Fort Ross State Historic Park RV & Campground Guide
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The Kashaya Pomo were the first people to have lived in the area that is now Fort Ross, and many still live nearby today. Initially the site of a Russian-American fur trading settlement from 1812 to 1841, Fort Ross was later a working livestock ranch and orchard, exporting mostly apples and butter. Today, the 3,400-acre Fort Ross State Historic Park is recognized as a critical part of California history. It's a National Historic Landmark, on the National Register of Historic Places, and a California Historical Landmark. In addition to its historic significance, the park sits along the coast, offering visitors a chance to swim, fish, and enjoy some excellent scenic views while enjoying a coastal hike. Along with the Fort Ross Reef, a shipwreck just offshore also brings lots of scuba divers into the area.
Nearest Major Cities:
Jenner, CA
San Francisco, CA
Santa Rosa, CA
San Rafael, CA
Spring 45-66 F
Summer 65-100 F
Fall 51-73 F
Winter 42-60 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Fort Ross State Historic Park
Campground Accommodations
Fort Ross State Historic Park Reef Campground
Water hookup: No
Electrical hookup: No
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: 18 feet
Other Amenities: Flush toilets, water spigots
Bodega Bay RV Park
If you are looking for a quiet place to unwind, then Bodega Bay RV Park may be for you. Play ball on the bocce court, practice your golf game on the putting green, leave the cooking to them by dining in the restaurant, and watch DVDs from the library at bedtime at this campground where rates start at $45 per night.
• Water hookup: Yes
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: Yes
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Laundry, putting green, store, restaurant
Doran Campground
There are four campgrounds at Doran Regional Park, with all being located very near Bodega Harbor. This park, where camping rates start at $35 per night, contains hiking trails and a boat dock.
• Water hookup: No
• Electrical hookup: No
• Sewer hookup: No
• Wi-Fi: No
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Hiking trails, boat dock
Porto Bodega Marina & RV Park
This combination campground and marina offers waterfront camping spots starting at $50 a night for campers. You can enjoy views of the harbor and use their boat-launch facility.
• Water hookup: Yes
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: Yes
• Wi-Fi: No
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Boat dock, two restaurants
Westside Regional Park
This campground offers waterfront camping spots starting at $35 per night. The park features fishing piers, the only handicapped-accessible kayak launching facility in Sonoma County, and birding opportunities.
• Water hookup: No
• Electrical hookup: No
• Sewer hookup: No
• Wi-Fi: No
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Hiking trails, boat dock
What to Do at
Fort Ross State Historic Park
Park staff lead free natural and cultural history tours on most weekends and on select weekdays during the summer. Be sure to stop by the Visitor Center to check the schedule. A specially designed beach-access wheelchair is available to borrow from the Visitor's Center as well. At the Fort Ross State Historic Park Museum, next to the Visitor Center, be sure to view the cultural artifacts from the Russian, Alaskan, and indigenous Kashaya Pomo cultures, many of whom worked at Fort Ross.
After you're done at the Visitor Center, the Fort, and the museum, head down to the beach to see the tide pools. Check the park's schedule to see if any special events are being held during your visit, including guided sea lion hiking expeditions or fruit picking in the orchard during harvest season.
Inside Fort Ross State Historic Park
Located behind stockade walls, this park offers one of the few opportunities to see a home constructed by Russian settlers when they occupied this area. Alexander Rotchev, who was the last manager of Fort Ross, lived in the home that visitors can see. Visitors can also see a reconstructed Russian Orthodox chapel, the home of the community’s first administrator, barracks, a fur warehouse, two corner blockhouses, and a Russian windmill. The Russian occupants left the park in 1848, and the land was used from then until 1972 as a ranch. Visitors can also see a ranch home and several farming implements. While no food is served at the park, visitors can enjoy a picnic at the tables in the orchard.
Fishing
Fishing at Fort Ross is allowed. The rocky shoreline offers lots of opportunities to poke a baited pole in between the rocks. Many people also enjoy fishing at Stillwater Cove, which is just a few miles to the north of Fort Ross. Bait your line for kelp rockfish, grass rockfish, and China rockfish, and be sure you have a day permit if you are above the age of 18.
Nature Watching
Stay up on the bluffs for a good view of the ocean, and you just might see some dolphins or some migrating grey whales.
Stargazing
Fort Ross State Historic Park is in a very remote area of California, and the dark skies make for excellent stargazing.
Flora and Fauna
Keep an eye out for the poison oak and stinging nettles that are native to the area and can cause itching, stinging, or a burning sensation on the skin. California poppies are native to the area and bloom mostly in the springtime. Bird watchers can keep an eye out for gulls, double-crested cormorants, and brown pelicans.
Hiking
Several trails wind their way through the park, providing access to the various structures. From the Visitor Center, follow the Cultural Trail, and stop at each of the multi-media cultural stops to learn more about the natural and cultural heritage of this unique park. Trails also extend into the orchard, down to the beach, and into the campground area. When hiking along these paths, make sure you don't miss the historic Russian Orthodox cemetery.
Swimming
There are two beach access paths from Fort Ross State Historic Park. One will take you to Sandy Cove and the other to North Cove. The weather is usually a bit chilly for swimming, but you might enjoy a refreshing dip in the Pacific Ocean on warmer summer days.
Biking
Although the trails around the park aren't available for use by cyclists, the access road to and from the park, Fort Ross Road, is very popular with cyclists and offers fantastic views. Cyclists can also ride around the campground roads. Note that helmets are required at all times.
How to Get to
Fort Ross State Historic Park
To get to Fort Ross from the city of San Francisco, head north on Highway 101 for about 41 miles. Take exit 479 for Railroad Avenue. Follow the signs for Highway 1 to Jenner. From Jenner, continue on Highway 1 north for about 12 miles, and then turn left on Fort Ross Road. The entrance to the park will be on your left.
By Car
Entering Fort Ross State Historic Park
Parking costs $10 per vehicle. Those aged 62 and older can enter for $9 per vehicle, and those with disabled placards receive a $5 discount. The day-use parking lot is located near the Visitor Center.
Fort Ross State Historic Park Per Vehicle : $10.0
Step back in history with a visit to Fort Ross State Historic Park. This park contains a house built when Russian residents lived in the area during the early 1800s. It also features reconstructed buildings from the same time. In addition, the park contains farm relics dating back to when Ross Ranch was located here. Since the weather can change very quickly at this state park near the coast, it is best to dress in layers. If you plan to visit Fort Ross, be sure to tag RVshare on social media. We would also love to have you share your memories and photos with us at [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions About Fort Ross State Historic Park
The park is open all year long, and the weather is mostly mild year-round. However, when planning your trip, you should know that the weather can change quickly at any time of year. You should be prepared for sun, wind, rain, and fog, no matter what time of year you visit. Rain is also common year-round, so be prepared for muddy ground.
Large mammals, including feral pigs, bobcats, and black bears, make their home in the park, but you're very unlikely to encounter them. Smaller mammals such as rabbits, gophers, and raccoons can also be found. On the beach, you may get lucky and spot a sea lion. Marine life found along the beach includes red abalone, sea stars, and California mussels.
The Reef Campground at Fort Ross has 21 sites, all of which are open to either RV or tent camping. However, when planning your trip, note that the campground has been closed in recent years, so be sure to call ahead to make sure overnight stays are available when you visit.
The Reef Campground at Fort Ross State Historic Park has been closed in recent years, so it's best to call ahead to make sure it will be open during your visit. The overnight camping cost is $35 per night.
Yes, in some areas, but they must be kept on a leash and under control at all times. Dogs are only permitted on the paved roads, the fire roads, and in the campground and the day-use areas of the park. If you're staying overnight, your dog must be kept safely in your tent or RV at all times, and they may not be left unattended at the campground.