Bullfrog Pond Campground
Austin Creek SRA

Austin Creek State Recreation Area, California
Austin Creek State Recreation Area, California

Bullfrog Pond Campground
Austin Creek SRA


Bullfrog Pond Campground

Notice: "As of August 19, 2020 the fires have burned through Bullfrog Pond Campground. Please be patient as we gather more information. CAMPGROUND CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE" (still closed, 1/16/2024) Check for updates at Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods - Bullfrog Pond Campground

Bullfrog Pond Campground is within the Austin Creek State Recreation Area, 6 miles north of Guerneville and adjacent to Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. Visitors to the area enjoy miles of trails winding among the redwoods and following gurgling creeks. Cyclists can explore both parks on paved and dirt roads, but not on the trails. When trail conditions allow, horseback riding is popular in the parks.

Bullfrog Pond Campground has 23 attractive campsites along a looping road next to Bullfrog Pond. Sixteen of the sites can be reserved ahead of arrival, others are available first-come, first-served. For the first-come, first-served sites, campers are asked to register at the Armstrong kiosk; or, if it is closed, self-register at the campground. During times of high fire danger, campfires will not be allowed. Campsites 21 - 24 are in the open with limited shade by the pond while other sites are back among the trees.

Austin Creek State Recreation Area has 3 back-country primitive campsites which are several miles from the trailhead. Permits for their use are required.

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Bullfrog Pond Campground Basics
Bullfrog Pond Campground Location: 17000 Armstrong Woods Road, Guerneville, CA
Elevation: 680 feet
Mileage from gateway cities: San Francisco - 80 miles, 2:01
Santa Rosa - 26 miles, 55 minutes
Number of Sites: 23
Campging Season: Open year-round
Max. People per Site: 8 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 1 vehicle (fee per night for 2nd vehicle)
Pets: on leash, always attended
Operated by Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods for California State Parks
Austin Creek Information (707) 869-9177 ext. 3# (Monday - Friday) or on weekends (707) 869-2015

Reservations at Bullfrog Pond Campground
Reservations available: Reservations are available for most campsites through Hipcamp
Booking Window: Reservations can be made up to 7 months in advance of arrival date.
Maximum RV/trailer Length: 20 feet maximum per vehicle, no trailers
Wheelchair accessible Sites: None designated, but some may be accessible
Fees: Standard sites - $35 per night
Campground Map: Bullfrog Pond Campground Map
Online Reservations through Hipcamp: Bullfrog Pond Campground Reservations
Check-in, check-out: 2:00 PM, check-out Noon

Bullfrog Pond Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, fire ring; no hook-ups
Campground: Restrooms with flush toilets, tap water
Showers: No
Dump station: No
Attractions near Bullfrog Pond Campground: Bullfrog Pond is open to fishing. Explore many of the area trails and dirt roads such as East Austin Creek Fire Road, Gilliam Creek Trail, and McCray Ridge Fire Road. Visit Pond Farm Pottery.
In adjacent Armstrong Redwoods hike on wonderful nature trails among the redwood (some accessible). Stop at the Visitor Center.




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. If using a reservation website, check to be sure your vehicles will fit in the parking space for your campsite.

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


Russian River Area
Attractions and Activities

The Russian River is one of the most popular recreation areas in the north bay. Campers at Bullfrog Campground have only a short drive to many places of interest.


Key Bullfrog Pond Campground Regulations

  1. Vehicles more than 20 feet long or towing trailers are not permitted on the narrow, steep park road to Bullfrog Campground.
  2. Dogs must be on leash, always attended. Dogs are not permitted on fire roads or trails. Dogs must be kept in a vehicle or tent from 10 PM to 6 AM.
  3. Obtain firewood locally to avoid bringing in pests. Collecting of firewood is not permitted in the park. Firewood is available for sale at the entrance station.
  4. Fires are allowed only in established fire rings.
  5. Quiet Hours are from 10 PM to 6 am.
  6. Generators may only be operated between the hours from 10 AM to 8 PM.

    Check California State Parks - Austin Creek State Recreation Area for any campground updates.