Coastal cabin camping options are available within an hour's drive of Sea Ranch, California. The area sits along the Mendocino County coastline at elevations ranging from sea level to 300 feet. Nighttime temperatures often drop into the 40s even during summer months, making heated accommodations particularly valuable for visitors planning extended stays. Weather patterns can change rapidly, with morning fog giving way to afternoon sun.
What to do
Beach exploration at Manchester State Park: Walk the mile-long trail from the campground to access driftwood-strewn beaches with fewer crowds than other coastal areas. "It is so wonderful. The campground is just above the driftwood beach offering walks in solitude with the breaking waves in the background," shares Cindi B. about Manchester State Park Campground.
Paddle on the Russian River: Rent canoes, kayaks, or paddleboards at River Bend Resort. "The private beach is great for kids (and adults). Easy swimming without a strong current. Lots of shallows but a deep swimming hole are for adults too," explains H L. about the resort's river access.
Stargazing at less developed sites: Smaller campgrounds often provide better night sky viewing due to reduced light pollution. "No city lights to speak of = incredible stargazing. Oceanside = fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves," notes one camper at Manchester State Park.
What campers like
Year-round availability: Unlike seasonal campgrounds, Mendocino Redwoods RV Resort remains open throughout the year. "We stopped here overnight on our way up the coast. Well maintained, nice facility and friendly staff," reports Melanie R., highlighting its reliability for winter travelers.
Community kitchen facilities: Some campgrounds provide shared cooking amenities. "This KOA has large tent sites and a HUGE kitchen with 3 electric stoves and several sinks and microwaves for camper use," notes Kristen M. about the Manchester Beach KOA.
Disc golf opportunities: Multiple campgrounds feature disc golf courses. Paul H. mentions, "We enjoyed the disc golf course that had just been built back when we visited," about the course at Manchester Beach KOA, while others note the scenic course at Mendocino Redwoods.
What you should know
Site privacy varies significantly: Campsite exposure and proximity to neighbors differs between and within campgrounds. At Spring Lake Regional Park, Michael I. notes it's "very open and exposed" while Scott R. mentions "not a place if you want dispersed camping or a lot of privacy."
Road access challenges: Some coastal sites have difficult approach roads. As Julie T. notes about The Aurora RV Park, "The road along side of park. People speed way too fast on the corner," creating potential hazards.
Reservation requirements change seasonally: Summer weekends require bookings months in advance at popular sites, while shoulder seasons offer more availability. "Nearly all the other campgrounds on the CA coast require a reservation 6 months in advance for weekends, with weekday availability not much better," explains one Manchester State Park visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: River Bend Resort offers safe swimming areas for children. "The camp store is cute and there's a brewery next door if you want a meal out. There are several playgrounds which are fun for kids. And an arcade," explains a camper.
Yurt camping for first-timers: Circular yurt accommodations provide an entry point into camping without extensive gear requirements. "We rented a camping yurt and we were so surprised how big it is! We received a key to our own bathroom and shower!" shares Jessica R. about Narrows Lodge Resort's yurt options.
Activity-focused sites: Some campgrounds offer entertainment beyond natural attractions. "They had movie night for the kids and 'no kids' hot tub hours for the adults," notes James W. about structured activities at Manchester Beach KOA.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility considerations: Johnson's Beach offers locations with varying accessibility levels. "Camp sites are right behind a bar (?) and homes so we heard a lot of partying, singing, dog barking well into the night," warns Henry M., suggesting requesting sites farther from these areas.
Beach proximity trade-offs: While oceanside sites offer scenic views, they often come with greater exposure to elements. "Sites in the high 30's are more secluded," suggests Kenneth L. about Manchester State Park's camping area, which balances ocean access with wind protection.
Winter camping challenges: Off-season camping requires additional preparation. "The basic sites at Manchester KOA have heaters with is definitely nice. They also have beds, but the beds are really uncomfortable, it's just a pad on top of a slat wood frame, remember to bring a foam topper," advises April H.
