Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Mendocino Lake, CA is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Mendocino Lake campgrounds just for you. Find the best campgrounds near Mendocino Lake, CA. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.
$45 - $260 / night
"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."
$45 - $70 / night
"This California State Park is located in the Anderson Valley, a historic agricultural area located in the Navarro river watershed. While only 120-ish miles from San Francisco, this area is remote. "
"The sites are situated among towering redwoods. Which blocks the amazing clear night skies, but offer there own beauty.
It was great! The nearby towns or phill and boonville are super cute."
$35 - $65 / night
"Some Lakeside campsites for RVs and tents with many other campsites, stretching up a gentle hill. Potable water is available."
"It’s a short walk from anywhere in the campground down to the lake. The water is crystal clear and there’s a little dock for jumping off of."
"MUST BE SELF CONTAINED TO STAY IN THIS LOCATION!!"
"The Mendocino redwoods RV resort just outside of Willits on CA-20 to Fort Bragg, California, was 3 years ago a KOA resort."
"We were just a few steps from the pool, which was clean, but pretty cold. It didn’t seem like it was heated. If it is, it’s not heated well."
$35 - $250 / night
"Also, I accidentally left my camping chairs behind :( and an employee reached out to me to let me know! I wish it wasn't a 3+ hour drive for me because I would love to already head back lol."
$8 / night
"Beautiful location, campground was easily accessible going up Elk Mountain Road. Camped in Site 11, pull through, no hook ups, nice picnic table, grill and fire pit. Vault toilets, no showers."
"If it's in a beautiful location and if you're into four-wheeling or dirt bikes, you're going to have a blast."
RangerI am reasonably ok at backing in my travel trailer but this place is a mess. I parked in wrong spot, moved to the right one, the power pedestal did not work. Had to walk to office because phone number on check-in sheet did not work. Camp worker in golf cart picked me up and checked pedestal. No good. Drove me around looking for another site but the camp side on most is terrible. My wife has mobility issues so I would not stay here again. Staff was great, area looks nice, but the sites I saw leave something to be desired.
TravelerI liked this tree shaded campground. Some Lakeside campsites for RVs and tents with many other campsites, stretching up a gentle hill. Potable water is available. Bathrooms were clean but showers not so much but plenty of hot water and does not require quarters. Campground can be very crowded prior to Labor Day, especially weekends. When I was there on 9/10/25 there were very few campers. Register on recreation.gov. Use your federal discount pass to get half price on the $35 or $65 electrical sites.
TravelerI arrived 9/10/25 but did not camp here because the camp is closed for some flood damage repair.
TravelerQuiet and peaceful, watch elk, birds, lizards, toads/frogs on weekdays. All but the hardiest of wildlife and people should avoid the weekends. We finally learned our lesson after every Friday and/or Saturday over the years has been disrupted by people yelling and/or blasting music, running dogs off leash, and then (last trip) racing dirt bikes through the campground until 1 am.
TravelerI stayed in the Gerstle cove campground midweek in August. id say it was about 3/4 full, but the sites are so widely spaced it feels very private. Compared to other CA campgrounds in summer, it was desolate (in a good way)
The ocean is a ways off, but you can hear it. Short drive down to the beach for stunning bluff trails. Very few people around.
My site wasn’t perfectly level, but good enough. Just keep a hand on that pot of boiling water.
I was tempted to move to the overflow lot for its panoramic views of the ocean but opted for my forest-side spot. There were only two campers in the lot when I was there.
The whole site felt strangely apart from other more crowded coastal sites - felt like northern Mendocino. Although apparently it can fill up so maybe I just got lucky.
Either way, seems like a bit of a hidden gem.
ScoutThe road to this pin is completely impassable in any regular vehicle, this would require an ATV. We took a regular AWD midsize SUV, after seeing the review with photos of a regular car. The road is EXTREMELY narrow and windy on the edge of a cliff. There is no way to turn around once you start up it. It has deep ruts in the road. We got to a large trench in the road that we couldn't go around because we would fall off the cliff. We tried to put the trench between the wheels, but our tire went in it and we bottomed out very badly and almost got stuck. We ended up having to spend 30 minutes backing slowly down the road. Long story short, just don't even try.
TravelerI had a deus pass to the area so I just walked around. It’s more like an RV park where people seem to come for the whole summer. But it’s in an incredibly beautiful location has one of the best beaches I’ve ever seen and everybody is incredibly friendly.
ScoutThe way they spoke to us was rude, unwelcoming, and completely uncalled for. We were treated like a problem rather than potential guests. Based on this experience, I would caution others to be aware that not all staff here are friendly. in fact, they were hostile and aggressive. Not a place for children.
ScoutLove this place been coming here since 1980 owed by the same person
Camping near Mendocino Lake, California, offers a mix of stunning natural beauty and a variety of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to hike through redwoods or relax by the water, this area has something for everyone.
Camping near Mendocino Lake, California, offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and relaxation. With its beautiful landscapes and welcoming campgrounds, it's a fantastic destination for your next getaway.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Mendocino Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, Mendocino Lake offers a wide range of camping options, with 158 campgrounds and RV parks near Mendocino Lake and 12 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Mendocino Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mendocino Lake is Mackerricher State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 1463 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mendocino Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 free dispersed camping spots near Mendocino Lake.
What parks are near Mendocino Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 parks near Mendocino Lake that allow camping, notably Mendocino National Forest and Lake Sonoma.
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