The Mendocino County area surrounding Philo sits in Anderson Valley at approximately 300 feet elevation, characterized by coastal redwood forests and vineyards. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-90°F while winter brings cooler conditions with rainfall averaging 40 inches annually. Camping options near Philo include both full-service RV parks and more primitive sites, with varying levels of cellular connectivity throughout the region.
What to do
Beach activities: 8 miles west of Philo, the coast offers opportunities for beachcombing, tide pool exploration, and watching sunsets. At Caspar Beach RV Park & Campground, campers can access the beach directly. "Caspar Beach RV Park was a beautiful place to stay. A forest of trees right across the street from the crashing surf," notes Rosemary A.
Canoeing and kayaking: Free watercraft available at some locations. The Aurora RV Park provides complimentary vessels for guests. "They offer FREE canoe/paddle boating. Bathrooms are kept clean and mike, the owner is amazing," reports Melissa C. from The Aurora RV Park & Marina.
Kid-friendly activities: Splash pads and play areas keep younger campers entertained at select locations. "The mini golf course was a blast, as well as the RC track. There was a ton to do, and we all had a blast. The staff was super friendly," writes Erika L. about her stay at Mendocino Redwoods RV Resort.
What campers like
Beach proximity: Direct ocean access ranks highly among campers staying near the coast. A visitor to Westport Beach RV Park explains, "We spent 4 nights here with our travel trailer. This is a great campground that is right on the beach! It has showers, flushing toilets, a little store, fire wood for sale, dish washing station, and even WiFi!"
Privacy options: Some campgrounds offer secluded spots despite typically packed conditions. At Westport Beach RV Park and Campground, "It's a super cramped campground for big rigs. Much nicer and more privacy if tenting," according to marcus K. Another visitor noted, "The sites are pretty secluded by shrubs so you do get a sense of privacy in places."
Budget options: Self-pay sites with minimal amenities offer coastal views at lower prices. "Primitive campground with no showers or camp host. There was a toilet (hole in the ground), a table, and water. What you do get is peace and quiet and an amazing view of the ocean. Self payment and was $3 for hike and bike," shares Tim J.
What you should know
Site selection: Different sections within the same campground can offer vastly different experiences. "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," explains Julie H. about Harbor RV Park.
Bathroom conditions: Facilities vary significantly between campgrounds and can change seasonally. One camper noted, "The womens shower was so-so clean but there was hair left in the drains and on the walls (ick). One shower in the mens bathroom had no hot water." At another location, "Restrooms are kept clean and full functional. Of course I had to visit during a heat wave."
Tent vs RV camping: Different site types within the same campground can provide completely different experiences. "It's a good launch site to get to the southern end of the Lost Coast. Also close to the UC Angelo Coast Range Reserve which has great hiking trails. Minimalist site - table and fire ring with primitive toilets," explains MarinMaverick.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Water features keep children entertained during summer months. "Designed for families, this KOA 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," reports Donna D. from Mendocino Redwoods RV Resort.
Site selection for families: Back sites often provide more space and privacy than front areas. "The front half is narrow RV slots, but further back, it's lush, shaded and pretty quiet for tent or car camping. My spot (13) had a babbling stream next to it, and empty spots on all sides," shares Jessi P.
Plan for weather: Coastal campgrounds experience wind that can impact tent camping. "You are perched out in the open on a bluff above the ocean. So the view and sunsets are epic. But being on the bluff when the wind comes in, in a tent with no cover, it can be fierce," warns a camper at Westport-Union Landing State Beach.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Some spots have challenging slopes that can impact larger vehicles. "If you have any larger rig be very conscious of where the spots are that allow for them. Ask at the ranger office for the list of ones they should have open. Drive extremely slow. Roads and turns are very narrow. Some spots are inclined in a way that your hind end may really scrape the ground/asphalt," advises Derek & Alex W.
RV park conditions: Facility maintenance varies widely between parks in the area. "Coming into this Thousand Trails campground made us a little nervous at first. Coming off of the highway there are broken down campers and RV encampments along the road. None of it interfered with the campground itself though," notes a visitor to Russian River RV Campground.
Hookup availability: Some parks offer limited services despite being full RV parks. "Spaces are all 30 amp with no sewer hookups. Many spaces are very narrow/tight and uphill from your neighbor. The asphalt of many spots is crumbling along the edges and the dirt eroding away."
