Fort Ross State Historic Park Campground California

Fort Ross State Historic Park Overview

Fort Ross State Historic Park features an historic Russian-era fort compound set above Fort Ross Cove on the scenic Northern California coast. Fort Ross is also surrounded by sandy beaches, panoramic coves, and redwood forests, with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.

Reef Campground has 20 first-come, first-serve campsites for tent camping set in an enchanted forest of old-growth redwoods. It’s also about 3/4 of a mile from the beach. Most sites are shaded from the trees but a few have more mid-day sun exposures. Trailers and RVs are not permitted at this time. There are no hookups, but each site has a table, fire ring and grill. Campground amenities include vault toilets and trash collection. If drinking water is not available at the campground you can purchase at the Fort Ross Visitor Center (about 2.5 miles away).  Food and various supplies can be purchase at a small market about 10 miles south in Jenner.

Check-In at the Fort Ross Visitor Center between the hours of 10am and 4:30pm. Campsites will be available for use at 1pm each day. Check-Out of the campsite by 11am. Conservancy staff will be around to service the campground between the hours of 11am and 1pm. Quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

You may also like Salt Point State Park or Stillwater Cove Regional Park. Both are to the north along Highway 1 and within 8 miles of Fort Ross. Sonoma Coast State Park is also about 16 miles south.

Fort Ross State Historic Park – Recreation & Activities

The park’s Visitor Center is an excellent place to start a tour of Fort Ross to become acquainted with the rich natural and cultural history of the area.

Fort Ross was a thriving Russian-American Company settlement from 1812 to 1841. This commercial company chartered by Russia’s tsarist government controlled all Russian exploration, trade and settlement in the North Pacific, and established permanent settlements in Alaska and California.

Visitors can also enjoy hiking, picnicking and wildlife viewing.

Reservations:

First Come, First Served

Amenities

• BBQ Grills
• Campsite Tables
• Cell Service Fair
• Drinking Water
• Fire Pit
• Fire Rings
• Firewood Available
• Grills
• Pets OK
• Picnic Tables
• Trash Collection
• Visitor Center

Activities

• Beach
• Beach Access
• Beach Combing
• Bird Watching
• Hiking
• Historic Sites
• Photography
• Picnicking
• Surf Fish
• Wildlife Viewing