Frequently asked questions

Grandpa Jack in his late teens on a canoe in the Russian River

Grandpa Jack age 19

Reservations? Yes, but not always necessary.

We often have sites available first come first serve. Reservations are typically unnecessary on weekdays. Just come and pick a site. On weekends, reservations are recommended.

All reservations require a 2 night minimum, 3 night minimum on Memorial Day, 4th of July & Labor Day. While we won’t reserve a site for just one night, you are welcome to camp for one night on a first-come first-serve basis as a walk-in (subject to availability).

Reservations may be made by telephone only. Call and leave your name, the dates you would like to visit, the amount of people and information about your party. We will get back to you as soon as possible. Please be sure to expect our call and answer. Our return call will be from 707-869-2311. Some find it convenient to add our number as a contact.

International callers - we do not have an international calling plan and are unable to return a call to outside the U.S. Please call when you arrive and leave a U.S. phone number. We will be happy to help you.

Maximum group size - 8 people.

Schoolhouse is a very small campground set in a private canyon. It is a noise sensitive campground that does not work well for larger parties. We are unable to accommodate groups of more than 8 people. By keeping the party sizes small, we have found that the camp tends to remain quite and calm. Please note that this is total group size, not just the amount of people in any one site. You may not have a reunion here or join several other families. Nearly every other campground on the Russian River works better for larger groups and we are happy to give a referral if you like.

Family Friendly? Yes, your children will be happy here. They will probably make lots of friends and have a real, non-virtual experience. We loan board games at the office, and the river is across the street. We have 30 acres of strolling trails, an orchard, and a small, private beach for our campers to enjoy.

Inner tubes ready for rent with Willys truck at Schoolhouse Canyon

Tube Rentals

Chaulkboard with suggestions of things to do while camping at Schoolhouse Canyon

Dogs OK? Yes with restrictions.

Sorry, no Pit Bulls, Staffordshire Terriers, Mastiffs, American Bull Dogs or any dog that has shown aggression towards other dogs or people. Dogs must be on leash at all times and may not ever be left unattended. Owners must clean up each and every time after their pets. We do not allow cats.

Music or Parties? No, this is a family campground. We ask you remain quiet and calm and leave radios off at all times. Please respect the quiet hours of 10 PM to 8 AM by keeping voices low and around the campfire. Alcohol may be consumed in moderation only. In a tiny canyon such as this, noise travels far. Please be extra considerate of your fellow campers.

Campfires? Yes. We also have seasoned campfire bundles available inexpensively. Each campsite has a nice fire pit with a flip-over grill for cooking.

Check-in / Check-out time? Check-in between 1 PM and 9 PM Fri & Sat, 1 PM to 8 PM Sun - Thurs. Check-out by 11 AM on day of departure.

Please be prompt as new guests will be arriving for your site after your departure. A late checkout after 11 AM will be charged for another night stay.

Bathrooms and Showers? Yes. Fresh and clean with hot showers too!

Ridenhour kids and Grandpa Jack on a Russian River beach in the 1950s

Grandpa Jack, Shelly & Aunt Janis

RVs and trailers? Some. This is primarily a tent campground and we are not well set up for RVs. Most sites do not have electricity and we don’t allow generators. If you still want to bring one, we allow small trailers up to 18 feet and RVs up to 23 feet. There is a small additional charge for RVs or trailers. Be sure to check availability as some sites will not accommodate either. This is a perfect park for tear drop trailers, small RVs and truck bed campers. Have a Westfalia? You’ll feel right at home.

Generators OK? No, sorry. Schoolhouse is a heritage park and the noise of generators is inconsistent with our our theme.

Hookups? Yes, a few sites have electricity (15amp) and water but no 30 or 50 amp RV hookups.

How long can I stay? 14 days. This is a true tent campground. We do not allow permanent residents.

Marion, the bathing beauty of Schoolhouse Canyon on the beach at Summerhome Park just up river from Schoolhouse Canyon

Marion - Summer Home Park

River access? We have 30 acres of riverfront property, including walking trails and a small, private beach. Just a five-minute walk to the river; you must cross River Road to use our beach. The beach and river property is for you to use while camping at Schoolhouse Canyon. The property is not open to the public. Alternatively, the bigger county beaches called Sunset and Steelhead are just east of us. We also recommend Johnson’s Beach in Guerneville, which has canoe and kayak rentals and a great snack shack.

Wineries near by? Sure, there are plenty. This is Sonoma County, wineries are everywhere. You could throw a rock and hit Korbel Champagne Cellars from here, which also has a great deli and one of the best tours around. Westside Road is the most beautiful wine road in the county and begins just a mile down the street and ends in the historic town of Healdsburg.

What forms of payment do you take? Cash only. No credit cards. No checks. There is a bank in town with ATM as well as a 24-hour Safeway. Please come prepared; fees are due at the time of check-in.

What is your season? We are open for Summer camping only. We open by Memorial Day weekend (late May) and close in early October. Schoolhouse is closed during Winter. We take reservations for the current season only.