Lake Vacations in Sonoma County

Along with beautiful mountains, meadows, redwood forests, and the Pacific Ocean coast, you can also enjoy a scenic lakeside adventure in Sonoma County, California.

These Sonoma County parks offer a serene lake for picnicking, walking, hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and taking in the scenery.

• Riverfront Regional Park in Healdsburg has a lake with a scenic trail loop.
• Jack London State Historic Park in Glen Ellen has a peaceful lake built by the famed writer Jack London, where you can explore historic sights.
• Tolay Lake Regional Park in Petaluma features a seasonal freshwater lake during the rainy season.

For more “lake life,” enjoy a memorable camping vacation at these popular lakes in Sonoma Wine Country.

Spring Lake Regional Park, Santa Rosa

In the scenic hills, Spring Lake Regional Park feels far from civilization, yet still close to urban conveniences and Sonoma Wine Country attractions. Spring Lake’s 350 acres include the 72-acre lake, a spring-fed swimming lagoon with an inflatable water park, ponds, oak woodlands, grasslands, meadows, and wildflowers in spring and early summer.

Swim at Spring Lake

Swim from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, the spring-fed swimming lagoon at Spring Lake is open with free admission and lifeguards. Enjoy the water, a sandy beach, shaded lawns, picnic tables, and barbecues. Everyone will love the floating water park, which features inflatable bounce islands, bridges, climbing cliffs, a trampoline, a balance beam, and other play stations for a small admission fee.

*Make sure to read our safety tips before heading to the water.

Camp at Spring Lake

Spring Lake’s campsites (for tents, trailers, and RVs) are nestled into oak woodlands above the lake and come equipped with a fire ring and picnic table. Campground amenities include potable water, restrooms with electrical outlets, flush toilets and showers, and a dump station (no RV hook-ups). Also, Spring Lake has a few rustic cabins (some ADA-accessible) available with nearby water and bathrooms.

More To Do at Spring Lake

• Visit the Environmental Discovery Center, geared to kids aged 6-12, with interactive displays, family-oriented science activities, and events.
• Walk, hike, and bike nearly 10 miles of trails, including the paved 2.3-mile Spring Lake Loop.
• Boat on the lake year-round with your own paddle or electric motor craft up to 16′, or rent a kayak, paddleboat, or canoe from the seasonal concession stand. 
• Fish for large-mouth bass, sunfish, and catfish year-round at the lake (fishing license required for ages 16 and older).

Adjacent to Spring Lake in Santa Rosa for More Fun

• Lake Ralphine amusement area has a miniature train ride, a carousel, and other delights for children.
• Howarth Memorial Park is 152 acres with a small lake of its own.
• Trione-Annadel State Park is 5,500 acres with many miles of trails that can be combined with Spring Lake routes for hikers seeking a longer trek.

Lake Sonoma, Geyserville

Lake Sonoma is a large, beautiful lake with 50 miles of shoreline and 2,700 acres of surface area, nestled in a valley surrounded by vineyards and steep hills. Recreational opportunities include hiking, swimming, camping, fishing, boating, water- and jet-skiing, horseback riding, hunting, and archery.

Lake Sonoma Marina rents crafts ranging from a 1-person kayak to a double-decker patio boat that accommodates 12.

The Lake Sonoma fish hatchery and visitor’s center is a fun place to explore exhibits about the lake’s natural history and the construction of Warm Springs Dam.

Swim at Lake Sonoma

The lake has a large sandy beach (no lifeguards), picnic facilities, and a playground located on the north side at the Yorty Creek Recreation Area.

*Make sure to read our safety tips before heading to the water.

Camp at Lake Sonoma

• The Ranch at Lake Sonoma is a drive-in campground with a trail that leads straight to the water, a beer and wine bar, events like live music, and miles of hiking. Guests are also just a short drive from wine tasting at Sonoma County wineries.
• Boat-in campsites are accessible via boat for a camping adventure. (Must pack your own drinking water.) Each campsite has a fire ring, picnic table, and lantern holder, and chemical toilets are available.

More To Do at Lake Sonoma

• Hike, walk, and bike on more than 40 miles of trails. Check out Lake Sonoma’s trail map.
• Fish year-round for a great catch like Bass, Rainbow Trout, or Redear Sunfish. A fishing license can be purchased at most bait/tackle shops.
• Boat on Lake Sonoma with your own craft, or rent an array of watercraft like single-person paddleboards and canoes to 14-foot fishing boats and Double Decker Pontoons that carry a dozen people.
• Ride horses on a memorable tour for every skill level from The Ranch at Lake Sonoma Horseback Riding and enjoy stunning views overlooking the lake and the wine region of Dry Creek Valley.

Together, we can protect and preserve the beauty and natural resources of Sonoma County for generations to come. Check out our page on Sustainable Travel, and look over the Leave No Trace Seven Principles.

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Written by Sonoma Insider Suzie Rodriguez