Austin Creek State Rec Area

The Bullfrog Pond Campground is a great camping area peacefully tucked into the redwoods. We were able to talk our way into a last minute walk-up, and despite being a super busy weekend, the place was quiet and pleasant. The bathrooms—which only had toilets—were clean. It was a bit buggy and hot, but considering the time of year that’s par for the course.

This is a great camping spot fairly secluded from the nearby towns.

The campground is a 10-15 minute drive beyond the ranger check-in station, and offers great views, a nice little pond, bathrooms and potable water.

There are some great hikes nearby, either back down into the valley to the park entrance or out west toward East Austin Creek.

The hike out toward East Austin Creek can be done as an approximately 9-mile loop via the Gilliam Creek Trail and then back via the East Austin Creek Fire Road. The trails converge about halfway to give you the option of a 4.5-mile loop. The Gilliam Creek Trail involves a lot of creek crossings, so in the winter or after a storm be prepared to get wet.

The hike back down toward to park entrance can be done via a few different trails and does require you to hike back up, so save some energy for climbing.

The campground is close enough to Guerneville and Monte Rio that is can be a great spot to use as home base while exploring the West Sonoma County Redwoods and Russian River, or for just going out for a restaurant meal for a nice break while camping.