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.
$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."
"Campsite is above lake, no access feom campground. Not all water faucets have hose attachment."
$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!!"
$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."
"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 / 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."
$40 - $90 / night
"I have a car and made it up just fine but I also have off road experience and took my time."
TravelerMultiple great riding trails. Saw mule deer, bull moose with cows, skoates and marmot. Large bull moose walked through Williams Camp!
TravelerCowboy Camp had everything I had heard it offered & more! There was plenty of space when I visited and I got to pick a spot down by the water. Easy access & semi-secluded. The spot was half shaded and half sunny by 3 PM. Perfect for our truck to park in & stay cool. Vaulted toilets were in decent shape & even had TP. Lots of awesome spots to pull off at on the way there from Winters area. Beautiful views of flowing green water & colorful trees.
TravelerI had such a great experience at Russian Gulch Campground! I stayed at Site 12, and it was quiet, clean, and surrounded by beautiful scenery. There was a spring nearby, and the bathrooms and showers were very clean. The showers even had warm water, and at just $1 for five minutes, the price was very reasonable.
The campground staff were also incredibly helpful and friendly—always happy to answer questions. There is no cell reception at the campsites, but if you need to connect, the recreation center near the entrance has Wi-Fi, which was a really nice option.
Overall, this was honestly one of my favorite camping experiences. I had a very pleasant stay and will definitely be returning!
LegendI convinced myself to stay on the coast one more night and gambled I'd get a spot here, and it paid off gangbusters. Cramped sites were a bummer, but cool neighbors and an awesome sunset made it a minor detail.
TravelerUpside: almost no one here, including security and onsite host (private and undisturbed), no road noise, great playground, bathrooms, showers and water views.
Downside: no onsite host, book online (reserveca.com). Some spots are VERY OPEN no privacy and all overgrown meadow. Campsite is above lake, no access feom campground. Not all water faucets have hose attachment.
See attached map for most private $35 spots ( not waterfront) and the blue dot has a water spiket with hose attachment.
LegendSome campgrounds stay with you because of the scenery, while others become part of your family history ... and Salt Point will forever be both for me. Perched along one of the wildest stretches of the Sonoma Coast, this coastal park combines six miles of rugged Pacific shoreline with grasslands and forest, and its two primary campgrounds offer very different experiences: Gerstle Cove sits on the ocean side of Highway 1, while Woodside is tucked into the trees inland. Together they have 109 developed campsites, most with level paved pads, picnic tables, food lockers and fire rings, but no hookups or showers.
What makes Salt Point truly special is everything waiting beyond the campsite. Trails lead along rocky bluffs, through forests and down toward Gerstle Cove, while tide pools, extraordinary sandstone formations and the pounding Pacific make this feel wonderfully removed from civilization. There are more than 20 miles of trails and Stump Beach provides the park's only sandy beach.
But none of that is why I remember this place so vividly. Salt Point was the very first place I ever took my daughters camping. I can still remember that wonderful mixture of excitement and uncertainty that comes with introducing your children to something you love: setting up camp together, watching them explore this enormous new outdoor world and realizing that what felt like a simple weekend away was quietly becoming one of those family memories you carry forever. At least for me, that is true.
This is real camping rather than resort camping: no electricity, no showers and no dump station, while the nearest gas stations are roughly 18 miles away. Tent campers should feel particularly at home here and I’d favor Woodside, which is where we stayed, for its more sheltered, forested camping experience; however, choose Gerstle Cove if quicker access to the rugged coastline is what brought you here. Either way, come prepared for changing coastal weather and embrace the simplicity as that's part of Salt Point's magic.
Insider’s Tip: If this is your first visit, don't spend the entire trip at the campsite. Walk the Salt Point Trail around Gerstle Cove and give the kids time simply to explore the shoreline. Years later, they probably won't remember whether the campsite was perfectly level, but you may be surprised by what they do remember.
Happy Camping!
LegendNeeded a hot shower and some chill time. And some saltwater. All the superlatives apply; just wish the spaces were more private. And paying for showers after the $45 camping fee was a bummer.
GuidePaved interior roads, dirt and grass campsites with table and fire pit. Porta-potties. No hookups. Campground is on a cliff overlooking the ocean.
ScoutGot to this spot towards dark. Set up tent from my cars headlights. Woke up to absolutely beautiful views. The dirt road up to this site is rough. I have a car and made it up just fine but I also have off road experience and took my time.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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?
According to TheDyrt.com, Mendocino Lake offers a wide range of camping options, with 168 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 Hendy Woods State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 28 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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