Johnson's Beach
Guerneville, California · on Russian River
Verified · 3 independent sources
- WATER
- river
- ACCESS
- Designated swim area
- FEE
- $10 per car
- SEASON
- Best in summer
About Johnson's Beach
Johnson's Beach is a long-running, privately operated riverside beach and campground on the Russian River in Guerneville, California, established in 1918. It is a well-known summer swimming hole and floating destination in Sonoma County's Russian River Valley, and one of the area's most popular places to swim, offering a sand and pebble beach, boat rentals, and overnight cabins and camping.
The beach sits directly on the banks of the Russian River near Main Street in Guerneville, within Sonoma County's Russian River Valley, shaded by redwood, black walnut, and sycamore trees along a shoreline described as white pebble.
Swimming at Johnson's Beach
Visitors swim, float, and sun themselves on the river beach; the operator rents canoes, pedal boats, and inner tubes for floating the Russian River, and there is a separate shallow kiddie pond for young children. The setup caters to a broad range of visitors, from families with small kids to river floaters and day-trippers.
How to get to this swimming hole
Located at 16215/16217 First Street in Guerneville, CA 95446, just off Main Street, on the banks of the Russian River.
Parking: On-site parking lot for day visitors, $10 per car, open 10am-6pm.
The walk in
No real hike here. The water is a short walk from where you park. Drive-up riverside beach with an on-site parking lot; no trail or hike is needed to reach the water from parking.
Plan your visit
Bringing kids
OK with supervision
Johnson's Beach has a dedicated shallow kiddie pond separate from the main river, which suits young children, but no source confirms lifeguards on duty or the depth/current profile of the main swimming beach itself, so supervision is still warranted there.
Parking
Paid, $10 per car
On-site day-use parking lot at the beach, open 10am-6pm; overnight lodging/camping guests have separate arrangements.
Hours
Parking lot 10am-6pm; beach equipment rentals 10am-5pm; snack shack 11am-5pm (beer and wine service until 6pm). Seasonal (summer) operation.
On the water
Johnson's Beach itself rents canoes, kayaks, and inner tubes for use on this stretch of the Russian River; no source found describing motorboat/jet-ski rules or a no-wake zone, so that is left null rather than assumed.
Rentals nearby
Canoes, pedal boats, kayaks, and inner tubes, plus beach chairs and umbrellas, for use directly at the beach
16215 First St, Guerneville, CA - at the swim spot itself · 10am-5pm (equipment due back by 5pm)
Kayak and paddleboard rentals for the Russian River; reviewers also mention canoe rentals with a Forestville-to-Guerneville route
16258 Main St, Guerneville, CA - about 0.3 mi from Johnson's Beach · Open 7 days/week; May-October 8am-6pm (winter hours vary)
Canoe and solo kayak rentals for a self-guided 10-mile paddle down the Russian River from Forestville to Guerneville, with return shuttle bus
Prices: $95 per canoe; $60 per solo kayak (includes paddles, life jackets, and shuttle)
8600 River Road, Forestville, CA - about 5 mi upriver from Guerneville; trips end near Johnson's Beach/downtown Guerneville · Open 7 days/week, seasonally from Memorial Day weekend through mid-October
Backstory
Founded in 1918 by Gertie and Ernie Johnson, the beach has operated continuously for over a century as a Russian River summer destination and in the past hosted the Russian River Jazz and Blues Festival.
Johnson's Beach: FAQ
Does Johnson's Beach charge a fee?
$10 per car day-use parking fee. Separate overnight camping/cabin rates apply for lodging guests; pet fees for overnight guests are $50 (campground) or $100 (bungalows/cabins).
Is Johnson's Beach kid friendly?
Johnson's Beach has a dedicated shallow kiddie pond separate from the main river, which suits young children, but no source confirms lifeguards on duty or the depth/current profile of the main swimming beach itself, so supervision is still warranted there.
Do I need to hike to reach Johnson's Beach?
No significant hike is required. The swimming area is close to parking and access.
Where do I park for Johnson's Beach?
On-site day-use parking lot at the beach, open 10am-6pm; overnight lodging/camping guests have separate arrangements.
Can I bring a kayak or paddleboard to Johnson's Beach?
Johnson's Beach itself rents canoes, kayaks, and inner tubes for use on this stretch of the Russian River; no source found describing motorboat/jet-ski rules or a no-wake zone, so that is left null rather than assumed.
When is the best time to visit Johnson's Beach?
Summer, per Sonoma County Tourism's description of it as a classic summer getaway destination.
What are the rules at Johnson's Beach?
No outside alcohol permitted (beer and wine sold on site). Pets are prohibited on the beach itself; dogs are allowed only in the campground or accommodations (max two per unit, must be leashed and not left unattended).
What water body is Johnson's Beach on?
Johnson's Beach is on Russian River, a natural river verified in USGS hydrography data.
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