Within the Mendocino Lake recreation area managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers, Kyen Campground operates as a drive-in facility with full hookups for RVs up to 35 feet. Sites spread across forested terrain near the lake, though reviewers note many lack level ground for tent setup. The campground charges $35-65 per night depending on electrical hookups, with federal pass holders receiving half-price discounts.
Road access through the campground creates traffic concerns, as one reviewer warns cars "fly through there" on the main route. Sites positioned along this road experience more noise and safety issues. The facility includes restrooms, showers, and a dump station, though maintenance standards vary significantly according to visitor reports. Water access remains a primary draw, with a boat ramp and dock available for fishing and swimming activities.
Cleanliness emerges as a recurring concern across multiple reviews. Patricia L. found "bathrooms reasonably clean" during her visit, while others reported more serious sanitation issues. The campground can accommodate large groups and tends to fill up during peak summer weekends, particularly before Labor Day. Poison oak grows throughout the area, requiring careful site selection and navigation.
Reservations through Recreation.gov help secure preferred sites, especially those closer to the water that fill first. Senior and federal discount passes significantly reduce costs for eligible campers.
Description
Overview
Kyen Campground and Oak Grove Day-Use Area are conveniently situated on Lake Mendocino, in California's Northern Coast Range where redwood forests meet wine country. The lake is formed by the Coyote Dam on the East Fork of the Russian River and offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities, including boating, swimming, picnicking, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, disc golf, and horseback riding.
Recreation
The 1,822-acre lake provides abundant boating, swimming and water skiing opportunities. Anglers will find sunfish, smallmouth bass, striped bass, crappie, white and channel catfish, bluegill and perch.Several miles of trails wind around Lake Mendocino, including the 3-mile Shakota Trail, which begins in the Pomo Recreation Area just west of the campground and offers beautiful views of the lake.
Facilities
Kyen Campground offers 93 family sites within walking distance of the lake. The Oak Grove Day-Use Area has two group picnic shelters, one of which is reservable. Several family picnic sites with tables and grills are available on a first come, first served basis. Additional group picnic shelters and family sites are available in the nearby Pomo Recreation Area.Amenities include flush and vault toilets, showers, drinking water, a dump station and boat ramp.
Natural Features
Lake Mendocino lies in the scenic rolling hills of Coyote Valley. Groves of oak mixed with manzanita and pines forest the area, offering limited shade and an excellent bird and wildlife habitat.
Nearby Attractions
The charming city of Ukiah, less than 15 minutes away, offers a variety of shopping and dining opportunities, museums and golf courses. The Ukiah Farmer's Market runs Saturday mornings and Tuesday evenings throughout the summer, offering fresh produce, local wines, arts and crafts and live music.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Welcome to Kyen Campground! We highly recommend booking your reservation in advance as on-site mobile reception is limited. Please note that all reservations must be made online. We are a cashless facility and cannot collect payments at the campground.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundKyen Campground is located in California
Directions
From the South (San Francisco, Santa Rosa, Ukiah): Follow Highway 101 North towards Ukiah. Approximately 5 miles north of Ukiah, take Highway 20 East. Continue on Highway 20 East for approximately 2 miles. Turn right onto Marina Dr. Continue past the North Boat Ramp and Oak Grove Day-Use Area until you reach the campground Entrance Station on your right. From the North (Eureka, Willits, Fort Bragg): Follow Highway 101 South. Approximately 15 miles south of Willits, take Highway 20 East. Continue on Highway 20 East for approximately 2 miles. Turn right onto Marina Dr. Continue past the North Boat Ramp and Oak Grove Day-Use Area until you reach the campground Entrance Station on your right. From the East (Sacramento): From the city of Williams, take Highway 20 West. Continue on Highway 20 for approximately 2 hours or 80 miles traveling past Clearlake and Blue Lakes. Approximately 3 miles after the Potter Valley turn-off, turn left onto Marina Dr. Continue past the North Boat Ramp and Oak Grove Day-Use Area until you reach the campground Entrance Station on your right.
Address
1400 Marina Drive
Ukiah, CA 95482
Coordinates
39.2366667 N
123.1777778 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/3/26
VerizonLTESome Coverage
AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/3/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/3/26
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/3/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
