Russian Gulch State Park Campground is along the Mendocino coast, 2 miles north of the town of Mendocino.
At first glance, the Russian Gulch appears to be confined to a narrow creek valley and a small beach beneath a highway bridge. However, 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.
◊ Devils Punchbowl Trail - .75 miles - hike out the coast to this wonder; gaze down into gaping sinkhole with an underwater passage connecting to the ocean.
◊ Fern Canyon to Falls Loop Trail - 5.4 miles round trip to falls and back; 6.3 miles loop includes falls
◊ South Headlands Trail - 0.9 miles - hike out to headlands on south side of park
◊ South Trail - 1.1 miles - short trail along south side of canyon connecting to Fern Canyon Trail
◊ North Trail - traverses northern side of park, connecting to waterfall loop
◊ North Boundary Trail - 3 miles - follows the northern edge of the park, leads to Horse Camp
◊ SCUBA and free diving - experienced divers fish for abalone, explore underwater landscape
◊ Kayaking - gentle launch for Russian Gulch Beach, more experienced kayakers beyond the protected inlet
◊ Children - ranger led interpretive activities and Junior Ranger Program
◊ Mountain biking - ride 2 miles of Fern Canyon Trail and 2.8 miles of North Boundary Trail
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. Each campsite has a picnic table, fire ring with grill, and a food locker. Driveway surfaces are gravel. Russian Gulch also has a Horse Camp and a Group Campsite.
| 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) |
| Maximum Length of Stay::\ | 7 Nights |
| 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 Campground Information | (707) 937-5804 |
| Reservations for Russian Gulch State Park Campground | |
|---|---|
| Reservations recommended: | Russian Gulch State Park Campground 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 Hike & Bike - $10 per person Reservation fee - $8.25 |
| 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: | Check-in: 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: |
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| Updates | Last Updated April 2025 |
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 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
Russian Gulch State Park Campground
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.
Check for any campground updates:
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.
Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate.
Reviews from Previous Campers
2024