166 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Covelo, California offers campgrounds ranging from free primitive dispersed sites to developed tent and RV camping areas throughout Mendocino National Forest and surrounding lands. The Eel River Campground offers tent and RV sites near swimming areas, while Grizzly Flat Dispersed Campground provides free primitive camping options for those seeking solitude. Camping opportunities range from developed sites with picnic tables and fire rings to more remote locations requiring high-clearance vehicles. Several private establishments like Mendocino Magic and The Hideaway at The Hole In The Wall offer alternative lodging with cabin and glamping accommodations.
Access to many campgrounds requires navigation of challenging forest roads, particularly when traveling to Howard Meadows Campground or higher elevation sites. One camper noted, "Take Forrest Route N17 off of Spouts Spring Rd. What a sweet surprise after spending an hour on an unimproved wash board road." Most established campgrounds operate seasonally from spring through fall, with Eel River Campground typically open March through December. Howard Meadows Campground generally operates April to November. Winter conditions can make forest roads impassable due to snow at higher elevations and mud at lower elevations. Cell service remains limited or nonexistent at most camping areas, requiring advance preparation.
Natural features represent the primary draw for campers in the Covelo region, with swimming holes and flowing creeks frequently mentioned in visitor reviews. Riverside camping at Eel River provides easy access to swimming spots, with a visitor describing "a 5 min walk to swimming hole under overpass on main road." Wildlife viewing opportunities include deer sightings at several campgrounds, though bears are present in the area. A review for Grizzly Flat mentioned, "My wife and I were going to camp here but she was a little spooked by the amount of bears we saw on the trail to the campsite." Public lands surrounding Covelo offer significant solitude compared to more popular coastal campgrounds, with minimal light pollution for stargazing. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with complete bans possible during dry summer and fall months.
"As you pass thru a off road vehicle area on way up to campsite. Lett's Lake was closed due to a prior fire. But the upside is that the Forrest service has provided free stacks of wood."
"There are many sites next to the ocean."
"PROS Campground is adjacent to the beach. You can hear the ocean and sometimes catch peeks of the ocean from the campground.
→ Campsites have bear lockers."
from $45 - $260 / night
Check Availability"No people around to spoil the serenity and beautiful forests. Pitched a tent and it was just us! Love this place! Went to town for provisions, the folks were very friendly. Great area!"
from $35 - $510 / night
Check Availability"The sites are very close to each other and the camp is very busy In The summer. There is a trail down to a wonderful beach for tide pooling and sunrise/sunset walks."
"This is by far one of the best places to camp on the California coast! The camp spots are right on the water and it is a beautiful spot to watch the sunset! Gets chilly @ night so be prepared!"
"There is another way out, but it's a Jeep trail and definitely requires 4lo. Our '03 4runner handled it fairly eaaily."
"Great location, clean bathrooms, easy access just make sure to air down."
"We were lucky to get a site right next to the beach for our class B RV. This is a beautiful site along Highway 1. PS if this site is full, there is a dry camp about a mile north on Highway one."
"We stayed in our van in the tent area which was secluded, with a stream meandering through, and it was nearly deserted in April."
from $55 - $155 / night
Check Availability"They have walk-ins, car camping, and spots for RV’s. There were heated outdoor showers, handwashing stations, and potable water. Lots to do around the campsite."
from $60 - $350 / night
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ScoutGreat first solo camping experience! My first time camping solo, with brand-new gear (fresh off the Amazon delivery truck!). The campground made it easy — clean, well-maintained amenities and grounds, and friendly, respectful neighbors who helped me feel safe and comfortable throughout my stay. Would definitely recommend for anyone dipping their toes into solo camping.
GuideThe road in is hilly and twisty. You don’t need 4x4, but you’ll want it. It’s a very amazing area and is in the middle of nowhere. BUT, there is trash and toilet paper everywhere. Avoid the place on weekends, unless you like drunks, idiots and loud trucks. During the week, it’s quiet and you can see elk on the sand, or a bear.
TravelerThe pros: the location is stunning. The beach is great, plus being situated right between Mendocino and Fort Bragg means lots of options for other sights to see and great restaurants too. The store is a nice bonus, the WiFi worked well near the entrance and the front part of camp, and every person I encountered who worked there was pleasant and helpful.
The cons: it is crowded as hell (at least during peak season in July) and no one cares at all about the posted quiet hours (and they don’t seem to be enforced). The tent sites do seem more spacious than the RV sites, but you’re still right on top of each other. I have terrible hearing and could still hear word for word what the family next to me was saying as they loudly chattered and laughed away at 11pm (kid, referring to my site: “Is someone in that tent?” adult: “Yeah, no one we know.” 😭)
I think the best way to visit again would be with friends who are in sites right next to you, so you have a better sense of what you’re getting into!
ScoutIt was genuinely the most beautiful campsite I've ever been to in my life, but it was simultaneously the dirtiest thousands of pieces of little plastics and cans and bags everywhere, people lighting fireworks and a man came up to me and asked if I wanted to smoke meth with him leaving me with mixed feelings about this place. It should also be said that I don't know if you could make it back there without four-wheel drive because I had to rely on that very often on some of these muddy spots on the road.
GuideMan, there is nothing like the sound of the wind thru those big ol' redwoods.
I wasn't sure I'd like this spot initially because there is not a lot of privacy between the campsites. Very little foliage, but you are literally under a canopy of redwoods, so that makes up for it!
Bathrooms are easily accessible and clean. First thing this morning, someone was in there mopping.
Visitor center had great gifts and souvenirs. They also sell firewood there for $10 a bundle.
There are gorgeous and super easy trails right across from visitor center. The only one that was "difficult" was the one that goes down to the Eel River. It gets sandy and steep for a bit but it's worth it.
I loved this campground and I hope I can get back here some day!
GuideThis RV park has many types of sites with pool, kid playgrounds and very large sights
RangerI only rated this a 4 just because the sites are kinda close together. However, it’s a perfect location for avenue of the giants. Pet friendly, showers, trails close by.
GuideEnjoyed our time at pillsburry. Water was warm, but too much clay and some areas had algae. Camp site was very spacious with fire pit. We fit our vehicles perfectly. Water spigot at camp site and bathrooms were across. There’s a store and token showers
TravelerWe absolutely love this campground. It’s a bit nostalgic for me. I came here when I was young with my parents in the early 90’s. They allowed tents back then. Now they have cabins and RV sites with full hookups. The movie theater is just how I remember it and access to the river can’t be beat. Site C and E are one of our favorite sites. We have also stayed at site 40 recently.
Camping near Covelo, California occurs within the Mendocino National Forest at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 4,000 feet, creating distinct seasonal conditions. The region's Mediterranean climate produces hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters with annual rainfall averaging 30-40 inches. Campers should prepare for temperature swings of 30-40°F between day and night, particularly at higher elevations.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: At Usal Beach Campsites, visitors often spot large mammals in their natural habitat. One camper noted, "We hopefully next time will see some elk because we weren't lucky this time :)" The area supports Roosevelt elk herds that frequently travel between forest and beach areas.
Hiking nearby trails: The wilderness areas offer multiple difficulty levels for hikers. A visitor at Grizzly Flat Dispersed Campground observed the post-fire landscape: "This area was also decimated by wild fire recently and a large percentage of the forest is charred." Many trails showcase forest regeneration after wildfires.
Water recreation: Swimming holes provide relief during summer months when temperatures often exceed 90°F. Westport Beach RV Park offers direct beach access where "You can see and or hear the waves crashing," according to one camper. The park's location allows for both beach activities and forest exploration within a short drive.
Secluded locations: Many visitors value the privacy available at Mendocino Magic, which features dispersed sites. One visitor described finding "a spot inland with no neighbors" despite a busy weekend. The 34-site property includes access to a reservoir for swimming and boating.
Natural swimming options: Campgrounds with water access receive consistently positive reviews. A camper at The Hideaway at The Hole In The Wall praised its "Swimming hole is epic, outdoor shower is perfect." Many sites feature creek access for cooling off during summer heat waves that typically reach 85-95°F in July and August.
Night sky viewing: The remote nature of camping near Covelo provides exceptional stargazing conditions with minimal light pollution. Campers at Surveyor Campground appreciate its distance from urban areas, with one noting it was "a sweet surprise after spending an hour on an unimproved wash board road."
Road conditions: Access to backcountry sites often requires high-clearance vehicles. The approach to Usal Beach takes "about 30-45 minutes on a bumpy dirt road. Even with 4x4 I would be hesitant to drive during heavy rain but when dry it's passable by car." Winter rains generally make these roads impassable from December through February.
Fluctuating crowds: Weekday visitors typically encounter fewer people. One camper advised about Usal Beach: "make sure you only go during the week, because of the rowdiness, hell raising, dune driving doing donuts, drunken idiots that are there on the weekends." During summer weekends, popular sites can fill by Friday afternoon.
Limited facilities: Most forest campgrounds provide minimal amenities. Howard Meadows Campground has "Sites are dispersed, vault toilet, no trash. Trickling creek with frogs in the evening." Campers should pack out all trash and bring water filtration systems for creek water.
Cabin options: For families seeking more comfort, Westport Beach RV Park and Campground offers cabins described by a visitor: "Our cabin was a five minute walk to the beach, with closer spots for RV'ers and tent campers." Cabins typically require booking 2-3 months in advance during summer.
Safer swimming areas: When camping with children, choose sites with calm water access. Eel River Campground provides family-friendly swimming options with "5 min walk to swimming hole under overpass on main road." Most swimming holes maintain comfortable temperatures between 65-75°F from June through September.
Wildlife awareness: Bears inhabit the Covelo region, requiring proper food storage. Parents should supervise children and teach wildlife safety. Mendocino Magic received praise as "Beautiful secret. Cannonball camp! Hiking, canoeing, swimming! Friendly staff with magnificent host!" making it suitable for families seeking structured camping.
Site selection: When bringing an RV to Westport Union Landing State Beach, a camper recommends: "If I had a van or camper the rating would be higher. You are perched out in the open on a bluff above the ocean. So the view and sunsets are epic. But being on the bluff when the wind comes in, in a tent with no cover, it can be fierce." Sites facing west experience strong afternoon winds averaging 15-25 mph.
Hookup availability: Full-service sites remain limited in the Covelo region. One RVer at Westport Beach RV Park noted, "We had a site with full hook ups, including sewage (no need for dumping station!!)." Most forest service campgrounds only offer primitive sites without hookups.
Access challenges: Large rigs face difficulties on forest roads. A camper with a 23' motorhome reported "Great spot for my first solo trip in my 23' motorhome. Cell service only on the beach and no working Wi-Fi which worked for me cuz I needed a break." RVs over 24 feet should avoid Howard Meadows and Grizzly Flat routes due to tight turns and rough terrain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Covelo, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Covelo, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 166 campgrounds and RV parks near Covelo, CA and 5 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Covelo, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Covelo, CA is Eel River Campground with a 3-star rating from 1 review.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Covelo, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Covelo, CA.
What parks are near Covelo, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 parks near Covelo, CA that allow camping, notably Mendocino National Forest and Mendocino Lake.
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