of the best wineries in California! About the Property: Above the Clouds campsite is surrounded by beautiful, stately trees and overlooks the Valley of the Moon with a stunning mountain view. We are just 11 miles from the city of Sonoma and only 8 miles from the Napa Valley - making both destinations really easy to get to. You can enjoy the California wineries, restaurants, and shops that you'd like! We are also ideally located near Jack London State Park - which is a really pretty and historic place to go! The opportunities for hiking around our property are endless, and definitely head to the wineries if that's of interest to you. On our property you can enjoy exploring our more-than 20 acres of land, taking the row-boat (provided by Hosts) out on our pond, hiking or just relaxing in a serene setting and watching a great variety of birds. Formerly utilized as a bed and breakfast, when we moved to the property we definitely wanted to continue sharing the land and views with guests. As hosts, we are around and enjoy getting to know the our visitors if you are up for that, otherwise we are also happy to respect total privacy. There are 3 sites next to the pond, we have one that is there all the time in the summer but those folks only come a couple of times each month. The 2 others are right next to each other near the pond. We haven't started having more than one rented at a time yet but do expect to start that soon. You may have a neighbor or 2. We hope you enjoy the beautiful sunsets and being literally above the clouds as much as we do! About the Listing: Come park your RV on our property and set up camp at a beautiful spot right next to the pond. You should expect to see us on the property, though your site is well away from the house We have minimal electrical and we do have water hookups available for your RV, we do allow generators. There is a BBQ grill that you are welcome to use for cooking some wonderful meals if you'd like! You can enjoy a bite to eat at the picnic table near your campsite. There is also potable water from our natural spring available onsite for guests. You can enjoy watching the birds, turkeys and deer that meander through the meadow, and feel free to roam around the property taking in the fresh outdoor air! Additional Details to Note: - Check-in is after 2pm and check-out is before 12pm - Things to bring: Everything you need to camp comfortably! Think: toilet paper, cookware, bathing suits if you like, etc. - We do not have wifi available on site and cell reception is spotty, especially for certain carriers. Please prepare accordingly for your travels and your stay. - There is a fire ban in effect, so please no campfires, but we do allow you to use a propane fire pit if you bring it yourself. - We welcome your pets! They can be off leash if they are friendly and if they don't run off - we do not have a fence. - You can contact us if you'd like to check in early - if nobody needs to check out, we are happy to accommodate you! Please feel free to reach out with any questions and we look forward to your stay!

99%

(39)

Butterfly Landing🦋🦋🦋

3 sites · Lodging, Tents40 acres · Philo, CA

Butterfly Landing A Place to Land. Breathe. Slow way down. Enjoy. Please read this Description in entirety. We are so delighted to share this spot with you. This is a shared campground with 3 separate spots that are relatively private. Host will NOT be there when you arrive unless prior arrangement made. This campground is yours to enjoy. The expectation is 'leave it better than before so the next guests may enjoy! This is camping. BRING YOUR OWN GEAR. Put your own linens and bedding on top of what is already on bed. I can provide linens and bedding for an extra $25 for glamping spots. Beds have pillows on them. There is wildlife. This includes bears and mountain lions in the area. You will not see either but good to be aware they exist. This is a safe 'neighborhood'. We do not have problems with thievery. However, always keep your valuables safe IN YOUR CAR. There is no Power. No WiFi. Cell phone coverage not guaranteed. Depends on your carrier. DOWNLOAD DIRECTIONS AND INFO BEFORE ARRIVING TO SITE. There is Poison Oak. Stay in the designated areas. If you are susceptible, bring and wash with Tecnu. Or use dish soap and wash. Poison oak is an oil. Most importantly: Don't Touch. No Fires allowed during Summer months. Be super careful. No candles. Smoke in fire pit area. Grass is a tinderbox. 1 spark can ignite all. There is a hose connected to kitchen. There is a Pet Fee of $25 per stay. 1 pet per site allowed unless prior arrangement made. You are responsible to clean up after your pet and to make sure pet is safe and respectful to neighbors. This means you DO NOT leave your pet unattended, and is leashed at all times. If your pet is barking continuously, we ask that you leave. It is not respectful for all other neighbors. Please bring your own bed for your dogs and clean up after a shedding dog if you are indoors. We ask that guests clean up your camping spot upon departure to 'make the place better than before' for the next guests. Butterfly Landing is a sweet landing spot! Birds, butterflies and small wildlife love this spot. The habitat includes many native species of plant life. A pretty knoll that is on the top of a 40 acre property. Views of vineyards, redwood trees, valley floor, and expansive sky. Private, Quiet and beautiful. A central sunny meadow ties together 3 distinct private areas with a communal kitchen, bath-house, picnic-table sitting area and parking on the side. There is 1 outhouse that has a mailbox system to ensure privacy. (Please read manual on picnic table for instructions) Kitchen. 2 burner propane stove, and sink with running water (cold). (Good for drinking. Pressure is low) There is basic cooking and dishware. Cleaning supplies. A Trash and Recycle Bin. And a Compost bucket where all food scraps should be disposed of and then covered with wood-chips. Kitchen should stay clean at all times. Please put dishes away in the tote to keep clean and critter free. Bath-house. Shower with hot water. 1 shared Outhouse. Please use the path that goes to the outhouse (unless you are in the Greenroom) and make sure you put the mailbox red flag up so that others know it is occupied. ((Then don't forget to put it back down!!) Common sitting area. There are 2 picnic tables, Lots of umbrellas that can be moved wherever, a fire pit/table and lots of seating. Parking. There are room for 3 vehicles. Parking is to be in designated parking area please. Vineyard View tent area: You can park, unload right below site. Please do not drive down to Bluebell Tent. There is a cart and wheelbarrow to bring gear down. Sunny meadow and forest shade make this a lovely landing spot to relax and enjoy nature, and a great opportunity to turn off those cell phones!! Butterfly Landing is about 1/2 mile from HWY 128 that runs through Anderson Valley. This location is the perfect location for it all. Wine tasting in the Valley, Navarro River swimming during the summer months, and the Mendocino coast is nearby. We offer 3 Unique Glamping/Camping choices. Bluebell is a Glamping Tent that sits on a beautiful deck with a unique porch with a built in dining 'table'. It's on the lower part of the Meadow. This is the most sunny spot, and the larger of the 2 spaces. Also the most private. Queen-sized bed. And a futon bed. Views of the valley through the trees and a magnificent Bay tree nearby. The Green Room is a small sunny Room with a lovely outdoor semi-enclosed porch with a bar counter that can be used for dining. Custom built using recycled materials. The Green room sits at the top of the meadow, and is close to all of the facilities, but is relatively private. It's best for 2 people. But a tent could be set up next to cabin. The Vineyard View Tent Spot is a perfect area for setting up tents. Good for a family or group of friends. There is a sitting spot, a cot, and the view of the neighboring vineyard is beautiful. Up to 3 tents. Max 6 people. This is an Honor system camping spot. We ask that you leave your spot 'better than before', as in 'Leaver no Trace'. I rely on everyone to do their part in the communal kitchen to keep clean and free of critters. SUPER IMPORTANT to put all food scraps in the compost bin. NO food anything in the trash. This is how the bears show up. Please do your part. Thank you so much. It is my honor to share this land with you.

96%

(34)

EL EL Cool Ranch

1 site · Lodging80 acres · Ukiah, CA

Welcome to our majestic homestead nestled on 80 acres of pristine wilderness, up a private secluded road just outside of Ukiah. Situated off Highway 253 towards Booneville, our enchanting retreat offers a sanctuary for nature lovers and adventurers alike. In the winter months, the landscape transforms into a winter wonderland, with streams, creeks, and waterfalls cascading through the lush forests. Lichen adorns the trees, while curious newts explore their surroundings. It's a magical time to reconnect with nature and marvel at the beauty of the season. As the temperatures rise in the summer, our homestead comes alive with vibrant gardens bursting with vegetables and flowers, fruit trees in bloom, and a tranquil pond offers the perfect spot for a dip. Keep an eye out for the unique wild ponies that call this valley home, adding to the allure of the landscape. Explore hiking trails that wind through the property, offering glimpses of wildlife and breathtaking vistas at every turn. Nearby rivers and creeks beckon for swimming, while the majestic redwoods and stunning coastline are just a short drive away. Our dome, a true architectural gem, provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience for guests. With its remarkable acoustics, it's the perfect setting for yoga sessions, writing retreats, or simply soaking in the serenity of the surroundings. In the colder months, cozy up next to the wood stove and indulge in a hot bath while a pot of soup simmers on the stove. Accessible via a well-maintained gravel and dirt road, our homestead offers a secluded escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Please note that AWD/4WD is required during the winter months to navigate the terrain safely. Whether you're seeking solitude and reflection or adventure and exploration, our majestic homestead offers something for everyone. We invite you to experience the magic of our sanctuary and create memories that will last a lifetime. Welcome home.

The best camping near Lake Sonoma Recreation Area guide

Overview

About

Set among the winelands of Sonoma County, Lake Sonoma Recreation Area features a postcard-worthy lake view open year-round to visitors. Recreational opportunities include camping, hiking, biking, boating, fishing, water sports and wildlife viewing that includes the peregrine falcon, one of the nation’s most endangered species.

The Congressman Don Clausen Fish Hatchery is located just behind the Visitor Center where visitors can peep operations of the hatchery and see displays that describe the life cycles of coho salmon, steelhead and chinook. From spring to early summer, wildflowers including Iris, Wild Onion and Indian Pink spread over the land like butter plays toast.

Notable campgrounds

Boat-in Campgrounds: Accessible only by water, these sites offer a secluded retreat for campers and nature enthusiasts.
Liberty Glen Campground: Although currently closed for maintenance, this campground is a favorite for its facilities and views when open.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early through Recreation.gov to secure your preferred camping dates at Lake Sonoma.
Weekdays often have more availability than weekends, so consider a mid-week getaway.
Keep an eye on the website for updates on campground reopenings and maintenance schedules.
Explore nearby camping options if your desired dates or sites are unavailable.

When to go

The best time to visit Lake Sonoma Recreation Area is during spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural beauty is at its peak. Summer offers warm conditions perfect for water activities, though it's also when the park is busiest. Winter can be less crowded but check for any weather-related advisories.

Know before you go

Check for red flag warnings indicating high fire danger and adhere to campfire restrictions.
Some areas may be closed due to wildfire impacts; always respect closures for your safety and recovery efforts.
Reservations for boat-in campgrounds can be made through Recreation.gov.
Be prepared for outdoor activities with appropriate gear and water, especially during warm weather.
Visit the Lake Sonoma Visitor Center for maps, information, and to learn about the area's rich history.