Camping in Sonoma Wine Country made easy

Gloria Ferrer Caves and Vineyard

Camping in Sonoma Wine Country: Whether you pitch a tent, lay your head down in a luxury RV, or sleep under the stars, camping remains the best way relax, reconnect with family and friends, and explore Sonoma County's back roads.

Beachside campgrounds – whether along California's Pacific coastline, Russian or Gualala rivers, or Lake Sonoma – offer a full range of opportunities – campgrounds complete with cabins (for those who think “roughing it” is a hotel without room service) to primitive tent-only parks that bring you close to nature. This range means exploring Sonoma County is affordable for any budget.

Below you will find a selection of river, lake and ocean beach campgrounds. See all Sonoma County campgrounds at www.sonomacounty.com/sonoma-listings/campgrounds.

River or Lake Beach Camping

Alexander Valley RV Park & Campground 

(2411 Alexander Road, Healdsburg, 707-431-1453, www.alexandervalleycampground.com) is a beautiful campground situated near the Russian River in scenic Alexander Valley. It offers access for swimming, fishing and bicycling and has a convenience store on-site. Pet friendly.

Burke's Canoe Campground

(8600 River Road, Forestville, 707-887-1222, www.burkescanoetrips.com) entices visitors to take a canoe trip on the Russian River and camp near the river or in the redwoods. Tent camping only is available, with hot showers and clean restrooms.

Casini Ranch Family Campground (22855 Moscow Road, Duncans Mills, 800-451-8400, www.casiniranch.com) is a nicely laid out campground situated on the Russian River, near the Pacific Ocean. Campground activities include outdoor movies, beach bonfires, and hayrides. There is also a convenience store on site. RVs and tent sites are available. Pet friendly.

Johnson's Beach & Resort 

(16241 1st Street Johnson's Beach & Resort, Guerneville, 707-869-2022, www.johnsonsbeach.com) is situated on the beach of the Russian River near downtown Guerneville. The beach below the campground has a snack bar plus canoe and kayak rentals. The resort has rustic cabin-type rooms, with a game room, laundry and barbecue area. RVs and tent sites are available.

Liberty Glen Campground at Lake Sonoma 

(3333 Skaggs Springs Road Geyserville, 707-431-4533, www.spn.usace.army.mil/lake_sonoma/camping.htm)is a popular recreational area nestled in the beautiful coastal foothills of Sonoma Wine Country. With more than 2,700 acres and 50 miles of shoreline, there is plenty of hiking, swimming, boating and fishing. The drive-in campground is available for tents and RVs, however, there is no electrical or water hook-ups. Boat-in and hike-in primitive campsites are also available. Pet friendly.

River Bend Resort 

(11820 River Road Forestville, 707-887-7662, www.riverbendresort.net), located in Russian River Valley, is an RV and tent camp located on the Russian River, near Korbel Champagne Cellars and Armstrong Woods. Pet friendly.

Schoolhouse Canyon Park 

(12600 River Road Guerneville, 707-869-2311, www.schoolhousecanyon.com) is tucked into the redwoods near Korbel Champagne Cellars, this family-run campground is part of the original Ridenhour Ranch. Tent camping only. Pet friendly.

Pacific Coast Beach Camping Ocean Cove Campground 

(23125 Highway 1, 707-847-3422, www.oceancove.org) is a scenic Pacific coastal campground that's situated around a sheltered cove and offers oceanfront sites on the bluff or secluded camps tucked in the trees. It is near Stillwater Cove Regional Park and Salt Point State Park. There is a boat ramp at Ocean Cove and a store nearby. RVs and tent sites are available. It's a great place to watch a sunset. Pet friendly.

Porto Bodega Marina & RV Park 

(1500 Bay Flat Road Bodega Bay, 707-875-2354, www.portobodega.com) offers an RV park with boat launch, dry storage, open slips, and waterfront sites. No tent camping. Pet friendly.

Bodega Bay RV Park 

(2001 Coast Highway 1 Bodega Bay, 800-201-6864, www.bodegabayrvpark.com) allows campers to stay on the Pacific coast in this full-service RV park, situated in a wind protected area, just a five-minute drive (or half-hour walk) from the beach. No tent camping available. Pet friendly.

Bodega Dunes 

(2485 Highway 1, Bodega Bay, 707-875-3483, www.sonomacounty.com/lodging-rv-campgrounds/bodega-dunes-campground)comes equipped with 98 campsites with hot showers, flush toilets, and a trailer sanitation dump station. Maximum trailer length is 31 feet; no hook-ups are available. The day-use area includes a disabled-accessible boardwalk out to a classic sandy beach. No dogs, no fires.

Doran Beach Regional Park 

201 Doran Beach Road, Bodega Bay, 707-875-3540, www.sonomacounty.com/lodging-rv-campgrounds/doran-beach-regional-park) has a two-mile stretch of sandy beach and is a popular place for visitors to picnic, build sand castles, fly kites, surf, fish, and stroll. A rock jetty at the harbor mouth provides access for fishing, crabbing, and exploring sea life. The boat launch can accommodate up to 20-foot boats. A parking lot is located adjacent to the launch and can handle 30 vehicles with trailers. Additional amenities include a fish-cleaning station, boat-rinsing station, and picnic areas.

For more ideas about camping in Sonoma County, visit www.sonomacounty.com/search/sonoma/Camping where you'll find articles, blogs, and business listings about camping in Wine Country.

Sonoma County, located 30 miles north of San Francisco, provides a genuine, independent, and adventurous wine country experience, featuring more than 400 wineries, 100-plus organic farms, and 55 miles of stunning Pacific coast.

For a free visitors guide or information on hotels, wineries, events, spas, attractions, and dining in Sonoma County, visit www.sonomacounty.com or call 800-576-6662.