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Spring Lake Regional Park
Overview
Spring Lake Regional Park offers a peaceful escape in the heart of Sonoma County, providing a rustic camping experience near the bustling city of Santa Rosa. Managed by Sonoma County Regional Parks, this destination is a favorite for travelers who prefer natural landscapes over concrete pads. The park covers over 300 acres of oak woodlands and revolves around its central lake, offering a quiet atmosphere that highlights the beauty of Northern California’s inland valleys. It serves as an accessible basecamp for exploring the famous Sonoma wine country while maintaining a distinct sense of wilderness.
Location & Surroundings
The park is situated on the eastern edge of Santa Rosa, nestled between Howarth Park and Trione-Annadel State Park. This unique location creates a continuous greenbelt of thousands of acres of protected land. Visitors will find themselves surrounded by rolling hills, ancient oaks, and diverse wildlife. Despite the secluded feel, the park is just minutes away from major shopping centers and urban conveniences, making it easy to restock supplies while enjoying Sonoma Valley views. The proximity to Highway 12 ensures straightforward access for regional exploration.
Amenities & Park Features
While the camping experience leans toward the rustic side, the park provides essential facilities for a comfortable stay. The campground offers sites for RVs and trailers, though it is important to note there are no hookups at individual sites. However, a sanitary dump station and potable water are available for guest use. On-site amenities include restrooms with showers, picnic tables, and fire rings. The park is most famous for its seasonal swimming lagoon and year-round boating opportunities on the lake, where non-motorized crafts are welcome.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the direct access to miles of multi-use trails that connect to the adjacent state park, perfect for hiking and mountain biking. Families often visit the Environmental Discovery Center, a science center located within the park that features interactive exhibits about local ecology. Beyond the park borders, the world-renowned wineries of the Russian River Valley and Kenwood are a short drive away. Additionally, the Charles M. Schulz Museum is nearby for those interested in a bit of local cultural history during their stay.
Who This Park Is Best For
Spring Lake Regional Park is ideal for RVers who prioritize outdoor recreation and a serene environment over resort-style luxuries. It is a fantastic choice for families looking for a budget-friendly destination with plenty of space for children to play and explore. Because of the size limits and lack of full hookups, it best suits self-contained campers or those on shorter trips through Northern California. If you are a bird watcher, hiker, or photographer looking to capture the essence of Sonoma County’s natural side, this park is a perfect fit.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
MomZee Jen
The park is beautiful and well-maintained, just a 2-hour drive from us. The ranger at the entrance gave us a warm welcome, and the campsites were pleasant with plenty of shade in most areas. Our restroom was clean and even had hot water. Showers work with coins, so it’s best to bring quarters. I especially enjoyed walking around the park—it’s such a peaceful place. If I lived nearby, this would definitely be my go-to spot for an afternoon walk.
Penisoni Jiko
This was a great little get away for me and kids since its just close to home. The abundance of lifeguards was great as well. Never felt safer as the guards were very diligent in their duties. Highly recommend.
Sarah Meza
I love coming here with my partner and my dog to walk the spring Lake loop. It’s a great activity to do after a long day of work when it starts to cool off and you can just go and enjoy some nature and be around some people that are also being active. Lots of blackberry bushes so when it’s that time of the year, be sure to bring a little Tupperware to collect some blackberries! Happy trails!
Tino Plank
This park pretty much has something for everyone. From hikers, cyclists, runners, boaters, fishers, birders, swimmers, families with kids, and dog walkers, this is a great place to visit. With so much to offer, the only real downside is how crowded it can get. The county park is kind of sandwiched between a city park to the west, and a state park to the east. So, particularly for hikers and cyclists you can extend your activities into those parks for a longer trip. And there's also a campground for those who want to enjoy a multi-day visit. Bathrooms and water fountains can be found around the park. The main trails are paved. But there are also a number of dirt trails to explore. And the seasonal swimming lagoon is a big draw during the hot summer months.
Jerry Ham
We ended up on the boat ramp side at the ramp. No restrooms over there. We did paddle boarding. The lake was super glassy and calm. No waves and nearly no other folks on the water on a Thursday morning. However, the water is just full of algae. Not enough to grab your paddle or the fin on your board, but it is just all over. The lake is small; we went very slowly and looked at all the scenery and it only took an hour to circumnavigate the whole thing. We saw fish (big carp and small bass), river otters, a turtle, several types of birds, etc. It is a very pretty area. If we were to go again, it would be at the other entrance where the lagoon and rentals are. Rating is for the boat ramp entrance.
