Mendocino National Forest campsites and RV accommodations span elevations from 750 to 8,000 feet across nearly one million acres of wilderness. Cell service throughout the region varies widely, with many campgrounds experiencing limited connectivity. Winter access becomes challenging on forest roads, particularly for larger vehicles and RVs attempting to reach higher elevation sites.
What to do
Paddle on Clear Lake: The Aurora RV Park & Marina in Nice offers free canoe and kayak use with life jackets provided. "They offer FREE canoe/paddle boating. Bathrooms are kept clean and Mike, the owner is amazing. Real nice guy and very helpful," notes a visitor at The Aurora RV Park & Marina.
Explore disc golf: Mendocino Redwoods RV Resort features a disc golf course with elevation changes. "The disc golf course offers beautiful views when on top of the course, but watch out for poison oak!" warns one camper who enjoyed the activity.
Beach access: Westport Beach RV Park provides direct beach access for surfing and coastal exploration. "The beach is a short walk from there, too, and we were able to have privacy up until later hours when some other campers joined us," reports a visitor who appreciated the secluded setting and ocean proximity.
Fishing opportunities: Lakeside camping offers fishing options, particularly at Clear Lake access points. "You can fish right from your camp spot if you get a spot right on the water," mentions a camper at one of the lakefront RV parks, highlighting the convenience for anglers.
What campers like
Natural settings: Mendocino Redwoods RV Resort offers forested sites that balance natural surroundings with amenities. "Designed for families, this former KOA has 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," explains a visitor.
Ocean views: Campers appreciate the coastal camping options with direct beach access. "Each site has its own water spigot and two electrical outlets that work well. There was plenty of space at the site to setup two 4-person tents. The site is at the North end of Clearlake and you have some pretty spectacular views all day long," notes a camper.
Campground entertainment: Many RV parks near Mendocino National Forest feature organized activities. "It has a western themed town that holds little dances and ice cream parlor parties for kids. This KOA also has a mini waterpark as well," shares a visitor describing amenities at one property.
Privacy options: Some campgrounds offer secluded sites away from crowds. "We camped at Howard Creek campground which is the most northern set of sites. Recommend this one over the others as they are all right along the cliffs overlooking the ocean," suggests one camper who prioritized privacy.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: During summer months, lakeside and oceanside sites fill quickly. "Arrived late on a Thursday and were able to secure a site for the weekend. No water currently available but you can get it at the other campgrounds just down the road," notes a visitor at one of the coastal campgrounds.
RV size limitations: Many forest and coastal access roads restrict larger RVs. "Being on the bluff when the wind comes in, in a tent with no cover, it can be fierce. Also you are right next to Highway One, so there is also the noise factor," warns a tent camper about coastal sites.
Budget considerations: Redwood Empire Fair RV Park offers more affordable full hookup RV sites. "Sites are $37 with Good Sam discount. Each site has 30 amp service, water, sewer hookups. Gravel sites with small patches of grass," reports a visitor describing the budget-friendly option.
Weather variability: Coastal sites experience significant temperature fluctuations. "Gets chilly at night so be prepared! This is by far top ten places I've ever camped!" advises a camper regarding coastal camping preparation.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Westport Beach RV Park and Campground provides beach access and open spaces for children. "Beautiful Beach campground. Space are decent size. The beach private so it's just you and the other campers," notes a visitor who appreciated the family-oriented setting.
Water features: Multiple campgrounds offer water recreation options for children. "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! We were just a few steps from the pool, which was clean," reports a family who enjoyed the amenities.
Animal encounters: Some campgrounds feature small petting zoos or wildlife viewing opportunities. "You can see and hear the waves crashing. Beautiful...will go again for sure," shares a visitor who enjoyed the natural setting with their family.
Entertainment options: Campgrounds like Mendocino Redwoods RV Resort schedule regular family events. "Cool little camping spot outside of Willits. Has a western themed town that hold little dances and ice cream parlor parties for kids," explains a visitor who appreciated the organized activities.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: The Parkway RV Resort & Campground provides spacious RV sites with level parking. "Quiet and clean. The owners are fabulous," reports one RVer who uses this park as a stopover point.
Hookup details: Full hookup availability varies between campgrounds in the region. "Stayed here for a second time driving from Southern California to Oregon. The sites are spacious and there is a pool to cool down during the hot summers," notes a visitor who appreciated the amenities.
Spacing between sites: RV parks in the region have varying site configurations. "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," cautions a camper regarding one lakeside RV park.
Seasonal accessibility: Winter travel requires additional planning for RV sites near Mendocino National Forest. "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," shares a visitor who appreciated the straightforward reservation process.
