Mackerricher State Park Campground accommodates both tent and RV campers with pets, offering sites where dogs must be kept on leashes no longer than 6 feet. Pets are welcome at all sites in Hendy Woods State Park Campground, including their cabin accommodations that feature picnic tables and access to drinking water. Both parks enforce standard pet waste cleanup policies, with disposal stations available throughout the grounds. Narrows Lodge Resort provides the most comprehensive pet-friendly options near Mendocino Lake, featuring tent camping, RV sites with full hookups, and pet-friendly cabins, yurts, and glamping accommodations. Mendocino Redwoods RV Resort similarly welcomes pets in their cabin and glamping options with electricity, water hookups, and sewer connections. Campgrounds can be very crowded prior to Labor Day, especially on weekends, with fewer campers after the holiday.
Lake Mendocino's pet-friendly recreation areas include Bu-Shay Campground with spacious sites that accommodate both tent and RV camping. The campground features flush toilets and free hot showers that don't require quarters, making cleanup after outdoor activities with pets more convenient. Many sites include grassy areas that provide comfortable cushioning for tents and natural play spaces for dogs. Visitors should note that the Chekaka Recreation Area at Lake Mendocino has been permanently closed, though several reviewers noted its formerly excellent lake access for pets and families. When camping with dogs at Narrows Lodge Resort, a designated beach area allows pets water access under supervision. Many campgrounds in the region become significantly quieter during weekdays in September and October, providing a more peaceful experience for sensitive pets.
$45 - $70 / night
"centrally located in within Anderson valley,so one can go for a hike and (cool off in the Navarro river), go next door and eat organic apple, and Saunders down 128 (<1/4 mile) and sip some wine at the"
"We stayed one night and lived the site and area surrounding. There were so many beautiful sounding birds in the canopy above and our site was surrounded by redwoods and douglas firs."
"Campsite is above lake, no access feom campground. Not all water faucets have hose attachment."
$35 - $250 / night
"However, I had been driving all day and saw other reviews of the gorgeous lakeside campsites and did it. I stayed at 93 right next to the restrooms and a weird overgrown amphitheater."
"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."
$35 - $65 / night
"Some Lakeside campsites for RVs and tents with many other campsites, stretching up a gentle hill. Potable water is available."
"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!"
"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."
"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."
"The Mendocino redwoods RV resort just outside of Willits on CA-20 to Fort Bragg, California, was 3 years ago a KOA resort."
$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."
Scoutcentrally located in within Anderson valley,so one can go for a hike and (cool off in the Navarro river), go next door and eat organic apple, and Saunders down 128 (<1/4 mile) and sip some wine at the Navarro winery. Big bonus for pet owner this park has trails that you can walk your dog on!
TravelerThis has been an honestly fun time. Many unexpected things, like movies now night, community campfire, and great of leash dog park area. The staff are so helpful. Delivered fire wood and propane to the site. If you’re not able to score a site with sewer hook-up, don’t worry. They offer a honey bucket service that comes to your RV for $15. All the usual amenities at a KOA, plus a pool, game room, and small general store. We will definitely be back. Oh and, look for a place to enjoy Thanksgiving, this place have a community pot luck, bring a side dish to share. They provide the turkey.
TravelerThis was a nice stay and the owner was friendly and helpful. It has showers, but no pet area or great place to walk dogs. It had full amenities for RVs and both pull in and back in sites. Closely spaced, but awning room. The only two drawbacks are that the price is high for the area, as is the area itself. There are some options to save, so it may be in your budget.
GuideWe originally were going to Fouts Creek Campground but it was HOV weekend (Presidents). Lots of dirt bikes and law enforcement. National Forest pulled in officers from surrounding forests and Sheriff Depts.
With a 35' Class A our options were limited. A Ranger suggested Letts Lake. There is a narrow one lane newly paved road that goes up to Dixie Glade equestrian camp, from there it is dirt. Taking it slow, we made it to Letts Lake and parked in spot 12. It was a tight fit, but we made it.
There are two additional campgrounds at the opposite end of the lake but they are closed for winter. As there was no water or trash service there was no fee. Typically $5.00)
The lake is small with no motors allowed but easy to walk around. Pet friendly in fact all but one campsite had at least one dog. Fire damage to the forest is substantial but new growth is already starting
RangerBeautiful campground sitting next to water with dense forest and ground cover. Clean shower and restrooms that include hot water, hand soap, paper towels, mirrors and electrical outlets. Friendly camp host and hike and bike area. Extra fee for pets.
GuideThis spot was a great little find. There is a trail from the campground to the park and beach area which is nice for a stroll. The campground is amongst the trees along the river. I would recommend the spots along the river over those on the inner side. Make sure to get a reservation in advance as it fills up. The spots are a little close together, but the big trees offer some separation. There is a pet fee of $2 per pet fyi.
TravelerMeh…
I had high hopes for this place, but overall, I’m unimpressed.
The good: Park staff is very responsive. Very close to the 101 with no highway nose.
The bad: No reservations. It is first come, first served. Poison Oak EVERYWHERE. No designated pet areas. Very tightly packed with no privacy. Hot with very little shade. Bathrooms are old, outdated, full of cobwebs and dirt. Low water pressure and n the showers.
ScoutWe stayed one night and lived the site and area surrounding. There were so many beautiful sounding birds in the canopy above and our site was surrounded by redwoods and douglas firs. I wanted to stay longer! Needless to say, I'll be back! I think this is my new favorite place. It was a little noisy at times but that's because it's fourth of July weekend and the site next to us had two families having a great time together. I was worried they might keep me up all night but they were respectful of quite hours which was nice. Pets are allowed which I also love. Next time I am bringing my pupper!
Scoutbathrooms where clean, park ranger was super nice, and i love how the trees gave lots of shade. the campsite we got was pretty big as well. also extremely pet friendly
Mendocino Lake sits at approximately 750 feet elevation in California's northern coastal range. The lake covers 1,922 acres and features several recreation areas with varying amenities and access points. Camping options around the lake range from state parks with full facilities to more rustic Corps of Engineers campgrounds, with most sites becoming significantly less crowded on weekdays in early fall.
Explore coastal trails: At Mackerricher State Park Campground, visitors can access hiking trails that lead to secluded beaches and tide pools. "The campground is adjacent to the beach. You can hear the ocean and sometimes catch peeks of the ocean from the campground," notes reviewer Mea H., who added that "There's a trail to the beach and Laguna Point isn't far."
Fish from designated docks: Narrows Lodge Resort offers a dock specifically for fishing access. "We received a key to our own bathroom and shower! They had a sink to wash dishes in and a place to clean our fish. We rented a motor boat for a few hours to explore the beautiful lake," shares Jessica R.
Visit local wineries: The Anderson Valley wine region surrounds Hendy Woods State Park Campground, making it an excellent base for wine tasting. "Great campground in the Anderson Valley. Anderson Valley is a Pinot Noir region so wineries surround the campground. Booneville is a cute nearby town with kid friendly Anderson Valley Brewery and Pennyroyal Cheese Farm," says Beth K.
Spacious, grassy sites: The COE Mendocino Lake Bu-Shay Campground features large sites with natural cushioning. "The camp facilities are fine. The sites are spacious and there are a mix of shady and sunny sites. The flush bathrooms are fine, and there are free showers," according to Joshua H., who also mentioned good cell coverage with Verizon.
Free amenities: Unlike other regional campgrounds, some locations offer complimentary services. At Bu-Shay Campground, "There are bathrooms with showers. Water spickets everywhere and I think there are also dumping stations for people with RVs," notes Israel M.
Less crowded fall weekdays: Most Mendocino Lake campgrounds see dramatic reductions in visitors after summer. "We stayed Sat-Mon and it was pretty much empty by Sun (workweek + predicted rain). Everyone else staying the weekend was very friendly and helpful," writes Maddy S. about her experience at Bushay Recreation Area.
Narrow access roads: Some resorts have challenging approach roads. At Narrows Lodge Resort, "The road is a little tight to get into this resort (1 lane road with traffic going both ways with few pull offs) but the views are absolutely amazing!" warns Raven P.
Variable shower conditions: Shower facilities vary widely between campgrounds. At Mackerricher State Park, "The shower water temperature is finicky in the women's bathroom. When it's just one person showering, it's nice and hot. When two showers are going, the water temperature drops a bit," explains reviewer Mea H.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially in summer. Maddy S. notes at Middle Creek Campground: "Heads up! Advanced reservation is required."
Playground access: Bu-Shay Campground offers play equipment for children. "Our young kids had a great time playing on the playground which was an unexpected bonus," mentions Joshua H.
Junior ranger programs: Structured activities keep children engaged at certain parks. At Hendy Woods, "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," explains one camper.
Dog-friendly beaches: For families camping with pets, Mendocino Redwoods RV Resort offers dog-friendly recreation areas. "This is a great family campground. Bring your kids, plenty to do for them," states Theo A. The resort maintains designated areas where dogs can access water safely under supervision.
Dump station fees: Be prepared for additional charges at some locations. Mea H. notes about Mackerricher State Park: "The dump station has a mandatory fee of $10. You pay with a credit card. When payment is approved, the cap to the dump hole unlocks."
Site leveling: Some campgrounds offer better RV parking than others. At Mackerricher, one RVer reported: "Campsites are level and have enough space between them for adequate privacy. Our site along the beach side allowed for an easy walk to to the ocean."
Internet connectivity: Reception varies widely around Mendocino Lake. Joshua H. reports about Bu-Shay Campground: "We had OK cell coverage with Verizon- we could usually browse the internet but streaming videos were difficult (you could download and watch them pretty quickly, but just streaming was hit and miss)."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Mendocino Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Mendocino Lake is Hendy Woods State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 28 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Mendocino Lake?
TheDyrt.com has all 112 dog-friendly camping locations near Mendocino Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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