Campsite booking platform Hipcamp has released its guide to the “Best Places to Camp in the U.S.,” highlighting campgrounds across the country based on booking data and guest reviews.
The guide, part of Hipcamp’s annual awards, includes two Sonoma County destinations: Finley Camp and Salmon Creek Ranch, both near Bodega Bay.
Hipcamp analyzed bookings and reviews from more than 500,000 campsites for the guide, which is categorized by state and camping type. The roundup also includes two Mendocino County properties, Waterfall Camp and The Oak Show.
Finley Camp, Salmon Creek Ranch and Waterfall Camp were also featured in the 2025 Hipcamp Awards.
Finley Camp
Surrounded by Douglas firs and California bay trees, Finley Camp sits along Finley Creek, about 20 minutes from Bodega Bay. The property has 13 campsites for tents and RVs, with space between sites for privacy.
Each site has a picnic table and fire pit with a cooking grate. Wood fires are prohibited at Site 8 because it sits beneath a tree canopy. All sites have access to portable toilets and a hand-washing station.
Finley Camp is part of an active cattle ranch. Guests can contact the camp host for a price sheet for grass-fed beef or find one at the firewood stand near Site 1. The camp also offers orchard tours, during which guests can pick seasonal apples, pears and blueberries.
Well-behaved dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash while on the property.
Rates start from $95 per night. Reservations are available through Hipcamp. To respect the host’s privacy, the exact address is provided after booking.
Salmon Creek Ranch
Located on the edge of Bodega, Salmon Creek Ranch encompasses 400 acres of redwood groves and rolling hills. The property has eight private campsites, including a secluded treehouse built by the former owners and updated by a master craftsman in 2016.
In addition to being named one of the best camps in California this year, Salmon Creek Ranch was also named among Hipcamp’s best glamping spots.
The Eagles’ Nest Treehouse has been featured in numerous magazines as a unique glamping stay perched among towering trees. Accessible by a spiral staircase and 40-foot suspension bridge, the treehouse includes a queen-sized bed with linens, potable water, a flush toilet, a copper-lined shower, a heater and an electric coffee maker.
Outside, there is a picnic table and fire pit, with barbecue utensils provided. The treehouse comfortably sleeps two people, or up to four with an additional fee.
The regular, widely spaced tent and RV sites include a picnic table and fire pit with a grill. Portable toilets are nearby, but there are no electrical hookups or potable water, so guests are advised to bring water for their stay.
The campsites sleep up to six or eight people, depending on the site, with an additional fee for extra guests.
The campground doubles as a working ranch, and a farm store on the property sells grass-fed beef, sausages and duck eggs. Well-behaved pets are welcome but must be kept away from the working ranch dogs the guard livestock.
Rates start at $120 per night. Reservations are available through Hipcamp. 1400 Bay Hill Road, Bodega, 707-775-9604, salmoncreekranch.com
Ready to get outside and experience Sonoma County’s wild side? From peaceful campsites among redwoods and bay trees to unique glamping stays overlooking rolling hills, Bodega Bay and Bodega offer memorable ways to reconnect with nature. Explore these local camping destinations and start planning your next outdoor getaway.
