RV camping near Potter Valley, California offers diverse overnight options for motorhomes and tent campers alike. This mountainous region sits at elevations ranging from 800 to 3,000 feet above sea level, with summer temperatures averaging 85-95°F during daytime hours. The terrain features steep mountain passes that connect inland valleys to coastal campgrounds, with road conditions varying significantly throughout the seasons.
What to do
Disc golf course access: Mendocino Redwoods RV Resort features a disc golf course with unique terrain challenges. "The disc golf course offers beautiful views when on top of the course, but watch out for poison oak!" warns one visitor.
Paddling opportunities: The Aurora RV Park & Marina offers free watercraft for guests. "They offer FREE canoe/paddle boating. Bathrooms are kept clean and mike, the owner is amazing," shares a camper who enjoyed this amenity at The Aurora RV Park & Marina.
Beach exploration: Coastal campgrounds provide direct access to secluded beaches. "We were lucky to get a site right next to the beach for our class B RV. This is a beautiful site along Highway 1," notes a visitor to Westport Beach RV Park and Campground.
Bird watching: Wetland areas near lakeside campgrounds support diverse bird populations. "Although it is along town building, the water side is a low water estuary or sorts - lots of tall grasses and duckweed type plants. Many birds. I even saw an egret," reports a camper.
What campers like
Family entertainment: Kid-focused amenities make some parks particularly suitable for families. "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," notes a visitor to Mendocino Redwoods RV Resort.
Hot tub sites: Premium accommodations at select RV parks include private hot tubs. "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!"
Waterfront camping: Direct lake access provides both recreational opportunities and scenic views. "Nice little rv park. They offer FREE canoe/paddle boating. Bathrooms are kept clean and mike, the owner is amazing. Real nice guy and very helpful. Only thing is the road along side of park. People speed way too fast on the corner."
Evening activities: Campgrounds frequently offer programmed events during summer months. "We were there for movie night. They had a big screen and showed a film for the kiddos. Good stopover."
What you should know
Space limitations: Many RV sites have tight spacing between units. "Tight campground surrounding area is nice. Sites are close. Some don't even have area for chairs or picnic tables," observes a visitor to Thousand Trails Russian River.
Cost considerations: Price increases have affected some campgrounds in recent years. "My chief complaint was the raising of prices a few years ago to an absurd amount for camping. Pretty nice if you can afford it."
Road access challenges: Highway approaches to coastal campgrounds involve winding roads with size restrictions. "To get to clear lake from the west the road is very windy and only allows 34 feet and I think that is pushing it."
Seasonal crowding: Summer months bring significantly higher visitor numbers to popular sites. "If you have a 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."
Tips for camping with families
Kids' activities: Some RV parks specifically cater to families with younger children. "This is a great family campground. Bring your kids, plenty to do for them. No kids? Want to be at a quiet campground? Enjoy nature? Not here!" advises a visitor to Caspar Beach RV Park & Campground.
Age-specific amenities: Consider the age of your children when selecting a campground. "We stopped here overnight on our way up the coast. Well maintained, nice facility and friendly staff. Definitely wouldn't come back for long term camping as we have older teenagers. The facility is definitely geared toward families with smaller kids."
Pool temperature variations: Swimming pools at RV resorts may not always be heated adequately. "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."
Splash pad options: Water play areas provide alternatives to swimming for younger children. "The splash pad was a family favorite. The petting zoo, was also super cute and the animals seemed like they were well taken care of."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Choose your site carefully based on specific needs. "If you have a 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."
Hookup variations: Different RV parks offer varying levels of utility connections. "No sewer but they do have a dumping station and a honey pot service for $35 so we took advantage of that," shares a visitor to Redwood Empire Fair RV Park.
Off-season advantages: Lower occupancy during shoulder seasons means more space and privacy. "It's June 23th and the wild flowers are busting out! The park is on a bluff with ocean views. I could stay here year round."
Drive-through challenges: Some RV sites have physical limitations that may damage larger vehicles. "Some spots are inclined in a way that your hind end may really scrape the ground/asphalt. There are grooves in the road everywhere it is common."
