The Mendocino coast near Manchester offers overnight options ranging from oceanfront sites to redwood settings, with elevations ranging from sea level to 400 feet. Heavy coastal fog typically burns off by midday but can return by evening. Most rv parks near Manchester, California sit along Highway 1, with access to beaches and hiking trails.
What to do
Beach exploration: Westport Beach RV Park & Campground provides direct beach access with fire pits available on the sand. "The beach is right there. You can see and or hear the waves crashing. Beautiful...will go again for sure," notes Randy J. The private beach area limits crowds, making it ideal for beachcombing and tide pooling.
Paddle sports: Caspar Beach RV Park & Campground sits at a protected cove good for beginning kayakers and paddle boarders when surf conditions permit. "Its a super cramped campground for big rigs. Much nicer and more privacy if tenting," reports Marcus K. The camp store sells basic supplies and rents some water equipment during summer months.
Hiking trails: Multiple trails connect from campground areas to coastal bluffs with spring wildflower displays. "The RV park is part of a mobile home park. What you get is a space to park, water, electric and sewage. Our space had a great view of the ocean," writes Harry S. at Harbor RV Park. Headlands State Park trails run 2-4 miles with moderate elevation gains.
What campers like
Ocean views: Most Manchester area campsites feature coastal vistas, particularly at sunset. "Beautiful Beach campground. Space are decent size. The beach private so it's just you and the other campers," says Steven T. about Westport Beach. Sites facing west command premium rates but provide unobstructed sunset views.
Redwood settings: Inland campgrounds offer sites under redwood canopies with more protection from coastal winds. "The best part is your sleeping in-between big redwood trees. If you have the time go check it out and your only a few minutes away from Fort Brag and the ocean," shares Jimmy S. from Wildwood RV Park & Campground.
Camp stores: Several parks maintain well-stocked stores with local products and camping essentials. "Good camp store," notes Rosemary A. about Caspar Beach RV Park. Store hours vary seasonally, with reduced hours during winter months.
What you should know
Site sizes: Many coastal RV sites have tight spacing compared to inland options. "Very narrow spaces, especially if you have slide outs which means that your neighbor's sewer hose is next to your door. A lot of very short spaces also which makes it worse," reports Theo A. about Caspar Beach RV Park.
Shower facilities: Pay showers are common at campgrounds in the region. "For $5 you should get a good shower but you won't here. When my quarters ran out and I put more in, all I got was cold water," writes Rosemary A. about Caspar Beach facilities. Bring quarters and prepare for variable water pressure and temperature.
Weather planning: Mendocino Redwoods RV Resort offers more protected sites during windy or foggy periods. "We were just a few steps from the pool, which was clean, but pretty cold. It didn't seem like it was heated," reports Erika L. Pack layers as temperatures can vary 20-30 degrees between day and night.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Some parks offer extensive recreation options beyond beach access. "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," shares Donna D. about Mendocino Redwoods RV Resort.
Secluded tent sites: Families seeking quieter spots can find tent-only areas with more privacy. "It's pricey, but the location can't be beat. The front half is narrow RV slots, but further back, it's lush, shaded and pretty quiet for tent or car camping. My spot had a babbling stream next to it," writes Jessi P. about Caspar Beach RV Park.
Beach safety: Supervise children near water as beaches have unpredictable surf conditions and cold water temperatures averaging 50-55°F year-round. "Fires on the beach are great. Rediscovered this place in February and have reservations for November," notes Outdoordude D. about Westport Beach, where protected cove areas create safer swimming zones.
Tips from RVers
Hookup limitations: Review electrical capacity before booking as many parks have limited 50-amp service. "We were checked in and drove into the park. Clean and festive. My husband and I rented a small cabin for the night. It was clean and welcoming," shares Rose E. about Thousand Trails Russian River, where 30-amp service is standard.
Maneuverability challenges: Larger rigs face tight turns at many coastal RV parks. "Almost every spot seemed to be pretty nice. Pull throughs seemed a little tight, but all back-ins were spacious," reports Randy J. about Westport Beach RV Park. Consider rig length when booking as parks often have size restrictions under 35 feet.
Dump station availability: Not all parks provide on-site sewer connections. "This is a rustic park with no sewer hookups, so you need to bring a sewer caddy, and also, they have laundry onsite," explains Venna D. about Thousand Trails Russian River. Plan dumping schedules accordingly or confirm full hookup availability when booking.
