Kyen Campground, near Ukiah, California, offers a unique camping experience with a mix of natural beauty and essential amenities. Located by Lake Mendocino, it’s a place where you can enjoy the outdoors, though some visitors have noted that the upkeep could use some attention.

The campground features picnic tables and fire rings, perfect for evening gatherings. Many campers appreciate the availability of drinking water and electric hookups, making it easier to settle in and enjoy your stay. However, keep in mind that there are no showers, so plan accordingly if you’re looking for a freshen-up after a day of activities.

For those who enjoy water activities, the nearby lake provides opportunities for boating and fishing. The area is also great for hiking, with trails that let you soak in the surrounding nature. Just be cautious of the roadways within the campground, as some sites are close to the main road, and traffic can be a bit fast.

While some reviews mention challenges with cleanliness and maintenance, others found the location enjoyable enough for a visit. As one camper noted, “While we enjoyed our time at Kyen, I wouldn’t say that we are pointed at visiting again.” If you’re looking for a straightforward camping experience with access to the lake, Kyen Campground might just fit the bill.

## Overview

 Kyen Campground and Oak Grove Day-Use Area is situated on Lake Mendocino in California's Mendocino Range, where redwood forests meet wine country. The lake is formed by the Coyote Dam on the Russian River. A wide variety of recreational opportunities are available, including boating, swimming, picnicing, 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, which begins in the Pomo Recreation Area just west of the campground and offers beautiful views of the lake. 
## 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.

Kyen Campground

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Homeless people live here but they were actually cleaner than the campers. People do not follow the rules. Many dogs off leash even after asking people nicely to leash them. Minimal presence of rangers. Has showers but they smell like pee and showers and bathrooms were very dirty. The alarm for the sewer went off and rang all day and night even when we called to report it. No mention on their website or an alert anywhere of the prisoners who would be there all day using a chainsaw and burning the wood from trees that were being trimmed. So needless to say it was not relaxing. The sites haven't been cleaned up at all and although we had a large site we had to squeeze two tents on a sloped area because the rest of the site had poison oak. Lots of poison oak throughout camp. The lake is nice with a good ramp and dock but people let their kids play on the dock and no one tells them to move for boats going in and out. A main road goes through the campground and cars fly through there. Watch your dogs, kids and yourselves! Many of the sites are along the road as well so check the map.

Skip it

While we enjoyed our time at Kyen, I wouldn’t say that we are pointed at visiting again. This might be due to the fact that we stayed in many other incredible sites on our Ca visit

Enjoyable

Not sure why day use and Camping is closed. This whole area doesn't like Campers. I suggest just going to Shasta or the Coast. 

Closed for no reason

Closed cause covid

Hot weather looking for a cool, on lake CG. We didn’t camp there. Thought we might but, instead just drove through. Day-use area close. Parking lot for boaters open. CG host said full; grounds not well maintained. Open sites with expired occupancy dates on them. Large groups with extra vehicles. Some sites looked like long term occupancy. Pleased there was no room. Don’t think would’ve been comfortable experience.

Sketchy

This is the worst campground I’ve ever seen. There was trash throughout the campground - including a used condom and condom wrappers in our campsite - bathrooms were dirty and had no soap, and there were several loud groups well after the posted quiet hours. We stayed one night and left early. If you’re into obnoxious parties, then this place is for you. The “potable” water is brown out of the tap. 

Photos of Kyen Campground

Real photos from real campers