Take Liberty

Camp Liberty Glen Near Lake Sonoma

Wine country: busy! Camping in wine country: woo-hoo solitude! Though you now have to make a reservation (even if it’s 20 minutes prior), there’s a good chance you’ll be able to pitch your tent last minute at Liberty Glen Campground, a ridge-top refuge along the rugged coastal foothills surrounding Lake Sonoma. Although primitive (no running water means no showers, flush toilets, or potable water), Liberty Glen has access to several miles of scenic trails, cool waters to beat the heat, and 96 underbooked sites spread over three loops of solitude—even on traditionally busy weekends.

Pitch your tent at site 88 for waterfront vistas atop a golden ridge, or site 80 for equally stunning sights injected with adrenaline—a small plot of tent space narrowly juts over the lake’s Warm Springs arm. For those seeking shelter from the sun (which many sites lack), site 50 provides ample shade beneath two large oaks. Hike a strenuous 4.5-mile loop to a small cove for swimming at Madrone Point, cruise turquoise waters in rented boats and kayaks at neighboring Lake Sonoma Marina, or drive through the dozens of nearby tasting rooms dotting Dry Creek Valley’s world-famous vineyards.

GLAMP BONUS: Even more secret than this overlooked campground is its sole cabin, unassumingly tucked into Loop A at site 27. This reservable spot houses two bunk beds (sleeps six) as well as room for one tent outside by the cozy fire pit.

Liberty Glen Campground is located in Geyserville on Rockpile Rd. Although the campground is rarely full, and last-minute/day-of reservations are a snap, no first-come, first-served sites are available and a code is needed to unlock the campground gate; reservations must be made online or by calling (877) 444-6777 sometime before arrival. Single sites (up to 8 people, 2 cars) $25/night; double sites (up to 16 people, 4 cars) $50/night. Two-night minimum for sites. Cabin can be reserved online or by calling (877) 444-6667 (up to 6 people) $75/night. Dogs allowed on leash, but not inside cabin. Trail map available at campground entrance; for a 4.5-mile loop hike to Madrone Point, connect Madrone Service Rd., Rancheria Trail, and Wulfow Shortcut. Lake Sonoma Marina is located a 10-minute drive from the campground.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Afternoon on the Island

    What is it about tiny islands in the middle of lakes? There’s something that just draws you in. It’s even more fun when getting there is half the adventure because you have to reach it by canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or a ranger-guided boat tour!

    View
  2. Golden Gate's Blue Heron

    Golden Gate Park’s Blue Heron Lake is home to birds of many feathers, turtles lounging on rocks, visitors from afar, and locals who love this urban oasis in San Francisco. Try the "Boats and Breakfast" rowboat or pedal boat deal.

    View
  3. Rio Del Mar-velous

    Rio Del Mar State Beach in Aptos might be one of the best places for a treasure hunt. Its location between two other beaches makes for a good stroll featuring a spectacle of wildlife as you search the sand for sea glass and seashells.

    View
  4. Hiker taking a photo of sunset at Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve

    Sunshine and Skyline

    Head to Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve for a 4-mile out-and-back hike on the Bay Area Ridge Trail that offers a front-row seat to spectacular sunsets.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Walking the Los Angeles River Trail Through Frogtown

    Frogtown Strutter’s Stroll

    Don’t go dismissing the Los Angeles River as merely a 51-mile concrete channel. It’s a genuine urban artery that links real neighborhoods, and its riverside bike/ped paths endear i

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Sponsored

    Fall for It All in Reno Tahoe

    The best kind of getaway? Less time on logistics, more time on memory-making. Jackpot! You’ve got Reno Tahoe.

    View