Boat-In Sites (Lake Sonoma)

Star3.20
156 reviews
3333 SKAGGS SPRINGS RD, GEYSERVILLE, CA 95441-9644, USA
Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

715 ft

Price

$20 - $80/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

100 campsites

Season

Open from April 1 to...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens US Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Boat-In Sites (Lake Sonoma)
$20.00 - $80.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $20 for hike-to and boat-in sites to $80 for premium boat-in sites. Additional fees may apply for reservations and other services.
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$80.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$20.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
707-431-4533lakesonoma@usace.army.mil
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What Campers Say

3.20

Mixed Reviews

Based on 156 reviews

3 Google reviews

"User reviews are mixed, highlighting both the unique experience of boat-in camping and significant maintenance and accessibility issues. Positive sentiments focus on the natural beauty and activities available, while complaints often mention low water levels, inaccessible sites, and maintenance problems."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

3333 SKAGGS SPRINGS RD, GEYSERVILLE, CA 95441-9644, USA

Boat-In Sites (Lake Sonoma)

3333 SKAGGS SPRINGS RD, GEYSERVILLE, CA 95441-9644, USA

Driving directionsTake 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.
The campground is accessible by paved roads leading to the visitor center. To access the campsites, visitors must travel by boat, which can be challenging during low water levels or when ramps are closed.
Nearby places
Healdsburg (11 miles), Santa Rosa (approximately 45-minute drive), San Francisco (approximately 2-hour drive)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Healdsburg, approximately 11 miles from the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Boat-In Sites (Lake Sonoma)

Experience dramatic seasonal contrasts at Lake Sonoma, where golden summers bring sun-soaked days with temperatures soaring into the upper 90s—perfect for early morning paddles and afternoon swims. As autumn arrives, the landscape transforms, giving way to cool, mystical winters wrapped in coastal fog and refreshing rains that replenish the lake and surrounding hillsides.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Hot, sunny summers suit paddling and swimming but drought/low water and heat reduce reliability.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Quieter and cooler; lake access and usability can decline late season due to low water.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Peak season begins Apr; mild weather, paddling and wildlife viewing are at their best.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed Jan–Mar; winter-season camping is limited/off-season.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 1, 2025 - September 30, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from April 1 to December 31, with peak season from April 1 to September 30, and non-peak season from October 1 to December 31.
  • Current Alerts: Reports of low water levels and campsite closures during drought conditions. Consult official sources for current conditions.

About Boat-In Sites (Lake Sonoma)

Escape the crowds and discover your own private paradise at Lake Sonoma's Boat-In Sites, where pristine wilderness camping awaits those willing to venture beyond the beaten path. These secluded primitive campsites, accessible only by boat or scenic hiking trails, offer an authentic backcountry experience where the only sounds are lapping waves and rustling wildlife.
Lake Sonoma Boat-In Sites offer primitive camping accessible by boat or challenging hikes. The campground accommodates tents and small groups, but accessibility issues are common due to steep terrain and fluctuating lake levels.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
No official time noted.
Check-out
No official time noted.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Lake Sonoma's Boat-In Sites offer a range of outdoor activities catering to adventurers and families alike. Boating, fishing, hiking, and swimming are the major attractions. Anglers can fish for bass, catfish, sunfish, and even the occasional rainbow trout. Trails around the lake allow hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders to explore the area's natural beauty, although some trails are steep and challenging.
HikingThe trails offer varying difficulty levels and are described as steep, challenging, and scenic. "Saw a few wild boars 😬!" – Review by LISA G.
FishingAnglers can expect bass, catfish, and sunfish in the lake, with a small native population of rainbow trout. "The fishing was quite good and we caught a few catfish and crappie." – Review by FRANCIS D.
SwimmingSwimming areas are available, with warm springs occasionally discovered by visitors. "Wonderful swimming. Terrific trips to remember through time! Highly Recommend! 😊😎🏊🎣🐾" – Review by Ginger.
BikingTrails accommodate mountain biking, although steep terrain could challenge less experienced cyclists.
BoatingMany campsites are accessible only via boat, making boating a central activity. "We rented canoes from the marina, which took us a couple of hours to paddle to Broken Bridge campsite."
Wildlife viewingWildlife sightings include deer, bald eagles, and ospreys. "During dawn and dusk, there were a lot of deer around the site." – Review by RACHEL K.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSteep hillsides, low water levels, muddy shorelines, and wildlife such as ticks and raccoons.
Active AlertsReports of low water levels and campsite closures during drought conditions. Consult official sources for current conditions.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Boat-In Sites (Lake Sonoma)

Reviews

3.2
156 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Boat-In Sites (Lake Sonoma) has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are mixed, highlighting both the unique experience of boat-in camping and significant maintenance and accessibility issues. Positive sentiments focus on the natural beauty and activities available, while complaints often mention low water levels, inaccessible sites, and maintenance problems.
Review Summaries
Based on 156 reviews

What Campers Love

"Great camping! The hike in is very short but steep." – Review by SABRINA L. "Love camping here! Will be back at least twice next summer." – Review by CONOR R.
Based on 156 reviews

Common Concerns

Trash overflow, maintenance issues with pit toilets, inaccurate maps, and low water levels are common complaints. "Locked bathrooms, broken tables... These dispersed sites should be free if they are...
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Based on 156 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring extra water and toilet paper. Check online for closures or water level updates before booking. Use brown or gravelly spots for boat landings to avoid sinking into mud.
Based on 156 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Low water levels and steep terrain are recurring themes affecting usability, especially during the dry season. Winter reviews note quieter conditions but colder weather.
Based on 156 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Bring lots of water and prepare to go on hikes where you can find anything. We found a wild boar's skull-tusks and all." – Review by Ginger. "The lake was a great temperature for swimming." – Review...
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Based on 156 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site LG10 was praised for its privacy and scenic views. Site FN08 received complaints due to closures at Yorty Creek.
Based on 156 reviews

Accessibility Features

Steep terrain and lack of signage were noted as accessibility issues. "Plan on a steep, difficult hike up to all sites." – Review by ERIN K.
Based on 156 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

"A nice little getaway from the city. I hiked in instead of boating in with my dog." – Review by RACHEL K.
Based on 156 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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