Camping near Mendocino Lake

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.

Best Camping Sites Near Mendocino Lake (158)

    1. Mackerricher State Park Campground

    1463 Reviews
    Fort Bragg, CA
    37 miles

    $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."

    2. Hendy Woods State Park Campground

    27 Reviews
    Philo, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +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."

    3. Narrows Lodge Resort

    4 Reviews
    Upper Lake, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +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!!"

    4. COE Mendocino Lake Bu-Shay Campground

    2 Reviews
    Mendocino Lake, CA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (707) 467-4200

    5. Kyen Campground

    5 Reviews
    Redwood Valley, CA
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 467-4200

    $35 - $65 / night

    6. Redwood Empire Fair RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Ukiah, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 462-3884

    7. Mendocino Redwoods RV Resort

    9 Reviews
    Willits, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +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. Bushay Recreation Area

    1 Review
    Redwood Valley, CA
    1 mile
    Website
    +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."

    9. Middle Creek Campground

    4 Reviews
    Upper Lake, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +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."

    10. Golden Rule RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Redwood Valley, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 459-2958

    $37 / night

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Recent Reviews near Mendocino Lake

629 Reviews of 158 Mendocino Lake Campgrounds


  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Oak Flat Campground

    Beautiful and peaceful *on weekdays*

    Quiet 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.

  • g
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Salt Point State Park Campground

    Lovely wild site

    I 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.

  • Karmen V.
    Aug. 15, 2025

    High Valley Rd Dispersed

    Absolutely not

    The 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.

  • g
    Aug. 14, 2025

    Anchor Bay Campground

    Beautiful not private

    I 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.

  • fairez M.
    Aug. 9, 2025

    Anchor Bay Campground

    Beautiful views but hostile environment

    The 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.

  • rThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 5, 2025

    ocean cove campground

    Ocean cove campground

    Love this place been coming here since 1980 owed by the same person

  • k
    Aug. 5, 2025

    Sportsmans RV Park

    Tiny house

    This tiny house is at the mouth of the Noyo Harbor and the ocean. It’s not truly camping per se. Although it does have tiny houses combined with RV spaces.

  • william T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 2, 2025

    Lakeview Dispersed Campground

    Simple spot

    3 main spots in the beginning, Drowned trees to assess further down the other road. Very bumpy and dusty, not a 4x4 needed road

  • Kirra L.
    Jul. 24, 2025

    Lakeview Dispersed Campground

    Great location, nice views

    The drive up was full of breathtaking views, and even though the road was quite bumpy, dusty, and steep at times, our AWD Kia made it up no problem. Only two other groups were set up so not crowded, plenty of spots. Only complaint is that one group that was set up near us went hunting in the middle of the night, so the gunshots scared us at first because there are signs that say hunting is illegal in this area. Otherwise it was great!


Guide to Mendocino Lake

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.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Hendy Woods State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "Nice trails down to the river," making it a great spot for nature lovers.
  • Wine Tasting: The nearby towns of Philo and Boonville are known for their charming wineries. A family shared, "The nearby towns are super cute," highlighting the local attractions.
  • Beach Access: At Caspar Beach RV Park & Campground, you can enjoy a private beach. One camper said, "The location was great, with access to a private beach across from the RV park."

What campers like:

  • Privacy: Campers appreciate the spacious sites at Pomo RV Park & Campground. A long-time visitor stated, "Love that our sites are private and secluded."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campers rave about the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. One reviewer at Gualala River Redwood Park noted, "The bathrooms were clean, and showers were a nice amenity."
  • Natural Beauty: The stunning surroundings are a big draw. A camper at Russian Gulch State Park Campground remarked, "Serene, beautiful, clean bathrooms, spacious."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell reception. A visitor at Van Damme State Park Campground mentioned, "There is NO cell service," so plan accordingly.
  • Tight Spaces for RVs: If you're bringing an RV, some campgrounds have tight spaces. A reviewer at Caspar Beach RV Park & Campground said, "The spaces for RVs are tight, but we made it work."
  • Weather Variability: Be ready for changing weather conditions. One family camping at Kelsey Creek Campground noted, "It was freezing at night," so pack accordingly.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with play areas. A camper at Gualala Point Regional Park mentioned, "There’s a play area for kids," making it a great choice for families.
  • Spacious Sites: Choose campgrounds with larger sites for more room to play. One reviewer at Anchor Bay Campground said, "The site was calm, the sea is right next to it," perfect for family fun.
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A visitor at Pomo RV Park & Campground noted, "There is plenty of wildlife to see," which can be exciting for kids.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Before booking, check the size of the RV sites. A camper at Van Damme State Park Campground advised, "If you are in a tent, you may have a challenge finding a flat enough spot."
  • Bring Extra Cables: If you plan to use electric hookups, bring long cables. A reviewer at Gualala River Redwood Park mentioned, "Electric hookups and water spigots were at odd locations."
  • Plan for Dump Station Fees: Be aware that some campgrounds charge for dump station use. A visitor at Kelsey Creek Campground noted, "The dump station costs $10 to use," so budget accordingly.

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.