Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Group Campground sits at 1,200 feet elevation in the Mayacamas Mountains near Kenwood. The single group site accommodates up to 50 people for $50/night and includes a barbecue area, water faucets, and picnic tables. WiFi is available near the office, though cell service is limited.
The Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Group Campground is ideal for large gatherings and features group-specific amenities like a large BBQ and multiple picnic tables. The park also supports tent camping, RV camping, and glamping options.
The Wappo people lived on this land for thousands of years, known for their intricate basketry and agricultural practices. The park's name comes from the sugarloaf-shaped ridges visible from the campground. Weather and SeasonsSpring offers the best conditions, with daytime highs of 65–75°F and nights in the 40s–50s. Wildflowers peak after winter rains, and creek flows are strongest. Summer days reach the 90s but drop to around 40°F at night. Bring warm layers. Fall delivers crisp hiking weather with golden hillsides. November through April brings up to 40 inches of rain, transforming the landscape but limiting trail access. Check nighttime temperatures before your trip, as it gets cold even in warmer months.
ElevationNestled at 1,200 feet above sea level, the campground rests in a spectacular valley embrace where mountain air meets meadow breeze. This perfect elevation offers cooler temperatures than the valley floor below while providing breathtaking vistas of the surrounding peaks—a natural amphitheater that makes every sunrise and sunset a theatrical performance.
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits where chaparral, oak woodlands, Douglas fir groves, and redwood canyons converge. Some sites have shade and small streams nearby. Trails traverse all three ecosystems without leaving park boundaries. The group site includes access to a meadow and is surrounded by the distinctive sugarloaf-shaped ridges that give the park its name. Spring brings wildflower displays across the hillsides.
Geological RegionDiscover the magnificent Mayacamas Mountains, where three distinct worlds converge in ecological harmony. Explore sun-baked ridges cloaked in hardy chaparral, wander through cathedral-like groves where mighty oaks and stately firs create dappled shade, and venture into hushed redwood sanctuaries where ancient giants touch the sky. This remarkable geological diversity offers adventurers the rare opportunity to journey through multiple ecosystems without ever leaving the park boundaries.
Scenic ViewsVisitors can enjoy views of the surrounding mountains and meadows, as well as access to the stargazing-friendly skies near the observatory.
Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available, but cabins and glamping options are offered, with one user highlighting, "found the glamping an unexpected surprise. Well-put together. Furnished and with electricity!"
Programs & ActivitiesThe Robert Ferguson Observatory offers astronomy classes and stargazing events. Programs include public star parties, solar viewing, and the Planet Walk, which is a scale model of the solar system.