The best private sites RV campgrounds near Santa Rosa, California

Located in northern Sonoma Valley, Santa Rosa is the largest city and county seat of Sonoma County. A vibrant city with plenty of culture, performing arts, museums, shopping, and farm-to-table dining, highlights include the Historic Railroad Square, Charles M. Schulz Museum, and Safari West. In addition to wineries and tasting rooms, the city is home to craft breweries and distilleries, and also offers easy access to nearby wine growing regions of Sonoma, Healdsburg, and the Russian River Valley. There are also plenty of parks and nature in the region, where you can stay and play near lakes, among the redwoods, and along the coast.

98% (83)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. The Olive Farm

99%

(365)

25mi from Santa Rosa · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Novato, CA

Excellent Group Site! We only host one group at a time so you can be with your family and friends in a large, flat and private space. We listed the site for up to 12 campers but feel free to reach out if your group is bigger. Please check out the newest addition of our cabin bunkhouse. Take a look at the pictures - you can add it to your stay as an extra when you book! The land was originally purchased in the 1980's. Since then, it has been used by four generations of the family as a place to gather, relax, camp and even celebrate. I had my wedding on the property in 2010. For a few years we held an annual music festival with the very inventive name of Samapalooza. Up to 400 people would attend the day filled with live music, food and drinks. You will still find the stage and bar we built as an outdoor kitchen and dining area. Around 2008, my father and I planted our first olive trees. Many have been planted since which has gifted the land the timeless sense of purpose it deserves. My father dedicated his last years to tending the young trees and now I have taken the mantle to carry the farm forward. 'The Property', as it is known amongst family and friends has always been a place to camp. I have sat around the same fire ring for decades, rain or shine. I hope that fellow hipcampers can find the joy that my family and I have experienced here. This is a very private camp on a small olive farm. Geographically close to highways and the town of Novato, Sonoma and Napa wine country, this camp feels remote and secluded. Only one camp on the property to keep it private and special. You basically have your run of the land. We have just updated the land and made some nice improvements. Located on ten acres, you will drive past a small olive grove before reaching the spacious and open campground. Just up the hill from the camp is a private pond where you can fish, take out a small boat or just sit and watch the birds. It can be great swimming on hot summer days. This spot has been used by the family for decades and is now open to share with fellow nature lovers. Just a note: While the majority of the time you can expect complete privacy, this is a working olive farm. From time to time you may run into me (Sam) or someone else associated with the land. We will always do our best to respect your space.

Located in northern Sonoma Valley, Santa Rosa is the largest city and county seat of Sonoma County. A vibrant city with plenty of culture, performing arts, museums, shopping, and farm-to-table dining, highlights include the Historic Railroad Square, Charles M. Schulz Museum, and Safari West. In addition to wineries and tasting rooms, the city is home to craft breweries and distilleries, and also offers easy access to nearby wine growing regions of Sonoma, Healdsburg, and the Russian River Valley. There are also plenty of parks and nature in the region, where you can stay and play near lakes, among the redwoods, and along the coast.

98% (83)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. The Olive Farm

99%

(365)

25mi from Santa Rosa · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Novato, CA

Excellent Group Site! We only host one group at a time so you can be with your family and friends in a large, flat and private space. We listed the site for up to 12 campers but feel free to reach out if your group is bigger. Please check out the newest addition of our cabin bunkhouse. Take a look at the pictures - you can add it to your stay as an extra when you book! The land was originally purchased in the 1980's. Since then, it has been used by four generations of the family as a place to gather, relax, camp and even celebrate. I had my wedding on the property in 2010. For a few years we held an annual music festival with the very inventive name of Samapalooza. Up to 400 people would attend the day filled with live music, food and drinks. You will still find the stage and bar we built as an outdoor kitchen and dining area. Around 2008, my father and I planted our first olive trees. Many have been planted since which has gifted the land the timeless sense of purpose it deserves. My father dedicated his last years to tending the young trees and now I have taken the mantle to carry the farm forward. 'The Property', as it is known amongst family and friends has always been a place to camp. I have sat around the same fire ring for decades, rain or shine. I hope that fellow hipcampers can find the joy that my family and I have experienced here. This is a very private camp on a small olive farm. Geographically close to highways and the town of Novato, Sonoma and Napa wine country, this camp feels remote and secluded. Only one camp on the property to keep it private and special. You basically have your run of the land. We have just updated the land and made some nice improvements. Located on ten acres, you will drive past a small olive grove before reaching the spacious and open campground. Just up the hill from the camp is a private pond where you can fish, take out a small boat or just sit and watch the birds. It can be great swimming on hot summer days. This spot has been used by the family for decades and is now open to share with fellow nature lovers. Just a note: While the majority of the time you can expect complete privacy, this is a working olive farm. From time to time you may run into me (Sam) or someone else associated with the land. We will always do our best to respect your space.

Stories from the community

S

Sarah

2 weeks ago

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to The Olive Farm

This place was perfect for our group, very private and large; we had plenty of room for our four tents to spread out. The photos and description are accurate. No surprises! This is an easy drive from SF, which makes this a place we will definitely come back to.

P

Patrick

3 weeks ago

19 ft campervan

With pets

1 night at The Olive Farm

Perfect camp, with lots of cool features. Great for kids, dogs and large gatherings. Outstanding and super responsive host.

Rachel

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Olive Farm

Such a great spot! Will definitely be back. Really enjoyed the fire pit and plenty of room & picnic tables for games and hanging out. So fun for our pup as well. Weekend couldn’t have gone better.

Julian

November 2025

1 night at The Olive Farm

I loved my quick overnight trip to the Olive Farm! The Hipcamp is super private and setup with everything you need (multiple picnic tables, big fire pit, plenty of eating, toilet, etc.!) I will definitely be back!

R

Rebecca

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Olive Farm

The olive camo was perfect! Sam was super nice and responsive. It is very private and had very well kept ports potties, convenient lights on solar, a great outdoor kitchen setup and a cute lake. We added the cottage and it was great! I would highly recommend this site for groups. We loved it.

E

Elena

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at The Olive Farm

We had a great stay on the olive farm! It felt so open and serene. So nice to have the whole area to ourselves! Having the sink area to wash dishes was nice. The ground was nice and soft too which made pitching our tent easier. We would definitely stay again.

W

Wesley

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Olive Farm

Second time staying at Olive Farm Camp with a group of 8-10, mix of adults, kids, and dogs. We always rent the cabin. Love this site because it's close to SF/Oakland, private, and well-maintained. We will be back next year.

Sherri

October 2025

Tent

With pets

3 nights at The Olive Farm

As soon as we exited onto Atherton, our dog stuck his head out the window and started sniffing non-stop. The Olive Farm is his favorite place, and he ran and ran and ran during our stay. It’s so much fun to watch him. Mother Nature made this visit more challenging than usual, but our tarp and tent pulled us through. Sam’s property is truly amazing, and we feel very lucky to be able to visit it.

K

Kenneth

October 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at The Olive Farm

Great experience. The place was quiet, peaceful and easy to find. Absolutely enjoyed staying here. If you have dogs, you’ll love it here. Lots of open space for them to roam. Just make sure you bring extra poop bags! Will definitely stay here again in future.

K

Kasey

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Olive Farm

Great camping spot! Spacious, private, beautiful. Very well serviced porta potty.

Parris

October 2025

Tent

1 night at The Olive Farm

The Olive Farm is a hidden gem! It's a perfect getaway destination for us as we are locals, so we don't have to drive too far for a nice, relaxing getaway. The flexibility of the camping area (lots of space to set up tables etc.) and cute little stage/ prep area is perfect for just two or small groups. Definitely would book again!

d

deBorjaOliver

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to The Olive Farm

We love it, this is our second time booking and have made it our tradition to come at least once a year. It’s a beautiful space to enjoy time with your family and also your furry friends without having to worry about others. We love the privacy to enjoy nature in peace.

A

Andrea

September 2025

16 ft car

With pets

1 night at The Olive Farm

Good spot for a quick overnight. I felt safe even as a solo camper with no one around. The trees and pond were lovely.

R

Riley

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to The Olive Farm

The Olive Farm was perfect for our needs. We had a large gathering that needed a lot of private space which is very hard to find in the Bay Area, so discovering this Hipcamp was finding a gem. Tons of parking, lots of space for tents, picnic benches, and even a small cabin for a lucky few. Not to mention it’s also really pretty being surrounded by the hills and oak trees with a very refreshing pond to dip into. The host was responsive with questions too.

K

Kai

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Olive Farm

Wonderful stay in late September! Big flat space to pitch tents and shade to hang out. The little pond was beautiful for a late summer/early fall swim and paddle. Sam was responsive and accommodating.

Yen

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Olive Farm

The host was incredibly friendly and easy to communicate with. He was always happy to help with any issues we had. The campsite was very well maintained, and we really enjoyed the sense of privacy being surrounded by the valley. We highly recommend this campsite!

G

Gladys

September 2025

16 ft pop-up camper

Group trip

Weekend Trip to The Olive Farm

I really enjoyed having the space to ourselves for my group of 6. Appreciate that the main area is mostly level and spacious for us to fit 3 cars and to spread out with our respective campsites. The camp tables was under a beautiful oak tree, providing ample shade. Not sure if this is a seasonal thing, but there were few wasps circling in the camp area, so just make sure to store / clean food appropriately.

J

Janelle

August 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at The Olive Farm

We had an amazing time at the Olive Farm. We had two toddlers and two babies and was a great place for families with small kids. The pond is up a hill from the main site which was much safer for small kids (who loved the 2 boats and opportunity to learn to fish). The small cabin was perfect and comfortable, though we also used a tent to teach our toddlers how to really camp. Bathrooms were super clean. Site is also very close to downtown Novato to grab ice cream for a break from the heat. Host is very responsive. Great experience overall and would definitely come back. We also got a bottle of olive oil that we can’t wait to try!

W

Wendy

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Olive Farm

Fantastic spot! This place has it all. With a group that had a baby and 3 toddlers we camped, paddle boated, swam in the lake, jumped off the dock, played with squirt guns, tested out hidden swings, found blackberries, looked at lizards. One of the best parts with kids is having your own place and not worrying about waking up the whole campsite at 6am. We couldn’t believe how much is packed into one spot. My parents loved sleeping in the well equipped cabin. We’ll be back!

Parris

August 2025

11 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Olive Farm

Olive Farm camp has everything! Beautiful surroundings, a pond for swimming a cheery gathering spot and its located not too far from amenities! It was wonderful to spend the weekend unwinding with our dog and enjoying the romantic atmosphere. Cant wait to visit again soon!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best private sites RV camping near Santa Rosa guide

Where to go

Wine Country

Just outside of Santa Rosa, the Spring Lake Campground offers a large reservoir, 10 miles of trails, mountain views, and lakeside camping. Tent cabins are also available at Safari West. Stay at a family-friendly campground near Sonoma Creek at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. Further east, camp near redwoods and a pretty stream at Bothe-Napa Valley State Park. For water play and a choice of tent, RV, walk-in, and boat-in campsites, head to Lake Sonoma Recreation Area. Private options can also be found near Napa, Petaluma, Calistoga, and Guerneville.

Mendocino National Forest

North of Napa Valley, enjoy water sports at Clear Lake, California’s largest natural lake and choose from six campgrounds at Clear Lake State Park. Further north, Mendocino National Forest offers a rugged and wild outdoor experience, and more than 40 developed campgrounds. Options at the southern end of the park include Deer Valley and Middle Creek campgrounds, and several campgrounds around Lake Pillsbury.

Along the Coast

Head to the coast to enjoy rugged beauty and camping near the Pacific. At Gualala Point Regional Park, camp near the ocean and river. Further south, stay at Stillwater Cove Regional Park and Salt Point State Park near Fort Ross. Explore the beaches of Sonoma Coast State Park, and choose from four campgrounds. Hike or boat to your campsite at Point Reyes National Seashore. Just inland, stay along the Russian River at Austin Creek State Recreation Area.

Bay Area

Stay among the redwoods at Samuel P. Taylor State Park. At Mount Tamalpais State Park, choose from rustic cabins and primitive tent sites. The Marin Headlands offers four campgrounds, while groups in San Francisco can camp at the Presidio. In the East Bay, enjoy sweeping views and three campgrounds at Mount Diablo State Park, with additional camping options at Anthony Chabot Regional Park and Del Valle Regional Park.

When to go

High season in Santa Rosa runs from May to October, with the peak during the harvest season, in September and October. Numerous festivals are held over the summer, especially in June. In September, the lagoon at Spring Lake Regional Park is only open on weekends. Winter is a great time to escape the crowds. Visit in the spring for prolific wildflower displays.

Know before you go

Sonoma County transit buses serve the city and surrounding areas in Sonoma Valley, but have limited routes. Many wineries are far apart, and require a car to visit.
Most wineries charge a fee for tastings, which sometimes go towards the purchase price of a bottle. Some wineries require reservations for tastings.
Reservations are required for certain campgrounds, including at Spring Lake.
Many parts of the northern California coast are not safe for swimming and there are very few lifeguards on duty.