| Austin Creek State Recreation Area is adjacent to Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve and is accessed through the same entrance. With open woodlands, rolling hills, and meadows, its topography offers a strong contrast to the dense, primeval redwood forest below. Here you will discover deep tree-lined ravines cooled by year round streams; grassy hillsides burnished golden by the heat of summer sun and turned emerald by plentiful winter rains; oak capped knolls that seem to float like islands on lakes of lowland fog; and rocky mountaintops that showcase an almost panoramic view.A paradise for the hiker and equestrian, Austin Creek rewards the explorer with twenty miles of trails and panoramic wilderness views, back-country camping, and Bullfrog Pond Campground (accessible by vehicle). The park's rugged topography, with elevations ranging from 150-1500 feet in elevation, offers a sense of isolation from the accustomed sights and sounds of civilization.Be advised that vehicle access to the park and campground is by way of a steep, narrow, winding, 2.5-mile-long, mountain road. For safety reasons, no vehicle over 20 feet in length is allowed on this road. Vehicles with trailers or other towed vehicles are also prohibited.WILDLIFE / PLANT LIFEThis wilderness area is home to a rich diversity of native animals and plants. The springtime wildflower displays include Douglas iris, Indian paint brush, buttercups, lupines, brodiaes, California poppies, and shooting stars.The grasslands, chaparral, conifer, oak woodland, and riparian habitats of Austin Creek SRA are home to a wild range of native animals including squirrel, deer, raccoon, fox, coyote, skunk, bobcat, and an occasional black bear or mountain lion. Introduced species that are commonly seen include feral pigs and wild turkeys. Bird life in the park includes the colorful wood duck and the rare spotted owl. Other more frequently seen birds include great blue herons, ravens, black-shouldered kites, California quail, various woodpeckers, hawks, and flycatchers.Several aquatic species live in Bullfrog pond including sunfish, black bass, and bull frogs. Trout, salmon, newts and salamanders are found in the many streams. Licensed anglers may fish Bullfrog Pond, but all streams are closed to fishing to protect important spawning habitat.CAMPINGA developed campground with 22 family sites is available at Bullfrog Pond. Back country primitive campsites are located at the Tom King and Manning Flat sites. Each campsite has a table and fire ring, but o water. Pit toilets are located nearby. All sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.A backcountry permit is required to camp in our primitive backcountry campsites. You may register for all camping and pick up a backcountry permit from our kiosk at the entrance to Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. However, if the kiosk is closed, you will need to self-register for all camping at the entrance of Bullfrog Pond Campground in Austin Creek. You will find self-pay envelopes, backcountry permits and self-registration instructions at the registration site.Ground fires are prohibited during periods of extreme fire danger, although camp stoves can still be used for cooking in all but the most critical periods of fire danger when camping is not permitted at all.EQUESTRIANAll trails are usually closed to equestrian use. However, the trails do open up for equestrian use when trail conditions permit. You will need to call the park before your visit to confirm the status of our trails. All horse trailers must remain down in the parking lots of Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. A horse riding and pack station concession providing guided day and overnight trips is located 1/2 mile west of the Armstrong Tree in Armstrong Redwoods State park.Horse rentals are available though a private company that is adjacent to Armstrong Redwoods. For more information contact the Armstrong Woods Pack Station at 707-887-2939 or www.RedwoodHorses.com |
|  | 
| | | Facilities: Austin Creek State Recreation Area has a small family campground with toilets and potable water located in the park. There are also a few primitive campgrounds. Best Time To Visit: Austin Creek State Recreation Area is open year-round; however, summer temperatures often exceed 100 degrees, although mornings can still be cool. In the winter it will occasionally drop below freezing and the 50+ inches of annual rainfall generally includes an occasional snow flurry. Campsites must be paid for in advance. To hold a campsite, it must be reserved or occupied. Checkout time is 12:00 noon. Camping limit in any one campground is 30 days per calendar year.Fees: At most California State Parks, day use fees are charged for parking only. There is no charge to walk or bike into these parks. Most historical parks and museums charge a Day Use Fee per person. Accessibility: Unknown Rules: Disturbance or destruction of natural scenery, plants and animals resources is strictly forbidden. Loaded firearms and hunting are not permitted. Park quite hours are between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. All vehicle travel must be confined to designated roads or areas. Please clean up after yourself so that others may enjoy the beauty of these parks. Fires are permitted only in facilities provided for this purpose. Gathering of down wood is prohibited. Portable stoves may be used in designated areas. All fireworks are prohibited.Animals may not be turned loose in park units. All animals, other than grazing animals, must be under immediate physical control. Dogs must be on a tended leash no more than 6 feet or confined in an enclosed vehicle, tent or pen. Dogs, other than those that assist the permanently disabled, are prohibited on trails, beaches, and wherever posted.Directions: Austin Creek State Recreation Area is located two miles north of Guerneville on Armstrong Woods Road. Vehicle access to the campground is by way of a steep, narrow, winding, 2.5-mile-long, mountain road. For safety reasons, no vehicle over 20 feet in length is allowed on this road. Vehicles with trailers or other towed vehicles are also prohibited. Map: Click here for a map to Austin Creek State Recreation Area Reservations: Austin Creek State Recreation Area does not accept reservations. | | |
| | | |
| | | | | Address | | Austin Creek State Recreation Area | | 17000 Armstrong Woods Rd. | | Guerneville, California 95446-9587 |
| | | Phone | | General: (707) 869-2015 | |
| | | | | Website | | Email |
|
|
| | | |
|
