Near Clear Lake and the surrounding Mendocino region, campgrounds offer direct access to water recreation and forested terrain at elevations ranging from 1,300 to 1,800 feet. The climate varies significantly between summer highs in the 90s and winter temperatures frequently dropping to the 30s. Many campsites feature vault toilets rather than full facilities, with limited cell service throughout most of the area.
What to do
Paddle the crystal waters: Lake Pillsbury provides excellent boating access with Fuller Grove Campground offering direct lake entry. "Fuller grove was a nice little campground on Lake Pillsbury (our rented minivan just weathered the dirt road in from the 101). It's a small loop with great options for multi-tent camping. Some of the sites far from the entrance and along the water are very nice with multiple pads and tables," notes a visitor at Fuller Grove Group Campground.
Fish from campground docks: The Aurora RV Park provides fishing opportunities without needing to travel. A camper reports, "You can fish right from your camp spot if you get a spot right on the water. Clean bathrooms, club house with games and a kitchen. Fire pits and BBQ's. Green grass in the BBQ area with a beautiful gazebo that has grapes growing on it!" The gazebo offers a cool retreat during hot summer days.
Explore nearby beaches: The Mendocino coast is within driving distance from inland campgrounds. "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. We also went to the playground several times, which is super fun. The splash pad was a family favorite," shares a visitor at Mendocino Redwoods RV Resort.
What campers like
Private beach access: Westport Beach RV Park provides exclusive shoreline unavailable to day visitors. "You walk through the RV section to get to the beach, which definitely had more of a party vibe, but the beach was beautiful. At $68/night it's expensive for camping but overall a nice overnight stop on our way South," notes a reviewer at Westport Beach RV Park and Campground.
Secluded forest settings: Jackson Demonstration Forest offers quieter camping away from crowds. A camper describes it as "Beautiful, clean and peaceful. Plenty of trails to explore and Noyo River meanders through the center. It was self pay upon arrival and the whole place was welcoming. Nice day use area with tables and creek for playing in."
Stargazing opportunities: Manchester State Park provides exceptional night sky viewing due to minimal light pollution. "No city lights to speak of = incredible stargazing. Oceanside = fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves," shares a visitor at Manchester State Park Campground. The campground remains one of the few first-come, first-serve options on the coast.
What you should know
Limited facilities at some sites: Middle Creek Campground offers basic amenities only. "This campground is dry and built primarily for HOV people cuz the Elk mountain area is very much a dirt bike and four-wheel Haven. It's got dropped toilets and it has potable water. Problem is that the spigots don't have any hose fittings, so you can't hook up," warns a camper at Middle Creek Campground.
Reservation requirements vary: While some campgrounds require advance booking, others operate on first-come systems. "The sites were on the smaller side, but came with a picnic table. And you're blocked from the other campers by your RV. It's a short walk from anywhere in the campground down to the lake," notes a visitor describing their lakeside experience.
Weather preparedness essential: Coastal campgrounds experience significant temperature drops after sunset. "This is a great family RV & cabin campground with a lot of great amenities. The new owners (5 years now) are very friendly and helpful making the whole experience a stellar visit," mentions a camper at Narrows Lodge Resort.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for kids: Multiple campgrounds offer swimming options beyond just lake access. "The petting zoo, was also super cute and the animals seemed like they were well taken care of. The mini golf course was a blast, as well as the RC track. There was a ton to do, and we all had a blast. The staff was super friendly," reports a visitor describing the family amenities.
Movie nights at select campgrounds: Some resorts provide organized activities for children. "Designed for families, this KOA a lot. A petting zoo, water play, pool. arcade and events. We were there for movie night. They had a big screen and showed a film for the kiddos. Good stopover," shares a camper at Mendocino Redwoods RV Resort.
Off-peak camping advantages: Weekday visits generally mean fewer neighbors and quieter experiences. "Campground was clean. Staff was friendly. Bathrooms clean. Campgrounds were only at 50% capacity so it was super quiet. Beach was vast and a stone's throw from my campsite," notes a visitor describing off-peak camping at Westport Beach RV Park and Campground.
Tips from RVers
Road access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging approach roads. "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, which are significantly far apart, to ensure that nobody meets each other on the road," cautions a visitor.
Hookup availability varies: RVers should verify which utilities are available at each site. "We stayed in one of the premium hot tub sites, where you get your very own hot tub. Highly recommend, my kids absolutely loved it and so did I!" shares a camper about their glamping near Mendocino Lake experience.
Check site dimensions before booking: Some lakeside sites have limited spacing between units. "This park has two parts: most is across the street from the lake but some spots are lakeside. The lakeside spots are very tight together-and require backing in. If your neighbor has a slider you are wall to wall," advises a visitor at The Aurora RV Park & Marina.
