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Established Camping

Russian Gulch State Park Campground

Warning 1 Alert is In Effect

There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!

Beginning December 1, all parks in the Mendocino Sector (Hendy Woods SP, MacKerricher SP, Russian Gulch SP, and Van Damme SP) will have a 7-day limit on all reservations year round for all sites (cabins, family sites, and group camps).

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Russian Gulch State Park Campground, near Mendocino, California, is a picturesque retreat that offers a blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. With its serene setting, visitors can enjoy the soothing sounds of a nearby creek and explore lush hiking trails that lead to stunning coastal views.

The campground features well-spaced sites surrounded by trees, providing a sense of privacy and seclusion. Campers appreciate the clean facilities, including restrooms and showers, making it easy to stay comfortable during your visit. As one camper noted, “This is a lovely, peaceful campsite with so many positives,” highlighting the well-maintained amenities.

Just a short walk away, you’ll find a small beach perfect for a relaxing day by the water or launching kayaks into the bay. The area is also known for its beautiful hiking trails, including the Fern Canyon trail, which offers breathtaking scenery and a chance to connect with nature. Whether you’re looking to unwind or embark on an adventure, Russian Gulch State Park Campground has plenty to offer.

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Location

Russian Gulch State Park Campground is located in California

Detail location of campground

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

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    Verified by 2 users

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Connectivity

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Access

  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • 30 Amp Hookups
  • 50 Amp Hookups

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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

11 Reviews

Reviewed Jun. 23, 2024

Surprised in Mendocino

Serene, Beautiful, clean bathrooms, spacious Tucked away off the hwy we were surprised by the sound of babbling creek and the little bridges that meanders through this campground

Site8
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Russian Gulch State Park Campground by B C., June 23, 2024
  • next to campsite
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  • Review photo of Russian Gulch State Park Campground by B C., June 23, 2024
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Sep. 14, 2023

Good location, - a little pricey

Location is great but $45 for no hookups is a bit much. Not sure why Dyrt is saying there are any hookups, only one I saw was at the camp host. I agree with other reviews that state some sites are super close together with little privacy. Lucky I got #22, it was perfect for an 18’ van. There is NO cell service, bathrooms are clean but you have to pay for showers. Hiking trails along the coast are really nice.

Site22
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Russian Gulch State Park Campground by jessica , September 14, 2023
  • Review photo of Russian Gulch State Park Campground by jessica , September 14, 2023
  • Review photo of Russian Gulch State Park Campground by jessica , September 14, 2023
Reviewed Oct. 2, 2021

Gorgeous Location

This is a lovely, peaceful campsite with so many positives. Great hiking trails, a small protected beach, helpful camp host, and well-maintained showers and flush toilets. Larger beaches and the postcard town of Mendocino are just a couple miles away if you want a change of scenery.

There are a couple things I wish I’d known in advance. The sites are on the small side, and most don’t have two trees large enough to string a hammock or a run line for a dog. Some of the sites aren’t as private, so it’s worth checking a map before booking. I stayed in 27, which was a beautiful spot, but the sites on that side of the creek get almost no sun during the day, so everything was a little damp all the time.

Those were all small things I can work around the next time I visit, which I absolutely plan to do again.

Site27
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Russian Gulch State Park Campground by Marcia M., October 2, 2021
  • Review photo of Russian Gulch State Park Campground by Marcia M., October 2, 2021
  • Review photo of Russian Gulch State Park Campground by Marcia M., October 2, 2021
Reviewed Aug. 14, 2020

Great Spot

I like this a little better than Van Damm down the road because of the small private beach which never appears crowded. You do have road noise but it really is not bad.

Great little tent camping spots and a fabulous group tent camping spot.  From the small beach you can play in the waves and launch protected kayaks into the small bay.  On the right day there are some tidepools (not a lot).  A stream runs through camp and empties on to the beach.

Great Fern Canyon trail and waterfall trail back in the gorge.

You can explore all the Mendoconio Coast from here.

Sites are well spaced and protected. Tables, fire rings and food storage.  Nice rest rooms with showers.  I like the lower loop along the creek and thes sites at the end, near the beginning of the fern canyon trail are choice.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Russian Gulch State Park Campground by MarinMaverick , August 14, 2020
Reviewed Jul. 30, 2019

Hidden gem

Got Lucky and got a spot without a reservation for a night, I was impressed. Awesome spot, beautiful area; lots of trees with a creek running through the campsites! Short walk to a beach that’s under a bridge. Restrooms are very clean with flushing toilets.

  • Review photo of Russian Gulch State Park Campground by Tim , July 30, 2019
  • Review photo of Russian Gulch State Park Campground by Tim , July 30, 2019
  • Review photo of Russian Gulch State Park Campground by Tim , July 30, 2019
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Sep. 29, 2018

Great Coastal Location

While this campground is set off from the highway it is very busy on weekends from tourists out for the day.  Lush setting with the hike and bike area located near showers and restrooms. Campsite includes a table and fire pit.  Within walking distance of the beach and a short drive to coastal towns.

SiteHike and Bike
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Russian Gulch State Park Campground by Tim J., September 29, 2018
  • Review photo of Russian Gulch State Park Campground by Tim J., September 29, 2018
  • Review photo of Russian Gulch State Park Campground by Tim J., September 29, 2018
Reviewed Jul. 30, 2018

Peaceful and gorgeous!

This small campground has a wonderful host, clean amenities, a wonderful smell, and a fabulous beach to play on.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Russian Gulch State Park Campground by Jan B., July 30, 2018
  • Stream in campground.
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Reviewed Jul. 7, 2018

Beautiful, private campsites

Been here a couple of times.. the campsites are so beautiful and surrounded by trees. We couldn’t even see our neighbor, it was private and secluded. The view from the top of the hill was breathtaking.

Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed May. 23, 2018

Secluded Camping near Mendocino

We stayed one night here in early October, after exploring the Mendocino area on a campervan road trip. Campsite was quiet and secluded, lots of trees so was pretty quiet and private. Clean bathrooms, drinking water was right next to our site. There were hiking trails right nearby, but sadly we arrived fairly late and were leaving the next morning so we didn't get to do much exploring. Area was pretty damp so a little chilly because of that. there were giant yellow banana slugs all over, which was pretty neat to see. Site had a picnic table and fire ring. Lots of open sites when we arrived (mid week in early Fall), no reservation needed. Convenient to explore Mendocino/Fort Bragg area, we took a walk around Mendocino and visited the glass beach. I would like to go back and explore the hiking there!

http://adventuresneaker.com/2017/03/23/california-road-trip-days-7-8-9-bodie-historic-ghost-town-lake-tahoe-russian-gulch-state-park/

Site29
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Russian Gulch State Park Campground by Carly E., May 23, 2018
  • Review photo of Russian Gulch State Park Campground by Carly E., May 23, 2018
  • Review photo of Russian Gulch State Park Campground by Carly E., May 23, 2018
  • (12) View All
Reviewed Jun. 29, 2016

Good group camping

Camped here Sept 2014 with a large group of friends in the group site. The bathrooms were close and clean. The group site was near the road used to reach the beach but traffic wasn’t a problem. The beach was really close which was nice for an evening stroll. The group site was large enough with multiple picnic tables and a large square fire ring/bbq. Beautiful spot in a beautiful part of the coast.

  • Review photo of Russian Gulch State Park Campground by Brian K., June 29, 2016
Reviewed Jun. 12, 2016

coastal wonder

Site 15 was a gem! We felt it was quite secluded compared to others sites at CA state parks we have encountered and there was a nice creek running near the site as well. The hiking at this park is stellar. If heading to the northern CA coast again this will definitely deserve more nights- peaceful, clean, and lots of explore in the park/area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there photos of the campsites at Russian Gulch State Park?

Yes, photos of Russian Gulch State Park campsites are available online through various camping platforms and the California State Parks website. These images typically showcase the secluded, tree-lined sites that offer privacy between neighbors. Many sites feature picnic tables and fire pits nestled among lush greenery. Site 15 and Site 22 are particularly photogenic, with the former situated near a creek. The photos also highlight the campground's natural setting with trees providing shade and privacy, creating a peaceful forest atmosphere that makes this park special.

Is there a map of Russian Gulch State Park Campground?

Yes, maps of Russian Gulch State Park Campground are available through the California State Parks website and at the entrance station when you arrive. The map shows the layout of all campsites, including the group camping area, hiking trails, beach access points, and bathroom facilities. The campground is relatively small with sites arranged around a central loop, with some particularly desirable spots like #15 and #22 offering more privacy. For planning purposes, having a map is helpful to identify sites near the creek or closest to trails and amenities.

What do reviews say about Russian Gulch State Park Campground?

Russian Gulch State Park Campground receives high praise for its secluded, private campsites surrounded by trees that provide excellent separation between neighbors. Campers appreciate the clean, well-maintained bathrooms with flush toilets and showers. The location gets top marks for its proximity to a small, protected beach and excellent hiking trails accessible right from the campground. Visitors love the peaceful setting with a creek running through some sites, though some note the $45 fee for non-hookup sites seems steep. The campground's proximity to Mendocino and its helpful camp host are additional highlights.

How do I make camping reservations at Russian Gulch State Park?

Reservations for Russian Gulch State Park can be made through the California State Parks reservation system (ReserveCalifornia) online or by phone. It's advisable to book well in advance, especially for summer weekends and holidays when the campground fills quickly. The reservation window typically opens six months ahead. While walk-up spots are occasionally available during off-peak times, they can't be counted on. The campground offers both individual sites and a group camping area. When reserving, consider sites like #15 or #22 for more privacy and seclusion if they're available.