Lake Sonoma Boat-in Sites

About

Lake Sonoma's boat-in campsites are spread across 15 primitive campgrounds with approximately 109 individual sites along the lake's shoreline. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the sites are accessible only by boat or hiking trail with no vehicle access. Each campsite features a fire ring, picnic table, and lantern holder. Vault toilets are provided at the campgrounds but no potable water is available, so campers must bring their own water supply. The lake sits in the coastal foothills of Sonoma County with typical Mediterranean climate: hot, dry summers averaging in the upper 90s and cool, foggy, wet winters. World-famous vineyards surround the area. Recreation opportunities include boating, swimming, fishing for largemouth and smallmouth bass, catfish, sunfish, and native rainbow trout. Hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders can explore miles of trails along the shoreline. During peak season (April 1 through September 30), weekend reservations require a 2-night minimum stay, with 3-night minimums for holiday weekends including Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day. Be aware of steep and slippery hillside conditions, wasps and yellowjackets at some sites, and rattlesnakes in the area. California law requires children under 13 to wear lifejackets on moving vessels.

Directions

Take Highway 101 north of San Francisco to the town of Healdsburg and exit on Dry Creek Road. Travel west 11 miles to reach the visitor center on the right. The public boat ramp is 1.5 miles further up the road.