Austin Creek State Recreation Area RV & Campground Guide
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Located north of San Francisco in Sonoma County, Austin Creek State Recreation Area is a California State Park that is privately managed by a nonprofit organization, Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods. Home to miles of trails, ocean views, and excellent camping, you can enjoy excellent weather year-round at this park, which spans just under 6,000 acres. Spring and summer bring warmer temperatures and a host of wildflower viewing opportunities, and in winter, temperatures rarely dip below freezing.
During your visit, be sure to stop by the local town of Guerneville and stroll its charming Main Street to browse for gifts, old-fashioned sweet treats, toys, antiques, art galleries and more. The park also sits adjacent to Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, which preserves over 800 acres of majestic coastal redwoods, also well worth a visit during your trip to the area.
Nearby Cities:
Santa Rosa, CA
San Francisco, CA
Sonoma, CA
Petaluma, CA
Spring 45-66 F
Summer 65-100 F
Fall 51-73 F
Winter 42-60 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Austin Creek State Recreation Area
Campground Accommodations
Bullfrog Pond Campground
Water hookup: No
Electrical hookup: No
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: 20 feet
Other Amenities: Picnic tables, fire rings, grills, vault toilets, water
Bullfrog Pond Campground
Located inside Austin Creek State Recreation Area, Bullfrog Pond Campground is the most convenient option for exploring the park. Of the 23 campsites, seven are first come, first served, and the rest can be reserved online. Every site comes with a fire ring and a picnic table, so you can enjoy meals outside on warm days. While this campground has bathrooms with flush toilets, there are no showers onsite. Keep in mind that this spot is best for pop-up trailers or very small RVs; sites can only fit vehicles up to 20 feet in length. Campsites at Bullfrog Pond are $35 per night for up to eight people per site.
Parker's Resort, LLC
Sleep on the banks of the Russian River at Parker's Resort. Here, campsites are tucked under tall redwood trees, which are a lifesaver during the steamy summers. With activities including fishing, kayaking, and biking, Parker's Resort is a great option for families. The heart of the Russian River wine country is nearby, making this a popular spot for wine tasting. Every site offers quick river access, Wi-Fi, water hookups, and 30-amp electric hookups. It's important to note that there are no sewer hookups or dumpsites. RV sites start at $55 per night in the summer and $50 per night in the winter. You can bring your dogs for an additional $5 per day per pet.
Casini Ranch Family Campground
If you're searching for a spot for a kid-friendly vacation, check out Casini Ranch Family Campground. Located about 15 miles from Austin Creek State Recreation Area, this spot is packed with activities for your whole crew. The staff host frequent events, including bonfires on the beach, ice cream socials, movie nights, and hayrides. If you prefer to explore independently, check out the hiking trails at nearby Willow Creek State Park, the jumping pillow, fishing in the Russian River, kayaking, bike rentals, playgrounds, and more. The onsite general store is perfect for snacks and last-minute necessities. With Wi-Fi and dog parks, there's something for everyone. Casini Ranch offers RV sites with full and partial hookups. Feel free to bring a big rig because sites can accommodate RVs of any length. Nightly rates start at $49 for partial hookups and $53 for full hookups.
Mirabel RV Park & Campground
Feel right at home when you're camping at Mirabel RV Park & Campground, a family-owned spot located on the Russian River. This is the perfect place to relax. Air conditioners are not permitted, so the environment is quiet and peaceful around the clock. Within the grounds, you can rent kayaks and canoes, play shuffleboard or try out the basketball and horseshoe courts. The biggest draw at Mirabel is the spectacular natural landscape: You can fall asleep to the sound of the river, hike in the nearby hills or just enjoy the breeze and the shade at your site. RV sites offer water and 20-amp power hookups, and rates start at $37 per night for two people. Additional people are $5 each per night.
RVshare’s Top Picks for Nearby RV Parks & Campgrounds
What to Do at
Austin Creek State Recreation Area
With its rolling hills, seasonal swimming holes, and excellent fishing opportunities, Austin Creek State Recreation Area draws in both locals and visitors alike. The oak tree canopies, bubbling streams, spring wildflowers, and colorful fall foliage delight visitors with varying vistas in each season. Equestrians are also welcome on the trails at this state recreation area.
Inside Austin Creek State Recreation Area
Most visitors come to Austin Creek State Recreation Area for the isolation, and with 20 miles of trails, it's easy to escape the grounds and surround yourself with the peace of nature. Hike deep into a mysterious forest on the challenging Austin Creek Trail, or hop on the East Ridge Trail to walk through the redwoods and climb to the best views in the park. If you have horses, bring them along to explore the equestrian trails. With a license, you can fish for sunfish and bass in Bullfrog Pond.
Fishing
While fishing is not permitted in the park's streams in order to protect the trout, newts and salamanders, you are welcome to fish in Bullfrog Pond if you have a license. Along with its namesake bullfrog, the Pond is home to sunfish and black bass.
Nature Watching
The wild turkeys are plentiful in the area, and they don't tend to be shy. You'll also find squirrels and even a few feral pigs.
Stargazing
Austin Creek State Recreation Area is set away from any major cities or highways, making it an excellent spot for stargazing at night.
Flora and Fauna
Birdwatchers should keep an eye out for great blue herons, California quail, woodpeckers, several types of hawks, and black-shouldered kites. You might occasionally lay eyes on a spotted owl. The wild turkeys are more common. The park is also home to a variety of mammals, including coyotes, bobcats, and foxes. In the springtime, the park is home to an abundance of bright orange California poppies as well as several other types of wildflowers such as Indian paintbrush, shooting stars, Douglas iris, and buttercups. The bluish-purplish California lupine is also easy to spot during a wildflower bloom.
Hiking
There are four main trails within the park. For a shady hike, try the Gilliam Creek trail, which winds along the creek. For an uphill climb, try the Austin Creek Trail that winds uphill and downhill through a canyon for nine miles. East Ridge Trail also includes a challenging climb with more than 1,500 feet of elevation gain over the course of four miles. Note that horses are also welcome on these trails, so be sure to offer equestrians the right of way if you're hiking on foot.
Swimming
There's a small swimming hole near the campground though it may be available only seasonally after heavy rains. The creeks that meander through the area also provide opportunities for a dip after a heavy rain.
Biking
The Austin Creek Trail is an unpaved fire service road, perfect for cyclists looking for a challenge. Note that bicycles are only allowed on the paved roads and the fire service roads and not on the smaller single-track trails.
How to Get to
Austin Creek State Recreation Area
Starting from Highway 101 north of the San Francisco Bay Area, take state highway 12 west toward the coast, and then take a right onto state highways 116 to head into Guerneville. From Main Street in Guerneville, turn right onto Armstrong Woods Road. Stay on this road as it curves around for about two and a half miles, and then turn right onto Bullfrog Pond Road. The entrance to Austin Creek State Recreation Area will be on your left along with the entrance to Armstrong Redwoods State National Reserve.
By Car
Entering Austin Creek State Recreation Area
Parking has a cost of $8 per vehicle, with reduced costs for seniors and those with a state parks disabled access pass. Entrance is free for pedestrians and cyclists.
Austin Creek State Recreation Area Per vehicle : $8.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Austin Creek State Recreation Area
The temperatures of summer may prevent all but the most dedicated athletes from hiking or cycling in the area, and winter can be rainy, but Austin Creek State Recreation Area is an excellent place to visit and is open year-round.
The oak woodlands provide a home for deer, raccoons, and even a few black bears and mountain lions. Keep an eye out for the brightly colored wood duck and the oft-spotted wild turkey flock. The area is also home to plenty of rattlesnakes, so be sure to stay mindful when hiking, particularly in the hotter summer months. In the evening, you'll hear plenty of bullfrogs as they make their home in and around the pond near the campground.
All of the camping spots at Austin Creek State Recreation Area are small, and no hookups are available. RVs under 20 feet in length are welcome at any of the spots. Note that access to Austin Creek State Recreation Area is via a winding mountain road, and trailers and towed vehicles are prohibited on this road.
There are 23 campsites at Bullfrog Pond Campground. Some of these spots are available for reservation while other spot spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The cost is $35 per night, when reserving a site in advance, or $25 without a reservation.
Pets are allowed in the camping areas, in the picnic areas, and on the paved roads only and must remain leashed at all times. Pets are not allowed on the trails or any of the dirt roads.
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