Russian Gulch Sp Campground

About

Russian Gulch State Park Campground occupies a sheltered canyon along the Mendocino coast, offering 26 standard campsites, 4 equestrian sites with corrals, and 1 group site. The campground sits beneath a canopy of second-growth redwoods and tanoak along Russian Gulch Creek, providing a cool, forested retreat just minutes from the open headlands and rocky shoreline. The park spans nearly 1,300 acres with 15 miles of trails ranging from the mostly accessible Fern Canyon Trail to challenging routes through pygmy forest. The signature attraction is Devil's Punchbowl, a 200-foot-wide collapsed sea cave where waves surge through a tunnel and explode upward. The headlands trail offers dramatic ocean views, tide pool access, and prime whale watching during migration season. Campsites include fire rings and picnic tables, with flush restrooms and hot showers available. The maximum vehicle length is 24 feet, making this better suited for tents, smaller trailers, and Class B/C motorhomes. Equestrian campers have dedicated corrals and trail access. A recreation hall with kitchen and fireplace is available for group rental.

Directions

From Mendocino, drive 2 miles north on Highway 1. The park entrance is on the west side of the highway at a signed turnoff.