The best camping near Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve adventure.

Explore a grove of ancient redwoods without having to stray far from Santa Rosa.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve

Top-rated campgrounds near Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve

98%

(371)

Glamping in the Redwoods 🐶🐕💃🕺🏼

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents6 acres · Occidental, CA

Welcome to West Sonoma County Hipcamping in the Redwoods! We are located just a 2-minute drive or a 15-minute walk away from the quaint little hamlet of Occidental, where you'll find terrific restaurants with take-out, and two nice markets (one organic) and a liquor/convenience store. In town, you'll also find a terrific independent local meat market that has been in operation for over 100 years! 25 minutes from the ocean, 20 minutes to the Russian River and kayaking, and 30 minutes from HWY 101 or HWY 1. A perfect stop-over if you are travelling up the coast of California. We have 2 campsites to choose from. (Both are clothing optional. 😉). 1. Treehouse (glamping stay with Hot Tub, Pool and Sauna). Bring your own bedding… We supply fresh fitted top sheets on upscale memory foam mattresses. Full kitchen and bath, gas barbecue, flush toilet and hot water shower. 2. RV/tent site (bring your own camp stove, gas or charcoal barbecue, cooking utensils, tent or RV, and enjoy a Hot Tub and a heated Tiki Tent). Enjoy a real bathroom with a (short) hot shower, sink and toilet. Please see each site description below for more information. Our property is the perfect stopover in Northern California’s Redwoods and wine country. A terrific camp spot to recharge and unwind. Quiet, exclusive, secure, gated, sunny- and in a very friendly and safe forest setting. ⛺️🏕️🌲 NOTE: Although wood campfires are not allowed in our county, we have 2 wonderful gas fire pits for your year-round enjoyment. Both the Treehouse and Vancamp have their own private hot tub and gas fire pit. We are pet-friendly and LGBTQ-friendly! ALL ARE WELCOME 🙋‍♀️🙋‍♂️ Come and experience our little slice of heaven. We look forward to serving up a very fun and relaxing time for you and yours! Please check out our reviews and photos.

99%

(1289)

Finley Camp

13 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.

93%

(55)

Love Family Farm

3 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Sebastopol, CA

Beautiful location just minutes from the town of Occidental. Views of Mt. Saint Helena and views over Healdsburg, Windsor and Forestville.Very quiet neighborhood. Rv, car or tent friendly. Some construction/renovation on property, but not while campers are present. Still working out a few kinks but it'll just add to the adventure!

98%

(100)

Rancho Laslendini

3 sites · RVs5 acres · Occidental, CA

The property is located east of Occidental in a unique "banana belt" along the USDA 9a/9b climate zones, inside the "Green Valley" Sonoma wine appellation, on a quintessential country lane. Originally settled and farmed in the early 1900's by a family of Italian immigrants, from whom the lane is named after. Several decades later the land was subdivided. My parents purchased a 5-acre parcel in the early 1970's, and began homesteading. Fifty years later we are now three generations on the same land. One acre is our family compound, two acres are forest preserve, and the other two acres are orchard - where the camp sites have been integrated. The orchard has many different fruit trees including heritage Gravenstein apples that were originally planted by family from Italy. They are ripe between mid July to mid August. The orchard borders a forest with old growth Redwoods, Douglas Fir, Bay Laurel, Oaks, and Madrone. Some wildlife passes through the orchard, especially birds. The site offers great star gazing, sun rises, moon rises and access to a charming walk on a beautiful country lane for sunsets. Walking distance to Occidental, and a twenty minute drive to the beaches of the Sonoma Coast and the Russian River. A great location to explore and enjoy nearby small towns, wineries, dairies, hiking, bicyling, surfing, kayaking, and farmers markets... or just relax at the site, make a picnic and bask in the serenity.

97%

(3236)

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.

100%

(184)

CAMP CAZ

1 site · Lodging18 acres · Cazadero, CA

Discover a hidden gem in Cazadero- a cabin on a private 18-acre creekside property just 2 hours from the Bay Area. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of this 60s era cabin surrounded by a 400-year old redwood forest. Unwind in an outdoor clawfoot tub or gather around the fire pit for S’mores. With central heating, a grill, and a wood-burning fireplace, this cozy forest glamping retreat is your ideal destination for a family vacation or group getaway. The cabin sleeps up to four guests with a private bedroom that has two trundle beds, and a king-sized sleeper couch in the open living room. Enjoy waking up to birdsong and misty forest views before preparing breakfast in the fully-equipped kitchen. Spin some vinyl on the turntable, seamlessly connected via Bluetooth. Relax on the wraparound deck for afternoon naps or nights under the stars. Camp Caz is kid-friendly, with innertubes for supervised creek fun and endless hours of exploring. For those seeking adventure beyond our haven, the Russian River in Monte Rio is a scenic 20-minute drive away. Parking is a breeze with the driveway accommodating 5-7 cars comfortably for day guests (please consult with the host). The Cazadero General Store is a quick five minutes away, ensuring extra beers or veggies for the grill are never in short supply.

98%

(26)

Barn Yard RV Pad - Site 1

4 sites · Lodging, RVs4 acres · Healdsburg, CA

We are conveniently located off of US 101, therefore there may be some freeway noise, during commute hours especially. It has become like white noise to me, but it is only fair to mention it. We offer full hookups which consists of 50 amp & 110 volt electrical outlets, potable water, sewage dump. We also have a pigtail available (with a refundable deposit) if needed to convert 50 amp to 30 amp. Our sites are located one mile from Healdsburg plaza, the heart of Sonoma County wine country. Our town offers amazing wineries, fantastic restaurants, and quaint shops. It is an excellent place for wine lovers. There is a pre-prohibition winery right across the road called Foppiano. There are many other fabulous wineries are nearby. We are in an excellent location for outdoor adventurers. There are plenty of hiking trails near by as well as bike rental shops for those who enjoy trekking, and even a couple of rafting places right here on the Russian River. We are close to places like Armstrong Woods, Safari West, Getaway Adventures, The Sonoma County Fairgrounds which hosts the Summer Country Concerts among other events, Harmony Festival, Santa Rosa Full & Half Marathons & 5K, Sonoma Zipline Adventures, and Much More! For you foodies there are Savor Food Tours, Relish Culinary Adventures in addition to all the incredible restaurants in town. There is so much to do and see in our beautiful part of the world. Hope to see you soon.

100%

(62)

Wackalulu's Wonderland

2 sites · Lodging2 acres · Monte Rio, CA

A Russian River Rustic and Very Private Retreat. This 1 1/2 acre Paradise that many of our friends call An Adult Disneyland is a magical place to visit. Each of our areas, whether for entertaining or residing, has its own theme and is decorated with care. Each of the listings has it's own private deck or patio and then you have access to all of the common areas on the propertyWe promise you will feel like you are in the middle of nowhere, but you are minutes from everything.Lulu’s Landing and Captain Wack’s Cove is a pirate-themed Creekside hangout, where you can enjoy a fire, except during banned season. Also a great place to capture a glimpse of the numerous critters that cruise our creek. Foxes, Deer, Squirrels, Otters, Ducks and Herons as well as numerous songbirds that feed from our bird feeder.Lulu’s Lanai is a Flamingo-themed outdoor living room and dining area with fun vintage furniture and décor.The Take- A -Liki- Tiki Shower Shack is a great place to cool off and clean up after a day on the river or exploring tidepools at the coast. There is even a puppy bath station behind it for your furry friends!The Wack Shack is our outdoor bar and grill, full of fun, colorful lights and signs. There’s plenty of equipment to cook there: appliances, a BBQ, sink, fridge and walk-up bar.We also have several apple trees, a pear tree, and tons of blackberries when in season to share with our guest. Our Veggie Garden will be available next season to enjoy also. We are constantly improving our property so please stay in the finished designated guest areas only until we open up the coming attractions.There are plenty of sites and destinations within minutes from our home too! We have Tennis, Pickle Ball, and Basketball Courts around the corner. The Russian River/ Monte Rio public beach is a short walk past the Parks and Recreation Center, and they rent Kayaks and Canoes during the summer months. The Redwood Alliance camp is just a few miles up Bohemian Hwy if you dare to zip line through the redwood canopy forest or Armstrong woods in Guerneville for those that would rather keep their feet on the ground and take a hike to enjoy the majestic beauties. Duncan's Mill is a quaint town (less than 3 miles from us) on your way to Jenner by the Sea which is just about 9 miles to the west of us. You can take a gorgeous coastal drive to Bodega that is only 15 miles away. Historic Fort Ross is another beautiful 20 mile coastal drive. Bike Enthusiast love the back roads out here and the Biggest Attraction Is… Wait for it…. Wineries are everywhere! During the summer there are several Music Venues close by too. The Rio Nido Roadhouse has outdoor music on the weekends. Rockin the River is every other Thursday in Guerneville. The Monte Rio Variety Show just celebrated it 111th year to a sold-out crowd. Zac Brown, Steve Miller, Jimmy Buffet, James Taylor are just a few Headliners that have been here in the past.We have a great Lightwave coffee shop across the creek that is a quick 5 minute walk. There are several restaurants along the river as well as a small grocery store, movie theater, and a Homemade Ice Cream Parlor that are all close enough to walk to or drive. Guerneville is a quick 4 mile drive and has a Safeway and many restaurants and quaint shops too.Adults of 21 years or older only please. TOT#4440N

95%

(201)

Forest Ocean Retreat

3 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · CA

Tree studded campsites with large view of the ocean. Not far off Hwy 1. Many beaches to choose from a few miles away. Close to Anchor Bay, Gualala and Point Arena. Large secluded sites with picnic tables and plenty of room to pitch a tent. Porta potty and potable water available. Great place to get away. Please note ticks are always prevalent on the coast and Spring time there are more of them please make sure you and your dog are protected.

Booked 1 time

Sonoma Forest Sanctuary

9 sites · Lodging730 acres · Cazadero, CA

Sonoma Forest Sanctuary is a 730-acre property in Sonoma County California that offers a special retreat designed for biodiversity and sustainability. 5 miles from the coast in a serene location, you will see breathtaking views above the cloud line. The property borders Austin State Park and offers endless views in each direction. With redwood and oak forested lands and natural ponds, Sonoma Forest Sanctuary has many areas for our guests to enjoy the natural beauty. Staying at Sonoma Forest Sanctuary gives you opportunity to deepen your relationship with the natural world around you. The venue was built to optimize biodiversity and sustainability and was created with intention. For an event venue that will truly recharge you, surrounded by the beauty of nature, look no further than Sonoma Forest Sanctuary.

99%

(94)

Coyote Camp Scout Tents

5 sites · Lodging3 acres · Guerneville, CA

Highlands Resort is an adult only property that has been around since the early 1920s when it was known as Highland Park Lodge. Like many of the resorts in the area, it began by offering platform tent camping and began adding cabins during the 1930s and 1940s. In those days, folks took the ferry from San Francisco to Sausalito where trains headed to the “vacation playland” villages of Guerneville, Rio Nido and Monte Rio. The river villages have been a vacation magnet since the late 1880s reaching a peak in the 1920s and 30s. (Fun fact: 25,000 people came to the river for the July 4th weekend in 1925!) In those days, visitors came for the natural beauty, to play in and on the river, eat in great restaurants and party in the bars. Clearly not much has changed. In 1979, the resort was declining when Bill and Steve bought it and gave it new life. This was at the beginning of the area’s revival as a tourist destination, especially for LGBTQ+ guests during the 1980s. They are credited with the wonderful landscaping at the resort. In 1995, Lynette and Ken bought the Highlands Resort and ran it until June 2021, keeping with the traditions of the past. They had been hospitality professionals for more than 30 year -- warm, casual, generous, occasionally sarcastic and always wanting their visitors to have a wonderful time. We love that they paved the way for us. We hope past and future guests become our repeat guests and new extended family. The Highlands has always attracted a loyal following of visitors looking for a quiet, relaxing place that is friendly and fun. The cabins capture a bit of the 1940s and 50s with vintage chrome and Formica tables and chairs, custom-cut and inlaid linoleum floors, and vacation brochures blown up as art in the cabins. As we continue to improve our rooms and suites, new changes will come. The biggest addition is our new glamping area - Coyote Camp. With a nod to the past, we’re bringing back platform tent camping. We know you’ll love partaking in this long-standing Russian River tradition.

94%

(140)

Johnson's Beach and Campground

10 sites · RVs, Tents11 acres · Guerneville, CA

A Russian River tradition for nearly a century, Johnson’s Beach is a favorite summer spot for Sonoma County locals and visitors alike. Sunning, swimming and floating at our Guerneville beach is as much a Sonoma County pastime as wine tasting and strolling through the redwoods.Located ninety minutes north of the Bay Area in the charming and eclectic town of Guerneville, this classic summer getaway sits in the heart of the Russian River Valley and provides the quintessential summertime river experience.

The best camping near Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve guide

Overview

About

Situated in California’s Sonoma County, northwest of Santa Rosa, this natural reserve offers visitors the chance to see and touch massive redwood trees without having to head north up to the Redwood Forest. The tallest tree here, Parson Jones, is over 310 feet tall. Other park highlights include a visitor center, an outdoor amphitheater, and a smattering of nature trails, some of which are ADA accessible. Although Armstrong Redwoods is open for day use only, there is camping available in the nearby Bullfrog Pond Campground in the adjacent Austin Creek State Recreation Area.

When to go

Armstrong Redwoods is a year-round destination, and temperatures rarely dip below the 40s or 50s, even in the dark of winter. The summer months here can get hot and the park can get crowded, even on weekdays. Things tend to quiet down a fair bit by the time early fall comes around. The park is open daily from 8am until an hour after sunset, but the visitor's center has more limited hours.

Know before you go

Dogs are permitted so long as they remain on leashes and off trails and dirt roads.
The park offers a variety of accessible features, including restrooms, parking, and eight accessible picnic sites. The Armstrong Nature Trail, the Discovery Trail, and the Pioneer Trail can all be safely navigated by wheelchair users.
While visiting the park is free, there is a per-vehicle parking charge, with reduced rates available if any of the passengers are age 62 or older.
The parking lot here can fill up quickly, but there is a park-and-ride located in the nearby town of Guerneville, across from the Safeway supermarket.