- Lake Sonoma Recreation Area
The best camping in Lake Sonoma Recreation Area, CA
93% (42)
Discover the serene beauty of Lake Sonoma and its myriad outdoor activities.
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Stephanie
2 days ago
19 ft campervan
Beautiful! Stunning sunset and gorgeous little cove right there under the campsites. I definitely recommend! It was small & private, serene, and the weather was perfect. Great hikes nearby. We weren’t sure if we had any particular guidelines to follow there as it seems we were the only ones, and there weren’t any messages prior to the stay, but everything was pretty easy to find regardless and we had whatever we needed.
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Amy
5 days ago
18 ft campervan
With pets
Absolutely amazing views! So nice and quiet too! We will definitely be back!
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Stacey + Colin
5 days ago
21 ft campervan
We had an incredible stay at Timber Cove/The Point. The location is absolutely stunning, falling asleep to the sound of crashing waves behind us was unforgettable. The views alone make this spot special, but the campground also offers a wide range of amenities. We’re fully self-contained and didn’t need to use them, but it was wonderful knowing everything was available if needed.
Brenda was exceptionally responsive and made us feel welcome even before we left home. The campground is also perfectly situated for exploring the area—Bodega Bay, Point Reyes National Seashore, Sea Ranch, and even the Redwoods were all easy day trips.
We highly recommend this beautiful place and will definitely be back!
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Kim
1 week ago
Tent
With pets
We had an amazing time camping at the beach! The view was magical and we had a great experience.
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Michael
1 week ago
19 ft campervan
Great spot right on the water. The sound of the waves overlooking the pacific coast. Just what we needed!
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Laureano
1 week ago
27 ft Class C
With pets
We love this place. We are coming back with the whole group of friends!!!!!
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Tim
1 week ago
20 ft Class B
Loved my night stay here! Made friends with the pigs and cats. Apples off the tree in the morning! Very peaceful and quiet! Mark was an excellent host.
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Brynn Marie
2 weeks ago
Tent
With pets
It was a perfect spot for a short weekend, beautiful trees and accessibility to water and perfect conditions to pitch a tent.
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Craig
2 weeks ago
19 ft travel trailer
The Ranch is amazing! We had a spectacular view of the lake. Nikki was so kind in stopping by to check on us. Location is perfect!
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Andrew
2 weeks ago
With pets
Fantastic experience! Really great site for a big family or a couple families to spend the weekend! The combination of beautiful surroundings and glamping amenities really make this a great option. Strongly recommend!
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Jessica
3 weeks ago
4 nights at CAMP CAZ
Love the property! Had a peaceful and relaxing time. Would come back again!
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Vicky
3 weeks ago
19 ft campervan
With kids
Booked the RV site at the last minute. Jake was accommodating and provided all pertinent info prior to arriving to the site. It was really easy to get to the property in our campervan. Instructions were easy to follow to the site. Beautiful view of the forest surrounding you. There is a picnic table and benches in a huge open space but we had everything we needed from our van. Outhouse was as clean as it gets and not a far walk from our site. There were so many stars at night!
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Donna
3 weeks ago
Tent
With pets
Camping at The Ranch was a great experience! The area is surrounded by several wineries, and there’s a nice 40-minute hiking loop if you want to get out and explore. You can also go horseback riding or head down to the marina for more outdoor fun.
We stayed at Campsite 9, which had a beautiful view of the lake and plenty of space — enough to comfortably fit two cars, 3-4 smaller tents. There’s no potable water on-site, so be sure to bring your own. The portable restrooms were impressively clean, and the host was incredibly kind and welcoming.
Overall, it was a relaxing and enjoyable stay, and I’m looking forward to coming back with my family next year!
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Geff
November 2025
20 ft travel trailer
This place is on a bluff looking over some of the most beautiful coastline in CALIFORNIA. I stayed at Bluff 10. Brenda came over and was very nice and accommodating. Even allowed me to move a picknick table to make more room to orient my small trailer in a better direction. If you are looking for KOA corporate or State park kind of thing it’s not for you. If you want a small and charming place with amazing views, it’s a hidden gem. The private cove was magical. You can walk 2 minutes and be in the cove at beach level. Sites are close together like almost every beach rv place which is totally expected. Some of the tent camping spots are actually on the private beach sheltered by cliffs on both sides to block wind! I see a couple bad reviews and I’m absolutely shocked anyone wouldn’t like this place! It was charming with breathtaking views. Restrooms were clean and so were showers. Several nearby restaurants and miles and miles of coast line to explore. Town of Jenner is amazing too. Thanks Brenda!
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Jifu
November 2025
With pets
The cabin is such a cozy place. More than enough space for a couple to stay. My wife and I loved the place. Have to mention the whole camp community is quiet and beautiful, very friendly to dog. Our dog had a wonderful time there.
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John
November 2025
Tent
Group trip
Great camp with great views all around especially at Sonoma Lake. Everything was convenient and the host was very attentive.
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Ronim
November 2025
With pets
The site was lovely and super cute! I would definitely recommend it for a large group of people!
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Rocio
October 2025
Tent
Tent camping here was wonderful. Sarah was very helpful and guided us to our tent site. She even gave us more space to spread out, and we had a private space all to ourselves. Very grateful for the experience. :)
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Matthew
October 2025
Tent
With pets
What a fabulous location! I loved having the deck overlooking the ocean. Falling asleep to the sound of the crashing waves below was really special. I also appreciated how convenient the location is, right off the main road. Great spot!
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Ibrahim
October 2025
Tent
With pets
Brenda was such an incredible host, she gave us hiking and dinning suggestions was super friendly and accommodating.
The campground itself is as simple as it gets but do t be fooled, the views and proximity to the ocean make timber cove such an incredible place! I cannot wait to visit again! Thanks for everything!
See moreTop public campgrounds in the park
Stay at a public campground in Lake Sonoma Recreation Area
Top-rated campgrounds
The best camping in Lake Sonoma Recreation Area, CA 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.
93%
42 ratings · 15 reviews
May 2020
Great site, but be prepared to battle yellow jackets!
Kate S.
3 reviews
September 2019
The campsite maps on Recreation.gov are wildly incorrect--especially for Skunk Campground. The maps make it look like sites are spread out, with 3 being the most private. But in fact, sites 1-6 are all piled onto a small, shaded peninsula, and when it's full, it feels like one big group site. Every single person who pulled up to the cluster with a reservation was immediately disappointed, and some folks started grabbing each other's sites to make the best of it. That sucked because people realized their site was "stolen" from them, and things got confrontational. Not a great way to spend the weekend.
Lauren L.
6 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· December 2017
Off-season camping is wonderful here. Dogs welcome. Beautiful views.
Natalia M.
4 reviews
August 2017
We stayed at Quicksilver campsite 6. Overall we loved our time at quicksilver! There were so many trees providing shade during the day and the lake is perfect for floating during the day!The hike down is quite a hike....we thought we would bring our wagon with some gear however by the time we got to camp the rocks and tree roots had DESTROYED the wheels (granted this was from Walmart....)...this idea is not recommended.....The path gets very narrow and has some slippery spots. The hike definitely gains and/looses elevation with steep sections and very few flat areas.
Sydney Y.
8 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2017
It helps if you have a boat and know how to anchor out from shore.
Cynthia S.
8 years on Hipcamp
Mixed feelings
· February 2017
Could be lots of wasps
Moira W.
8 years on Hipcamp
October 2016
Great campsite in a beautiful area. Close proximity to the lake (where you can rent boats!) as well as wine country. We loved it here.
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Steven L.
9 years on Hipcamp
June 2016
My girlfriend and I had a great time on Memorial Day Weekend. The campground was packed, but we were lucky enough to find one of the view secluded campsites. Site 60 which is on a slope and can only take one tent. Not many sites have shade so expect to be in the sun a lot. We did not have any yellow Jackets this time in early summer. Prepare for lots of them in late summer. Unfortunately there was a water problem on our loop. Toilets were porta potty and water spigots were far away. Make sure to check if this issue is solved if this is an important to you. The camp hosts were really friendly. We will be back.
Roman W.
11 years on Hipcamp
September 2015
Camped here with a group of 30 people, it was great, just make sure to bring bug spray and a wasp trap if you're going in the summer. There's a beach-access area about 30 min away, but it's fresh water along Dry Creek Road. Our group campsite had covered picnic areas, close bathroom/shower access and parking.
Dana M.
10 years on Hipcamp
July 2015
There is a minimum 2 night stay during the peak season.
Trish M.
10 years on Hipcamp
July 2015
Camped 2 nights at Homestead via kayak, highly recommend! Rented kayaks from 101 Surf Sports in Marin (cheaper than Marina) and launched from Yorty. Thumb and Rustlers are closest campsites, but more exposed to sun. Homestead is great but a 30-45 min kayak.
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Diane L.
10 years on Hipcamp
July 2015
We rented 2 canoes at the Marina ($10/day/car to park) but you can also access madrone point by hiking.
If you have a boat (I recommend), explore Warm Springs Creek, that's awesome! The hikes are really nice too.
The water was warm, even in the morning.
Pierre F.
10 years on Hipcamp
July 2015
It can be hot so plan to bring something to do some shade: blankets/strings or parasol because there are no trees on the left side of Madrone point (MP01, MP02, MP03). Right side have some though.
Some Raccoons joined us in the evening/night: hang your food.
Pierre F.
10 years on Hipcamp
May 2015
I've camped here several times before. The walk-in campsites are a-ok. I mean they are great!!! But some of them don't have shade, so if you are there in 100 degrees weather, don't hang around the campsite during the day. Go swim in the lake or sail or somethi
Monica S.
11 years on Hipcamp
April 2015
This lake is open to all boating and jet skiing. There are boat rentals, a full-service marina, four boat launches, a snack bar and small store, fishing, windsurfing, swimming, hiking & horseback riding trails. There is a small fee (<20$) to launch your boat!
Nina A.
10 years on Hipcamp