Not Ready for Camping? Start Here

If you have been wanting to get outside with your family but the thought of pitching a tent, organizing all the gear, and roughing it for a night feels like a lot, glamping is your answer. It is the perfect first step into the outdoors with kids. All the magic of being outside, none of the stress of figuring it out from scratch.

Where We Stayed: Wild Haven Sonoma Glamping

The moment we pulled into Wild Haven Sonoma Glamping and the kids caught their first glimpse of the canvas tent, the excitement was instant. We had glamped once before, but they were too young to remember it, so this felt completely new and magical to them. They were absolutely delighted from the very first second and, true to form, did not want to leave.

Activities on the property: Horseback riding, boat and tube rentals, hiking, and more. There is genuinely something for everyone, which makes it just as enjoyable for the kids as it is for you.

The Tent: A Rare Find for Families

Our tent had four bunk beds, which is genuinely rare in the glamping world. Most properties are not designed with children in mind, so finding a setup this family-friendly was a real treat. There was also a queen bed with a heated mattress, along with a portable heater, mirror, coat hanger, side tables, and a fan. Every little detail felt considered and intentional.

Outside the tent: A front porch with a table and two chairs, a picnic table, and a fire ring. The bathrooms are fully stocked with shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, each in its own private room. There is also a designated barbecue area with tables, shade cover, sinks, dish soap, and grills ready to use.

🎁 What You Get on Arrival

At check-in you receive a bundle of firewood and a s'mores kit, which instantly set the mood for the whole stay. There is a small on-site store stocked with drinks, snacks, and miscellaneous items, and every day the property puts out complimentary tea, hot chocolate, and coffee.

Tube rentals are available for $20 a day for floating the river, and you can borrow a selection of board games for your stay.

The Highlight: Private River Access

I had always thought of Sonoma as wine country and honestly never felt compelled to explore it beyond that. This trip completely changed my perspective. It is so lush and green, and the Russian River is so beautiful that it genuinely reminded me of Oregon.

📍 Choosing Your Tent Location

Tents in the first row are just a couple of minutes from the river. The bunk bed tents sit a little further back, but it is only about a five-minute walk rather than two. Either way you are close, and the extra few steps are completely worth it for the family-sized space.

Nearby: What to Explore

There is plenty to discover within a short drive of the property, but we chose to slow down, soak up the private river access, and spend our exploring time at Healdsburg Open Space Preserve, and we are so glad we did.

Do not miss Healdsburg Open Space Preserve. We found a stunning trail in full superbloom with wildflowers, a gorgeous lily pad pond that felt straight out of a movie, lush towering trees, and a peaceful, completely kid-friendly atmosphere. It was one of the most beautiful trails we have ever walked.

🗺️ More Spots Nearby

Russian River and the Overlook, Nancy's Hill Overlook, Del Rio Woods Regional Park, and Lake Sonoma are all worth exploring if you have the time.

If you have been putting off getting outside because camping feels like too much to figure out all at once, this is your answer. Wild Haven Sonoma gives you the river, the fresh air, the campfire, and the s'mores without any of the overwhelm. It is designed for families, thoughtfully put together, and genuinely one of the most enjoyable overnight experiences we have had as a family.

To see more and a full walkthrough of the property, check out my Instagram here.