Looking for tent camping near Mendocino National Forest? You can find tent campsites by type, including drive-in, walk-in, and even hike-in for a backpacking adventure. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of Mendocino National Forest, California's most popular destinations.
The Wilderness Act of 1984 established 23 new wilderness areas including the 60,000-acre Snow Mountain Wilderness in the Mendocino National Forest. The Snow Mountain Wilderness straddles the summit of the North Coast Range within Colusa, Glenn and Lake counties. The area is less than a four-hour drive from San Francisco, Santa Rosa, and Sacramento. The central feature of this wilderness is the large broad topped Snow Mountain, which drains water toward the Sacramento River on the east and the Eel River Basin on the west. The wilderness also has the largest known waterfall on the forest. Elevations range from 1,800 feet in the gorge of the Middle Fork of Stony Creek to 7,056 feet on the summit of East Snow Mountain Peak. The deep canyons skirting the Wilderness compress ecological life zones creating a unique biological sky-island. Forty miles of trail are located in the wilderness. This leaves a vast amount of acreage very remote and highly conducive to cross-country exploration. The moderate hike to the top of East Peak affords visitors a magnificent view of the Sacramento Valley and the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the east, Clear Lake to the southwest, the Coastal Mountains to the west, and the timbered mountains of the Mendocino National Forest to the North. Good drinking water is scarce in the Snow Mountain Wilderness during much of the summer. Plan ahead and refill canteens at every opportunity. Mountain streams may look inviting but they may not be safe for drinking. Treat all water for drinking and cooking by either processing through a portable water filter or by boiling over a portable cook stove.
No Day Use Area or General Parking.
Old train Caboose for rent. New queen bamboo bed, hot plate, cold refrigerator. Outdoor hot shower and claw tub. Sweet deck open space. Star studded sky. Artesian well water, drink from the spigot and bring bottles to take some home. Glen Eden hiking trail abuts the land. Camp in a quiet field across the dry creek bed. We have 3 dogs that roam hills, will do our best to keep them away most of the time. Have rooster who does crow up the sun. We are 15 minutes to Safeway in Lakeport, 20 minutes to north side Ukiah and 10 minutes to Upper Lake. We are 2 miles from the pristine Blue Lakes, day pass there for swimming and boating rentals. Also Clear Lake State Park is not far and they also offer swimming and boating. Disney boat rentals will deliver craft to Clearlake for you. My personal favorite is Highland Springs Reservoir about 20 minute drive on country roads, and pass the small aircraft airport and restaurant. Boating, swimming, hiking and BBQ available at Highland Springs.. We are not ADA. Cell phone and wifi won't work in this canyon. Climb the hill maybe. We are not fancy, we are unique. Come for bird watching, the quiet and the stars. We have some coupons for wine tasting from a few of the nearby vineyards We offer a farm stand with fresh eggs and vegetables in season daily. Highland Springs Reservoir offers swimming, BBQ and Disk Golf, all free. Lakeport has a drive in theater, google Lakeport auto movies drive in. New Rule: if you are inviting guests they must be pre approved. PLEASE DRIVE SLOWLY AND NOT RAISE DUST IN OUR NEIGHBORS DRIVEWAY TO OUR PROPERTY. We also have two big private campsites and one long term area.
Please read reviews here: https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/dashboard/land/34844/listings
$39 - $175 / night
Existing Resources: This campground is located just west of Camp 20 off of Highway 20. There are a total of 17 campsites, (2) one stall outhouses, three trash can structures, camp host site, information board and an iron ranger pay station.
Dispersed camp site not as developed as the regular campgrounds. No traffic control such as paved loop road and parking spurs that you find in "developed" campgrounds, and no water system. Pack out garbage.
This campground winds along beautiful Cole Creek. Cole Creek campground offers 26 well shaded campsites and 2 Hike and Bike sites. Each site has a fire ring, a table, and a food storage box. Nearby restroom facilities offer pay showers and flushable toilets.
$30 / night
Has 6 developed sites and 1 vault toilet. No water.
Traveler
Camp operator directed us to several sites that were not large enough for our 22 ft trailer. For a state park not very well maintained. Plus side very close to the ocean area and great boardwalk to the tidal pools
Traveler$40 for the night / $10 bundle of fire wood. Sites have a burn barrel and picnic table and parking spot. Nice that you can hear the waves crashing. Short walk to the beach. Bathrooms clean and showers were cheap. Only animals spotted were deer. Would stay again if in the area.
Traveler
Great camping, hiking, boating. Lots of nature trails. Super friendly staff
Scout
Dry camping. There are dumpsters for trash, pit toilets that looked abandoned, so we just avoided and can’t comment. Four star review is for the view and the quiet, can’t beat it. This is about as remote as you can get on the 1 - the northernmost coastal terminus - and there aren’t a lot of options. Check in instructions are a little confusing as there are several camping areas and payment must be made at the office, which is in the middle section, from what we could tell. Once we figured out that location, park host was friendly and got us squared away. Will be five stars once the road construction just to the north is done - there’s currently a one-lane situation with traffic and alert lights that are on 24/7 and detract just a bit from the dark sky effect.
Guide
We chose Pomo based on other reviews on TheDyrt. I picked site 47 out of the three that were left when I was searching for a place near Fort Bragg. Although it looks like the site is in the middle of the town, the sites are very private, many nestled between thick brush (blackberries!) and many back far enough from the road that it seems like you're boondocking. Our primary reason for choosing a coastal site was for comfort. It was still over 95 degrees inland, but a very comfortable 65 along the coast.
Almost all the RV sites are gravel, with the exception of a couple smaller ones, and the tent sites. There is a single bathroom complex, and the men's restroom was great...tiled with multiple stalls, large glass windows and CLEAN! I didn't check the showers out, but I'm assuming the same level of detail and finish also apply there.
It appears the sewer system doesn't cover all the sites, so the further back in the campground you go, there won't be any (an educated guess on my behalf). I walked through the campground, and most the RV sites have a power pedastal and water, a nice wooden picnic table and a fire ring. Internet access is available throughout, and when I ran speedtest I was getting 170Mbps down, which is incredible.
Make sure you look through the pictures of each site on the reservation page. They all are slightly different in size, privacy, and whatnot. There are several sites that "share" a common open space if you're in a group, and a large group area which looked to have 5 or 6 sites all comingled.
For tent camping, there is a large, open line of grass near the front of the campground, which doesn't really offer much protection from the sun. BUT...there is a loop at the back of the campground that has at least 10 grassy tent sites under a thick cover of pine trees. It's isolated by a path from the other RV sites, and I was really impressed by the area! If I were still tent camping, this would no doubt be my go-to tent site.
The nights were quiet and dark, and the staff friendly. They have 1 dump station, a fish cleaning station, propane and the office has a bunch of DVD movies available (not sure if for rent or free use).
Overall an excellent site and we were glad to find it, and will probably use this as a staging point for future treks further up the coast! I'll include some pictures of the site (I never include personal/family pictures because this is a campground review site, not a family album!)
GuideWinding downhill road in a valley to get there only to find basically a trailer park. Restroom in need of repair and not very sanitary. There was only one site available when we arrived and the rest were mostly permanent/long term residents. The host was very friendly and helpful in getting us settled in and other guests were very friendly. Overall I’d say avoid unless you’re very weary of driving
Guide
Quiet stop, but I wouldn't call it the most beautiful stop I've ever stayed. Camping spots are to the left and the right I'd the day use. Pit toilets. No garbage.
Guide
Loved this campground!! Family friendly, tons of amenities, and very clean. Highly recommended!!
Traveler
This is the worst campground I’ve ever seen. There was trash throughout the campground - including a used condom and condom wrappers in our campsite - bathrooms were dirty and had no soap, and there were several loud groups well after the posted quiet hours. We stayed one night and left early. If you’re into obnoxious parties, then this place is for you. The “potable” water is brown out of the tap.
Guide
We stopped here on our way back from Oregon. Unfortunately, we arrived late and left early so we didn’t really get to enjoy the amenities. We were in site A10 which we found a little difficult to connect the sewer hose without two hoses. The family room was handicap accessible and included a shower, sink, changing table and a toilet. Even though we were far from the office the internet access was strong. Overall, the stopover served its purpose well, providing a restful break before the last leg of our trip home.
Traveler
On 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.
Guide
Nice place. Friendly people. Well maintained. WiFi not reaching our campsite.
Guide
Easy access and great store, with access to fire rings, tables, showers, potable water, dump station and trash receptacles. The tent sites are beautiful, but a bit too close to each other when there are dogs involved.
GuideHot weather looking for a cool, on lake CG. We didn’t camp there. Thought we might but, instead just drove through. Day-use area close. Parking lot for boaters open. CG host said full; grounds not well maintained. Open sites with expired occupancy dates on them. Large groups with extra vehicles. Some sites looked like long term occupancy. Pleased there was no room. Don’t think would’ve been comfortable experience.
TravelerWe were here for 3 nights and enjoyed the summer concert series on the grass and the close location to a private beach across from the Rv park.
The spaces for Rv’s are tight, but we made it work. Tent camping is much more spacious.
The weather was humid and cool. It felt wonderful for July!!
Ranger
Lots of pics of the beach which is wonderful. Here is the campground when it's full up. Very close rigs
RangerThe sites are very close to each other and the camp is very busy In The summer. There is a trail down to a wonderful beach for tide pooling and sunrise/sunset walks. Camp has single clean pit toilet, over subscribed given thwre were many tent campers while we visited. Drinking water is available at a single spigot, and trash dumpsters are throuought camp. Bike trails or Hwy1 south to westport or north. The cliff edge and part of the road have eroded so be careful and abide warning signs.
Legend
Heh, well, there's only one other review for this place, and it's from me from 2 years ago. So I won't repeat it all, because basically everything is the same except:
We arrived mid week with no reservations and the place was practically empty. It filled up on the weekend with loud partiers but overall it was a quiet and pleasant experience.
Great place to camp! Read my last review for more details!
Scout
The dozens of 1 star google reviews over the years are 100000 percent accurate.
If you’re thinking of staying here, don’t! This place is a DUMP! You walk into a literal mushroom shop. The photos online are extremely misleading. They charge double what other parks in the area charge.
We checked in and immediately left on a holiday weekend. It’s dirty, cramped, and unkempt. We called around to find another spot in town and all the other park owners confirmed that the owner (Mike) at Hidden Pines is basically a crook. He overcharges, misleads, and mismanages the park. We were placed in a grass lot, there were no views, no ocean access. Nothing. The lot was so bad our auto leveling trailer couldn’t level.
I was going to just let it go but the owner, Mike, called me five times after leaving and screamed at me. I didn’t even ask for my money back and told him he could give the space away. He kept screaming at me and told me he was going to write a report so I could never go there again - no problem Mike, we WILL NOT be back.
Now this is the point I decided to write a negative review. After screaming at me on the phone, he gave my phone number to a random person to have that person ask me if I would call HP to allow them to buy my spot. I never consented to my information being shared.
I would rate this place negative stars if I could. It’s atrocious and crooked, and other park owners jump to help you find a space when you call and ask, because it’s THAT BAD!
Stealing this bit from another review, because it’s absolutely accurate -
Also, this is for Mike, DO NOT WRITE THAT WE VIOLATED POLICIES OR DID NOT STAY AT YOUR PARK. YOU ARE A SCUMBAG AND OVERCHARGE FOR SOMETHING THAT IS AN ABSOLUTE ATROCITY.
Scout
Woodside RV Park in Fort Bragg may not be the most luxurious but it’s quiet and clean. I rated 5 star due to the kindness and hospitality of the hosts - Dan and his daughter, Phyllis. They will give you local history and treat you like family, even if you’re there for just a few nights!
Woodside was able to make a last minute accommodation for us on 4th of July weekend. I’m glad they did. They are clean, kind, quiet and hospitable. They are right by the Botanical Gardens. I would absolutely stay here again.
Other reviews. Ore and are correct, there do seem to be a number of permanent residents but that has not impacted my review as they’ve all been very nice or kept to themselves - as have we!
Traveler
Serene, Beautiful, clean bathrooms, spacious Tucked away off the hwy we were surprised by the sound of babbling creek and the little bridges that meanders through this campground
Ranger
It was a good place with lots of trees. Nice trails down to the river. I didn’t live this place because there were so many large groups. It was a Saturday night and I was pretty tired at the end of my trip.
The shower was $1 for 5 minutes. The hot water felt amazing!
ScoutI tried to call and the number is disconnected and when I emailed it came back as not found.
GuidePros: If you are a person who likes to either stay all day at your campsite or are a water sport/water toy type person this campground is for you. Cons: Bathroom near our campsite wasn’t working. Campsites were overgrown with foxtails, not good for my dogs. Trash in our fire pit. A few campsites away from ours had a huge poison oak plant at the back where you park your rig. A walkway near the campground popular for fishing had a tree fall on it, instead of clearing the tree, the park rangers closed it off. Not much hiking in the park, and if you decide to walk the couple short hikes, don’t bring your dogs, NO DOGS ALLOWED. For the number of workers this park employs you would think these things would be dealt with, but no. I guess this is typical of State Parks in California, so much potential but sadly California parks slowly deteriorate.
Scout
We just spent one night in sight 6 with our 24’ camper and we had a good experience. Didn’t really have neighbors too close and had a great view of the lake. It only took a couple minutes to get down to the water, however, there aren’t a lot of places to sit and relax for the day (i.e. not many beach spots) close by. The site itself was mostly level side to side but our back stabilizers were nearly fully extended (with blocks) and the front ones we barely had to put out. The water spigot is close-by but in an awkward spot where other folks were skirting the boundary of our campsite to get to. It’s close to the bathrooms/showers which we didn’t use much, they were mostly clean but were inundated with insects. Note: there were LOTS of bugs everywhere when in late May and early June.
Traveler
Nice camp ground, if you want solitude. Lots of birds chirping around. There is a small creek flowing. Clean toilets.
ScoutArrived May 17th for two nights. This has been our go to park in Fort Bragg for the past 20 years. It’s gone up in price and is expensive but you get what you pay for.
Love that our sites are private and secluded. Bathrooms are very nice and lots of grass area for kids to play. Unfortunately they were out of direct wood on this trip but they usually have wood for sale.
We will always stay here
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Mendocino National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Mendocino National Forest is Bear Creek Campground with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
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