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Environmental Campsites

Environmental Campsite at Hood Mountain Regional Park and Open Space Preserve

Hood Mountain Regional Park and Open Space Preserve in scenic Sonoma Valley features two environmental campsites at Merganser Pond, reached via an approximately 2-mile uphill hike from the Pythian Road trailhead. 

Reservations are required, and can be made online or by calling (707) 565-2267. The campsites are open for reservation seasonally on or after May 28.

Amenities

  • Two tent-only campsites available: Dragonfly (max of 4 people) and Wilikos (max of 4 people). Tents must be pitched in designated areas.
  • Each site includes a picnic table and a food locker. Pit toilets are nearby. 
  • No potable water available; bring your own cooking and drinking water.
  • No electricity available. Cell phone reception can be limited.
  • No campfires allowed; gas-powered cookstoves are permitted, but BBQs are not allowed.

Please Note

  • Display park camping pass (provided with your reservation confirmation) on your dashboard. Keep items of value with you. Do not leave valuables in your car.
  • Pack out all trash, litter and food scraps. No garbage cans or trash service provided.
  • Park closes at sunset. Campers must remain in designated campground area after park closes.
  • Horses and other pack animals are allowed in the campground.
  • Dogs, cats and other pets are allowed if they are on a leash, under control and attended at all times. Maximum leash length is six (6) feet. A $2 fee will be charged per dog per reservation.

Rates

  • $22 per night
  • Campers may stay up to 10 consecutive nights.

Cancellations

Cancellations made within 10 days of the scheduled arrival date result in the forfeiture of first night’s camping fee. All other camping reservation and cancellation policies apply.

Environmental Campground Policies

  • Check In and Check Out Times: Check in is at 2 p.m. Check out is at 12 p.m. No-show reservation holders forfeit all paid fees. Sites must be occupied each night.
  • Reservations: Reservations are available up to 12 months in advance. You may make a reservation online anytime by visiting SoCoParks.org/Camping or you can call our reservation line (707) 565-2267, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. For same day reservations, you may book online up to 8 p.m. or contact our reservation line Monday - Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.  Payment is due at the time of booking. One household may reserve a maximum of two campsites per park per visit. Only one email address per household may be used to make a reservation. Specific sites are not guaranteed due to the potential for unexpected conditions (flooding, fallen tree, etc.). No reservation refunds will be allowed due to weather.
  • Site Capacity: Two tent-only campsites available: Dragonfly (max of 4 people) and Wilikos (max of 4 people)
  • Quiet Hours and Generator use: Quiet hours are 10 p.m.-7 a.m.; generator hours are 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Amplified music is not allowed at any time. 
  • Pets: Pets must be attended, cleaned up after, securely leashed and under physical control on a leash no longer than 6 feet, or contained within a vehicle or tent. Proof of rabies vaccination is required. A fee of $2 per dog, per night will be charged. Note that dogs are not allowed on trails in adjoining Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. Be aware of park boundaries.
  • Campfires: Campfires, cooking fires and BBQs are not permitted at backcountry campsites. Gas stoves are allowed unless otherwise noticed.
  • Hammocks, Slacklines, etc.: Visitors may bring their own free-standing hammock, slackline, or tree tent stands for use in day-use areas and campsites, but they may not tie them off to trees or park structures. Additionally, the use of any of these items is not allowed if it obstructs a commonly used public right of way such as a pathway, trail, road, or other route.
  • Trash: Please clean up the campsite before leaving, the next camper will appreciate it.
  • Youth: Persons under 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
  • Stay Limits: Doran Beach, Gualala Point, Stillwater Cove and Westside Park campers are permitted to stay up to 30 nights in a calendar year, including 10 consecutive nights if the site is available. Spring Lake campers are permitted to stay up to 20 nights in a calendar year, including 10 consecutive nights if the site is available and a stay limit of 10 days per season (the winter season is Oct. 1-April and the summer season is May 1-Sept. 30). Once this consecutive night limit is reached, the campground must be vacated, and no one in the party may return to camp in the park for 24 hours.
  • Wildlife: Protect wildlife – and your food – by securely storing your meals and trash in containers or vehicles. Close trash can and dumpster lids. Feeding, disturbing or harassing wildlife is prohibited. Bears have been seen in and adjacent to some of our campgrounds. Learn more about how to recreate responsibly around bears.
  • Cell Phone Reception and Wi-Fi: Cell phone reception may be limited at some campgrounds and parks, depending on your carrier. No public Wi-Fi available.
  • Smoking is Prohibited: Smoking, including e-cigarettes and vaping, is prohibited in all Sonoma County Regional Parks and campgrounds.
  • Trash: Pack out all trash, litter and food scraps. No garbage cans or trash service provided.
  • Fees: Valid discounts must be presented at the time of reservation. Sonoma County residents must carry proof of residency to receive a discounted rate. Access members must possess a valid Access hang tag to receive a discounted rate. Fees are subject to change without notice.

Failure to comply with policies, rules and regulations may result in eviction from the campground and/or a loss of paid fees. It is the reservation holder's responsibility to ensure all members of their camping party are informed and comply with all park rules and policies.