Looking for the best campgrounds near Mendocino National Forest, CA? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Discover great camping spots near Mendocino National Forest, reviewed by campers like you.
"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."
$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."
"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 received a key to our own bathroom and shower! They had a sink to was dishes in and a place to clean our fish. We rented a motor boat for a few hours to explore the beautiful lake. Pet friendly."
"The campground is next to the Truckee River but most sites do not have easy access to it.
There are only three pit toilets since one of them is permanently damaged and has been for quite some time."
"If you drive past all the OHV-filled camps, you’ll eventually get to this little gem."
"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."
$22 - $75 / night
"She answered all our questions and showed us around. We feel in love with this place! 💕 You can fish right from your camp spot if you get a spot right on the water."
"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."
$55 - $155 / night
"Little store has anything you forgot, clean bathrooms, fire pits at each site,friendly staff. We were in 24’ class C RV"
"We stayed in our van in the tent area which was secluded, with a stream meandering through, and it was nearly deserted in April."
"3 sites are currently closed due to COVID to encourage social distancing; sites fill up quickly on weekends; no on-site camp host, but Cal Fire does come through to write receipts and pick up trash."
"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 really appreciated the pool, the very friendly staff and clean restrooms."
TravelerMiddle creek campground was as close as we could find to free camping in Upper Lake CA. At the time of our visit 90% of the Mendocino National Forest was closed as a result of fires the past year as well as landslides due to rains.this is normally a ohv area but since all trails are closed it is quiet and peaceful.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. Each campsite has a picnic table , fire pit as well as a bbq grill. They do have vault toilets and running water. It was $8.00 a nite but offered a discount with a America the beautiful pass
ScoutJackson State Demonstration forest is about 6 miles from fort Bragg on hwy.20 Campground is about 3 miles down a dirt road down into the forest from the highway.
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. No water but fire pits and grills, and picnic tables in campsites. At the sites , Trash and pit toilet areas seemed cleaned regularly and cal fire was seen a few times through our stay so it’s out there but doesn’t feel far away.
There was a massive group site that would be gorgeous for a family gathering too!
Guide3 sites are currently closed due to COVID to encourage social distancing; sites fill up quickly on weekends; no on-site camp host, but Cal Fire does come through to write receipts and pick up trash. Not sure if there's water (we brought our own). Good option if needing first come first serve sites since all of the state parks are reservation-only currently. All sites have fire ring and picnic table, also some access to the creek/river bed below to explore. Really convenient to Fort Bragg (30 min away) or Willets (30 min away). No cell service. Only possible complaint would be that you can hear the road noise, but get used to it after awhile.
LegendI’m bad about planning ahead and couldn’t reserve a campground at my usual spots also was trying to avoid the smoke in the valley from all the forest fires. This area was recommended because they are all first come first serve. I drove up on a Friday in July and was able to get a spot at Dunlap campground. The campground filled up by 5:00 Friday night and stayed full the rest of the weekend. Each camp has a picnic table, fire pit and a bbq. Dump lap has 17 spots and a vaulted toilet. There was a small creek behind the campground which was nice. It was about a 30 minute drive to fort Bragg made for an easy day trip. The campground is maintained by cal fire $20 a night. No camp host on site, cal fire crew came in once a day to check the campground. Fellow campers weren’t too loud, the birds were worse in the morning. I’m
TravelerOn the positive side, the people that work there are very hospitable and friendly. We had reserved 2 days. But for $70 per day for 2 people (they charge by the person per day) there are not enough amenities and the grounds are not well kept. Check in is not until 4pm. First, there is no place to put garbage. You have to take it with you. Bathrooms are just blue porta-potties. There is a map of the property, but almost no signs on the property, so it's hard to know where you are in relation to the map. The campsites are numbered on the map, but not at the physical campsites. Although the property is in the mountains and there is a reservoir for swimming and boating, (a big plus), there are tools and equipment in various stages of disrepair at several places on the facility that are not screened from view of the camping areas. The RV hookup areas are too primitive compared to typical campsites. (again, the price is too much for what you get) There are canoes and kayaks available for use at the reservoir, (a very nice amenity) but various boating equipment litter the shores and spoil the views. I was told this facility caters mainly to group events, like weddings and there are nice glamping tents available. But it looked like they just didn't pick up after the last party. We left after one day.
ScoutThe North Fork campground is about 30 minutes off of Interstate 80 along a 1-2 lane paved road. The campground is next to the Truckee River but most sites do not have easy access to it.
There are only three pit toilets since one of them is permanently damaged and has been for quite some time. There is no running water or access to any electricity.
It is is a small to medium size campground which is a plus and it’s in the trees.
GuideBeautiful 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. There is potable water close to the campsites. Very quiet during the week, it did get noisier on the weekends, but everyone settled down for the evening.
ScoutI have been camping here for 20 years and have always had a great time. 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. Campground hosts change from year to year and have been good people. Since Lake Pillsbury is more secluded compared to Lake Mendocino, it tends to get a lot less traffic from campers (except around holidays). People who come are generally experienced campers or families on vacation and not 20-somethings looking to party. Noise normally isn't an issue, even when all the sites are full. Bring your own seat gaskets and toilet paper though. No seat gaskets are provided in the vault toilets, and the toilet paper is sometimes just 1-ply.
TravelerDecent facilities, park rangers keep the bathrooms stocked with toilet paper and toilet seat covers. Need tokens for showers. Pick up tokens at boat launch bathrooms. Bring cash, small bills. $10 Firewood bundle cash only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Mendocino National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Mendocino National Forest is Fuller Grove Group Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Mendocino National Forest?
TheDyrt.com has all 17 glamping camping locations near Mendocino National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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