Fishing enthusiasts and water sports lovers can access Mendocino Lake directly from COE Mendocino Lake Chekaka Campground, though this US Army Corps of Engineers facility has closed permanently. The campground featured hookup sites with relatively generous spacing between campsites, providing some separation from neighboring campers.
Lake access stood out as the primary draw for visitors. The water stayed calm and warm during summer months, supporting swimming, kayaking, windsurfing, and wakeboarding activities. A boat launch provided direct water access for larger watercraft. "The access to the water is amazing," notes Ally S., highlighting the campground's shoreline proximity.
Working restrooms and showers served the camping area, though some reviewers mentioned the campground could become noisy during weekend evenings. The sites closest to the lakeshore filled up first among campers prioritizing water access. Pet owners could bring their animals to the campground under the Corps' pet policies.
For current camping options in the area, campers can explore campgrounds around Mendocino Lake or consider COE Mendocino Lake Bu-Shay Campground as an alternative Corps facility on the same lake.
Description
Overview
Chekaka Recreation Area is situated on Lake Mendocino in California's Mendocino Range, where redwood forests meet wine country. There is one reservable picnic pad in the Overlook Day-Use Area. Chekaka Campground has been permanently closed. The lake is formed by the Coyote Dam on the Russian River. A wide variety of recreational opportunities is available, including boating, swimming, water skiing, fishing, hiking 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 that begins at the Overlook Day-Use Area and offers beautiful views of the lake. Lake Mendocino also offers two disc golf courses that can be found near the Overlook Day-Use Area on the south end and the Pomo A Day-Use Area parking lot on the north end. The rolling terrain is heavily wooded in some areas, making for challenging tunnel shots with obstacles around most pins.
Facilities
The old Chekaka Campground is permanently closed to camping; it is instead being used as overflow day-use parking for the South Boat Ramp and Coyote Valley Dam. The Overlook Day-Use Area group picnic site in the Chekaka Recreation Area is available for reservations.__
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 throughout the summer, offering fresh produce, local wines, arts and crafts and live music.
contact_info
This location has limited staffing. Please call (707) 467-4200 for general information.
Location
Public CampgroundCOE Mendocino Lake Chekaka Campground - CLOSED PERMANENTLY is located in California
Directions
From the South (San Francisco, Santa Rosa, Ukiah): Follow Highway 101 North towards Ukiah. Approximately 2 miles north of Ukiah, take the Lake Mendocino Dr. exit and turn right. Turn left at North State St., then right again onto Lake Mendocino Dr. Chekaka Recreation Area is at the top of the hill. Take a slight left before reaching the Coyote Valley Dam to visit the Overlook Day-Use Area.__ From the North (Eureka, Willits, Fort Bragg): Follow Highway 101 South. Approximately 17 miles south of Willits, take the Lake Mendocino Dr. exit and turn left. Turn left at North State St., then right onto Lake Mendocino Dr. Chekaka Recreation Area is at the top of the hill. Take a slight left before reaching the Coyote Valley Dam to visit the Overlook Day-Use Area. 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 5 miles after the Potter Valley turn-off, continue onto Highway 101 South. Take the Lake Mendocino Dr. exit and turn left. Turn left at North State St., then right onto Lake Mendocino Dr. Chekaka Recreation Area is at the top of the hill. Take a slight left before reaching the Coyote Valley Dam to visit the Overlook Day-Use Area.
Address
N39 12.164 W123 11.197
CA 95482-9404
Coordinates
39.2030556 N
123.1863889 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage- Verizon5GExcellent Coverage
AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 3/14/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- Verizon5GExcellent Coverage
- AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 3/14/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
