Dog-Friendly Camping near Redwood Valley, CA

Lake Mendocino provides the backdrop for pet friendly camping near Redwood Valley, California, with elevations ranging from 600 to 1,100 feet throughout the surrounding area. Summer temperatures often reach 85-95°F during the day while dropping to 50-60°F overnight, creating distinct temperature swings campers should prepare for. Winter camping requires additional preparation with occasional frost and temperatures that can dip into the 30s, while fall offers milder conditions with fewer crowds.

What to do

Coastal exploration: 15 miles west at Mackerricher State Park Campground provides access to both forest and ocean environments. "The campground is adjacent to the beach. You can hear the ocean and sometimes catch peeks of the ocean from the campground," reports Mea H. The area features tide pools and wildlife viewing opportunities, with one camper noting, "At sunrise, sea lions were out playing and sunning on rocks which were fun to watch."

Redwood hiking: 30-minute drive south to Hendy Woods State Park Campground offers multiple trails through old-growth redwood forests. "The two redwood groves are easily accessible from the campsite," explains Sophia B., who adds, "I always come to Hendy Woods with my camera, especially in the late winter, early spring to do some mushroom photography."

Riverside relaxation: Several campgrounds provide water access for cooling off during hot summer days. "The swimming hole is nice but can get packed at times. There is a rope under the bridge. The water hole is also deep enough in where you could jump from the bridge," notes David G. about the swimming area at Hendy Woods State Park.

What campers like

Private campsite layout: Many campers appreciate the thoughtful spacing at COE Mendocino Lake Bu-Shay Campground. "The sites are spacious and there are a mix of shady and sunny sites," explains Joshua H. The campground design provides "a good buffer with other sites" according to multiple reviewers.

Clean facilities: Despite being a large campground, maintenance is frequently mentioned in positive reviews. "The camp facilities are fine. The flush bathrooms are fine, and there are free showers," notes Joshua H. about Bu-Shay Campground. This differs from some other area facilities that require tokens or coins.

Natural sound environment: The combination of wildlife and water creates a distinctive soundscape. "In the fall the main trail is lined with fresh blackberries, and no matter where you are you can hear the ocean when you fall asleep," describes Chani K. At inland sites, campers report hearing frogs and diverse bird species throughout their stay.

What you should know

Seasonal water levels: Lake access varies significantly between seasons. "Expect little services in the park area. No convenience store," warns David G. During drought years, swimming areas may be limited or unavailable entirely.

Road conditions: Some campgrounds require navigation on rural roads. At Pine Mountain Lookout, "The roads driving up to the lookout tower are logging roads so they are a bit rough, this wasn't something we were expecting on our drive there," explains Samantha S.

Facility differences: Research bathroom and shower situations before arrival. "Showers require tokens. This seems pretty standard in California State Parks but it's successful at deterring us from showering every night. One token gives 4 minutes of showering. Each token is $1," explains Mea H. about Mackerricher State Park.

Wildlife awareness: Beyond just poison oak, prepare for diverse wildlife encounters. "There were signs that rattlesnakes are in the area," notes Samantha S. about Pine Mountain Lookout. Proper food storage is essential as "the mice are nocturnal visitors and will help themselves if you leave food on the counter."

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly amenities: Mendocino Redwoods RV Resort provides numerous family activities. "This is a great family campground. Bring your kids, plenty to do for them," states Theo A. Specific attractions include "a western themed town that hold little dances and ice cream parlor parties for kids. This KOA also has a mini waterpark," according to Amaya L.

Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer junior ranger programs. "The junior ranger program and nightly events for families helped keep the kids engaged in the camping experience. Park rangers hosted guided hikes, nighttime stargazing (with telescopes), and nightly campfires," reports a reviewer.

Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play structures. "We also went to the playground several times, which is super fun. 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," describes Erika L.

Tips from RVers

Dump station costs: Plan for potential additional fees at some campgrounds. "The dump station has a mandatory fee of $10. You pay with a credit card. When payment is approved, the cap to the dump hole unlocks," notes Mea H. about Mackerricher State Park.

Electrical connections: Not all RV sites include the same hookup options. At Narrows Lodge Resort, sites include full hookups with fifty-amp service available, though spaces may be limited. "The sites were on the smaller side, but came with a picnic table. And you're blocked from the other campers by your RV," explains Erika L.

Road access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging entry points. "The road is a little tight to get into this resort (1 lane road with traffic going both ways with few pull offs) but the views are absolutely amazing!" notes Raven P. about Narrows Lodge Resort. Timing arrival between checkout and check-in windows helps avoid traffic conflicts.