Mendocino National Forest camping encompasses terrain ranging from 750 to 8,092 feet elevation across nearly one million acres of land. The forest spans seven counties in northern California, with most campsites accessible between April and October. Winter conditions often make roads impassable due to snow at higher elevations, while summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F in lower areas.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Letts Lake Campground offers productive fishing for bass and trout. According to Keith B., "This lake is amazing for Bass fishing!! There are only a few sites on the water, definitely get there early. All First come, first serve. We seen the sheriff patrol at least once a day here."
Hiking trails: Pine Mountain Lookout provides access to numerous hiking trails with spectacular views. A visitor notes, "Get up early and you'll catch the dawn chorus of an amazing number of birds: warblers, woodpeckers, quail, juncos, grosbeaks, cowbirds, even robins."
Wildlife viewing: Navy Camp allows visitors to observe various wildlife species in their natural habitat. As Leila J. explains, "When the water is high (early summer), this camp is our favorite on the lake. Later in the season, it can be very dry and you may be the only camper there, even on a weekend. (This can be good but the forest critters are more bold in trying to steal your food!)."
What campers like
Secluded campsites: Pogie Point Campground offers privacy not found at other locations. Rich H. mentions, "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. Normally a spot where my buddies and I group camp and make some noise."
Lake access: Campers appreciate the direct water access at Fuller Grove. According to Marc A., "Fuller grove was a nice little campground on Lake Pillsbury. The campground beach is beautiful, definitely recommend some late-night stargazing. There's only outhouses in decent condition."
Natural surroundings: Deer Valley Campground attracts visitors seeking solitude. Ray S. describes it as a "Beautiful place sunrises and sunsets even chasing the moon everyone said experience this adventure sincerely. The months to visit all year round it's beautiful."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to many campgrounds requires driving on rough forest roads. Regarding Letts Lake Campground, Jeanie P. advises, "The drive to the campsite is a long 19 miles on combo of narrow paved and windy road and dirt road. 4wd wasn't necessary when we went but lower clearance cars might not fair so well."
Seasonal considerations: Water levels affect campsite quality throughout the year. At Navy Camp, "When the lake is high enough, we stay here so we can anchor our boat for the duration of our trip near our campsite. There are two boat launches on the lake: one by Fuller Grove Camp, one near Sunset camp."
Limited amenities: Most campgrounds offer basic facilities only. Middle Creek Campground features "Vault toilets, no showers. There is potable water close to the campsites," according to Michi P., who adds that her site had a "nice picnic table, grill and fire pit."
Tips for camping with families
Easy trails: Mackerricher State Park Campground offers family-friendly hiking options near Mendocino. Jennifer M. reports, "This campground is a short walk to the beach and hiking trails. Amenities include: showers, bathrooms, drinking water and fire rings. Decent cell service."
Wildlife education: Children can observe elk herds at Pogie Point. Cary A. shares, "The best part, in the right season the elk herds come through the dry riverbed next to the camp. We saw a herd of 30+ elk and listened to them calling all evening and in the morning."
Swimming spots: Multiple campgrounds offer safe swimming areas for children. At Letts Lake, a camper notes there's "an easy trail that loops around the lake that's just over a mile long and a place to put in a boat in the lake. Very dog and kid friendly."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Middle Creek Campground accommodates larger vehicles. Justin W. explains, "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."
Water availability: RVers should note that water access varies by campground. At Letts Lake, Graham W. explains, "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."
Supply planning: The remote location requires bringing all essential supplies. For Lake Pillsbury campgrounds, Leila J. advises, "Soda Creek Store is about a 10 minute drive. They have ice, wood, bait, beer, sodas, snacks, and a few other things like tp, diapers, etc if you forgot these. But you can never count on anything...they've got what they've got and that's it."
