Nestled in the beautiful coastal foothills of Sonoma County, California, Lake
Sonoma is surrounded by world famous vineyards and land that is rich in history.
Created by the construction of Warm Springs Dam in 1983, the lake provides for
flood control, irrigation and recreation. When full, the lake has a surface area
of more than 2,700 acres and 50 miles of shoreline, forming the perfect setting
for a wealth of recreational activities. We invite you to hike, swim, ride, boat,
camp, fish, or hunt at our beautiful lake.
Milt Brandt Visitor
Center
Located at the park entrance, the Milt Brandt Visitor Center is your
source for information about the park. Exhibits explain the cultural and natural
history of the Dry Creek Valley. Campfire programs, Junior Rangers, water safety
programs, and tours of the fish hatchery are some of the audiovisual and ranger-led
programs offered at the visitor center. Call the Visitor Center staff for more
information at (707) 431-4533. Hours of operation vary, so please call ahead to
check days and times of operation.
All boat-in and hike-in campers must check in with visitor center staff before
heading out to their campsite.
Congressman Don Clausen Fish Hatchery
The Congressman Don Clausen Fish Hatchery is located directly behind
the visitor center. A state of the art facility, it was built to replace and enhance
salmon and steelhead spawning grounds. The hatchery is operated by the California
Department of Fish and Game. Group tours of the hatchery during spawning season
(January—April) may be arranged by calling (707) 431-4533.
Drive-In Camping
Liberty Glen Campground has 97 campsites for RV's and tent campers; however,
no electrical or water hook-ups are available. Campsite amenities include picnic
tables, fire rings, and lantern holders and firewood is available for sale during
summer months. Kids will enjoy the campfire programs and other special events
frequently done on summer weekends. Trail users have easy access to the Lake's
trail system. Universally accessible campsites are available for the disabled.
Sorry, at this time no water is available at Liberty Glen. In addition, our dump
station, showers and restrooms are closed. Chemical vault toilets are available
for your convenience. Campers should check in at the entrance station to Liberty
Glen.
Liberty Glen Information and Campground Map
Primitive Boat-In or Hike-In Camping
Lake Sonoma has 109 primitive campsites and two group-use campsites that
are accessible by boat and/or trail only (no car access). These sites have a fire
ring, picnic table and lantern holder. Restroom facilities are chemical vaults.
Potable water is not available. Campers must pack in their own water or have a
high quality water filtering device to use lake water for their needs. All campers,
with or without reservations, MUST check in at the visitor center. Those arriving
after the visitor center closes should submit a self-deposit envelope according
to the instructions outside the visitor center. Caution should be exercised around
campgrounds and on trails, as much of Lake Sonoma's terrain is steep.
Click to
view photographs of the primitive boat-in and/or hike-in camping
Primitive Camping Information Sheet
Primitive Campground Maps
Reservations
Campsites are available through reservation by calling the National Recreation
Reservation Service (NRRS) at their toll-free number, (877) 444-6777, or visit
their website at www.ReserveUSA.com or www.reserveamerica.com. Be sure to specify
"California" as the state, and "Boat-In Sites" for the primitive
boat-in/hike-in campsites. Sorry, individual and double campsites at Liberty Glen
are available only on a first come, first served basis. For the two group campsites,
please call Ranger Mike Atchison at 707-431-4533.
Reservation Information Sheet
Public Launching Areas
Public launching areas are located near the dam at the Public Boat Ramp
and at the Yorty Creek Recreation Area near Cloverdale (car-top launch only).
Launching fees apply. An annual pass good for any Corps of Engineer park can be
purchased at the visitor center. Yorty Creek is managed as a day use area. Boat-in
campers wishing to launch and park overnight at Yorty Creek must check in with
the visitor center and obtain a parking permit to avoid receiving a citation.
Sorry, no dogs or glass allowed on the swim beach at Yorty Creek.
Lake Sonoma Marina
The Lake Sonoma Marina
(707) 433-2200, offers a boat ramp, full service marina, boat slips, rentals and
a store. Call the Marina for prices and availability.
Fishing
Submerged trees left after the filling of Lake Sonoma provide excellent underwater
habitat for a wide variety of game fish. As a result, it produces some of the
best bass fishing in the state. Various pan fish, such as Sacramento perch, channel
catfish, sunfish and bluegill, are also abundant.
Go
here for a current fishing report
Boating Rules
All Coast Guard and California navigation and boat operation rules apply.
Several areas on the lake are designated for water-skiing and some areas are no
wake. Check with the visitor center or a Park Ranger for specific information.
* There is a 50 mph maximum speed limit on this lake.
* Children under 12 are required to wear a "life jacket" while underway.
Safety Recommendations
This lake is a popular boating area. In order to assure the enjoyment
and safety of all please remember...
* Respect all boaters and non-boaters alike.
* Wear your life jacket.
* Always keep a lookout.
* Take a Safe Boating Course.
* Don't boat and drink.
Trails
More than 40 miles of trails weave through redwood groves and oak woodlands
that surround Lake Sonoma. Hikers, mountain bike and horseback riders will delight
in the beautiful areas open for exploration. To avoid conflicts, some trails have
limited use. Trails are closed to bikes and horse travel during the wet season,
generally from November 1 through the end of April. Call the visitor center for
details. A detailed brochure on the trail system is available at the visitor center.
How to read
a topographic map
Lone
Rock to Little Flat Hike
Southlake
to Quicksilver Hike
Lake Sonoma's Trail Map
Picnicking At Lake Sonoma
In addition to the picnic tables scattered at various locations in our
park, Lake Sonoma has two major picnic areas - the Warm Springs Recreation Area
and the Yorty Creek Recreation Area.
Warms Springs Recreation Area
The Warm Springs Recreation Area located below the dam has a number of
picnic sites. We have six group picnic areas that cost $50.00 each to rent and
can be reserved up to a year in advance through the NRRS. The area includes two
sand volleyball courts, a playground, and lawn area for sports of games and shelters
over the group area. The Visitor Center and Fish Hatchery are also nearby. In
addition to the group picnic sites, the Warm Springs Recreation area also has
a number of free, single-table picnic sites. Certain activities, such as amplified
music, may require a special use permit; contact park headquarters for more details.
Warm Springs Recreation Area Information and Map
Reserving Warm Springs Group Picnic Areas
Group picnic sites are available through reservation by calling the toll-free
National Recreation Reservation Service (NRRS) at 1-877-444-6777 or visit the
website at www.ReserveUSA.com or www.reserveamerica.com.
Reservation Information
Sheet
Yorty Creek Recreation Area
A nice family area for picnicking, swimming, bank fishing, and picnics,
Yorty Creek is located far up the Dry Creek arm and can be accessed by car from
the city of Cloverdale. Facilities include chemical toilets, free sheltered picnic
areas, a car-top boat launch (no trailers allowed), and a swim beach. Sorry no
drinking water is available at Yorty Creek. Yorty Creek is managed as a day use
area. Boat-in campers wishing to launch and park overnight at Yorty Creek must
check in with the visitor center and obtain a parking permit to avoid receiving
a citation. Swim at your own risk, as there is no lifeguard on duty and please
keep an eye on your children. Sorry, no glass or dogs allowed on the swim beach. |
