Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground, California (Guide + Reviews)
Overview
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park is where Sonoma wine country meets wild mountain terrain. Nestled between the Napa and Sonoma valleys, this park’s peaceful campground sits beneath oaks and bay trees, surrounded by ridges that glow at sunset. Campers come for hiking, stargazing, and quiet nights under crystal-clear skies. The park is also home to the Robert Ferguson Observatory — a must-visit for night-sky enthusiasts.
What Campers Are Saying
Overall vibe: “Peaceful, scenic, and full of stars.” Campers love Sugarloaf for its big-sky views, accessible trails, and proximity to vineyards without the crowds. It’s a park that feels wild but still close to good coffee and Pinot Noir.
Highlights
- Stargazing: on-site observatory with public telescope nights.
- Hiking: Bald Mountain Trail and Canyon Trail offer sweeping views and waterfalls.
- Location: 20 minutes from both Kenwood and Calistoga tasting rooms.
- Accessibility: clean facilities, flat loops, and family-friendly amenities.
Frictions to plan around
- Limited shade: some loops get hot in summer — bring shade tarps.
- Weekend traffic: fills early during wine harvest and observatory events.
- No cell service: reliable only near the entrance.
- Wildfire history: park has recovered beautifully, but check seasonal closures.
Camper Quotes
“Beautiful park — you can see the Milky Way without leaving your tent.”
“Fantastic hikes and easy access to wineries — the best of both worlds.”
“Clean, peaceful, and surprisingly quiet for wine country.”
“We loved the observatory tour — our kids were amazed.”
Campsites & Amenities
- Sites: 47 sites for tents, trailers, and RVs (up to ~28 ft).
- Hookups: partial electric hookups at select sites.
- Facilities: flush toilets, showers, potable water, picnic tables, fire rings, and food lockers.
- Group sites: available for up to 50 people with shade structures.
- Pets: allowed in camp and paved areas, not on trails.
Booking & Availability
Reservations: via ReserveCalifornia.com. Open year-round, but best weather is April through October. Expect high demand on weekends tied to wine harvest and astronomy events.
Tip: Visit during a new moon for the darkest skies and fewest crowds.
Best Sites
- #20–26: partial hookups and evening views of the ridges.
- #32–35: shaded and quieter, near the creek.
- #40–45: more open and great for stargazing directly from camp.
Bring binoculars or join an observatory night — Sugarloaf skies are among the clearest in Northern California.
Nearby Campgrounds
- Bothe-Napa Valley State Park: redwoods and wineries just 30 minutes away.
- Spring Lake Regional Park: family-friendly lake camping near Santa Rosa.
- Lake Sonoma Recreation Area: large reservoir camping and boating 45 minutes north.
Map & Directions
From Kenwood, take Highway 12 east and follow signs for Adobe Canyon Road into Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. The campground is 1.5 miles past the entrance station.
Address: 2605 Adobe Canyon Rd, Kenwood, CA 95452
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park FAQ
Are there hookups?
Yes — some sites have electrical hookups; others are dry camping.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, in the campground and paved areas, but not on trails.
Is it family-friendly?
Very — ranger programs, accessible trails, and the observatory are kid favorites.
When’s the best time to visit?
Spring for waterfalls and flowers, summer for stargazing, and fall for mild weather and golden hills.
Can I go wine tasting nearby?
Yes — Kenwood, Glen Ellen, and Calistoga wineries are all within 15–30 minutes.
What are the chances I’ll see Bigfoot?
Moderate — he’s rumored to enjoy cosmic contemplation at the observatory. 👣✨
