Tom King Campground
02 reviews17000 Armstrong Woods Road, Guerneville, CA, 95446-9587
Tom King Campground
$25.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Camping fees range from $25 per night for backcountry sites (currently closed) to $35 per night at Bullfrog Pond. Seniors receive a discounted rate of $33 and $9 for day-use fees.
About this campground
Escape into the untamed beauty of Tom King Campground, where Austin Creek State Recreation Area reveals its wild heart through a tapestry of grasslands, chaparral, and ancient oak woodlands. This hidden gem offers adventurous souls a chance to disconnect from the modern world and immerse themselves in Northern California's most diverse ecosystems. Here, rustic camping meets raw nature, creating an authentic backcountry experience that feels worlds away from civilization.
Tom King Campground is categorized as part of Austin Creek SRA, offering primitive camping opportunities. Detailed descriptions for other camping options like RV or group sites are not provided.
Historical SignificanceTom King Campground sits within Austin Creek State Recreation Area, a treasured piece of Northern California's celebrated redwood parks heritage. This land tells stories of conservation and artistic legacy, with the nearby Pond Farm Pottery standing as a National Historic Landmark. Here, generations of nature lovers have found inspiration among the towering trees and rolling hills, continuing a tradition of connection between human creativity and the natural world.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic dance of Northern California's seasons at Tom King. Summer dawns break cool and misty, perfect for early morning hikes, before the sun transforms the landscape into a golden furnace that can soar past 100°F. Winter brings its own magic, with crisp nights that occasionally dip below freezing and rare, enchanting snow flurries dusting the oak branches. The rainy season delivers over 50 inches of life-giving precipitation annually, turning the hills emerald green and awakening cascading creeks throughout the park.
ElevationWhile specific elevation details for Tom King Campground await discovery by each visitor, the varied terrain promises an ever-changing perspective as you explore the undulating landscape of Austin Creek State Recreation Area.
Natural Features and SceneryWander through a living gallery where perennial grasses wave in the breeze and seasonal wildflowers paint the meadows in brilliant splashes of color. The aromatic chaparral dominates sunny slopes with twisted manzanita branches and silvery coyote bush, while majestic oak woodlands provide shaded sanctuaries. Venture deeper to discover cathedral-like groves where coast redwoods and Douglas firs stretch skyward, their ancient presence a humbling reminder of nature's grandeur.
Geological RegionThis remarkable landscape showcases Northern California's geological diversity, where grasslands flow into chaparral-covered ridges, oak-studded valleys, and misty conifer forests. Shaped by centuries of dry Mediterranean summers and coastal fog that creeps inland like gentle fingers, the terrain tells a story of adaptation and resilience. Each ecosystem plays its part in this natural symphony, creating microhabitats that support an incredible array of plant and animal life in this ecologically rich corner of the Golden State.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility information specific to Tom King Campground has not been provided.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites based on preferences for views, privacy, and accessibility. Bring bug repellant and tick prevention.
Best CampsitesCampsites #8, #13, #15, #20, #21, and #24 are considered the best based on proximity to views and privacy.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in starts officially at 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out time is officially at 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum occupancy per campsite is 8 people, with up to two vehicles allowed per site.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum occupancy per campsite is 8 people.
Groups
No group site information has been provided for Tom King Campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutNo specific layout details are available for Tom King Campground.
Open and Closed SeasonAustin Creek SRA remains closed indefinitely due to the 2020 Walbridge Fire. Seasonal closures may occur due to extreme weather conditions.
Reservation PlatformsReservations were previously operated through Hipcamp.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability was previously offered at Armstrong kiosk; currently unavailable due to closure.
Cancellation PolicyNo specific cancellation policy is provided.
Activities you can enjoy
Austin Creek SRA allows for a range of recreational activities such as hiking, horseback riding, fishing, and interpretive exhibits. However, due to the closure of the recreation area, including Tom King Campground, most activities are not currently accessible.
Hiking
Hiking trails are available throughout Austin Creek SRA. User reviews mention excellent day hiking opportunities and scenic views.Fishing
Fishing is permitted within the Austin Creek SRA, but specific details about fishing opportunities near Tom King Campground are not available.Biking
Bicycles are limited to paved roads and fire roads. Trails are closed to biking at present.Wildlife viewing
The rich biodiversity in Austin Creek SRA allows for abundant wildlife viewing opportunities.Cultural and Educational Programs
Historical and cultural site exhibits are part of the Austin Creek SRA offerings.Winter Activities
Austin Creek SRA experiences light snow during winter months and is known for its freezing weather conditions, making activities like snowshoeing potentially possible though not explicitly mentioned.Water Sports
No information provided regarding non-motorized water sports.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires, BBQs, candles, and tiki torches are prohibited during fire bans. Propane camp stoves may be used for cooking.
- Quiet hours begin at 10:00 PM.
Hazards
General hazardsRattlesnakes, ticks, and mosquitoes are prevalent in warmer months. Fire bans are common during summer and autumn seasons due to extreme fire danger.
Active alertsThe park remains closed indefinitely due to hazards from the 2020 Walbridge Fire.
Weather forecast
81
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 46%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are null.
Good to know
Peak season datesSummer temperatures often exceed 100°F while winter temperatures occasionally drop below freezing. Rainfall occurs primarily in winter with over 50 annual inches including occasional snow flurries.
Trash and recyclingNo details provided regarding trash and recycling facilities at Tom King Campground.
Proximity to water featuresNo nearby water features are explicitly mentioned.
Common complaintsUsers have noted warmth in summer afternoons, presence of ticks, and mosquitoes as recurring concerns.
HostWhen available, the camp host occupies campsite #4. The park is seeking interested camp hosts for when operations resume.
Campground Map
17000 Armstrong Woods Road, Guerneville, CA, 95446-9587
Driving directionsAustin Creek SRA is located seven miles north of Guerneville on Armstrong Woods Road via the same entrance as Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve.
Road access is currently closed due to the 2020 Walbridge Fire. Under normal circumstances, the roads to the campground are accessible via paved routes until reaching Armstrong Woods Road.Nearby places
Guerneville (7 miles, approximately 15 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are null.
Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
Tom King Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight scenic beauty and a secluded camping atmosphere within Austin Creek SRA.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
"Beautiful, kinda hidden away spot. Great for a night of camping and good day hiking." (Review by Luther Fong, 2019-08-14) "Great views of the coastal mountains and a nice secluded campground."...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
No explicit complaints documented for Tom King Campground.
Based on 2 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend bringing bug repellants due to ticks and keeping an eye out for rattlesnakes during warmer months.
Based on 2 reviewsSeasonal Insights
During summer, temperatures exceed 100 degrees, making hiking challenging. Winters can drop below freezing with occasional snow flurries.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Beautiful, kinda hidden away spot. Great for a night of camping." (Luther Fong) "Great views of the coastal mountains and secluded." (Michael M)
Based on 2 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
No reviews tied specifically to site numbers at Tom King Campground.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews addressing accessibility features specific to Tom King Campground.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No pet-specific reviews for Tom King Campground.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025