California / Sonoma County

Lake Sonoma Boat-in Sites

Open — Open year-round with reservations available through Recreation.gov up to 6 months in advance. Peak season runs April 1 through September 30 with a 2-night minimum on weekends and 3-night minimum on holiday weekends.

About

Lake Sonoma's boat-in campsites offer a unique primitive camping experience in the coastal foothills of Sonoma County, just 45 minutes north of Santa Rosa. Nearly 100 individual campsites and two group sites are scattered around the lake's shoreline, accessible only by boat or backpacking several miles from trailheads with elevation changes. Sites are located on hillsides and vary from locations near the lake's water skiing zones to secluded coves perfect for fishing and swimming. Boaters can also anchor anywhere on the lake overnight if equipped with anchor lights, but shore tie-ups require being at designated campgrounds. The lake provides excellent recreational opportunities including boating, swimming, and fishing for large and smallmouth bass, catfish, sunfish, and a small population of native rainbow trout. An extensive trail network meanders along the shoreline, popular with hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. The area is nestled in beautiful wine country with world-famous vineyards nearby. Summers are hot and dry with temperatures averaging in the upper 90s, while winters are cool, foggy, and wet. Wildlife including rattlesnakes is present, and wasps are known to be at some sites.

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. Sites are accessible only by boat or hiking trail from there.

Nearby Campgrounds