Facilities

Club House

Laundry Room

Swimming Pool

Hot Tub

Fitness Center

Game Room

Rec Hall

Pavilion

Exercise Room

Restroom/Shower

Restroom Only

Shower Only

Restaurant

Groceries

RV Supplies

ATM Machine

WiFi

Dog Park

Cocktail Lounge

Dog Washing Station

Pit Toilet

Snack Bar

Play Ground

Sites

Water

20 Amp

30 Amp

50 Amp

Sewer

Cable TV

Services

Escort to Site

Self-Service RV Wash

Metered LP Gas

Firewood

Fishing Supplies

Pet Supplies

Onsite Rentals

Worship Services

Golf Carts

Fishing Guides

Onsite RV Service

Staffed RV Wash

Fishing Licenses

Complimentary Breakfast

Recreational activities in or near the park

Recreational Activities

Archery Range

ATV Riding

Biking

Boating

Body Of Water

Casino

Climbing

Dock

Driving Range

Fishing

Golf

Heated Pool

Hiking

Horseback Riding

Horseshoes

Kayaking

Lawn Bowling

Mini Golf

Paddle Boats

Pickle Ball

Putting Green

Ramp

Sauna

Shuffleboard

Snow Sports

Splash Pad

Swimming

Tennis

Wading Pool

Water Slide

Water Sports

Water Umbrella

Whitewater Rafting

Policies

RV Age Restrictions

Pets Welcome

Pet Restrictions

Pet Restriction on Quantity

Pet Restriction on Breed

Pet Restriction on Size

No Pets

Tent Camping Allowed

Folding Tent Campers Allowed

No Tents

No Overnight Guests

<h2>Overview</h2><p>Russian Gulch State Park serves as a premier destination for those seeking a rugged, natural escape along the Northern California coast. Tucked away near Mendocino, this park offers a quintessential coastal redwood experience rather than the manicured lawns of a private resort. Visitors can expect a tranquil atmosphere defined by the dense forest canopy, a striking headland, and a serene creek. The campground is best suited for those who prioritize immersion in nature and quiet, scenic surroundings over luxury amenities.</p><h2>Location & Surroundings</h2><p>Situated just two miles north of the historic village of Mendocino, the park is perfectly positioned for exploring the dramatic Pacific coastline. The location provides easy access to the iconic <strong>Highway 1 corridor</strong>, which snakes along jagged cliffs and lush hillsides. The surrounding environment is characterized by <strong>second-growth redwood forests</strong>, providing a cool, sheltered retreat from the coastal winds. It is an ideal base for travelers looking to experience the raw, untamed beauty of the Mendocino Headlands.</p><h2>Amenities & Park Features</h2><p>The campground offers a rustic, wilderness-focused experience for RV travelers. While it does not feature full hookups, it provides essential facilities including <strong>potable water</strong>, flush toilets, and hot showers. Each site typically includes a picnic table and a fire ring for evening campfires under the towering trees. Guests should note that sites are sized for smaller units, so verifying the <strong>maximum vehicle length</strong> is essential before making reservations to ensure your rig fits comfortably within the wooded layout.</p><h2>Nearby Attractions & Things to Do</h2><p>Outdoor enthusiasts will find endless opportunities for recreation within and around the park. Hikers often frequent the trails that lead to a picturesque <strong>36-foot waterfall</strong> hidden deep within the fern-lined canyon. The nearby rocky shoreline is perfect for tide pooling or simply watching the crashing surf. For those interested in local culture, the village of Mendocino is a short drive away, offering charming art galleries, historic architecture, and local dining options that reflect the character of this coastal region.</p><h2>Who This Park Is Best For</h2><p>Russian Gulch is ideal for <strong>nature lovers and hikers</strong> who value solitude and quiet environments over resort-style perks. It is an excellent choice for self-contained RVers who enjoy dry camping and want to wake up surrounded by lush, verdant forest landscapes. If your travel style focuses on exploring state parks, photography, and gentle coastal living, this destination offers a peaceful, authentic Northern California retreat that remains a favorite for regional travelers and road trippers alike.</p>



Russian Gulch State Park is a state park in Mendocino County, California, United States. It is located approximately 3 miles (4.8 km) north of the town of Mendocino, California, and is known for its rugged coastline, lush redwood forests, and deep, rocky canyon. The park features a beach, a campground, a day-use area, and a network of trails. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including black-tailed deer, gray fox, and a variety of birds. The park also offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and beachcombing.

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Russian Gulch

Russian Gulch Campground

Visit Russian Gulch State Park in Mendocino, CA. Discover a serene, redwood-filled escape perfect for nature lovers. Explore our guide to camping near town.

Russian Gulch State Park, Mendocino, CA | RV Camping Guide

Excellent spot for a picnic with an amazing view! The staff at the entrance were incredibly friendly and welcoming. Definitely a must-visit if you’re in the area.

11/10 super pretty even when it was foggy. Great weather still in early June. The camp sites are really great, clean. I think most if not each little camp site has a little stream running through and that really completes the vibe. The shower is nice the bathroom has plumbing and it’s clean.
Would definitely come back again.

Beautiful park. Very spacious and lots of places to explore. We did the fern canyon trail and took us about 2.5 hours. Good amount of animals to see and quite peaceful.

The trail was fairly challenging on some parts of the trail where you have to climb steep stairs or gravel paths. Path fairly maintained and roomy. We got lost because the sign post in the middle of the trail showed to go left while the trail supposed to go straight. One other person had the same issue and shared with us but we couldn’t understand until we learned that the path was not right and looped back.

Lots of banana slugs and millipedes. Some blue jays and other birds as well. Lots of flowers and interesting plants when we were there late May.

There is a nice campground there too. There is a flushed restroom in the campground area. We didn’t explore the devil’s blow hole so maybe next time. Overall a fun trip to Russian gulch.

Absolutely beautiful place. Very well maintained. The beach is stunning and the hiking trails were in great condition with a beautiful waterfall and stream.
Highly recommend. Worth the $10 park fee for sure.

We walked the Headlands trail and had a picnic too. Such a beautiful trail!! We even encountered a family of deer. ❤️If you're in the area, don't miss it!

Russian Gulch State Park is absolutely beautiful. We went down to the beach under the bridge and the view was gorgeous. The dramatic cliffs, the bridge overhead, and the sound of the waves made it such a memorable spot.
It’s a great place to walk around, explore, and just take in the scenery. If you’re visiting the Mendocino area, this stop is definitely worth it.

Did the waterfall hike. Most of the path was extremely walkable, like paved or packed earth. The area was mossy and lush. There are several spots arms the waterfall where people can hang out. This is one of the best hikes I’ve ever done. :)

Quiet and easy-to-reach park with beautiful views of the Pacific. The trails here are all relatively short and easy, making it a perfect spot for a peaceful coastal walk or a quick nature break. We even spotted some seals along the shoreline

A must-see place! The trail is great for walking, surrounded by beautiful nature that’s hard to put into words. If you’re reading this review, don’t wait , this is truly one of the best places to visit. Just a heads-up: there’s no cell phone coverage in the area, so make sure you bring the necessary hiking gear. The daily entrance fee is $10, and in return, you’ll get to experience pure wilderness, like a little piece of heaven.

First camped here as a kid about 25 years ago, came back recently with my kids. Lovely little camp ground. Check out the beach early in the morning to explore the tide pools. Took the hike to the waterfall, I’m very out of shape but was able to do it. Would recommend. Close enough to easily get into town. There’s also a light house down the road that has a nice little museum.

We also didn't visit this park, and I'm so glad we did. Aside from the lighthouse visite, I think this is a mandatory visit for anyone visiting this area. So much cool things to see here and different levels of trails to hike if you're into that. As for the waterfalls, you have to hike to see it, but there's an easier trail to get there if that's not your thing. Picnic, camping, and scenic views all o er this place.

I love this place! It has a beautiful hike that leads you to a waterfall. You can also camp here and this time I went with my daughters so I just stopped by the bridge. There is a small entrance fee but it's worth it.

Reviews

Russian Gulch