Syd M.
Guide
GuideWoodside Campground — Salt Point State Park
Salt Point Woodside Day1
Was a larger site and not very close to others, secluded enough. Bathrooms are well kept and they sell fire wood!!
Camping near Mendocino Lake
Mendocino Lake in California features several established campgrounds offering a range of camping experiences. Sites like COE Mendocino Lake Bu-Shay Campground and Bushay Recreation Area provide traditional camping options with amenities, while The Narrows Lodge Resort offers cabin rentals and glamping accommodations for those seeking more comfort. The landscape around the lake supports both lakeside camping with water access and more secluded forest settings. Most campgrounds in the area accommodate both tent and RV campers, with several locations providing hookups for electricity, water, and sewer connections.
Access to campgrounds varies seasonally, with many sites requiring reservations, particularly during summer months. Lake Mendocino's camping facilities typically operate from May through September, though some remain open year-round. Visitors should check current conditions as flooding and maintenance occasionally affect availability. Campgrounds near the lake offer varying levels of amenities, from basic sites with picnic tables and fire rings to developed areas with shower facilities and boat launches. Cell coverage is generally available but can be spotty in more remote locations. As one camper noted, "Advanced reservation is required" for many of the popular lakeside campgrounds.
Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews, with lake access being a primary draw for visitors. Several campers highlight the recreational opportunities available at Lake Mendocino, including swimming, boating, and fishing. "The lake is beautiful. Boating is awesome," shared one reviewer about their experience. Campground quality varies considerably across the area—some visitors praise the cleanliness and amenities at Bushay Recreation Area, noting "super clean and well-lit bathrooms" and "free showers," while others report less positive experiences at locations like Kyen Campground. Most campgrounds provide basic amenities including drinking water, restrooms, and designated fire areas. Family-friendly options with playgrounds and easy water access make this region particularly appealing for those camping with children during the summer months.
Best Camping Sites Near Mendocino Lake (164)
1. Hendy Woods State Park Campground
28 ReviewsPhilo, CA19 milesWebsite+1 (707) 895-3141$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."2. Kyen Campground
6 ReviewsRedwood Valley, CA0 milesWebsite+1 (707) 467-4200$35 - $65 / night
"Some Lakeside campsites for RVs and tents with many other campsites, stretching up a gentle hill. Potable water is available."
3. Redwood Empire Fair RV Park
4 ReviewsUkiah, CA5 milesWebsite+1 (707) 462-38844. Narrows Lodge Resort
4 ReviewsUpper Lake, CA10 milesWebsite+1 (707) 275-2718"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!!"
5. COE Mendocino Lake Bu-Shay Campground
3 ReviewsMendocino Lake, CA1 mileWebsite+1 (707) 467-42006. Bushay Recreation Area
3 ReviewsRedwood Valley, CA1 mileWebsite+1 (707) 467-4200$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."
7. Mendocino Redwoods RV Resort
9 ReviewsWillits, CA16 milesWebsite+1 (707) 459-6179"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."
8. Middle Creek Campground
4 ReviewsUpper Lake, CA13 milesWebsite+1 (707) 275-2361$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."
9. Ridgewood Ranch RV Park & Campground
3 ReviewsRedwood Valley, CA8 milesWebsite+1 (707) 380-5588$40 - $90 / night
10. Pine Mountain Lookout
3 ReviewsPotter Valley, CA13 milesWebsite+1 (707) 275-2361$50 / night
"Only caveat is the access to the cabin. They're not kidding when they warn you to bring a chainsaw. "
"The roads driving up to the lookout tower are logging roads so they are a bit rough, this wasn't something we were expecting on our drive there. But overall it was an amazing experience."
Recent Camping Photos near Mendocino Lake
396 Photos of 164 Mendocino Lake Campgrounds
Maddy S.
Bushay Recreation Area
val G.
Old Train Caboose
April H.
Penny Pines Campground
keith B.
Buckhorn Campground
Bill M.
Mendocino Redwoods RV Resort
Cathy & Bill B.
Cannabis Friendly Camping
Marc A.
Fuller Grove Group Campground
Christian N.
Oak Flat Campground
Lindsay
Hendy Woods State Park Campground
Annie C.
Sunset Point Campground
Jeremy F.
The Aurora RV Park & Marina
Linda Y.
Dunlap Campground
Recent Reviews near Mendocino Lake
683 Reviews of 164 Mendocino Lake Campgrounds
Chris W.
ScoutHigh Valley Rd Dispersed
These coordinates are on private land.
The coordinates for this location are located on property owned by Kevin S. Burdick and Mary Ann Jones. It is not National Forest or BLM land.
The parcel just to the South is also privately owned, by Marie Helen Pejcha.
All other adjacent properties are also privately owned. This location should be deleted from The Dyrt.
The nearest public lands where dispersed camping is actually allowed is a mile to the East along High Valley Road, in the Mendocino National Forest.
- gg B.Scout
Hidden Knoll Farm Glamping
Pet friendly glamping near Harbin Hot Springs
We love to visit Harbin Hot Springs near Middletown after wine tasting in Napa Valley, but Harbin doesn’t allow dogs. We discovered this great campground on private land. They have a very steep road up, but we made it up with our 24 foot Sprinter. They have a farm atmosphere with friendly chickens. Be aware that they do have a dog but she was friendly. You need to leash your dog around the chickens but they can go off leash around the property and they have a dog friendly hike with a great view. Harbin is less than 15 minutes, easy drive with no traffic.
Gabriella B.ScoutHidden Knoll Farm Glamping
What a beautiful view
We had a very romantic couples retreat to celebrate our wedding anniversary. The yurt was very beautifully decorated, clean and elegant with sisal carpets, candles, fairy lights and beautiful decorations. We had a table with tea and coffee in our tent, and the heated mattress pad was very cozy. Even though it rained we were snug and dry and the sound of rain on the canvas was soothing.
- Gabriella B.Scout
Hidden Knoll Farm Glamping
The view makes your heart skip a beat
We had a deeply restful night at the Hidden Knoll and I wish we could’ve stayed longer.
I slept so soundly to the sound of crickets. The view is absolutely breathtaking from this spot. It looks all the way across the valley towards the entire Mayacamas mountain range with steam coming up from the Geysers directly facing our dome. We had a picnic table and a campfire ring made of stone. There were deer grazing below us in the oak forest. We were close to a small splash pool for floating on in pool rings and pool noodles that the host provided and there is also a galvanized soaking tub for two with an amazing view and we enjoyed it underneath the stars and got to fill it ourselves with hot water from an on demand hot water heater next to it.
They also have a camp kitchen under a shade pergola next to their house that is fully equipped with a dishwashing sink, refrigerator, and everything you need to make coffee or breakfast (we bought eggs from the chicken ms.) The host Bertrand even made us a fresh cappuccino.
- GGiselle B.Scout
Hidden Knoll Farm Glamping
Spectacular view. Friendly chickens. Gorgeous glamping accommodations.
A place that does something to you. The view from the bathtub at night was the closest I've felt to actually being inside the sky. We extended by two days. It was so romantic and peaceful. I never slept so deeply.
- SStephanie C.Guide
Van Damme State Park Campground
Relaxing beachside campground
We stayed at Site 13 during our stay but noticed that Site 11 looked great. It was very shaded, with several tall trees, was flat, and had more room for tents. The trail for the Bog Trail is right next to the site and the bathroom is around the corner.
Campground: The park ranger was super nice and showed us the areas where we could take our pup. The campground is dog friendly, although only the Bog Trail allows dogs(or you can walk along the paved road). Dogs are also allowed at the beach across Highway 1. The beach is really pleasant- it was a quiet and relaxing spot to watch the waves. The bathrooms were well maintained and the showers had hot water(it costs 4 quarters for 5 minutes or can buy tokens from the camp host). The lower loop is more open, and the river sites and upper loop are more forested. There isn't service in the park, even close to the entrance, but the park does have wifi. Mendocino is only a 5 minute drive away if you need to pick up groceries, dinner, etc.
- SStephanie C.Guide
Van Damme State Park Campground
Peaceful coastal campground
We stayed at Site 13 during our stay but noticed that Site 12 looked nice. It had a small tree for shade, was flat, and had more room for tents.
Campground: The park ranger was super nice and showed us the areas where we could take our pup. The campground is dog friendly, although only the Bog Trail allows dogs(or you can walk along the paved road). Dogs are also allowed at the beach across Highway 1. The beach is really pleasant- it was a quiet and relaxing spot to watch the waves. The bathrooms were well maintained and the showers had hot water(it costs 4 quarters for 5 minutes or can buy tokens from the camp host). The lower loop is more open, and the river sites and upper loop are more forested. There isn't service in the park, even close to the entrance, but the park does have wifi. Mendocino is only a 5 minute drive away if you need to pick up groceries, dinner, etc.
- SStephanie C.Guide
Van Damme State Park Campground
Quiet, beachside campground
TDLR: This campground was generally very nice and I would come back, but I wouldn't recommend site 13.
Campground: The park ranger was super nice and showed us the areas where we could take our pup. The campground is dog friendly, although only the Bog Trail allows dogs (or you can walk along the paved road). Dogs are also allowed at the beach across Highway 1. The beach is really pleasant - it was a quiet and relaxing spot to watch the waves.
The bathrooms were well maintained and the showers had hot water (it costs 4 quarters for 5 minutes or can buy tokens from the camp host).
The lower loop is more open, and the river sites and upper loop are more forested.
There isn't service in the park, even close to the entrance, but the park does have wifi.
Mendocino is only a 5 minute drive away if you need to pick up groceries, dinner, etc.
Site 13: The table, bear box, and squirrel box (?) were all oddly close together. We couldn't figure out where folks typically put their tent so we squished it next to the bear box. The other potential area would be right next to the road and on a slanted part of the ground.
Would definitely come back, we just wouldn't stay in site 13. Sites 11 and 12 looked good for tent sites.
Guide to Mendocino Lake
Mendocino Lake campgrounds offer diverse camping options in Northern California's oak-dotted hills. The lake itself covers approximately 1,922 acres when at capacity and sits at an elevation of 750 feet above sea level. Water levels fluctuate seasonally, affecting shoreline camping availability, particularly in drought years when the lake can drop significantly.
What to Do
Swimming at beaches: At Mackerricher State Park Campground, beachgoers enjoy coastal waters. "The campground is adjacent to the beach. You can hear the ocean and sometimes catch peeks of the ocean from the campground," shares one visitor who appreciates the proximity to shoreline activities.
Fishing from docks: Narrows Lodge Resort provides lake access for anglers. "We rented a motor boat for a few hours to explore the beautiful lake. Pet friendly. Great little beach. A dock to fish from. Everything you need to have a great time!" reports a satisfied visitor who took advantage of the fishing opportunities.
Redwood hiking: Many campers explore the ancient groves at Hendy Woods State Park Campground. "The two redwood groves are easily accessible from the campsite, and the campsite itself is pretty nice. Quiet, nicely located and I always have a little bit of service (Verizon) at the campground," notes a regular visitor who enjoys the park's natural features.
What Campers Like
Spacious campsites: At many Mendocino Lake camping areas, site size matters. "We had a great time when we stayed a night here in October. The campground is nice and has a lot of availability- even on weekends! The sites are spacious and there are a mix of shady and sunny sites," explains a camper at COE Mendocino Lake Bu-Shay Campground.
Clean facilities: Hygiene standards vary significantly between campgrounds. "Super clean and well-lit bathrooms. Free showers," notes a camper who appreciated the maintenance at Bushay Recreation Area.
Wildlife viewing: The region supports diverse animal populations. "We enjoyed every bit of Hendy Woods. The camp site was great and well maintained," shares a visitor who found the natural setting appealing. Another notes, "At sunrise, sea lions were out playing and sunning on rocks which were fun to watch."
What You Should Know
Seasonal closures: Some campgrounds close unexpectedly. "I arrived 9/10/25 but did not camp here because the camp is closed for some flood damage repair," warns a visitor to COE Mendocino Lake Bu-Shay Campground.
Road conditions: Access to certain campgrounds requires caution. "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," advises a visitor at Narrows Lodge Resort.
Camping options: From tent sites to glamping, Mendocino Redwoods RV Resort offers various accommodations. "We stopped here overnight on our way up the coast. Well maintained, nice facility and friendly staff. Definitely wouldn't come back for long term camping as we have older teenagers. The facility is definitely geared toward families with smaller kids," explains one reviewer.
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground facilities: Some campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. "We also went to the playground several times, which is super fun. The splash pad was a family favorite. The petting zoo, was also super cute and the animals seemed like they were well taken care of," shares a parent from Mendocino Redwoods RV Resort.
Educational opportunities: Junior ranger programs engage children. "The junior ranger program and nightly events for families helped keep the kids engaged in the camping experience. Park rangers hosted guided hikes, nighttime stargazing (with telescopes), and nightly campfires," describes a family at Hendy Woods.
Beach access for kids: Middle Creek Campground provides natural water features. "You can hear the creek running along the camp, as well as the wild turkeys. There must be over 15 different species of birds as well," notes a visitor describing features that interest young nature enthusiasts.
Tips from RVers
RV site accommodations: Facilities vary widely across the area. "Sites like $65. I have senior pass so 1/2 off. I would not have stayed at the full price," advises a visitor at Kyen Campground, highlighting the importance of checking pricing before arrival.
Hookup availability: Full-service sites aren't universal. "Each site has 30 amp service, water, sewer hookups. Gravel sites with small patches of grass. Laundry and showers," explains a camper at Redwood Empire Fair RV Park who documented the available connections.
Cell coverage considerations: Internet access varies greatly around the lake. "I have great cell service with T-Mobile, but not all cell carriers have such luxury. The owners of this campground are a bit older and not very friendly when youngsters like myself come to stay here, so customer service is bad but the WiFi is exceptional," reports a visitor at Golden Rule RV Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Mendocino Lake?
What camping is available near Mendocino Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, Mendocino Lake offers a wide range of camping options, with 164 campgrounds and RV parks near Mendocino Lake and 12 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Mendocino Lake?
Which is the most popular campground near Mendocino Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mendocino Lake is Hendy Woods State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 28 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mendocino Lake?
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?
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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