Hiking, kayaking, and coastal exploration draw campers to Russian Gulch State Park Campground, where a creek runs through the sites and empties onto a small, protected beach that rarely feels crowded. The Group Camping Area - Russian Gulch State Park sits just down the road for larger parties, while individual sites are tucked into a forested canyon with enough tree cover to keep things cool and damp, especially on the creek-side loop. That moisture is worth factoring in: sites on the west side of the creek get little direct sun, so gear and firewood can stay wet throughout a stay.
The campground has two distinct personalities depending on timing. Midweek and in the shoulder seasons, sites tend to be well-spaced and relatively uncrowded. Weekends bring day-use visitors from the highway, and some sites sit close enough together that privacy varies considerably. Site 22 has been noted as a good fit for vans up to 18 feet, while sites near the start of the Fern Canyon trail, at the far end of the lower loop, are frequently singled out by returning visitors. "Campsite was quiet and secluded, lots of trees so was pretty quiet and private," notes Carly E. of her stay.
Trails branch out directly from camp toward a waterfall in the gorge and along the coastal headlands. The small beach at the creek mouth gives access to wave play and protected kayak launches into the bay. Tidepools appear under the right conditions. Flush toilets and showers are on-site, though showers require payment. Cell service is inconsistent, with at least one recent reviewer reporting none at all.
Reservations are recommended, particularly for spring and summer. Nightly rates run $45 and up, with no hookups available for most sites despite what some listings indicate. The town of Mendocino and its glass beach are a short drive south, making the campground a reasonable base for those exploring places to camp around Mendocino and the broader Mendocino Coast. Banana slugs are a reliable sighting after rain. This campground suits hikers, paddlers, and van campers who want direct trail and beach access without full hookup infrastructure.
Description
Campground (sites 1-30)
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsRussian Gulch State Park Campground is located in California near Mendocino
Directions
The park is located two miles north of Mendocino on Highway 1.
Address
12301 N. Hwy 1, Box 1
Mendocino, CA 95460
Coordinates
39.33114513 N
123.798557 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 7/16/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 9 usersLast on 7/16/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 7/16/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 9 usersLast on 7/16/26
Access
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Electric Hookups
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
