Mendocino County coastal campers find yurt camping near Gualala, California amid rocky bluffs and wind-shaped cypress trees characteristic of the Pacific Coast. The region's microclimate creates foggy mornings and cool evenings even during summer months when temperatures rarely exceed 75°F. Most campgrounds sit between 100-400 feet elevation with seasonal access limited by winter rainfall averaging 38 inches annually.
What to do
Coastal lighthouse exploration: 15 miles north of Gualala at Point Arena lighthouse stands a 115-foot tower accessible for tours. "The Manchester Cable Station, built by AT&T in 1954 on the United States' closest point to the Hawaiian Islands, where the internet backbone starts its journey across the Pacific," explains a visitor to Manchester Beach / Mendocino Coast KOA.
River activities: Paddling and swimming spots along the Russian River provide alternatives to ocean recreation. "We spent one afternoon just strolling on the strip and checking out stores. The campground is small. Some sites are sunny and has no shade at all but some are cool and shady," reports a camper at Johnson's Beach.
Night sky viewing: Dark skies support stargazing with minimal light pollution during clear nights. "No city lights to speak of = incredible stargazing. Oceanside = fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves," notes a Manchester State Park camper.
What campers like
Kitchen facilities: Communal cooking spaces at some campgrounds provide extra convenience. "This KOA has large tent sites and a HUGE kitchen with 3 electric stoves and several sinks and microwaves for camper use. They have movies each night and have lots of trees for shade," shares a visitor at Manchester Beach KOA.
Water recreation: River and lake swimming options for families with children. "The private beach is great for kids (and adults). Easy swimming without a strong current. Lots of shallows but a deep swimming hole are for adults too," explains a guest at River Bend Resort.
Yurt camping: Alternative accommodation options for visitors without camping equipment. "We rented a camping yurt and we were so surprised how big it is! We received a key to our own bathroom and shower! They had a sink to was dishes in and a place to clean our fish," describes a visitor to Narrows Lodge Resort.
What you should know
Highway noise: Road proximity affects some sites. "Expect a LOT of road noise. Access to the river. Went mid week and was the only one there. Tons of wildlife. Fox, deer, raccoon, etc. keep your food locked up at all times," warns a visitor to Dunlap Campground.
Seasonal camp host availability: Some smaller campgrounds operate with limited staff. "Not sure if there's water (we brought our own). Good option if needing first come first serve sites since all of the state parks are reservation-only currently. All sites have fire ring and picnic table," reports a Dunlap camper.
Beach access distances: Not all coastal campgrounds offer direct beach access. "The beach is about a mile hike, you can ride your bike though on the road outside the KOA or drive and the beach is closer. Point Arena lighthouse is a close drive away," explains a Manchester Beach KOA visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly campgrounds: Activities for children keep young campers engaged. "Designed for families, this KOA a lot. A petting zoo, water play, pool. arcade and events. We were there for movie night. They had a big screen and showed a film for the kiddos," notes a visitor to Mendocino Redwoods RV Resort.
Cabin options: Alternative lodging suits families with young children. "We usually rent a cabin. The cabins have heaters with is definitely nice. They also have beds, but the beds are really uncomfortable, it's just a pad on top of a slat wood frame, remember to bring a foam topper," advises a Manchester Beach KOA visitor.
Water safety considerations: Coastal conditions require parental supervision. "There is an on-site snack bar and coffee bar with limited hours, which is a really nice touch. The water is crystal clear and there's a little dock for jumping off of. They bring in sand for the beach which makes it a really nice experience," reports a Narrows Lodge Resort visitor.
Tips from RVers
Arrival timing: Plan access on narrow roads to avoid meeting other large vehicles. "The road to get into the campground is very sketchy. It is extremely narrow and there is no where to pass along it. So make sure you abide by the check in check out times, which are significantly far apart, to ensure that nobody meets each other on the road," advises a Narrows Lodge Resort visitor.
Site selection: Consider exposure factors when booking. "Some spots are more exposed to the wind so if you have a tent or tent trailer you may want to check in with the host to find a spot that is more sheltered," suggests a Manchester State Park camper.
Hookup availability: Variable across campgrounds depending on location. "There are RV, tent, and cabin sites. We will definitely go again. Highly recommend," notes a Manchester Beach KOA visitor about the amenities.
