How much does camping cost at Tom King Campground?

Camping fees at Tom King Campground range from $25-$35/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Tom King Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Tom King Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Walk-up availability was previously offered at Armstrong kiosk; currently unavailable due to closure.

Can I see photos of campsites at Tom King Campground before I book?

Yes! Tom King Campground has 10 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Tom King Campground?

Tom King Campground is open Summer 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.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Tom King Campground?

Tom King Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Are dogs allowed at Tom King Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Tom King Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What activities can I do at Tom King Campground?

Popular activities at Tom King Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Tom King Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Tom King Campground?

Fire policies at Tom King Campground: Campfires, BBQs, candles, and tiki torches are prohibited during fire bans. Propane camp stoves may be used for cooking.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

2 reviews

17000 Armstrong Woods Road, Guerneville, CA, 95446-9587

Peace & Quiet

Featured in:Primitive Camping California

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

384 ft

Price

$25 - $35/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Backcountry campsite...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods Official Website

Get Directions

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

384 ft

Price

$25 - $35/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Backcountry campsite...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods Official Website

Get Directions

Tom King Campground

$25.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping fees range from $25 per night for backcountry sites (currently closed) to $35 per night at Bullfrog Pond. Seniors receive a discounted rate...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Reserve California

Provider

707-869-9177

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Tom King Campground

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Campground Map

17000 Armstrong Woods Road, Guerneville, CA, 95446-9587

Tom King Campground

17000 Armstrong Woods Road, Guerneville, CA, 95446-9587

Nearby places

Guerneville (7 miles, approximately 15 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies are null.

Weather at Tom King Campground

Current alert: The park remains closed indefinitely due to hazards from the 2020 Walbridge Fire.

Best Time to Camp at Tom King Campground

Spring delivers the best conditions: daytime temperatures in the 50s to mid-60s°F, cool mornings with fog, and streams running high enough for fishing. Wildflowers peak in late spring when grasses are still green. Summer afternoons turn hot. Reviews mention significant warmth and the need for bug repellent against ticks and mosquitoes. Winter brings over 50 inches of rain annually, occasional frost, and rare snow flurries. Note: Austin Creek State Recreation Area remains closed indefinitely as of the most recent information.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring best: cool temps, coastal fog, high streams for fishing and peak wildflowers.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Summer 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.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Backcountry campsites (Tom King and Mannings Flat) remain closed.

About Tom King Campground

Tom King Campground sits in a secluded corner of Austin Creek State Recreation Area, near Guerneville, at 384 feet elevation. The primitive tent camping here feels genuinely remote. No amenities, just grasslands, oak woodlands, and chaparral stretching across coastal ridges. Sites cost $25–35/night.

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 Significance

The nearby Pond Farm Pottery, a National Historic Landmark, connects the area to California's mid-century artistic legacy. Beyond that specific site, the campground's historical context isn't well documented.

Weather and SeasonsSpring delivers the best conditions: daytime temperatures in the 50s to mid-60s°F, cool mornings with fog, and streams running high enough for fishing. Wildflowers peak in late spring when grasses are still green. Summer afternoons turn hot. Reviews mention significant warmth and the need for bug repellent against ticks and mosquitoes. Winter brings over 50 inches of rain annually, occasional frost, and rare snow flurries. Note: Austin Creek State Recreation Area remains closed indefinitely as of the most recent information.

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 SceneryThe campground occupies terrain where several ecosystems converge. Grasslands transition into chaparral on sun-exposed slopes, while oak-studded valleys provide shade pockets. Higher elevations hold stands of Douglas fir and coast redwood where coastal fog settles in. Austin Creek runs through the park, higher in spring, quieter by late summer. Views stretch across coastal mountain ridges, particularly from higher campsites.

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.

Scenic ViewsUser reviews highlight 'great views of the coastal mountains' and describe the campground as 'hidden away,' offering scenic natural beauty.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo lodging accommodations are mentioned for Tom King Campground.

Programs & ActivitiesHistorical and cultural site exhibits are part of the Austin Creek SRA offerings.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

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 camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

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.

AccessibilityAccessibility information specific to Tom King Campground has not been provided.

Recommended SitesChoose sites based on preferences for views, privacy, and accessibility. Bring bug repellant and tick prevention.

Best CampsitesSites #8, #13, #15, #20, #21, and #24 get the strongest recommendations for views and privacy, according to available records.

Amenities available

Tom King Campground is situated within the Austin Creek State Recreation Area, which is currently under a complete closure due to the impacts of the 2020 Walbridge Fire. Specific amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and water facilities may be available but are not explicitly documented for this campground. General amenities in the recreation area include historical exhibits, fishing opportunities, and hiking trails.

I manage this campground

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

Fishing

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRattlesnakes, ticks, and mosquitoes are prevalent in warmer months. Fire bans are common during summer and autumn seasons due to extreme fire danger.

Fire PolicyCampfires, BBQs, candles, and tiki torches are prohibited during fire bans. Propane camp stoves may be used for cooking.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours begin at 10:00 PM.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are null.

Trash & RecyclingNo details provided regarding trash and recycling facilities at Tom King Campground.

Water FeaturesNo nearby water features are explicitly mentioned.

Camp HostWhen available, the camp host occupies campsite #4. The park is seeking interested camp hosts for when operations resume.

Cell CoverageNo specific information about cell phone service coverage or providers for Tom King Campground.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

0.0

2 reviews

Limited 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 reviews

Common Concerns

No explicit complaints documented for Tom King Campground.

Based on 2 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No reviews tied specifically to site numbers at Tom King Campground.

Based on 2 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing bug repellants due to ticks and keeping an eye out for rattlesnakes during warmer months.

Based on 2 reviews

Seasonal Insights

During summer, temperatures exceed 100 degrees, making hiking challenging. Winters can drop below freezing with occasional snow flurries.

Based on 2 reviews

Camper 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 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews addressing accessibility features specific to Tom King Campground.

Based on 2 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No pet-specific reviews for Tom King Campground.

Based on 2 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Hikers and tent campers drawn to oak woodlands and coastal ridges should bookmark this for when it reopens. Spring is the sweet spot: temperatures in the 50s-60s, wildflowers, and Austin Creek running high. The isolation here is genuine.

Skip if

The park is currently closed with no reopening date. Beyond that, summer afternoons routinely top 100°F, ticks and rattlesnakes are active in warm months, and there are zero amenities on site, so first-timers expecting facilities will be disappointed.

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