Things to do Nearby

Grandpa Jack at 16 years old, Summerhome Park

Grandpa Jack - age 16

Summer Home Park

Korbel Champagne Cellars - 1/2 mile 

Established in 1882, Korbel Champagne Cellars produces America's most popular champagne. The champagne is delicious and affordable. They have a fantastic deli and you can sit on the deck overlooking their beautiful vineyards with a gourmet sandwich and a cold glass of bubbly. Don’t miss the free tour, it’s one of the best.


Johnson’s Beach, Guerneville - 4 miles

Chris and Colton’s favorite beach on the river!

You think we’re a nod to the past? Johnson’s Beach is like stepping into a time machine. Johnson’s Beach is a real old-time public beach with snack shack and kiddy pool. Enjoy a burger and a beer or rent a canoe or paddle-boat. Johnson’s is always a great time.


Armstrong Redwoods - 6 miles

Even if you’ve seen Redwoods before, this Armstrong’s is amazing! It’s a state park and there are self-guided nature trails, picnic facilities and a visitor’s center. This is your best bet for hiking in the area. head straight into town and take a right at the light.
















Canoe Trips

Burke's - 4 miles

If you haven’t canoed the Russian River, you haven’t canoed! A truly great experience. Insider’s tip – go as early as possible. There is a lot more wild life to see in the early morning and you’ll avoid the crowds. Also- no dogs or very young children- strong swimmers only.















Goat Rock - Sonoma Coast State Park - 17 miles

The Sonoma Coast is beautiful and it’s close enough for an afternoon trip to watch the sunset. It’s home to the mouth of the Russian River and is often occupied by a colony of California Sea Lions.


Westside Road Wineries - 2 miles

Westside Road is likely the most beautiful wine tasting route in the county. More than a dozen wineries that are part of the Russian River Valley Appellation are within a stone’s throw. The road begins just a bit east of the campground and continues on to Healdsburg. It’s perfect for an afternoon drive or even a bike ride.

Grandma Marion as a girl in a canoe on the Russian River new Oddfellows Bridge

Marion - Above Oddfellows Bridge

Vintage drawing of the office at Schoolhouse Canyon

Russian River Adventures - 14 miles

Stunningly beautiful drive! 

Russian River Adventures uses the Soars inflatable canoes and are based out of Healdsburg. Easy to get to from the camp and really nice people. They are one of the few operations that allow dogs (on full day trips) and have no age restrictions so even young children can enjoy a canoe trip. Pack a lunch and bring water.


Rivers Edge Canoe and Kayak - 14 miles

Also based out of Healdsburg, Rivers Edge runs the upper Russian. They do self guided trips, multi-day and even a brunch tour. 


Pee Wee Golf - Guerneville - 4 miles

This is a well kept Pee Wee golf course from the late forties. My grandmother used to play here. The place is probably some sort of historical landmark and really, really cool. Read more about it on my blog post here: Playland Pee Wee Golf


Bike Tours -

There are too many unbelievable rides in this area to list. It would be hard to beat Westside Road from Hacienda Bridge to Healdsburg or Kings Ridge Road from Cazadero to the Sonoma Coast. These are also great roads for a Sunday drive if you left your bike at home. 


















Hiking - Austin Creek State Recreation Area - 8.4 miles

A gorgeous site with thousands of acres of woodlands, rolling hills, and open meadows. Well worth the drive.


Rio Nido Roadhouse & Public Swimming Pool - 1.6 miles

Rio Nido was the hot spot for the Russian River resort area back in the day. It’s coming around again and the Roadhouse sits in the middle of it all. There is a big pool, live music on the weekends and great food. It’s one of the few places that the kids will love as much as adults.

Sunlight illuminates Site 24

Just Up River from Schoolhouse

Monte Rio Public Beach - 7.5 miles

Monte Rio beach is big and clean and they have a snack shack as well as canoe rentals. The crowds are a lot lighter than Johnson’s in Guerneville and they have something Johnson’s doesn’t - a dog beach. It is generally accepted that good dogs can be off the leash on the beach below the bridge. Above the bridge is two footed creatures only.


Vintage photo of family on the Russian River near Schoolhouse Canyon Park
Beach at Schoolhosue Canyon Campground

Sonoma Canopy Tours - 11 miles

Every one of my campers that have tried this tour raved about it!  Zip lines and sky bridges suspended high in the Coastal Redwoods. Sonoma Canopy Tours is family-friendly and educational. A real thrill and a special occasion.







SUP Odyssey Stand Up Paddle Board - 0 miles

Jeff is a great guy and has been coming to the campground beach most days to rent paddle boards as well as give demonstrations and tours. He makes it very affordable and our stretch of the river is calm and beautiful.

Colton and friends

Looking downriver from Schoolhouse Canyon Beach

“The most beautiful campsite we have ever seen- and very clean!

Jon &  Sarah -site #30 

Paddle boarding on the Russian River at Schoolhouse Canyon Campground

Schoolhouse Canyon Campground 12600 River Rd. Guerneville, CA 707.869.2311

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