RV camping near Mendocino, California offers shelter from inland heat through summer fog along Highway 1. The stretch between Fort Bragg and Westport provides overnight sites on coastal bluffs above the Pacific Ocean, with temperatures rarely exceeding 75°F even during summer months. Primitive roadside camping can be found at beach access points north of Fort Bragg, though visitors should check local regulations before setting up.
What to do
Beachfront access: At Westport Beach RV Park and Campground, visitors walk directly to the shoreline. "It's as if you're on the edge of the cliff, and there's absolutely nothing between you and those beautiful sunsets. The beach is a short walk from there, too," notes one camper.
Tidepooling exploration: Marine life viewing spots lie within walking distance of most coastal sites. "Shopping in Ft. Bragg is 15 minutes away. Not a bad place to hang out," mentions one visitor about Caspar Beach's proximity to tidepools.
Paddle boarding and kayaking: The Noyo River offers protected waters for paddling enthusiasts. A camper at Dolphin Isle Marina & RV Park explains, "The site we are on is located between a marina and the Noyo River. It allows for easy access for paddle boarding, kayaking, swimming and seals, sea lions and other wildlife."
What campers like
Private spaces: Many Mendocino RV parks create natural separation between sites. A visitor at Pomo RV Park & Campground notes, "Very private sites, each site has shrubbery around it. It feels like you are in a world by itself."
Ocean views: Premium sites provide direct sightlines to the Pacific. "Harbor RV give you a road base pad and real green grass all around it. It's June 23th and the wild flowers are busting out! The park is on a bluff with ocean views," reports a camper.
Evening campfires: Several beaches permit fires directly on the sand. "Fires on the beach are great. Rediscovered this place in February and have reservations for November," mentions one visitor at Westport Beach.
What you should know
Off-season accessibility: Winter camping options become limited due to coastal flooding. "It does close down except for long-term use in the winter time (November-??) due to coastal seasonal flooding," notes a camper about Dolphin Isle Marina.
Site dimensions vary significantly: Larger RVs face limited options at some parks. "This is a tight and wet park. It is inside a gully that gets very little sun. I stayed the end of December through New Years," writes one visitor about Caspar Beach.
Reservation requirements: Peak season availability remains extremely limited. A visitor at Harbor RV Park shares, "Arrived 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."
Tips for camping with families
Beach selection: Different beaches offer varying levels of wave protection. "Caspar Beach RV Park was a beautiful place to stay. I truly enjoyed my time there. A forest of trees right across the street from the crashing surf," notes a family traveler.
Kid-focused amenities: Some inland parks provide child-specific facilities. A visitor at Mendocino Redwoods RV Resort shares, "Great family campground. Bring your kids, plenty to do for them. No kids? Want to be at a quiet campground? Enjoy nature? Not here!"
Group camping logistics: Multiple families should book adjacent sites early. "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," observes a Pomo RV Park camper.
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Most coastal sites require minimal adjustment. "Very clean and nice spot. Enjoyed our one night stay on a hold over as we travelled. Friends tell us all the time to check it out and that it's the nicest place in Ft. Bragg," reports an RV visitor at Pomo RV Park.
Hookup limitations: Many parks offer water and electric only, with dump stations instead of sewer connections. A camper at Wildwood RV Park & Campground mentions, "We got in a little late the owner was waiting for us. This was our first time ever in an RV. The owner help us backed up. Showed us how to hook everything and he even started a fire for us."
Turning radius considerations: Park layouts often challenge larger vehicles. "The RV park is part of a mobile home park. What you get is a space to park, water, electric and sewage. Was told has Wi-Fi but I have not found it. Our space had a great view of the ocean," notes a Harbor RV Park visitor.
