Worst campground experience EVER. First the good stuff: The amenities are good, the area are nice, its right outside the city, so plenty of opportunities to go for groceries or even dinner if campground food isnt yours. Nice trails right behind the campground that (if you go all the way up the steep paths) provide a pretty view of Napa valley. So, now to the bad experiences: Tent camping is not (as usually) on dedicated camp sites but instead a plain grass field of a decent size. This is not a bad thing, its nice rather as you can choose wherever you want to put your tent. BUT: we had a reservation for two people, and apparantly (NOT AT ALL obvious on the website) you have to pay every for TENT no matter how many people are sleeping in it. Each of us had a tiny one-person tent since we were backpacking and needed light luggage. In other words, if we would have had a huuuuuuuge tent in which both of us would sleep together, we would have had to pay only once. This does not make a lot of sense to me. Not at all really. We had set up our tents already without knowing about this weird "rule" (since it was NOT AT ALL clear on the website), and the lady who was on duty came by on her golf cart and told us to pay the fee for the second tent as well. No reasoning possible whatsoever. Her excuse "these are the parks rules, I cannot do anything about it", was obviously a very coward excuse, and she was not willing to understand our situation (only two tiny tents) and make a compromise (e.g., discount or half-price). SO I ended up paying (what else could I have done). It is $45 per tent btw, so already kind of steep pricing for a campground without parking near the tent sites, no ACTUAL tent sites anyway, and a campground near a city and not in very pretty surroundings. I am very frustated about this, I have been in SO MANY different campgrounds all over the US, and never encountered such a situation and stubbornness on side of the campground staff who are usually so nice. Additionally, the "tent site grass area" itself wasnt very pleasant anyway. SO MUCH trash all over the grass, METAL NAILS (supposedly left over STAKES from previous campers) so deep in the very hard soil (but STICKING OUT!), that we could not take them out (and we TRIED). In addition, even though there were small grills and communal fire-pits, you were not allowed to use them. Not because of California wild-fire risk (which I would totally understand), but because someone burned down the campground a couple years back (which sucks, and I am sorry, but this doesnt mean everyone will burn it down and firepits and grills are rather safe...).... I will not return. And I cannot recommend this place to anyone. Summary: This campground is dirty, dangerous, overpriced and not accommodating AT ALL. Decide for yourself, but I will NOT go back. I gave one star because of the nice-ish trails behind the campground (which you can visit even without staying at the...
Read moreA nice place for a hike. I've hiked here multiple times over the past 20 years and it's always a good experience. This is the first time I've been here since the Atlas Fires. There are a lot of trails and many possible routes that can be combined. On this visit we hiked Lake Marie Road up to Lake Marie and walked back down mostly along on the Skyline Tail. There are a lot of nice views along the Skyline Trail. From the parking lot to Lake Marie there is a net ascent of ≈ 1000 feet over about 2 miles so the walk is not an easy one. I have visited the native plant garden near the parking lot but on this visit did not have time to do so. It is worth visiting. If hiking the entrance fee is $5 for a car. Mountain bikes are allowed on most of the trails and a car with a bike is $6 to enter. On this visit the spring flowers were somewhat sparse but I have been here in the past when they've been vibrant. If hiking in the middle of the day be sure to wear sunscreen as there are a lot of trails that are exposed.
As I said earlier this was my first visit to the park since the Atlas Fires of 2017. There was some damage but I did not notice much of it on the trails that I was on and how I remembered them being in the past. I believe that there was some more fire damage on the trail that goes over Sugarloaf Peak and the Tuteur Loop that goes over the Tuteur property but I did not see it. I am only surmising based on what I've read and heard. The Tuteur Loop was closed but I believe it is now open. If planning on hiking that way check at the gate...
Read moreI recently visited Skyline Wilderness Park, and it exceeded all my expectations. Nestled in the picturesque hills of Napa Valley, this park offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and recreational activities.
The hiking trails are well-maintained and provide stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Whether you're an experienced hiker seeking a challenge or a casual walker looking to enjoy nature, there's a trail for everyone. I particularly enjoyed the variety of terrain, from shady forested paths to open meadows dotted with wildflowers.
For those interested in history, the park also features fascinating remnants of the area's past, including old stone walls and mining relics. It adds an extra layer of intrigue to the hiking experience.
In addition to hiking, there are ample opportunities for other outdoor activities such as mountain biking and horseback riding. The park's extensive network of trails ensures that there's always something new to explore.
The facilities at Skyline Wilderness Park are top-notch. Clean restrooms, picnic areas, and ample parking make it convenient for visitors to spend the day enjoying the outdoors. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, providing helpful tips and information about the park's features.
Overall, my experience at Skyline Wilderness Park was nothing short of fantastic. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, history buff, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, I highly recommend a visit to this hidden gem in...
Read more