Description

Right up the road from Van Damme State Park, this campground is a nice spot to stay if you plan to explore the Mendocino Coast. There are 29 campsites that are scattered along Russian Gulch Creek, and there is easy access to several trails and paths, including one to a charming waterfall not too far from the site.
Campsite area
Tent or RV sites
53 sites
Up to 40 guests per site
Up to 6 vehicles
No wheelchair access
Essentials
Campfires allowed
Toilet available
Pets allowed
Amenities
Potable water available
Showers available
Picnic table available

Activities

Offered near the campground.

Biking

While the park doesn’t have many non-paved options, it does have a paved three-mile bicycle trail.

Boating

While motorized boating isn’t really a thing at this park, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy exploring the waterways! Grab your...Read more

Fishing

Although there are some limitations for what you can fish for in the Russian Gulch, some fish that you can find (and keep) incl...Read more

Hiking

Russian Gulch has some unbelievably gorgeous options for hikers. Whether you are into waterfalls, fern lined canyons, or Redwoo...Read more

Horseback riding

Russian Gulch State Park boasts its own horse camp. You can park your trailer at the designated horse site (located on the Eas...Read more

Paddling

This is another great spot to get your kayak on! The Big River has an outlet to the sea, sea caves, and a great view of histori...Read more

Swimming

Swimming at Russian Gulch shouldn’t be overlooked - the water here is extraordinarily blue, making it a great place for a casu...Read more

Terrain

Natural features you'll find at Russian Gulch Campground.

Beach
Forest
Waterfall
Hipcamp makes it easy to find unique camping experiences.
Discover campsites, ranches, vineyards, farms, glamping, public parks and more.

32 Reviews

750
No one? Bueller? Sharing is caring, y'all.
Drop some Russian Gulch Campground knowledge on us.
Hipcamper Jess
Jess F.
didn't provide a recommendation.
August 14th, 2019

27 is the best site - one of the largest, quietest & definitely the most private/ furthest from neighbours. Sites 25, 26 & 28 are also good for the same reasons. 22 and 23 would be our choices if all the above are taken (nice, but slightly smaller). 21 is ADA and not really space for a tent. 18, 19 and 20 are more exposed, & sites 29 & 30 are basically on the same plot, so no privacy. Sites 1-20 have a risk of noise from the highway, if you're sensitive to that kind of thing (21-30 are VERY quiet traffic-wise). Overall definitely a more peaceful alternative to Van Damme, with hiking trails directly from the sites, and just under a ten minute drive from Mendocino.

Hipcamper Shannon
Shannon S.
didn't provide a recommendation.
March 31st, 2018

We stayed here. Our camp host, John was wonderful, even gifted us free firewood leftover from another camper, and mapped out a shortcut to the waterfalls (very helpful with three small kids!). The bathrooms were cleaned each morning and the showers were clean. One night, we had a loud, cursing neighbor who blasted his music, but overall, our experience was wonderful. The village of Mendocino is 2 miles away and fun to explore.

Hipcamper Lori
Lori C.
recommends this listing.
June 18th, 2017

Campsite #25 is the most private spot as it doesn't face any other spots and is bordered on both sides with thick, high and lush plants. A quietly burbling creek runs directly behind the campsite. #25 has it's own potable water spigot, the food locker looks brand new and is very clean and the two closest bathrooms have flush toilets, plentiful toilet paper, sinks, mirrors and interior lights. They are well-maintained and didn't smell at all. The fire ring's grate is bent though. Firewood can be delivered for $7/bundle from the camp host.

Hipcamper Kristal
Kristal B.
didn't provide a recommendation.
March 8th, 2017

Peaceful little campground near Mendocino. Encountered sea mammals and a couple of raccoons. It's under the highway, but you can't hear it from the campground. Cute little stream runs through the grounds. We stayed for two nights and really enjoyed this spot a few hours north of San Francisco! Great weekend getaway.

Hipcamper Rob & Anita M.
recommends this listing.
June 4th, 2019
Hipcamper Bonita P.
recommends this listing.
October 7th, 2018
Hipcamper Anna M.
recommends this listing.
October 3rd, 2018
Hipcamper Jonah B.
recommends this listing.
October 2nd, 2018
Hipcamper Julie M.
recommends this listing.
August 2nd, 2018
Hipcamper Breaun B.
recommends this listing.
July 10th, 2018
Hipcamper Katy Z.
recommends this listing.
June 28th, 2018
Hipcamper Nikki T.
recommends this listing.
May 31st, 2018
Hipcamper Silva T.
recommends this listing.
May 20th, 2018
Hipcamper Tani S.
recommends this listing.
April 2nd, 2018
Hipcamper Brandon G.
recommends this listing.
February 8th, 2018
Hipcamper Rosemary M.
recommends this listing.
February 5th, 2018
Hipcamper Kelly J.
recommends this listing.
December 1st, 2017
Hipcamper Lucie S.
recommends this listing.
November 3rd, 2017
Hipcamper Scott S.
recommends this listing.
October 23rd, 2017
Hipcamper John M.
recommends this listing.
August 5th, 2017
Hipcamper Olga N.
recommends this listing.
July 20th, 2017
Hipcamper Helen A.
recommends this listing.
June 24th, 2017
Hipcamper Shaffer M.
recommends this listing.
June 21st, 2017
Hipcamper Lydia K.
recommends this listing.
June 5th, 2017
Hipcamper Caitlyn L.
recommends this listing.
June 3rd, 2017
Hipcamper Katie M.
recommends this listing.
May 30th, 2017
Hipcamper Jessica S.
recommends this listing.
May 22nd, 2017
Hipcamper Scott A.
recommends this listing.
May 7th, 2017
Hipcamper Patrick K.
recommends this listing.
March 15th, 2017
Hipcamper Kristal B.
recommends this listing.
March 8th, 2017
Hipcamper Sarah A.
recommends this listing.
March 7th, 2017
Hipcamper Chris R.
recommends this listing.
March 3rd, 2017
Park
Russian Gulch State Park
State
California
Country
United States
Phone Number
(707) 937-5804
Directions
View on Google Maps
Official Website
View Website
Coordinates
39.331° N, 123.8° W
Unknown price
Tent Only - Group: 1 Site
(Up to 40 people per site)
Unknown price
Tent / RV / Trailer: 26 Sites
(Up to 8 people per site)
Unknown price
Tent / Van: 26 Sites
(Up to 8 people per site)