Hood Mountain Regional Park Campground

21 reviews

Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

2,585 ft

Price

$35 - $45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

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Quick Facts

2,585 ft

Price

$35 - $45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Sonoma County Regional Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

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

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What Campers Say

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Limited Reviews

Based on 21 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."

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Campground Map

Hood Mountain Regional Park Campground

38.4583, -122.5558

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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Open seasonally May–fall; summer has fire risk and water scarcity concerns that limit comfort.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

Lovely fall conditions but reviews note closures and access issues from fire season.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Late spring (May–June) highlighted as a prime window for reservations and good conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.5 / 5

Site described as typically open seasonally; winter is less favorable and closures can occur.

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.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

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 camping is 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.

Reservation Platformssecure.sonomacountyparks.org

AccessibilityBackcountry sites not wheelchair accessible due to 2-mile hike required.

Site SizeSmall backcountry sites suitable for 1-2 tents.

PrivacyExcellent privacy - only 2 sites in entire backcountry area.

Total Campsites2 campsites

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.

Hiking19+ miles of trails for hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. Summit offers stunning views of Sonoma Valley.

BikingMountain biking permitted on designated trails.

Wildlife viewing

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMountain 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

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Hood Mountain Regional Park Campground

Reviews

0.0

21 reviews

Limited Reviews

Hood Mountain Regional Park Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % 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 21 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 21 reviews

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 21 reviews

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 21 reviews

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 21 reviews

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 21 reviews

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 21 reviews

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 21 reviews

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 21 reviews

0 review