Bullfrog Pond Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

Not far from Guerneville. Incredible view from the top of the campsites area. The walk-in camp sites actually have better setups albeit a little less private.

The campground definitely feels and removed from city life.

One lane road access that would be intimidating at night.

Highly recommend

Many people do not not know this gem is here. Right by Armstrong Redwoods State Park there is a steep winding road at the end of which there is literally a pond.  The campsites are aound the pond -  some actually on the pond and some in the woods around.  So depending on your sun tolerance pick your site accordingly.

You feel you are so far from the world when you are not.

Also there are at least two hike in campsites in this wilderness area - primitive - that we have backpacked into.  They have tables, fire rings and pit toilets in the back country sites. So we have used the campground at the pond to start and finish our backpacking. Remember you will need a permit for the backpacking sites but they are first come first served sites.

The pond sites are again first come and first served. Well maintained facilities - nothing fancy - no showers.

I have mixed feelings about this place. Beautiful surroundings and location, but actual campsites are meh. The campground is run by a non-profit that imposes very strict rules. Dogs are only allowed in the campsites (on 6’ leash) or on paved paths. There are sites kinda in trees up the hill that are very close together. Or sites near the pond that are very exposed but more spacious. The pond is (obviously) full of bullfrogs so the sound is either annoying or a lullaby, depending on your attitude. Site 1 is the best. It’s at the end of the park, nestled under a crown a redwood trees. 

The real selling point of this place is the location. It’s situated above a very charming summer escape town called Guerneville along the Russian River. Buy an inflatable at the 5&Dime and float down the river. Followed by a quiet night up at camp. The park is squarely in wine country so go wine tasting for lunch and get a shuttle back to camp.

For those of you that have been to Armstrong redwoods DON'T expect this to be you throwing up a tent under the redwoods. The entrance to the campground is located at the back of the park and you drive up a very winding, bumpy one lane road for about 10 minutes before you reach the campgrounds. There is a camp host at site 4 and the grounds are maintained quite well. Even the bathroom is a normal bathroom and kept clean. The site vary in size and many are on a hill so they are not exactly flat. Back to the redwoods, there are a few floating around but it is nothing like being in Armstrong redwoods.

Bullfrog campground is located in Armstrong woods (Guerneville, CA). It's on top of a rugged drive up the woods and they are first come first serve basis. It's a close drive to the Russian river, but more tucked away from all the tourists. You can do some tough hill hikes through the Oaks or easier hikes through the Redwoods which remind me a lot of Muir Woods (but less crowded than that).

you reserve your spot ahead of time. we made the reservation in March and the earliest we could get was the end of July by that point. We had spot number 23 but I think 24 or 21 would have been the best for shade and privacy. THERE ARE NO SHOWERS HERE! we did not know this before hand. There are a million nice hikes, bike riding and views. There were also animals everywhere. Take bug spray though because I didn’t and I am paying for it!

Tons of fun! Located in the beautiful Redwood Forest in Guerneville, CA. Bull Frog Pond is on top of the mountain so the views of the forrest and valleys below are AMAZING!!! Besides all of the nature activities (hiking, bird watching, fishing, etc..) you can do on your own there is the town of Guerneville a very short drive away with a wide range of activities to do. Sometimes the Stewards of the Redwood Coast hosts classes or hikes in Armstrong that's a must if you are going to be around. This is a great centrally located campground if you are wanting to explore the Russian River Valley.