Russian Gulch State Park Campground

California's Best Camping

Russian Gulch State Park, Mendocino Coast, CA
Russian Gulch State Park, Mendocino Coast, CA

Russian Gulch State Park Campground

Mendocino Coast


Russian Gulch State Park Campground

Russian Gulch State Park Campground is located along the Mendocino coast, 2 miles north of the town of Mendocino. At first glance, the park appears to be confined to a narrow creek valley and a small beach beneath a highway overpass. Those who explore further discover that the park includes two wonderful headlands with trails and many natural wonders, and that the park extends inland for miles with trails through fern canyons and past waterfalls. The park is also popular with kayakers and divers.

Russian Gulch State Park Campground features 26 campsites a short distance inland from the beach, spread along Russian Gulch Creek. All the campsites are well shaded and can accommodate small RVs, trailers, and tents. Russian Gulch also has a Horse Camp and a Group Campsite.

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Russian Gulch State Park Campground Basics
Russian Gulch State Park Campground Location: Highway 1, two miles north of Mendocino
Elevation: 50 feet
Mileage from gateway cities: Willits - 39 miles
Santa Rosa - 99 miles
Number of Sites: 26
Camping Season: Open May 1 to September
Max. People per Site: 8 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 1 driven and 1 legally towed (fee for additional vehicles)
Pets: on leash, always attended
Operated by California State Parks
Russian Gulch State Park Information (707) 937-5804

Reservations for Russian Gulch State Park Campground
Reservations recommended: Reservations can be made for camping dates in late March through early September; at other times sites are first-come, first-served.
Booking Window: Reservations taken from 2 days up to 6 months in advance of arrival.
Maximum RV/trailer Length: RV 24 feet, trailer 21 feet
Wheelchair Accessible Sites: #21
Fees: $45 per night ($40 during off-season)
Hike & Bike - $5 per person
Online Reservations at ReserveCalifornia: Russian Gulch State Park Campground Reservations
or call (800) 444-PARK (7275) between 8 AM and 6 PM
For horse camp reservations, call 707-937-5804
Check-in, check-out: 2:00 PM, check-out Noon

Russian Gulch State Park Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, food locker, grill and fire ring; no hook-ups
Campground: Restrooms with flush toilets, tap water
Campground Map: Russian Gulch State Park Campground Map - scroll down past Van Damme State Park
Showers: Yes
Dump station: No
Attractions near Russian Gulch State Park Campground:
  • Hike out to Devil's Punchbowl.
  • Kayak along the coast.
  • Wade, scuba dive, and explore tidepools at the beach when conditions are safe.
  • Hike the Waterfall Trail to the 36-tall falls.
  • Explore scenic Fern Canyon.
  • Enjoy some bird watching.
  • Head out cycling and mountain biking on some trails and roads.


Russian Gulch State Park Horse Camp, Mendocino coast

Russian Gulch State Park Horse Camp

Russian Gulch State Park Horse Camp

Russian Gulch State Park has a Horse Camp located inland, off County Road 409 (Caspar-Little Lake Road). The campground has several corrals, fire rings, and a well for pumping water for horses. Good riding trails are found in the park.
Fee: $35 per night
Reservations: (707) 937-5804


Russian Gulch State Park Group Campsite

Russian Gulch State Park has one group tent campsite for between 9 and 40 people and up to 10 vehicles. The maximum vehicle length is 27 feet. The group site is open from late March through early September.
Fee: $140 per night
Reservations: Russian Gulch State Park Campground Reservations

Russian Gulch State Park Campground, Mendocino coast

Russian Gulch State Park Campground


Russian Gulch State Park Campground, Mendocino coast

Russian Gulch State Park Campground

Mendocino Coast
Attractions and Activities

Visitors to Mendocino enjoy driving along the coast and exploring the little beaches and rocky points. Campers at Russian Gulch State Park Campground are close to many of the best attractions along the coast.

  • Visit Van Damme State Park with a nice beach for kayaking and diving and great inland hiking trails.
  • Point Arena Lighthouse stands on a rugged point of land. Take a lighthouse tour.
  • Mountain bike along dirt roads.
  • Hike around the Point Arena-Stornetta Public Land.
  • Take a trip to Africa at the B. Bryan Preserve near Point Arena. See Africa's hoofed animals such as Greater Kudu, zebras, and giraffes.
  • Take an adventurous hike down to Bowling Ball Beach to see the amazing spheres of rock in the surf at low tide.
  • Visit the quaint town of Mendocino and walk along the Mendocino Headlands.
  • Poke around famous Glass Beach near Fort Bragg and then stop in town for dinner.
  • Mendocino coast beaches are generally considered too dangerous for wading and swimming, but some sheltered beaches and inlets can be safe under favorable conditions. Before entering the water, always check with park rangers about the safety of a particular beach.

Key Russian Gulch State Park Campground Regulations

  1. Dogs must be on leash and always attended. Dogs are not permitted on most trails. At night they must be confided to a vehicle or tent from 10 PM to 6 AM.
  2. Fires may only be lit in provided fire rings.
  3. Purchase firewood locally to avoid bringing in pests.

    Check Russian Gulch State Park for any campground updates.

General Camping Information

Opening and closing dates of campgrounds are only estimates, usually dependent on weather conditions. Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths.

In order to prevent the spread of invasive insects, obtain firewood locally.

Accessible Sites

Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate.