Camp among ancient trees or backpack into the wilderness in Sonoma County.
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Reviews
94% Recommend1751 ratings · 719 reviews
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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Daniel R.
5 years on Hipcamp
Yellow jackets chased us out of camp, watching lightning as we left, the camp has now burned.
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Kathy A.
2 reviews
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.
Jessica W.
5 years on Hipcamp
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.
Laura B.
10 reviews
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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Candace K.
2 reviews
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.
Carissa E.
5 years on Hipcamp
Mixed feelings
· August 2020
Group trip ·
Site 17 - Bullfrog Pond Campground
Pro: The vista point just outside the campsite is great to watch the sunset and night sky.
Con: There are wasps around the campsite. It was very annoying especially when we ate and they came in group. On the other hand they didn’t sting and we are safe.
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Janice W.
5 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2020
Great place to unwind and get away; feels much more remote than it really is. Easy to get to but feels worlds away. Loved it.
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Peter K.
3 reviews
Recommends
· August 2020
Group trip ·
Site 7 - Bullfrog Pond Campground
We had another great stay at Bullfrog Pond Campground. The only downfall was the weather - we ended up with extremely hot temperatures and decided to leave camp site at 4.30 am on our last day due to thunderstorms (we were warned about the weather conditions by the rangers and we were ready for a fast exit). Looking forward to another stay in more pleasant weather conditions.
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Justyna W.
3 reviews
Mixed feelings
· August 2020
Group trip ·
Site 13 - Bullfrog Pond Campground
This campground is very sweet and the sites are roomy. The road to the campsite is as steep and one-laned as the directions indicated. Unfortunately our site was overrun by yellow jackets which apparently is a new development this year (per park ranger). Luckily one pf our tents had a screened vestibule and we had a small portable picnic table with benches because eating out in the open would have been impossible. We ended up leaving one night early.
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Deanna E.
5 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2020
Group trip ·
Site 20 - Bullfrog Pond Campground
We had a fantastic time, the Covid measures put in place seemed effective, there were an abundance of yellow jackets but we were warned about that in advance
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Alex U.
5 years on Hipcamp
Had a really good time camping here. All the lots were a pretty good distance apart so you still felt private. The lot we stayed in, 19 was one of the most private ones and really close to the bathroom which was super convenient and the car parking for our car was also right next to the bathroom. There were so many different hiking trails super close to the campground. I highly recommend checking out the view point that is right before entering the campground. Breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys. Go during sunset and sunrise! I also recommend getting bug spray as there were so many flies and wasps. They only bother you when you are still though.
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Dhrithi N.
5 years on Hipcamp
Mixed feelings
· August 2020
beautiful place, campsites are very close together
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Kim C.
5 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2020
Group trip ·
Site 10 - Bullfrog Pond Campground
Great
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Jaime S.
6 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2020
Group trip ·
Site 11 - Bullfrog Pond Campground
Didn't interact with the host at all, but a very nice campground!
Carol R.
5 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2020
great campsite, beautiful location!
Suzanne F.
3 reviews
Very beautiful drive in. Campground site 21 had shade where we put up tents but no shade where cars were parked. Nice site for seclusion. There were 3 different types of yellow jacket bait traps that worked fairly well but were a little hard to get to with all the bees, oh well. Overall was great! Just need to figure out how to use the bee traps.
Bob S.
5 years on Hipcamp
We had a lovely time. Great spot to relax. Beautiful and low key.
Jackson W.
6 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2020
The campsite was well kept, with a good amount of cleanliness (picnic table coverings and hand sanitizer). We had to share the site with a bunch of wasps (there were traps there to help) but it wasn't a huge issue for us. Beautiful redwoods and stunning views!
Suzanne F.
3 reviews
I grew up in the area going to Armstrong Woods and hiking Austin Creek, but never knew about this campground. For a last minute trip, this was the only place I could find with a a availability on the North Coast, and it was (almost) perfect! Soooo quiet. Site 8 is huge and private. Great access to Armstrong, Russian River, and So Oma Coast beaches. The ONLY downside was the yellow jackets which were ferocious - we ate elsewhere, but we’ll be back if visiting the area again.
Dirkje F.
3 reviews
Lovely area. Alas, the Yellow-jackets were a bit challenging. Some sites were small (we were in 10), but site 11 didn't show up so that made it much more spacious. Stars were beautiful at Vista Point. Covid review - I recommend to the host to include covid mask info on bathroom doors as national forest campgrounds do this and it helps. But most guests were good about masks. Garbage was really full on a Sunday camp night though, and toilet paper a bit low. I think removing the white-plastic from picnic tables is a good call as it was very dirty, not sure how much it really helps with covid. Bring a tablecloth. Lots of families with little kids makes it family friendly. I loved walking to the frog pond and watching the bats. Good places to hang a hammock. Single-lane, winding and hilly roads for 15 minutes on route to campground. You drive through Armstrong Grove on the way which is amazing (old coastal redwoods).
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Edmund C.
5 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2020
Group trip ·
Site 18 - Bullfrog Pond Campground
Hosts were very friendly and helpful. Campsites are clean. Site 18 is not level enough for sleeping; host let us move to another site for our second night.
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Nicole W.
5 years on Hipcamp
Mixed feelings
· August 2020
Group trip ·
Site 14 - Bullfrog Pond Campground
Armstrong Woods and the surrounding Russian River area is one of my favorite places in the world. Bullfrog Pond campground was a great place to stay to have access to tons of hiking, swimming, and exploring at our fingertips. The campground is safe, clean, and well maintained, however, the hornets were unbearable. I don't think this is a normal occurrence but this year they are exhaustive. We couldn't eat outside without getting swarmed and ended up retreating to our tents for all meals which was a big bummer.
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Ariana W.
5 years on Hipcamp
The campgrounds and bathrooms were well kept, and the campsite staff was friendly, gave clear instructions to our site, and was kind enough to tell us about the yellow jacket problem. My only complaint is that we weren’t informed by our Hipcamp host about their yellow jacket problem, and so we did not have the chance to prepare properly. We ended up just staying in the tent most of our stay because we were getting swarmed to the extent that our dog, who normally ignores flies/bees couldn’t even relax.
Katrina W.
5 years on Hipcamp
Been camping at dozens of sites all over the west coast and this is the least private spot I have ever been by a factor of 10. There were 3 parties in the space that would normally fit one. Tent spots weren’t flat and it was swarming with wasps.
Will R.
2 reviews
Recommends
· August 2020
Group trip ·
Site 11 - Bullfrog Pond Campground
Sites are generally well placed and private. Lots of access to trails. Flush toliets are clean but basic - no sink, though! Water taps are not as strategically placed for upper sites. Not a campground for those with bee/wasp allergies or fear...
Tessa D.
5 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2020
Group trip ·
Site 23 - Bullfrog Pond Campground
We love Bull Frog Pond. We've stayed several times over the years and are always blown away by the beauty of the surrounding landscape. Love hikes and a beautiful sunset. Though without any amount of shade or a ton of privacy, we prefer sites 22 and 23. The view of the pond (no water) is very serene. We enjoy watching the family of deer come and go. The view of the night sky is spectacular. Also, you'll only be sharing the restrooms with people from three additional sites and a handful of day hikers. As opposed to sharing with folks from sites 1 - 20 (these sites are on the hill heading down to the pond and are in the shade of the trees, all sites appear to be level). *Note, site 24 is the most private but it is a walk in site, about 300 feet or so. This year there are a lot of yellow jackets. Bring a disposable trap and place it in a tree far away from where you plan to hang out. Enjoy!
Nova W.
9 years on Hipcamp
Not recommend
· August 2020
Driven out by yellow jackets
Group trip ·
Site 21 - Bullfrog Pond Campground
We had reserved 2 nights but left after 1 night due to an infestation of yellow jackets. We saw 2 traps and no yellow jackets upon arrival; then as soon as we set up our stove and coolers and began cooking, they arrived. We had the opportunity to move farther from the pond which supposedly was better but since we had a 9 month old baby and were somewhat traumatized with dinner and breakfast, we decided to leave. The ranger said there would be no refund since there were online warnings alerting campers to the problem. I have since checked and found no warning. I'm used to a small number buzzing around - not several dozen.
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Joanna T.
5 years on Hipcamp
We had an awesome time, thank you! Camp site was great, hosts were very helpful, and we watched a spectacular sunset from the ridge a short walk from our site. Clean restroom (no sink). Will definitely come back!
Worth saying that the road leading up to the campground is quite long (we were wondering if we were still on the right track), and ideally your car doesn't have low clearance.
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Nicole O.
5 years on Hipcamp
Absolutely beautiful place! We loved hiking several of the hikes off the campground, seeing lots of wild turkey and deer, watching the sunset over the mountains, and stargazing in the dark night sky. The bathrooms were well kept with hand sanitizer, ranger gave good hiking advice, and other campers were respectful and quiet. Easy to maintain social distance. Only negative was the yellow jackets! Plan to eat vegetarian, low maintenance meals while you’re there and they’ll leave you be.
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Sara T.
5 years on Hipcamp
Location
Guerneville, Sonoma, California, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by Stewards Of The Coast.
Joined in April 2017Things to do nearby
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