With its beautifully manicured vines and stately tasting rooms fronted by giant water fountains, it’s refreshing to know Napa has a wild side beyond bachelor parties in limos. You can get legitimately rugged here! Tucked in the northern part of Napa Valley, Bothe-Napa Valley State Park is a hideaway haven, where big and bold reds come in the form of the easternmost coastal redwoods in the state. And you can pitch your tent among them. There are 45 sites spaced under tall tree cover including oaks, pines, madrones, Douglas fir, and coast redwood. Sites 28 to 30 make nice spots with a little extra seclusion. Miles of hiking trails can be found in the park, including the popular Coyote Peak Trail, which climbs 1.5 miles to a beautiful vista of the valley and Mount Saint Helena. Or stay on lower ground and take the 1.1-mile History Trail to neighboring Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park. At night, kick back and relax in the company of the big reds, and that other big red famous in Napa—a nice bold Cab!
BONUS YURTS (pictured): A relatively new addition to Bothe-Napa, 10 tidy yurts are also on the scene! A few are set within the main campground, and the rest are in the park’s aptly named Yurtville—higher up and close to the seasonal pool/recreation area. Yurts have patios and wood floors and furnishings, along with mattresses on beds (you’ll need to bring your own bedding).
Bothe-Napa Valley State Park is located 5 miles north of St. Helena on Hwy. 29. Book campsite and yurts through Reserve America. There are nine first-come, first-served sites, and your chances of getting one are better in late fall and winter. There is one hiker/cyclist site, first come, first served. Campground is dog-friendly! No dogs on the hiking trails. No dogs in yurts.
