Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve and

Austin Creek State Recreation Area

Both accessed by the same entrance, these adjacent areas cover 6,805 pristine acres.
Location & Directions
5 minutes outside of Guerneville
20 minutes off of Highway 101
Heading west into Guerneville take a right at the second stoplight onto Armstrong Woods Road. Take Armstrong Woods Road until you reach the park.

Notes
Open Year Round
Free Parking
Fee charged for drive ins and car camping
Camping sites are first-come-first-serve
Dogs welcome on leash
Horses are welcome
Bikers must stay off trails (fire roads are okay)

More Information
Basics: The entrance to the park is home to a parking lot, visitor center, ranger station and a toll/guide both. From here you can drive into the redwood grove [above], park and walk in, or take hiking trails up into the hills. The entrance area is Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve. Deeper into the park and the land changes to Austin Creek Recreation Area.
Picnic Areas: There are two picnic sites. The first is a little over 1 mile into the park and located in the redwood grove. The second is around bullfrog pond 3 miles farther and up a winding road.
Geography: Armstrong redwoods reserve covers a mountainous region. The views of the surrounding area from the top are great. On a clear day you can see south all the way to Marin county.
Cars/Accessibility: you will not need an SUV to get around the park (although it is the cool way to go), the roads are paved and navigatable in a sports car.
Backpacking: The backpacking area of the park is in Austin Creek Recreation Area. To access this region you will need to enter the park, drive through the redwood grove and up the hill. You then choose a parking spot and hike down into the "backcountry" on one of several trails. There are maintained camping locations or you can setup wherever you like. Fire rules change by the season.
Fishing: At bullfrog pond. When full the pond is about the size of a football field. Fishing from the banks is the way to go. The fish include bluegill, small and large mouth bass and catfish.