policies and Faq

FOR CAMPGROUND POLICIES PLEASE SEE BELOW THE HORSEBACK RIDING POLICIES

*RIDE TIMES VARY

*RIDES MAY BE CANCELLED BY THE RANCH DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER, DANGEROUS TRAIL CONDITIONS, ETC. IN WHICH CASE GUESTS WILL RECEIVE A FULL REFUND FOR THEIR RIDE

*RIDES CANCELLED BY GUESTS WITHIN 48 HOURS OF SCHEDULED RIDE WILL BE CHARGED THE FULL AMOUNT OF THE RIDE

*GUESTS WHO ARRIVE LATER THAN THEIR SCHEDULED ARRIVAL TIME ARE SUBJECT TO LOSE THAT RIDE TIME AND BE CHARGED THE FULL AMOUNT OF THE RIDE.  A NEW RIDE TIME MAY BE OFFERED BASED ON AVAILABILITY, BUT IS NOT GUARENTEED. 

Participant Qualification Standards

For safety reasons, participant must be in good physical condition and able to control the horse on the trail.  Participant must be able to start, stop, and turn the horse as well

as get on and off in the case of an emergency.  Participant must

be under 225 lbs.  Depending on the ride, participant must be over

8yrs or 12 yrs of age.  Legal Guardian must be onsite to sign waiver

for minors.  For safety reasons, participant must

understand the english language or have an interpreter present. 

For donkey rides participant must be over 3

years of age and under 70lbs.  A guardian must be available to

walk along with their minor on the donkey ride.

Q:When are you open?

A: We are open year round weather permitting.  We operate trail rides

7 days a week on the hour 8am to 3pm.

Q: Can you accomodate walk ins or same day customers?

A: We highly suggest making advanced reservations, but it is possible that

you could catch us between tours and be added to a tour same-day. 

Q: Can I trot or canter on the trail ride?

A: Our trails are considered scenic and rugged.  They are not

condusive for riding fast.  A horse may trot up a hill or speed up to 

catch up to the string, but we ask that our customers help us keep our

horses at a slow and steady walking pace.  The trails are exhilerating and

some are not for timid riders.

Please see "Horseback Riding" page for ride descriptions. 

Q: I have never ridden a horse before, can I go on a trail ride?  Is there an age minimum?

A: We offer trail rides for all level of riders, including beginners.  Riders must be at least 8yrs old or 12yrs old depending on the ride.  For children that are under 70 lbs and at least 3 years old we have hand led donkey rides.  Please check for availablility by calling 707-494-4449

Q: Do you have a weight limit for riders?

A:  Our weight limits are determined by the strength and ability of our horses.  At this time our weight limit is 225lbs.  If you are over 225 lbs, please give us a call before you book your ride and we will let you know if we have a horse available for you at that time.

Q:How many people are in each group?
A:One guide will be assigned for up to 6 people. If your group is larger than 6 you must book over the phone and we can discuss details.
Q:Can I take pictures while on the ride?
A:Cameras and cellphones may be brought and put in the guide's saddle bag for photos during the ride.  During your ride, the guide will take pictures of you with your camera or cellphone in front of our beautiful views.  

Q:Can I take a backpack with me?
A:No, you cannot bring bags, backpacks, or purses on the ride.  Please leave these items behind as we do not want you getting things from the bags and then dropping them on the trail.  
Q:Can I bring a water bottle?
A: Yes, if you have a personal water bottle you may bring it with you, otherwise we have bottled water at the ranch.  Sometimes for the shorter rides it is easier to get a drink before participating and let the horse do the work for you.    
Q:Can I ride in shorts?  
A:We strongly recommend long pants for your comfort and protection.
Q: Can I wear sandals or flip flops?
A: No open toed shoes are allowed on the ride.  Tennis shoes or sneakers are appropriate to wear and of course riding boots if you have them. 
Q:Can I wear a hat?
A: A baseball cap is fine to wear; however, a hat with a brim must be secured around your chin.
Q: Do I need to understand English to participate on the ride? 
A: One of the requirements to participate on our trail rides is to have the ability to understand the English language.  This requirement is for safety purposes and the need to respond appropriately to instructions given by our guides while on the horse.  
Q: What else should I wear/bring to my ride?

A: If you have your own riding helmet you are most welcome to bring that.   We do have helmets on hand if you don't have one, all minors are required to wear a helmet and we strongly suggest our adult customers wear them as well.  In the summer Lake Sonoma/Healdsburg area can be very hot during the day and cool in the mornings, so remember to dress appropriately for the weather forecasted for our area the day of your ride.   It is also recommended that you bring insect repellant that includes DEET.  Another great repellant is PERMETHRIN which is sprayed on clothing before your ride.  We also carry insect repellant at the ranch if you forget yours at home.   If you printed out your waiver online, your are most welcome to bring that as well!

Q: I am excited that The Ranch at Lake Sonoma is offering equestrian experiences at the park, what can I do to help?

A: The Ranch at Lake Sonoma is very grateful to give the public the opportunity to enjoy the largest and one of the most beautiful parks in Sonoma via horseback.  The best way to help is to review us on Google,  "Like" us on Facebook, mention us to your friends on social media, talk about us in town and for goodness sakes.... book your ride today! 

FOR CAMPGROUND POLICIES SEE BELOW HERE

*FOR COPIES OF OUR LIABILITY FORMS PLEASE SEND US A REQUEST BY E-MAIL

Campground Policies
We want to make your stay both pleasant and comfortable here at The Ranch at Lake Sonoma. As of 2025, The Campground is no longer associated with Lake Sonoma Marina, so it is important to know that entry to the Marina is not included with your stay. If you would like to drive down to the Marina an entry fee per vehicle is $20.   If you need any campground information that is not listed here give us a call at 707-494-4449. Please help us make your stay here more enjoyable through your cooperation with the following simple rules:

Age
You must be at least 18 years old in order to reserve a campsite and sign our Policies.  By signing these policies you are attesting that you are at least 18 years of age.​

Check-In
Check-in is between 1pm and 5pm on the day of arrival. If you will be coming in after 5pm, please let us know so we can text you after-hours arrival instructions to your tent/campsite. Your parking pass will be located on your number spur for your site.

Check-Out
Check-out before 11 a.m. on the day of departure. Please make arrangements with us prior to 10 a.m. if staying an extra night. Extra nights based on availability. If campsite is not clear by 11:30 a.m., a $30 fee will be added to your booking.

Quiet Hours
Quiet hours will be strictly enforced from 10pm to 8am.  This campground is a family friendly campground and is not a destination for noisy groups or parties. 
Our camp host patrols our property starting at 10pm to assure quiet hours are respected and reserves the right to ask guests to extinguish their fires and go to their tents.  We want everyone to enjoy their stay but we reserve the right to ask noisy guests who have been warned at least once to leave the premises without a refund.

Tables
There is one (1) picnic table per campsite. Do not take picnic tables from other sites. 

RV Guests
RVs are limited to 27' in length and can only be reserved in sites 1, 6, 8, 9 ,16, 17, 20 (20 is 20' max) Maximum night stay is 14 days. There are no water hookups or power hookups.  Many sites are unlevel due to the hilltop nature of the campground.

Tent Guests
If you are visiting the The Ranch for three or more days, please move your tent one tent-length on your third day. Maximum night stay is 14 days.

Vehicles 
All vehicles must display a valid parking permit. Your reservation includes parking for 1 vehicle.  A limit of 1 vehicle or 1 truck with trailer parked in each campsite.  Extra car fee is $30 per car.  For more than one car, extra cars can be parked in the Southlake Trailhead.  Max of 3 vehicles for each campsite. There is a hiking trail from the parking lot to the campground called the Southlake Trail, a 5 minute walk.
A vehicle without a proper parking permit is subject to tow at owner's expense.
Vehicles must not block the road or adjacent sites. We are not responsible for damage or theft to vehicles on the property. 
The speed limit is 5 MPH.  Road is one way, enter on the right, exiting to the left.

Visitors 
Campsites are limited to 6 guests per site.  Day visitors must register at The Ranch and purchase a parking permit and park in the Southlake Trailhead. Overnight visitors are not allowed.

Children
Parents are responsible at all times for their children’s safety and behavior. There are wild animals, poison oak, and other dangers associated with a wilderness area.  Please keep children close within eyesite.
Do not allow children to play in the roadway or near steep cliffside areas.

Cancellations
Please remember that reservations at these facilities prevent other visitors from using these sites. Planned changes to your stay should be made as far in advance as possible. There will be a $10 non-refundable change of date or cancellation fee before 24 hours of your reservation.  Within 24 hours of your reservation, your booking is non-refundable.

Pets
Animals must be kept on a leash at all times and may not be left unattended on the property. The Leash requirement is strictly enforced. Animals may not be tethered to utility fixtures, picnic tables, trees or fences. Animal waste must be picked up by the pet owner. Please respect Horses on the trails while walking your dog, many horses will kick in response to a dog coming close, causing a dangerous situation for both the dog and the rider.

Restrooms
At this time, The Ranch Campground only has portable restrooms.  This is something we will be upgrading in the near future but not likely this year.  If you would like to use a regular restroom and wash your hands or fill a water jug, we have a regular restroom at The Ranch 11am-5pm.  Take the Southlake Trailhead hiking trail to us during our open hours of 11am to 5pm.

Fires

Personal charcoal and propane grills are permitted. Do not put hot coals in garbage cans. Fires are permitted in designated firepits only. We reserve the right to prohibit or extinguish fires at any time. Especially during high wind or fire danger. The US Army Corps rules for Fires must be adhered to at all times.   Fireworks are prohibited on Ranch premises.

Garbage
Help us stay clean by depositing all garbage in the trash cans located throughout the Campground. Please do not overfill the garbage cans.

After-Hours Assistance
Please call (415)203 3800 for after hours assistance.  For emergencies please call (707)565-2121 for Sonoma County Sherriff or 911.S

All Campers Must Sign Policies and Waiver Attached prior to Camping at The Ranch