The best waterside campgrounds near Guerneville, California

Step back in time at Guerneville, a California vacation town where life moves a little slower. Nestled on the banks of the Russian River, it's Sonoma County like you've never seen it. Camping here puts forested mountains, ancient redwoods, and the best of wine country at your doorstep.

On the meandering Russian River, families get stoked about kayaking, canoeing, or tubing downriver. Johnson's Beach is a favorite sandy stretch, offering paddle boat rentals, lounge chairs, and a kiddie pool.

If you crave adventure, step into Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. While the trails here are short, the Armstrong Woods are a must-visit in Sonoma County. Camp among giants in a Redwood grove, or gawk up at Colonel Armstrong—the park's oldest tree at 1,400 years old.

Just north of the reserve, you arrive at Austin Creek State Recreation Area. Towering redwoods give way to 5,700 acres of rolling meadows and open forests with 20 miles of hiking trails. Gear up for backcountry camping, or set up camp at the easy-access tent campground.

When you follow the Russian River to the Pacific, you reach Sonoma Coast State Park. Rugged sea cliffs and colonies of sea lions are the stunning backdrops to the park's hiking trails and campgrounds.

If you have extra time, enjoy some wine tasting at the local wineries, cycle through town, or explore the eclectic galleries of Guerneville. While this Northern California town has great weather year round, keep in mind some of the beaches and river activities close for the winter.

When it's time to call it a night, head to one of the private campgrounds, state campgrounds, or RV parks that dot the Russian River Valley. If you'd rather glamp in wine country, treat yourself to a cottage, deluxe cabin, decked-out tent, or even a vintage Airstream trailer. In Guerneville, you can camp your way.

93% (5.8K) • 6 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Guerneville

Thanktuary Retreat

1. Thanktuary Retreat

96%

(115)

36mi from Guerneville · 11 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Learn more about this land: The winds whisper through the redwood trees and provide respite from the hot sun. Here on the ridge above Gualala, lies nestled a lovely and serene campground called Thanktuary Retreat. Skunks, jackrabbits, deer, foxes and very rarely a mountain lion or bear can be found on our 5 acres of forested land. There is a fishpond with water lilies, mini golf course and pétanque court (both with equipment in a useful shed close by), a horse shoe ring and beautiful, natural secluded spots in the redwoods perfect for meditation and vision questing. Huckleberry bushes and ferns grow abundantly. The place lends itself to self-reflection and introspection. There is space for 1 RV with a patio table and chairs and some sun loungers. There are also 2 tent sites available on the property, located in one large area, further away from the RV sites. Barely 7 minutes away is downtown Gualala, with amenities such as 2 supermarkets, pharmacy, bakery, restaurants and more. There is a beautiful holistic gift store, The Sea Trader, Four Eyed Frog Bookstore, and some lovely art galleries in town.   Kayaking is available at the Gualala River. Hiking at Gualala Regional Park, the Bluff Trail, The Sea Ranch public access beaches, Stump Beach, Salt Point Park with a petrified forest, Bowling Ball Beach with its amazing natural formations (can only be seen fully at low tide of more than -0.2m), Manchester State Beach, Elk Beach, and more. Swimming at the Navarro River, and various bays. It is a place of incredible scenic beauty all along CA 1. Watch whales spouting during whale season. (Gray whales and orcas is December to May. For humpbacks, visit May through November, and for blue whales, the largest animal on Earth, plan your stay between July and October). Bower Park, just 0.5 miles away with a lovely lake, tennis courts, a baseball field, a basketball court, and two separate playgrounds. Play disc golf or hike along the nature trail/fitness course. Anchor Bay is 5 miles up CA 1, with a supermarket, a few cafes, restaurants (including a great Thai place!) laundromat, hair salon, and more. The quaint town of Point Arena is 12 miles north, with a supermarket, Frannie's Cup And Saucer, The Bird Cafe, a beautiful historic lighthouse, a theater, a pier, a mini-safari park (B Bryan Preserve with zebras, giraffes and more. Tours need to be booked in advance). Also visit Roots, a natural pharmacy for herbs, teas and supplements.  There are also spots like Occidental, Bodega Bay, Jenner (with the Russian River to kayak and swim) and Timber Cove, all on the way to Gualala from the south. Bodega Bay has lovely spots to eat, with clam chowder, fish and chips. Enjoy wind and water sports, and walk on the pier.

Pets

Toilets

Showers

from

$56

/ night

Clear Lake State Park

2. Clear Lake State Park

77%

(13)

273 sites · Soda Bay, California

California’s largest natural lake is a water recreation, fishing, and birdwatching hot spot.

Step back in time at Guerneville, a California vacation town where life moves a little slower. Nestled on the banks of the Russian River, it's Sonoma County like you've never seen it. Camping here puts forested mountains, ancient redwoods, and the best of wine country at your doorstep.

On the meandering Russian River, families get stoked about kayaking, canoeing, or tubing downriver. Johnson's Beach is a favorite sandy stretch, offering paddle boat rentals, lounge chairs, and a kiddie pool.

If you crave adventure, step into Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. While the trails here are short, the Armstrong Woods are a must-visit in Sonoma County. Camp among giants in a Redwood grove, or gawk up at Colonel Armstrong—the park's oldest tree at 1,400 years old.

Just north of the reserve, you arrive at Austin Creek State Recreation Area. Towering redwoods give way to 5,700 acres of rolling meadows and open forests with 20 miles of hiking trails. Gear up for backcountry camping, or set up camp at the easy-access tent campground.

When you follow the Russian River to the Pacific, you reach Sonoma Coast State Park. Rugged sea cliffs and colonies of sea lions are the stunning backdrops to the park's hiking trails and campgrounds.

If you have extra time, enjoy some wine tasting at the local wineries, cycle through town, or explore the eclectic galleries of Guerneville. While this Northern California town has great weather year round, keep in mind some of the beaches and river activities close for the winter.

When it's time to call it a night, head to one of the private campgrounds, state campgrounds, or RV parks that dot the Russian River Valley. If you'd rather glamp in wine country, treat yourself to a cottage, deluxe cabin, decked-out tent, or even a vintage Airstream trailer. In Guerneville, you can camp your way.

93% (5.8K) • 6 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Guerneville

Thanktuary Retreat

1. Thanktuary Retreat

96%

(115)

36mi from Guerneville · 11 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Learn more about this land: The winds whisper through the redwood trees and provide respite from the hot sun. Here on the ridge above Gualala, lies nestled a lovely and serene campground called Thanktuary Retreat. Skunks, jackrabbits, deer, foxes and very rarely a mountain lion or bear can be found on our 5 acres of forested land. There is a fishpond with water lilies, mini golf course and pétanque court (both with equipment in a useful shed close by), a horse shoe ring and beautiful, natural secluded spots in the redwoods perfect for meditation and vision questing. Huckleberry bushes and ferns grow abundantly. The place lends itself to self-reflection and introspection. There is space for 1 RV with a patio table and chairs and some sun loungers. There are also 2 tent sites available on the property, located in one large area, further away from the RV sites. Barely 7 minutes away is downtown Gualala, with amenities such as 2 supermarkets, pharmacy, bakery, restaurants and more. There is a beautiful holistic gift store, The Sea Trader, Four Eyed Frog Bookstore, and some lovely art galleries in town.   Kayaking is available at the Gualala River. Hiking at Gualala Regional Park, the Bluff Trail, The Sea Ranch public access beaches, Stump Beach, Salt Point Park with a petrified forest, Bowling Ball Beach with its amazing natural formations (can only be seen fully at low tide of more than -0.2m), Manchester State Beach, Elk Beach, and more. Swimming at the Navarro River, and various bays. It is a place of incredible scenic beauty all along CA 1. Watch whales spouting during whale season. (Gray whales and orcas is December to May. For humpbacks, visit May through November, and for blue whales, the largest animal on Earth, plan your stay between July and October). Bower Park, just 0.5 miles away with a lovely lake, tennis courts, a baseball field, a basketball court, and two separate playgrounds. Play disc golf or hike along the nature trail/fitness course. Anchor Bay is 5 miles up CA 1, with a supermarket, a few cafes, restaurants (including a great Thai place!) laundromat, hair salon, and more. The quaint town of Point Arena is 12 miles north, with a supermarket, Frannie's Cup And Saucer, The Bird Cafe, a beautiful historic lighthouse, a theater, a pier, a mini-safari park (B Bryan Preserve with zebras, giraffes and more. Tours need to be booked in advance). Also visit Roots, a natural pharmacy for herbs, teas and supplements.  There are also spots like Occidental, Bodega Bay, Jenner (with the Russian River to kayak and swim) and Timber Cove, all on the way to Gualala from the south. Bodega Bay has lovely spots to eat, with clam chowder, fish and chips. Enjoy wind and water sports, and walk on the pier.

Pets

Toilets

Showers

from

$56

/ night

Clear Lake State Park

2. Clear Lake State Park

77%

(13)

273 sites · Soda Bay, California

California’s largest natural lake is a water recreation, fishing, and birdwatching hot spot.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Deborah

November 2025

Tent

1 night at Thanktuary Retreat

The “Thanktuary “was a peaceful place. Our campsite was soft. Had water and a table with umbrella which was helpful due to the rain. We enjoyed walking the grounds, sitting in the hot tub and enjoying the woods.

s

sun

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Thanktuary Retreat

It's not the camping ground, it's nursing home, and In my opinion, don't book for people it's camping ground It's hard to get there we got there night time we almost scared to death to go there. But next morning we show it is peaceful and natural to heal mantaly that it.

N

Noam

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Thanktuary Retreat

Camped with two other groups at the site and didn't feel crowded. Bathroom was nice. Hot tub amazing. Great location. Recommend!

M

Mary

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Thanktuary Retreat

Pleasant stay. Quiet shaded campsite, clean restrooms and showers, convenient large sink for washing dishes. Didn’t use the hot tub because the weather was quite warm, but it looked nice..

S

Shiv

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Thanktuary Retreat

We had an amazing time camping here! The host was extremely friendly, very prompt in communication, and provided clear instructions that made everything smooth from the start. The location itself is absolutely beautiful and felt safe throughout our stay. The toilets were spotless, and there was access to clean water, which made things super convenient. Being right next to the Gualala River was a huge plus — it added a peaceful vibe and made the whole experience even more enjoyable. One of the highlights for us was stargazing at night. The sky was unbelievably clear, and it felt magical lying under a blanket of stars. Overall, this place checked all the boxes for us — safe, clean, scenic, and well-managed. We’ll definitely be coming back and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a relaxing and memorable camping experience. 🌟

C

Carol

July 2025

Tent

2 nights at Thanktuary Retreat

Great place for my van. Place was quiet and clean. Loved the bathhouse and kitchen dish washing area behind. Close to town and ocean

R

Reed

June 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Thanktuary Retreat

Everything as advertised. Bathroom setup and hot tub are superb, very clean and well maintained. Would absolutely visit again!

C

Chris

June 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Thanktuary Retreat

Was excellent. Quiet, plenty of space (though it didn’t hurt that we had the whole place to ourselves). Hit water, flushable toilets, hot showers, nice big sink to wash dishes. Very convenient, clean. We were in the Meadow campsite. 10 minutes to the ocean. Gualala a cool seaside town.

I

Isaac

June 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Thanktuary Retreat

Great spot to camp - room for a few nice flat pitches. Quiet at night so a perfect sleep and really nice toilet / shower block as well. Would recommend.

Stephanie

January 2025

Tent

1 night at Thanktuary Retreat

We had the meadow and the hot tub all to ourselves. Veena’s directions and communication were great. We stayed on a rainy night and had to move out of the meadow to avoid getting stuck in mud. We found a dry spot to park up top. Only stayed 1 night. Very quiet and clean.

A

April

November 2024

Tent

Weekend Trip to Thanktuary Retreat

Perfect quiet retreat. We were the only campers, though there are a few camp sites. The place was quiet and perfect for what we were looking for. The cedar hot tub was beautiful and relaxing, so nice to have a hot shower afterwards as well. Plenty of space to enjoy ourselves and a quick drive to the beach, shops, coffee, etc. Thank you!