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Camping near Mendocino National Forest

509 Reviews

Mendocino National Forest has camping choices that go from well-developed campgrounds to basic spots with few amenities. You can stay at Mendocino Redwoods RV Resort near Willits if you want a starting point for hiking the forest trails. Letts Lake Campground works well for campers who prefer a quieter setting with fishing nearby - many people try for bass and trout in the lake. At Sunset Point Campground inside the forest boundaries, you'll find good views and decent facilities. The forest terrain varies quite a bit, with some camping spots under trees and others in open areas. Weather changes quickly here, so pack for both warm days and cool nights. Most campers visit during spring and fall when the weather is mild and there are fewer people around. Summer brings dry conditions that increase fire danger in the forest. Always check current fire rules before your trip. Places like Oak Flat Campground have basic facilities, so bring everything you'll need. Some of the more remote camping areas require trucks or SUVs with higher clearance to reach them. The quiet and natural setting of Mendocino National Forest makes the extra preparation worthwhile. The forest has something for everyone, from RV sites to places where you can camp away from crowds.

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Best Camping Sites Near Mendocino National Forest (151)

    1. Mackerricher State Park Campground

    1463 Reviews
    Fort Bragg, CA
    45 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. Sunset Point Campground

    8 Reviews
    Mendocino National Forest, CA
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 275-2361

    "Close to neighboring campsites but not too bad. Grove village is really close where they have firewood, grocery store, restaurant, shops, post office. Bugs in summer so don’t forget your bug spray!"

    "Great location in the Sequoia National Park. Appropriate for families, couples or singles. Plenty of trails to roam and scenery galore. Easy access to bathrooms, evening activities."

    3. Fuller Grove Group Campground

    4 Reviews
    Potter Valley, CA
    1 mile
    Website

    "Camp sites are spaced out, so you're not on top of one another like some of the other sites around the lake. Also has a nice beach and direct access to the lake."

    "No better campsite for a long weekend of lake lounging and good camping good. The sites are BIG, and the ones that lead to the water give you best access to the lake."

    4. Oak Flat Campground

    4 Reviews
    Mendocino National Forest, CA
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 275-2361

    $5 / night

    "Was 0.75 miles away from water (we have been in a drought?) but beautiful spacious campsite. Even with annoying neighbors, you can have peace and quiet."

    "The local store is about a 10 minute drive away and during the summer has ice beer and provides firewood for sale (during winter no ice but plenty of snow)."

    5. Pogie Point Campground

    4 Reviews
    Mendocino National Forest, CA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (707) 275-2361

    "This is close to the lake, but no direct lake access. Weather was pretty hot and humid until a few hours after dark."

    "Pogie point is one of my favorite camp grounds around Lake Pillsbury. Not many people camp there because there is no direct access to park your boat next to your site."

    6. Letts Lake Campground — Mendocino National Forest

    11 Reviews
    Stonyford, CA
    16 miles
    Website

    $6 / night

    "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."

    "The campground does not offer very much privacy between sites, but is right on Letts Lake, offering great views."

    7. Pine Mountain Lookout

    3 Reviews
    Potter Valley, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 275-2361

    $50 / night

    "Only caveat is the access to the cabin.  They're not kidding when they warn you to bring a chainsaw. "

    "The roads driving up to the lookout tower are logging roads so they are a bit rough, this wasn't something we were expecting on our drive there. But overall it was an amazing experience."

    8. Navy Camp

    2 Reviews
    Mendocino National Forest, CA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (707) 275-2361

    "Navy Camp is a small, quiet campground on the far side of the lake from the dam. When the water is high (early summer), this camp is our favorite on the lake."

    9. Deer Valley Campground

    4 Reviews
    Upper Lake, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 275-2361

    "After a last minute decision to leave Lake Berryessa in search of more solitude, found this gem of a spot. Lonely, picturesque, peaceful, and most importantly... open!

    Totally recommend it."

    "But not a bad place to get away from the city. Daily easy access, rough dirt roads, I have a truck but would feel fine driving my wife’s Subaru to these sites."

    10. Middle Creek Campground

    4 Reviews
    Upper Lake, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 275-2361

    $8 / night

    "Middle creek campground was as close as we could find to free camping in Upper Lake CA."

    "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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Mendocino National Forest

404 Photos of 151 Mendocino National Forest Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Mendocino National Forest

509 Reviews of 151 Mendocino National Forest Campgrounds

  • andrew The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Thousand Trails Russian River

    Tough sites

    I am reasonably ok at backing in my travel trailer but this place is a mess. I parked in wrong spot, moved to the right one, the power pedestal did not work. Had to walk to office because phone number on check-in sheet did not work. Camp worker in golf cart picked me up and checked pedestal. No good. Drove me around looking for another site but the camp side on most is terrible. My wife has mobility issues so I would not stay here again. Staff was great, area looks nice, but the sites I saw leave something to be desired.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Kyen Campground

    A convenient and good campground

    I liked this tree shaded campground. Some Lakeside campsites for RVs and tents with many other campsites, stretching up a gentle hill. Potable water is available. Bathrooms were clean but showers not so much but plenty of hot water and does not require quarters. Campground can be very crowded prior to Labor Day, especially weekends. When I was there on 9/10/25 there were very few campers. Register on recreation.gov. Use your federal discount pass to get half price on the $35 or $65 electrical sites.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • James W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 23, 2025

    The Parkway RV Resort & Campground

    Great Place to stop on I-5

    We needed a place to camp for the night, and Parkway was in the right location.  We booked through the Dyrt, but the campground's booking site was almost as easy.  We needed to move our reservation to one night earlier, and the camp staff graciously made it happen.  When we arrived, the sites were clean and orderly, and there was actually grass and level parking spots.  The full hookups worked great and it turned out to be just what we needed.  We also found a local panaderia for breakfast pastries that were delicious.  This was exactly what we needed.

Guide to Mendocino National Forest

Camping near Mendocino National Forest, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Fishing: Many campers enjoy fishing in the local lakes. One visitor at Letts Lake Campground mentioned, "Great camping and fishing. Lots of smaller bass and trout."
  • Hiking: Explore the trails around the campgrounds. A reviewer at Kelsey Creek Campground noted, "Not much hiking in the park, but the few trails are nice."
  • Water Sports: If you're into water activities, check out The Aurora RV Park & Marina. One camper said, "You can fish right from your camp spot if you get a spot right on the water."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. A visitor at Fuller Grove Group Campground shared, "The sites are BIG, and the ones that lead to the water give you best access to the lake."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Many campgrounds cater to families. A review for Mendocino Redwoods RV Resort highlighted, "The petting zoo was also super cute and the animals seemed like they were well taken care of."
  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms. A reviewer at Sunset Point Campground mentioned, "The bathrooms were clean, but I showered at the back of my van."

What you should know:

  • Road Conditions: Some campgrounds have rough access roads. A camper at Lakeview Dispersed Campground noted, "Drive up to the site all incline dirt road ~6 miles - we made it up without 4 wheel drive but some areas were a little sketchy."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full facilities. A visitor at Dunlap Campground said, "Run by Calfire and to be fair they likely have better things to do during fire season than maintain the campsites."
  • Noise Levels: Some areas can be noisy. A reviewer at Kyen Campground expressed, "There were several loud groups well after the posted quiet hours."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Mendocino Redwoods RV Resort, which offers a splash pad and playground. One parent said, "The splash pad was a family favorite."
  • Plan Activities: Bring games and outdoor toys to keep kids entertained. A camper at Letts Lake Campground mentioned, "There are hiking trails, a boat launch, BBQ pits, and food storage lockers."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can make a big difference. A visitor at Kelsey Creek Campground noted, "Not much hiking in the park, so snacks are a must for the little ones."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campground. A reviewer at The Aurora RV Park & Marina said, "The lakeside spots are very tight together—and require backing in."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Some campgrounds may not have water or trash services. A visitor at Lakeview Dispersed Campground mentioned, "No services, but had cell service."
  • Be Prepared for Weather: The area can get hot in summer. A camper at Sunset Point Campground noted, "Given how hot Lake Pills gets in the summer, this is a nice option to escape the summer's heat."

Camping near Mendocino National Forest, California, offers a variety of experiences, from serene lakeside spots to family-friendly amenities. Just be sure to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds in Mendocino National Forest?

Mendocino National Forest offers several excellent campgrounds for different camping styles. Little Stony — Mendocino National Forest is highly recommended for its accessibility, clean paved sites, and beautiful stream filled with wildlife. It's easily reached without four-wheel drive, though be aware it's popular with dirt bike riders. Letts Lake Campground — Mendocino National Forest provides another quality option with drive-in access. For those seeking more rustic experiences, Oak Flat and Deer Valley campgrounds offer basic amenities with toilets and water. Most campgrounds in the forest feature fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets, with the best sites available from late spring through early fall depending on weather conditions.

Where can I find dispersed camping in Mendocino National Forest?

Dispersed camping is available throughout Mendocino National Forest, though accessibility may be limited due to past fire damage and seasonal closures. Middle Creek Campground offers a good base near Upper Lake when free camping options are restricted. For more remote dispersed camping, Red Mountain provides ultimate seclusion about 6 miles from civilization down windy roads and up a mountainside—ideal for those with off-road capabilities who want to stay awhile. When dispersed camping, remember to follow Leave No Trace principles, camp at least 100 feet from water sources, use existing fire rings when allowed, and pack out all trash. Always check current forest conditions and fire restrictions before heading out, as large portions of the forest may be closed due to wildfire recovery.

What fishing opportunities are available while camping in Mendocino National Forest?

Mendocino National Forest offers diverse fishing opportunities across its streams, lakes, and reservoirs. Pogie Point Campground provides excellent access to Lake Pillsbury, a popular fishing destination. The campground offers shaded sites with clean pit toilets and moderate bug activity (bring spray). Navy Camp also provides fishing access with basic amenities. Throughout the forest, anglers can target trout species in mountain streams and bass, catfish, and panfish in larger bodies of water. The Eel River and its tributaries run through portions of the forest, offering seasonal fishing. Most fishing locations are accessible from late spring through early fall, depending on weather conditions and water levels. Remember to obtain a California fishing license before your trip and check local regulations for catch limits and seasonal restrictions.

What hiking trails are available in Mendocino National Forest?

Mendocino National Forest features a network of hiking trails for various skill levels, though availability may be affected by seasonal conditions and fire recovery efforts. Near Russian Gulch State Park Campground, you'll find secluded hiking trails through forested areas, perfect for day hikes. Van Damme State Park Campground also offers convenient access to trails within the greater Mendocino region. The forest itself contains numerous backcountry trails that wind through diverse landscapes of dense woods, open meadows, and elevated vistas. Popular routes include the Summit Springs Trail and the Snow Mountain Wilderness paths. Hikers should come prepared with proper footwear, ample water, navigation tools, and awareness that cell service is limited. Always check trail conditions and closures before setting out, especially during and after fire season.

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