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Austin Creek State Recreation Area

94%
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· Guerneville, Sonoma, California
Hosted by Stewards Of The Coast.
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Camp among ancient trees or backpack into the wilderness in Sonoma County.
Just north of the Russian River and about a 45-minute drive from Santa Rosa, Austin Creek State Recreation area is a popular spot for hikers and equestrians, with some 20 miles of forested trails. The main campground, Bullfrog Pond Campground, offers 24 campsites with fire rings and picnic tables (but no showers). There are also two additional backcountry camping areas for backpackers with permits. Austen Creek sits adjacent to the Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, a day-use park with a grove of gargantuan redwoods, the largest of which is over 310 feet tall. Tips for snagging a campsite reservation - Bullfrog Pond offers a mix of reservable and first-come, first-served (FCFS) campsites. Reservable sites can be booked on Hipcamp. - If you’re trying to get one of the FCFS campsites, your best bet is to arrive well before the campground’s 2pm check-in time. You’ll have much better luck if you come in the middle of the week, particularly if your visit coincides with the busy summer vacation period. - Two primitive backcountry campsites—Tom King and Manning’s Flat—are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Campers wishing to stay at either spot need to obtain a backcountry permit from the entry kiosk.   When to go Austin Creek is open throughout the year, and while summers can get pretty hot in the area, with temperatures in the 80s or 90s at times, winters rarely get snow or freezing temperatures. The park is at its busiest in June through August, and securing a campsite can be challenging at this time. If you want pleasant weather but fewer crowds, consider coming to the park in September, when the weather is generally warm and dry.   Know before you go - Guerneville is the nearest place to pick up supplies and groceries, about 15 minutes away by car. - You're not allowed to collect firewood, but bundles of wood are available for sale onsite. - Forest fires are a frequent occurrence in this part of the country, especially during the summer. As a result, fire and barbecue bans are frequently put into place, though propane stoves can still be used. - Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash when not in your tent or vehicle. - Ticks are common in the area, so it’s wise to bring a good insect repellent.
Activities
Biking
Hiking
Horseback riding
Wildlife watching
Natural features
Forest
Redwoods
River, stream, or creek
Swimming hole
Not currently accepting bookings
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    94%
    1751 ratings · 719 reviews
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    Daniel R.doesn't recommend
    August 20, 2020
    Site 10 - Bullfrog Pond Campground
    Bee Safe
    Have you ever wanted to become a skilled Apiarist? Well I haven't. The good news for you, at Bullfrog Pond Campground you'll get the opportunity of life time! As soon as you arrive swarms of loving bees will greet you and your pizza. Be sure to cover every hole on the pizza box because they will find a way in ... nothing like a bite of cheese pizza with a crunchy bee on top. Mmmm. Apparently these bees love Smart Pizza -- located in Guerneville, right at the turn on to Armstrong Woods Rd -- just as much as my son and I. Unfortunately, the campfire restrictions mean no smoke to shoo them away. Get ready for bees in ears and crawling up ankles until night fall. Luckily, bees go to bed after dusk. So you can enjoy yourself comfortably for a bit before your bedtime. Then wake up to the morning dawn and sounds of bees swarming your tent. Best alarm clock I've had in years. Seriously the campsite needs to be more upfront that there is a major bee infestation. There had many bee traps that were more chocked full of bees than the fly traps you find at a dairy farm. If you have children (my son is seven) and they are scared of bees, this is not the place to initiate them to overcome their fears. Or maybe it is. I leave that choice to you. My advice ... stay way.
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    Kathy A.doesn't recommend
    August 20, 2020
    Site 22 - Bullfrog Pond Campground
    Yellow jacket hell!
    Yellow jackets chased us out of camp, watching lightning as we left, the camp has now burned.
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    Jessica W.doesn't recommend
    August 19, 2020
    Site 8 - Bullfrog Pond Campground
    Beware of wasps
    There were wasps everywhere in the campground. We couldn't be outside without them following us around and it was especially worse around food. Folks in the sites nearby were leaving after one night, and we did too. The site and surrounding areas were lovely and if the wasps are ever cleared I'd happily go back.
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    Laura B.recommends
    August 19, 2020
    Site 19 - Bullfrog Pond Campground
    What a Lovely Redwood Grove
    The sites were really pretty & steep which kept them private, they had flush toilets (byosanitizer) and potable water. It was in the hundreds when were were up there & the air smelled like California bay leaves which was wonderful. The road up was a bit to get used to (it was one lane without many pull offs, which was scary in the switchbacks when the descending suvs often didn't give right of way). The redwood grove at the base was great. I wish the pottery studio was still open it looked lovely & interesting, but sadly I think that all public parks are having a hard financial go. Which means used them & fund them because they are a gift.
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    Candace K.recommends
    August 18, 2020
    Site 24 - Bullfrog Pond Campground
    It was FABULOUS!
    The camp site was clean with white plastic sheeting over the picnic table and seats. Very easy to clean! Very smart. It was private and quiet where we were at(site 24). The whole campground looked pretty full but we hardly heard anyone. The bathrooms were extraordinarily clean and very well-stocked. I loved the drive to the campground! Very beautiful and much cooler than in-town. I would definitely go here again and walk more of the well-tended trails.
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    Carissa E.recommends
    August 18, 2020
    Site 13 - Bullfrog Pond Campground
    So many yellow jackets
    So. Many. YELLOW JACKETS. Like thousands. That was the only downfall. It made it hard to eat, just hang out. Everything else was awesome. Would have liked if there was a sink to wash your face but the bathroom was super clean- so that was great.
    Location
    Guerneville, Sonoma, California, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Graton Rancheria, Kashaya, and Southern Pomo First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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    Hosted by Stewards Of The Coast.

    Joined in April 2017
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