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

Public campgrounds in the park

Stay at a public campground in Lake Sonoma Recreation Area

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Liberty Glen Campground

5 sites · RVs, Tents In Lake Sonoma Recreation Area

89%

(17)

Lake Sonoma Boat-In Campground

108 sites In Lake Sonoma Recreation Area

Top-rated campgrounds near Lake Sonoma Recreation Area

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(430)

Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Glamping

7 sites · Lodging4750 acres · Kenwood, CA

We have four lovely Glamping sites at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park and 25 miles of hiking trails, nestled in the glorious chaparral of the Mayacama Mountain Range and Sonoma Hills, deep in the heart of wine country. The cost is $150 per night on weekends (Fri and Sat) and $125 per night on weekdays (Sun-Thurs). There is a 2-night minimum stay required between Memorial Day and Labor Day. In our family-friendly campground, our tents are 16-Foot Canvas and come with a queen-size bed, futon lounge chairs (May be converted to twin beds), rugs, tables, lighting, and complementary firewood the first night. At no additional cost, we can add up to two twin beds to each tent upon request to sleep up to 6 people. 8 people max allowed at the campsite. The glamping sites include a picnic table, fire ring, outdoor seating, and room for additional tents if desired. All sites are easy walking distance to flush toilets and a bathhouse, with large, clean, coin operated hot shower rooms. There is no cell service in the park, but free WiFi is available at the Visitor Center. PLEASE NOTE that Bedding (sheets, pillows, blankets) IS NOT included in a standard rental, but is available as an add-on. Guests are encouraged to bring their own bedding whenever possible. If no bedding is added, we will assume a one-queen setup with mattress covers only. We kindly ask guests to provide at least 48-hour notice if bedding will be required. We will always try to accommodate last-minute requests, but we cannot guarantee this. PETS and SMOKING ARE NOT ALLOWED INSIDE our glamping tents! This is strictly enforced, and you WILL be charged a $150 cleaning fee for any violation of this policy. Parking: Your reservation includes parking for one vehicle. There is an additional $10 per night per vehicle charge for more than one vehicle, which you can pay for at the Visitor's Center upon check-in. Please note that a $25 setup/cleaning fee is charged per reservation, plus a booking fee. Since 2012, operation of Sugarloaf Ridge State Park has been spearheaded by the Sonoma Ecology Center. Operating under AB42, the SEC efforts have resulted in a revitalized park that engages with all of our community and welcomes visitors from all over the country and the world.

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Huckleberry Haven

2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Cazadero, CA

Huckleberry Haven currently features TWO sites: FIRST is the Tent camp deck in the forest. Pitch your tent on a dry and flat deck. Surrounded by huckleberries (in season July-Nov), fir and redwood trees and adjacent to Salt Point State Park and Kruse Rhododendron State Preserve. Deck site has basic amenities: potable well water, fire ring (check to ensure it's campfire season, and bring firewood!), picnic table, and an outhouse. SECOND is the RV camping parking spot. (no tents, please - ground isn't suitable) This site is near the top of our grassy meadow, with glorious forest views, on dry gravel, and features a picnic table & outhouse. It does not have a campfire facility, nor water. You're welcome to bring your own propane fire & cooking source, but NO open fires due to grassy fire hazards. Property is situated at 800' above sea level (usually above the fog) across the road from the Stump Beach trailhead in Salt Point State Park - which is a 2 mile hike or bike ride down to the beach. Enjoy quiet solitude of one of the most private and quiet places on the Sonoma Coast. Avoid the crowds of Salt Point, with all the basic amenities you expect. Birdwatch, play frisbee golf, hunt for mushrooms, basecamp your hikes, runs or mountain bike rides in Salt Point, or use Huckleberry Haven as the central spot to innumerable road bike rides on empty roads. The choice is yours! Special note: Huckleberry Haven is on the edge of some great wilderness! We have all sorts of wildlife sauntering by, and certainly have for decades. We recommend taking precautions to avoid interacting with curious/hungry wildlife - Don't sleep with your food in the tent, and keep camp tidy! We know there to be black bears, mountain lions, bobcats, foxes, racoons, skunks and so forth. Mountain Lions tend to avoid us, but you'll want to check on best practices to avoid bear interactions. This is one website we've found helpful: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/backpacking-in-bear-country.html

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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.

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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.

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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!"

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Pickle Barrel Cabin and Camp

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Anchor Bay, CA

This 10 acre property is located on the coastal ridge, often above the fog. You will be on the Pacific plate looking across to the North American plate, looking down on the San Andreas fault! Near artsy, coastal towns. Wonderful location for relaxing after a day of hiking and exploring beaches and forests.. In the winter months, it can provide a peaceful retreat and often dramatic storm watching. Peaceful, security-gated property with a campsite for RV's/tent camping for maximum of 6, and the charming Pickle Barrel cabin for 2 is available. You can book either one or both. Either way, you will have the entire site for your stay. Outside wood campfires are allowed unless there is a fire ban, propane fire pits are allowed year round. Hot showers are available 15 minutes away with purchase of a day pass and quarters. The owners and their dog live on site about 50 yards away. You may see us doing our walks. Centrally located. 10 minutes from beaches, rivers, state parks, Stornetta Lands National Monument, and towns, i.e., Gualala, Point Arena, or Anchor Bay.

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Wildhaven Sonoma Glamping

122 sites · Lodging10 acres · Healdsburg, CA

[20% DISCOUNT: Use code UECFZ4RN on 2-night Sunday-Thursday stays through March 2025. Enjoy the solitude and lower rates of wine country this off-season] Wildhaven Sonoma is the top-rated glamping spot in the Bay Area. Our glamping experience was designed to provide guests with comfort, warmth, and cleanliness, while still maintaining a close connection to Sonoma County’s stunning natural beauty. Guests check in to extra-large, safari-style tents or cozy cabins, both with comfortable beds (with linens and heated mattress pads), electricity and heaters, WiFi, and all the furnishings needed for a memorable night outdoors. Outside, guests have a personal fire pit, a covered porch with patio furniture, and a large picnic table. Those seeking a tent with more comfort and features can book our Riverside tents with 2-person hammocks, festive string lights, and improved nature views, just a few steps from the Russian River. Then there are the amenities, which are not typically found at traditional campgrounds. These include a clean, central bathroom building, hot showers, an outdoor kitchen with dish-washing sinks and gas BBQs, a store with local treats, and summer activities such as yoga classes, wine tastings, and live music. The highlight of the 10-acre property is the private river access for guests. Wildhaven’s section of the Russian River is calm yet clean and perfect for innertubes from May-Oct. Wildhaven is surrounded by vineyards on 3 sides and is in the middle of the famous Alexander Valley wine-growing region. When it's time to venture out, Wildhaven is just 5 miles from the charming small town of Healdsburg, with its picture-perfect town plaza filled with palm and redwood trees and surrounded by 30+ tasting rooms, book and cooking stores, and ice cream shops. We hope you'll consider trying out a unique night of wine country glamping with us on the Russian River. We're dog friendly! There is a limit of 2 dogs per tent. Please be sure to add the dog fee in extras upon check out.

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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!

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South Facing Ridge With Views

12 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents30 acres · Comptche, CA

Surrounded by cooperate timberland, it feels like there are no neighbors! There is not a house in sight but the the ridge views seem to go on forever! - There is a simple latrine at each site. A full bath house with a flush toilet and hot shower is available next to the main house. A water spigot is attached to the main house. - Spare camping supplies are available by the bath house if you forget something! Ask ahead if you need to borrow a specific item. More about the property: I built my home high upon a southern ridge. Watching the river of coastal fog flow in and out below me is one of the most wonderful views to behold! I have 30 acres of land to explore and camp upon in the surrounding redwood forest. 10 miles east are Montgomery Woods redwood preserve with GIANT trees, and a little farther, perhaps a mile is the famous Orr Hot Springs Resort. If you drive a half hour west from my land you will be in the coastal Mendocino village. We are marijuana friendly!! Thus, we have created more of an adult oriented atmosphere. one last note: We recently made separate listings for different sites. See campsite #1 for reviews.Guests love staying here "What a fantastic experience. I arrived to Cosmo’s super late after a long day going up the coast. It was a last minute book that morning, if I remember right - my campsite had fallen through. His directions were spot on, and very kindly he stayed up to take me to my site and help me get set up, even going so far as to light me a fire. His property was easily navigable in the dark, and my two wheel drive made it fine. We talked for a while - what a cool guy. He was able to give me recommendations from a friend of what to do during the next legs of my trip, which was great and really did make a difference for the rest of my week. I cooked my dinner and sat stunned looking at some of the best stargazing I’ve had in a long time.When I woke up I realized that I had been sleeping next to a mountainside view - this was site 3. Talk about the best surprise I’ve gotten in a while unzipping a tent. The clouds were gathered in the valley and as I ate breakfast I got to watch the sun slowly clear then out. It was unbelievable.Before I left, Cosmo let me use his indoor solar-heated shower and told me all about his projects to build his own home and roads and move towards a more sustainable future. Overall this is really the best of what I imagine hipcamp has to offer - kind property owners & unique individuals who care about their guests while also allowing them to have their own experience. If I’m ever near Mendocino I will gladly make the trip inland to stay at his property again."

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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.

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spirit chicken ranch

9 sites · RVs, Tents130 acres · Ukiah, CA

Our property boasts year round creeks, waterfalls, swimming holes, Madrones, Oaks, Douglas firs and manzanitas. Wild horses roam the land as well as the occasional mountain lion and black bear. On the human end we have an ancient walnut grove as well as many fruit trees two small ponds all in total privacy at the very end of the road. We also have a Sauna and outdoor bathtub and shower available for use. We are out a 9 mile dirt road and a 4X4 or all wheel drive vehicle is highly recommended. Ask me about booking the whole place for a private event!

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The Ripe Choice Farm Stay

1 site · RV, Tent6 acres · Lakeport, CA

6 acres with vineyard, orchard, commercial kitchen, barn loft (2night min), mini pigs, chickens, tortoise, dogs

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.