The Casini Ranch Family Campground in Duncans Mills has been named one of the top unique camping spots in the country by Campspot. (Sonoma County Tourism)

Casini Ranch named among most unique campgrounds in the US

by · The Mercury News

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Spring is on the horizon and with the weather getting warmer, it is a perfect time to start planning camping trips. Sonoma County has a wide array of stunning campsites, including one that is a 2026 winner of the national Campspot Awards.

The Casini Ranch Family Campground in Duncans Mills has been named one of the top unique campgrounds in the country, according to the camping website Campspot.

The Campspot award winners “stand out for their distinctive charm, offering experiences that can’t be found anywhere else,” according to the site.

Only a short drive from the Sonoma Coast, Casini Ranch Family Campground, which has been open since 1965, is nestled among pretty hills. The family-owned and operated RV park and campground sits on a 110-acre ranch that is next to a meandering stretch of the Russian River.

Casini Ranch features a mile of riverfront property allowing campers to “paddle the Russian River, feed horses, spend the day fishing, or fly high on a jumping pillow,” according to Campspot.

A horse stands on a hill overlooking the Casini Ranch Family Campground in Duncans Mills on Wednesday, February 17, 2021. (Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat) Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat
A Casini Ranch Family Campground sign hangs on the Recreation Hall building in Duncans Mills. (Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat) Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat
A campground full of friends of the Boland, Evans, Leone and Zapp families gather at Casini Ranch Family Campground in Duncans Mills, Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021 for Friendsgiving. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat) 2021 

The Willow Creek recreation area, part of Sonoma Coast State Park, is adjacent to the Casini campground, making it convenient for campers to enjoy hikes on miles of trails. Touring bikes are available to rent from the campground, in addition to golf carts and watercrafts from the Boat Shack (open May through October).

The campground offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy a variety of activities, including arts and crafts, basketball, volleyball, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming and horseshoe pits. During the busy season and holidays, Casini Ranch hosts family-friendly events such as bonfires, hayrides, movie nights, dance parties, ice cream socials, themed weekends and Halloween activities.

Tom Schmidt, of Novato, fishes with his daughter, Isabella, 10, on the beach at Casini Ranch Family Campground, along the Russian River, in Duncans Mills on Wednesday, February 17, 2021. (Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat) Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat
The Moscow General Store stands at the entrance to the Casini Ranch Family Campground in Duncans Mills on Wednesday, February 17, 2021. (Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat) Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat

Other unique Campspot camping award winners 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 may choose to camp, if you want to be a happy camper, it is best to make a plan as early as possible and check availability.

Casini Ranch Family Campground, 22855 Moscow Road, Duncans Mills, 1-800-451-8400, casiniranch.com

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