Schoolhouse Canyon is a beautiful campground nearly hidden among groves of redwoods and eucalyptus trees. The facilities are clean, the sites are well-spaced, and the atmosphere is peaceful. If your idea of camping is to get drunk and be loud until midnight, this is not the place for you.

Hot showers and firewood are available for purchase, and tubes are available for rent.

River access is a 5-minute walk across River Road and down a beautiful path through the riparian forest to a lovely pebble beach with plenty of shade and a couple picnic tables. The water is deep enough for swimming and floating, but there is enough shallow water for wading. There is a path upriver that leads to a spot you can put in your tube for a 30-minute float back down to the beach. There are also stand-up paddle-board rentals and lessons available.

Guerneville is a 10-minute drive from the campground for supply runs, entertainment, and some really great food and wine.

Importantly, the property has been in the family for generations, and you can tell that the ownership takes great pride in providing an authentic, nostalgic camping experience for their guests. This was my first time camping here, but it won't be my last.