Tips for reserving a Sonoma County campsite

Thinking about camping in Sonoma County? If so and if you want to nab the best spot, or any spot, you should reserve your campsite today, especially if you have summer camping plans.

Sonoma County Regional Parks' 200-plus campsites on the Sonoma Coast and in Santa Rosa can be reserved up to one year in advance. That means campsites can get booked well in advance. So the earlier you reserve, the better your chance of ending up with a campsite that matches your needs.

Doran Beach and Westside on Bodega Bay and Stillwater Cove and Gualala on Sonoma's North Coast and Spring Lake in Santa Rosa all tend to fill up most summer weekends, with the coastal parks especially popular as visitors seek relief from inland temperatures. Some availability may be found mid-week, but even weekday options can be limited in the middle of summer.

Reserve online

Regional Parks' 24/7 reservation system makes selecting a site a simple process. You choose the campground you're interested in, enter your zip code (to determine if you're eligible for a Sonoma County resident discount) and then choose to view the available sites on a campground map or on a calendar grid. 

When you click on a specific site, you’ll see comprehensive information, including size and number of tent pads, RV parking dimensions, the distance to the restrooms and more. You can even view a photo of a specific site. Once you determine the dates and campsite you want, you move on to completing registration and payment — and that’s it.

We encourage people to look at the campground map and site details to have as much insight as possible before making the reservation.

Last-minute plans?

If you're not a planner, you still may be able to get a last-minute booking because same-day reservations can be made until 8 p.m. the day of your arrival.

Reservations are always required — campers who arrive at a park without a reservation cannot occupy a site on a first come, first served basis. But that same-day reservation can be made online until 8 p.m. the night of your arrival. 

If you are looking for a last-minute site, go online to see what is available and check back regularly in case sites open up due to cancellations.

Don't be a no-show

Regional Parks' policy of allowing reservations up to 12 months in advance makes planning easy. But that ample lead time also means your plans may change. If that happens and you will not be able to use the site you reserved, please cancel your booking as soon as possible so someone else can enjoy the site.  

Camping is a popular activity, but Sonoma County has only so many campsites. Please actively manage your reservation and cancel your campsite if you cannot make it. You can cancel online anytime or by calling Regional Parks' reservations office at (707) 565-2267 between 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Reservation reminders

A few reminders:

• If you have specific questions about a site or campground or want to change a reservation, call Regional Parks' reservations office at (707) 565-2267.
• A Regional Parks membership includes one free night of camping and free boat launching at Doran, Westside and Spring Lake. To reserve your free night, you'll need to call Regional Parks' reservations office.
• One group can book two campsites under the same name. If you're hoping for two sites next to each other, you'll definitely want to book as far ahead as possible.
• Occupancy is limited to eight people per campsite (except for group sites.) 
• Each site can accommodate two vehicles, and cars must be parked on the pavement.
• Dogs on leash are allowed with a $2 fee per dog per night.
• You can use this chart to quickly compare campground features.

This post was updated in 2024.