With warmer weather on the horizon, spring is an ideal time to start planning camping trips. In Sonoma County, campers have no shortage of scenic options — including one that has earned national recognition in the 2026 Campspot Awards.
Casini Ranch Family Campground has been named one of the top unique campgrounds in the country, according to the camping reservation website Campspot.
The winning campgrounds “stand out for their distinctive charm, offering experiences that can’t be found anywhere else,” the site said.
Just a short drive from the Sonoma Coast, the campground in Duncans Mills has been welcoming visitors since 1965. The family-owned RV park and campground sits on a 110-acre ranch tucked among rolling hills beside a winding stretch of the Russian River.
Casini Ranch features a mile of riverfront property where campers can paddle along the Russian River, fish from the shore or spend time with horses grazing on nearby hillsides. Families can also bounce on a giant jumping pillow, a feature highlighted by Campspot as part of the campground’s appeal.
The Willow Creek Environmental Campground recreation area, part of Sonoma Coast State Park, sits adjacent to the property, making it easy for campers to explore miles of coastal trails. Touring bikes are available to rent at the campground, along with golf carts and watercraft from the Boat Shack, which operates from May through October.
Visitors can fill their days with a range of activities, including arts and crafts, basketball, volleyball, fishing, canoeing, kayaking and swimming. During peak season and holidays, Casini Ranch hosts family-friendly events such as bonfires, hayrides, movie nights, dance parties, ice cream socials and themed weekends, including Halloween celebrations.
Other winners in the unique campground category include Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park’s Camp-Resort in Wisconsin Dells; Palmetto Shores RV Resort in Summerton, South Carolina; Keen Lake Camping & Cottage Resort in Waymart, Pennsylvania; and Brialee Family Campground in Ashford, Connecticut.
Wherever you choose to pitch a tent or park an RV, if you want to be a happy camper, it pays to plan ahead and check availability early — especially as spring and summer trips begin to fill up.
Casini Ranch Family Campground, 22855 Moscow Road, Duncans Mills, 1-800-451-8400, casiniranch.com
