Russian Gulch State Park

CA-1, Mendocino, CA 95460, United States

Contact: 7079375804

https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=432

$40per night

RV/TrailersThis campground allows RVs or Trailers at some campsites

This campground has NO Electric hookups

This campground has NO sewer hookups

This campground has NO water hookups

This campground has showers on site

This campground is pet-friendly. Bring your pals!

This campground has accessibility campsites and features

Updated 2024-08-03

Overview

Located along the Mendocino coast, Russian Gulch features 30 standard sites, 4 sites with corrals for equestrians, and a single group site. Each standard site is limited to three vehicles under 24 feet in length. The group site can fit 9–40 guests and a maximum of 10 vehicles that are under 27 feet in length.

There are no hookups available, but the campground has a dump station, showers, and restrooms. The horse camps have corrals, drinking water for horses, and fire rings. The campground is only open from May through Labor Day, and the summer is the peak season.

In addition to staying within the campground, dogs are allowed on the beach and any trails west of Highway 1. Horses are allowed on some trails.

Best Campsites at Russian Gulch State Park

Below are Power Camper’s recommended sites if you want to have the best experience at Russian Gulch Park Campground.

Most Private Sites: #27–30

Located at end of a row
No sites on opposite side of campground road
Quick access to bathrooms and trails
Not far from showers and parking
Downside: farthest from picnic area

Most Convenient Sites: #20–24

Next to bathrooms and showers
Quick access to North Trail
Centrally located within the campground
ADA-accessible site at #21

Unique Experiences

Head out to see Frederick W. Panhorst Bridge and the Devil’s Punchbowl, a famous hole that’s over 100 feet wide where waves crash and echo at high tide.
Take a trip to see the nearby Point Area Lighthouse on a daytime stop or a spooky nighttime tour.
Hike over to the rocky areas in Russian Gulch to watch abalone divers or give it a try yourself!
Launch a canoe or kayak straight out of the cove at Russian Gulch to explore the stunning ocean views by boat.

Russian Gulch State Park Campground Rules

Max Trailer/RV Length

27 Feet

Max People per Site

Max Vehicles per Site

Fires allowed?

Only in designated fire rings

Pets allowed?

Yes

Russian Gulch State Park Reservation Information

Reservations Allowed?

Reservations Required?

Yes

Reservations must be made either online at www.reservecalifornia.com or by phone at 1-800-444-7275. All sites within the main campground are the same, and no hookups or upgrades are available. The cost of a standard site is $40 per night. Reservations are subject to a $7.99 booking fee.

Reservations for the horse camps must be coordinated with the sector office at (707) 937-5804. These sites are available for $35 per night.

Ensure you have the following information to make a reservation:

Park selections
Date you wish to start camping
Type and size of camping equipment
Number of people that will occupy the campsite
Number of nights you wish to camp
Alternative park and camping date choices
Your phone number and area code
Method of payment/Credit card number and expiration date
Mailing address

Group Camping Reservations

The group camp costs $140 per night and can accommodate 9–50 guests. Vehicles are limited to 10, and the maximum length is 27 feet. Visit www.reservecalifornia.com or call 1-800-444-7275 to reserve the group site. All group reservations will be charged a $7.99 booking fee.

Campsite Reservation Cancellations

To cancel your reservation at the main campground, call 1-800-444-7275 or visit www.reservecalifornia.com. You will lose your original $7.99 reservation fee and be charged an additional $7.99 cancellation fee. If you’re canceling after 6 p.m. the day prior to your planned arrival, you will also be charged the cost of one night’s stay.

Cancelations for the horse camps should be discussed with the sector office at (707) 937-5804.

Russian Gulch State Park Campground Cost

Standard Campsite

$40

Horse camp Site

$35

Group Campsite

$140

Activities

Whale Watching

Fishing

Swimming

Hiking

Scuba Diving

Bike Trails

Boating

Horseback Riding

Photography

Surfing / Windsurfing

Amenities

RV/Trailers

Hookups

Pull Through Spots

Pet Friendly

ADA Sites

Showers

Wifi

Cell Service

Storage Lockers

Campfire Rings

Grills

Picnic Tables

Potable Water

Russian Gulch State Park Campground Map

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Directions

FAQs

Does Russian Gulch campground have showers?

How much is it to camp at the Russian Gulch State Park?

Does Russian Gulch allow dogs?

Why is it called Russian Gulch?

Nearby Campgrounds to Russian Gulch State Park

Russian Gulch is a unique setting that combines forests, wildflower meadows, and rocky outcroppings for a highly diverse beach experience. This distinguishes it from other local campgrounds that emphasize forests and fields over a beach setting.

As a small campground with basic amenities, campers who prefer more comfortable accommodations would be better choosing alternatives with full hookups. Russian Gulch stands out because of its affordable price, its dog-friendly policies, and its unique horse camps for equestrian campers.

Van Damme State Park

Van Damme is located close to Russian Gulch, so the surrounding environment is similar. The campground at Van Damme is a bit more developed. Campers have access to the Visitor Center and Campfire Center. That’s also a hike-and-bike campsite, an en-route site for RVs that are passing through overnight, and a dump station. The cost of a standard site is $45.

Mackerricher State Park

Mackerricher State Park has three camping areas: West Pinewood, East Pinewood, and Surfwood. There are 75 mixed-use sites, 37 tent-only sites at East Pinewood, and 10 walk-in sites for tents.

Mackerricher also has two group sites and a hike-and-bike campground. Camping is $45 in the peak season or $40 per night for the rest of the year. Walk-in sites are slightly cheaper at $25 per night. Dogs are allowed in some parts of the park.

Mendocino Grove Campground

Mendocino Grove Campground is a privately owned facility with tents of varying sizes for camping. Tents are grouped into six “neighborhoods” of 8–10 tents each. Each tent can accommodate 2–6 guests at a time, and group tents are available.

The nightly rate can range from $199 to $299, making this a far more expensive camping option than Russian Gulch. The group and family tents are over $300 per night. Dogs are allowed in some sites.

Albion River Campground

Albion River Campground has 17 RV sites with full hookups and 90 mixed-use sites with partial hookups (no sewer) that can accommodate RVs or tents. The campground has restrooms, showers, boat rentals, a camp store, and a boat launch. There is no direct access to the ocean. Full hookups cost $63 per night, and partial hookups are $53.