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Russian Gulch Campground

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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.

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29 ratings · 4 reviews

Jess F.

August 14, 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.

Shannon S.

March 31, 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.

Lori C.recommends

June 18, 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.

Kristal B.

March 8, 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.

Other campgrounds in Russian Gulch State Park

Group Camping Area

1 site In Russian Gulch Campground

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$30

/ night

Your guide to camping in Russian Gulch Campground

Overview

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 paddle and check out our kayaking and canoeing section!

Fishing

Although there are some limitations for what you can fish for in the Russian Gulch, some fish that you can find (and keep) include finfish, oyster, crabs, lobster, mussels and more. This is a nice spot to do some fishing from your kayak.

Hiking

Russian Gulch has some unbelievably gorgeous options for hikers. Whether you are into waterfalls, fern lined canyons, or Redwood filled forests, the gulch has got it! For a great waterfall hike, check out the Russian Gulch Trail. The falls are only 36 feet high, but the hike is brilliant!The most unusual is the Devil's Punchbowl (not the one in Siskiyou Wilderness), which is located just west of the town of Mendocino at Mendocino Headlands State Park. The Punchbowl is a hollowed-out water hole, created by an underground sea tunnel and gouging tidal action. Looking down into the Punchbowl, you can watch a phenomenon of surging sea water, and during rough seas and high tides, it can occasionally punch vertically through the hole.

Horseback riding

Russian Gulch State Park boasts its own horse camp. You can park your trailer at the designated horse site (located on the Eastern part of the park), and then enjoy a ride along one of the park’s equestrian friendly trails.

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 historic Mendocino. At Van Damme, tide pools and sea caves provide adventure, while at Russian Gulch, canoes and kayaks take you from the cove’s calm waters into the ocean. You can rent a kayak at Catch a Canoe.

Swimming

Swimming at Russian Gulch shouldn’t be overlooked - the water here is extraordinarily blue, making it a great place for a casual swim while observing some underwater wildlife.