Fort Bragg campgrounds sit on a coastal terrace approximately 60-80 feet above sea level, creating distinct camping zones in this Northern California region. Temperatures typically range 45-65°F year-round, with summer fog patterns keeping inland areas cooler than expected. Campsites inland tend to receive more sunshine with pine forest coverage while coastal options remain cooler with persistent ocean breezes.
What to do
Hike to waterfalls: Russian Gulch State Park Campground offers direct access to the 36-foot waterfall via the Fern Canyon Trail. "Great Fern Canyon trail and waterfall trail back in the gorge. You can explore all the Mendocinio Coast from here," shares one camper, who appreciates the "lower loop along the creek" and notes that "sites at the end, near the beginning of the fern canyon trail are choice."
Tide pooling: At Mackerricher State Park Campground, beaches accessible from the campground feature excellent tide pools. A reviewer mentions, "In some sites, you can even watch the sun set. But even more, you are about a 2 minute walk to the beach… which is gorgeous and all black sand with some of the best tide pools!"
Kayak the river: Camp One at Jackson Demonstration Forest provides riverside camping with paddling opportunities. "Very quiet area to get away and relax. The noyo river runs right through the middle of the campground," notes a visitor. Another adds, "Plenty of trails to explore and Noyo River meanders through the center."
What campers like
Private camping spaces: Pomo RV Park & Campground features sites separated by vegetation. "The sites have privacy in the fact that there are hedges grown between each one, unless you book a group site," explains one camper. Another agrees: "Very private sites divided by hedges. Sites are fairly large and very well maintained."
Coastal temperature regulation: Van Damme State Park Campground maintains cooler temperatures than inland sites. "Lush and moist campground with large banana slugs," notes one reviewer. Another observes the campground is "protected from wind" while still being "close to ocean."
Proximity to services: Woodside RV Park offers convenience for campers needing quick access to supplies. A long-time visitor explains, "Woodside RV Park in Fort Bragg may not be the most luxurious but it's quiet and clean," adding, "They are right by the Botanical Gardens."
What you should know
Shower token systems: Many state parks require payment for showers. At Mackerricher, "Showers require tokens. This seems pretty standard in California State Parks but it's successful at deterring us from showering every night. One token gives 4 minutes of showering. Each token is $1."
Dump station fees: Some campgrounds charge for dump station usage. "The dump station has a mandatory fee of $10. You pay with a credit card. When payment is approved, the cap to the dump hole unlocks."
Cell service limitations: Westport Beach RV Park and Campground has connectivity challenges. "The waves are loud, the cell service sucks and the Wi-Fi is very spotty…which makes it a perfect spot to get away!" One visitor noted that "Cell service only on the beach and no working Wi-Fi which worked for me cuz I needed a break."
Tips for camping with families
Group camping options: Russian Gulch State Park offers dedicated group areas. One camper notes, "Camped here Sept 2014 with a large group of friends in the group site. The bathrooms were close and clean. The group site was near the road used to reach the beach but traffic wasn't a problem."
Protected beaches: Van Damme State Park Campground provides sheltered swimming areas. "This small campground has a wonderful host, clean amenities, a wonderful smell, and a fabulous beach to play on," shares a family visitor. Another points out it's "only a few minutes away from Mendocino."
Educational programs: Check park schedules for ranger presentations. One visitor to Van Damme recalls, "There's an amphitheater where we were able to see a ranger/scientist presentation on sea birds of California."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for large rigs: At Harbor RV Park, choose spaces carefully. "Located next to Pomo Bluffs Park and over looking the ocean and the Noyo River/Bay. Stayed 6 days in November paid $250. Full hook ups with cable," notes one RVer, while another mentions, "Tight sites but beautiful views."
Dog-friendly amenities: Several dog friendly campgrounds near Fort Bragg provide pet-specific features. At Harbor RV Park, one camper appreciates that there's "green grass all around" the RV pad, noting, "So many parks are gravel, or worse dirt. Harbor RV give you a road base pad and real green grass all around it."
RV site dimensions: Westport Beach RV Park offers varying site sizes. "Campground was clean. Staff was friendly. Bathrooms clean. Campgrounds were only at 50% capacity so it was super quiet. Beach was vast and a stone's throw from my campsite," reports one RVer while another cautions about peak season: "Here is the campground when it's full up. Very close rigs."
