Hood Mountain Regional Park Campground
4.8419 reviewsHood Mountain Regional Park Campground
Quick Facts
Price
$35 - $45/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
2 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
No Service
Pets
Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
$35 - $45/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
2 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
No Service
Pets
Allowed
Hood Mountain Regional Park Campground
$35.00 - $45.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard site fees range from $35-45/night. Premium/hookup sites may be higher.
Standard Site Fee$35.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$35.00
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Sonoma County Parks
ProviderWhat Campers Say
4.84
Top-Rated
Based on 19 reviews
Most mentioned
viewssceneryquietpeaceful
"Visitors describe Hood Mountain Regional Park as a beautiful, quiet, and somewhat rugged park with excellent hiking, good valley views, and nearby camping. It’s highly recommended for nature lovers and stronger hikers who don’t mind steep trails and occasional closures due to fire impacts."
Fees & Passes at Hood Mountain Regional Park Campground
$35 - $45/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: Up to 14 consecutive nights
Prices verified December 14, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Sonoma County Regional Parks website.
Best Time to Camp at Hood Mountain Regional Park Campground
The campground operates seasonally, typically opening for reservations in late May and running through fall, with late spring through early summer (May-June) and fall (September-October) offering the most comfortable conditions. Spring brings moderate temperatures, wildflower blooms, and flowing creeks, though trails can be muddy after winter rains. Summer temperatures can soar on these exposed, steep trails—often reaching the 80s and 90s—making early morning starts essential and water management critical. Fall delivers cooler hiking weather, clearer skies for those famous valley views, and golden foliage, though you'll need to monitor for fire-related closures during high-risk periods. Winter and early spring bring storms, potential trail closures, and challenging conditions that make the campground less accessible, which is why the park typically closes camping operations during these months.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.
Planning Tips
- Operating Season: Year-round
- Current Alerts: Azalea Creek picnic area and campground closed due to 2020 Glass Fire impacts
About Hood Mountain Regional Park Campground
Hood Mountain Regional Park Campground offers Sonoma County's only backcountry camping experience, featuring two primitive environmental campsites perched at tranquil Merganser Pond. Reached via a challenging 2-mile uphill hike from the Pythian Road trailhead, this hike-in destination rewards self-sufficient adventurers with genuine wilderness solitude just minutes from Santa Rosa. With sweeping views across Sonoma and Napa Valleys, rugged trails through mixed-conifer forests, and the peaceful ambiance of a remote pond setting, it's the perfect introduction to backpacking or an easy escape for experienced wilderness campers seeking a quick overnight adventure.
Weather and SeasonsThe campground operates seasonally, typically opening for reservations in late May and running through fall, with late spring through early summer (May-June) and fall (September-October) offering the most comfortable conditions. Spring brings moderate temperatures, wildflower blooms, and flowing creeks, though trails can be muddy after winter rains. Summer temperatures can soar on these exposed, steep trails—often reaching the 80s and 90s—making early morning starts essential and water management critical. Fall delivers cooler hiking weather, clearer skies for those famous valley views, and golden foliage, though you'll need to monitor for fire-related closures during high-risk periods. Winter and early spring bring storms, potential trail closures, and challenging conditions that make the campground less accessible, which is why the park typically closes camping operations during these months.
Natural Features and SceneryHood Mountain Regional Park showcases the dramatic topography of Sonoma County's Mayacamas Mountains, where steep ridges climb through mixed-conifer forests, seasonal creeks, and open meadows. The two campsites sit beside Merganser Pond, a serene mountain water feature that attracts diverse wildlife and offers a peaceful backdrop for your wilderness camp. The park's 19+ miles of rugged trails wind through ecological treasures including a rare pygmy forest, the headwaters of Santa Rosa Creek, and dense woodland corridors that explode with wildflowers in spring.
The real showstopper is the view. Trails leading toward Gunsight Rock and Hood Mountain's summit deliver sweeping panoramas across Sonoma Valley's famous wine country, with clear days revealing the San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, and the distant peaks of Mount Tamalpais. The landscape transitions from oak woodlands at lower elevations to Douglas fir and madrone forests higher up, creating a layered ecosystem that shifts dramatically with the seasons. Wildlife sightings—deer, wild turkeys, raptors, and songbirds—are common, making this a prime destination for nature photographers and bird watchers willing to carry their gear uphill.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityBackcountry sites not wheelchair accessible due to 2-mile hike required.
Sites SizeSmall backcountry sites suitable for 1-2 tents.
Sites PrivacyExcellent privacy - only 2 sites in entire backcountry area.
Total Campsites2 campsites
Best Campsites
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Up to 14 consecutive nights
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutTwo environmental campsites at Merganser Pond, reached via 2-mile uphill hike from Pythian Road trailhead. Each site has picnic table and food locker.
Open and Closed SeasonYear-round
Reservation Platformssecure.sonomacountyparks.org
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Backpacking is the signature activity here, with the hike-in campsites serving as your base for exploring Hood Mountain's extensive trail network. The park offers 19+ miles of challenging hiking trails ranging from moderate creek-side walks to strenuous climbs toward the 2,730-foot summit, with routes connecting to neighboring Sugarloaf Ridge State Park for even longer adventures. Mountain biking is permitted on designated trails, offering technical challenges through varied terrain. Wildlife viewing and bird watching are exceptional year-round, with the diverse habitats supporting everything from wild turkeys and black-tailed deer to hawks, woodpeckers, and seasonal songbirds. Photography enthusiasts will find endless subjects, from intimate forest scenes and wildflower meadows to sweeping valley vistas that capture Sonoma County's famous landscape. The nearby Sonoma Valley wine country provides an interesting contrast—you can summit a mountain in the morning and be sipping Pinot Noir by afternoon.
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Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- NO CAMPFIRES ALLOWED at backcountry sites. Gas stoves only unless otherwise noticed.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM
Hazards
General hazardsMountain lions and rattlesnakes present. Azalea Creek area and some trails closed due to 2020 Glass Fire impacts.
Active alertsAzalea Creek picnic area and campground closed due to 2020 Glass Fire impacts
Weather at Hood Mountain Regional Park Campground
42
°F
Dec 14
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 47%
Wind: 7.6 mph
Clear sky
Weather History
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Good to know
Trash and recyclingPack it in, pack it out - no trash facilities at backcountry sites.
Common complaintsThe biggest recurring issue is temporary park closures, especially related to fire, which can prevent access altogether. A few visitors also mention downed trees and muddy sections on trails, reflecting that conditions can be rough in places rather than perfectly groomed.
Campground Map
Hood Mountain Regional Park Campground
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.8
19 reviews
Hood Mountain Regional Park Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Visitors describe Hood Mountain Regional Park as a beautiful, quiet, and somewhat rugged park with excellent hiking, good valley views, and nearby camping. It’s highly recommended for nature lovers and stronger hikers who don’t mind steep trails and occasional closures due to fire impacts.
Review Summaries
Based on 19 reviews
What Campers Love
["Beautiful scenery with quiet forest areas, ponds, and views of the Valley of the Moon/Sonoma Valley", "Excellent hiking with remote, steep trails that are great for training and more advanced...
Based on 19 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
The lack of water is the most frequently mentioned challenge—you must carry every drop you'll need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning, which adds significant weight to your pack on an already steep...
Based on 19 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
["Expect substantial elevation gain and mostly uphill hiking to the summit; this park is better suited to intermediate or fitter hikers, especially on longer routes.", "Use the self-service pay...
Based on 19 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Several reviews reference the park being closed due to fire, suggesting that late summer and fall fire season can bring unplanned closures and access issues. Outside of those closure periods,...
Based on 19 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
["\u201cWe enjoyed our hike up the mountain, picnicking in the forest next to a pond.\u201d", "\u201cSome of the most remote trails you can access as part of the Sonoma County Regional Parks...
Based on 19 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
One reviewer notes that the park includes campsites and highlights that they offer access to hiking trails and views of the Valley of the Moon, but no specific numbered or named campsites are...
Based on 19 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Access to the main parking area involves a long, narrow road that becomes one lane with tight curves, which may be challenging for larger vehicles or those uncomfortable with narrow roads. On the...
Based on 19 reviewsShow more
Pet-Friendly Features
One review explicitly mentions that the park is dog friendly, and no negative pet-related issues are reported, indicating that visitors generally have a positive experience bringing dogs on the...
Based on 19 reviewsShow more
Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated December 14, 2025
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