Austin Creek State Recreation Area
The Park is currently CLOSED.
Park Facilities
Environmental Campsites
Family Campsites
Primitive Camping
Family Campsites
Primitive Camping
CLOSURE order Austin Creek SRA
Austin Creek State Recreation Area is currently under a complete closure at this time and will remain so until further notice. There have been major impacts to the unit due to the 2020 Walbridge Fire. Due to significant hazards there is NO ACCESS ALLOWED by foot, bike, vehicle or any other means in Austin Creek SRA. If unauthorized vehicles and or people are found in Austin Creek SRA they will be subject to contact and citation. We need this time for clearing hazards and debris so that we can get Austin Creek SRA open at some point down the road. Thank you for your patience.
No Drones Allowed in Park
- The noise and sight of drones can alter other people’s enjoyment of nature.
- A drone hovering nearby can feel intrusive and threatening.
- Drones can capture photographs and video without someone’s permission.
- Drones mimic the behavior of predatory birds and can frighten wildlife.
Fees:
ALL camping is CLOSED:
Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods currently operates
Austin Creek SRA
Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods, a cooperating association that works in partnership with California State Parks, has reopened Austin Creek State SRA's Bullfrog Pond campground by way of an operating agreement with State Parks. All State Park Rules and Regulations still apply.
Bullfrog Pond Camping Info: CLOSED UFN
ALL camping CLOSED
Bullfrog Pond Campground offers Twenty-three campsites. Campsites #1 through #8 (minus #4 our camp host site) are first-come, first-served campsites. Campsites #9 through #24 are on reservations through Hipcamp. Reserve a campsite by visiting www.hipcamp.com Each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring. There are two sets of bathrooms each with a flush toilet and sink. Unfortunately there are no shower facilities available.
Bullfrog Pond does not offer any group camping. The nearest State Park that offers group camping can be found at Salt Point State Park. None of the campsites at Bullfrog Pond will accommodate vehicles over 20 feet in length. We do not offer any hike and bike sites (reduced fees). The campground is subject to seasonal closure due to extreme weather or conditions. The pond itself almost always goes dry by mid-summer and when there IS water in the pond there may be mosquitos in the area. Ticks are also prevalent in the area so bring a good bug/tick repellant.
In warmer weather it is advisable to keep an eye out for rattlesnakes as they are in the area. If you would like a first-come first-served campsite you will need to register with staff at the Armstrong kiosk. If staff is not available at the kiosk, you can self-register at the entrance to Bullfrog Pond. Official check-in time is 2 o'clock pm. Pay the $35.00 camping fee and any extra vehicle fees ($8.00/vehicle) prior to occupying a campsite. Max occupancy per campsite is 8 people. You are allowed to bring two vehicles, but we do not guarantee both vehicles will fit on your parking spur. If any of your vehicles don't fit on your designated parking spur, please take it up to overflow parking area at Vista Point parking lot. Please ensure the day use parking areas are free from camper vehicles.
Please note that the campground is likely to go into a fire ban in the summer and autumn season. We will keep you up to date.
When available, a camp host will be occupying the camp host spot at campsite #4. Remember that quiet hours begin at 10 o'clock pm and noise significantly carries to other campsites in the campground. We are always looking for a good camp host. If interested check in with staff at the entrance station.
Camp fires, BBQ's, candles, tiki torches, etc. will be prohibited during periods of extreme fire danger. During fire bans, propane camp stoves may be used for cooking.
Dogs are permitted in your paid for campsite, picnic areas and on paved roads ONLY. Dogs are not allowed on dirt roads or on any trails. Dogs must remain leashed at all times.
Bicycles are allowed on paved roads and fire roads. Bicycles are not allowed on any trails.
ALL TRAILS CURRENTLY CLOSED TO PACK ANIMALS. When trails are open all horse trailers must remain down in the parking lots of Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve.
Seasons/Climate/Recommended Clothing
Summer temperatures in the morning can still be cool although afternoon temperatures often exceed 100 degrees. In the winter it will occasionally drop below freezing and the 50+ inches of annual rainfall generally includes an occasional snow flurry. Always carry plenty of water, wear layered clothing, have a map, carry a flashlight and have a fully charged cell phone.
