Camping sites surround Ukiah in northern California's Mendocino County, where elevations range from 600 to 2,000 feet throughout the nearby national forest. The region experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F while winter brings cooler temperatures and substantial rainfall. Many campgrounds remain open year-round with varying seasonal access to water-based activities.
What to do
Lake activities with free equipment: The Aurora RV Park & Marina provides complimentary canoes, kayaks, and paddle boats to guests. "They offer FREE canoe/paddle boating. Bathrooms are kept clean and Mike, the owner is amazing. Real nice guy and very helpful," notes one visitor to Aurora RV Park, adding that "people speed way too fast on the corner" along the roadside.
Off-road adventures: Middle Creek Campground serves as a gateway to OHV trails when conditions permit. "This is normally an OHV area but since all trails are closed it is quiet and peaceful. You can hear the creek running along the camp, as well as the wild turkeys," explains a camper at Middle Creek Campground. When open, these trails attract dirt bike and four-wheel enthusiasts.
Beach exploration: Manchester Beach provides a different coastal camping experience approximately an hour from Ukiah. "There is a nice mile long trail that leads down to the beach. If you would rather drive and park there is a nice lot right by the dunes and the day use fee is included with your camping pass," reports a visitor at Manchester State Park.
What campers like
Private beach access: Campers appreciate exclusive shoreline access at several locations near Ukiah. "The beach is private so it's just you and the other campers," notes a Westport Beach visitor, making it less crowded than public beaches. The campground provides direct beach access from many sites.
Family entertainment facilities: Beyond natural attractions, some resorts offer extensive recreational amenities. A visitor to Mendocino Redwoods RV Resort explains, "Designed for families, this KOA has 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."
Lakeside camping: Fuller Grove Campground offers direct lake access with spacious sites. "The sites are BIG, and the ones that lead to the water give you best access to the lake," reports a visitor to Fuller Grove Group Campground. This location provides both fishing and swimming opportunities from the campsite.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to some camping areas requires navigating challenging roads. A Middle Creek visitor warns, "Just keep in mind that Elk mountain road, especially the part leading up to the top of the mountain right as you leave the campground is an absolutely terrible road, it needs a lot of maintenance."
Reservation requirements: Camping options vary from reservation-required to first-come sites. "This was nice for our family. Upon arrival you are responsible for having cash to place in an envelope with your vehicle info and it's to be left in a box at the entrance," explains a Manchester State Park visitor about their self-registration process.
Site spacing: The proximity between campsites varies significantly between locations. At Westport Beach RV Park and Campground, one camper observed the contrast: "The camp spots were all beautiful, flowery and grassy, with trees overhead" in some areas, while another noted "Very close rigs" when the campground fills up.
Tips for camping with families
Splash areas for kids: Several resorts feature water play areas specifically designed for children. "The pool was so clean and warm, we were told it was 85°, and I believe it," shares a visitor to Manchester Beach / Mendocino Coast KOA, making it ideal for families with young swimmers.
Community activities: Some campgrounds organize regular social events. "We enjoyed having a full kitchen available and the community entertainment like s'mores around the campfire," notes a KOA visitor, highlighting the structured activities often available at larger facilities near Ukiah.
Accommodation options: For glamping close to Ukiah, California, families can choose from various comfort levels. "We rented a small cabin for the night. It was clean and welcoming. We only stayed one night but will come back again and again," reports a Mendocino Redwoods visitor, providing an alternative to traditional tent camping.
Tips from RVers
Lakeside RV spots: Premium waterfront RV sites provide direct water views. "Aurora has two sites that are across the road from each other. One is on the water with back up sites. It's very nice, certainly beautiful and worth the extra 10 dollars," shares a visitor to The Aurora RV Park & Marina.
Limited hookups: Many forest campgrounds near Ukiah offer minimal services. "This campground is dry and built primarily for OHV people. It's got dropped toilets and it has potable water. Problem is that the spigots don't have any hose fittings, so you can't hook up," explains a Middle Creek camper.
Site selection considerations: RVers should research specific sites before booking. "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 a Narrows Lodge visitor, highlighting access challenges for larger rigs.
