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.
