Public lands surrounding Ukiah, California offer diverse tent camping options, from established campgrounds to primitive backcountry sites. COE Mendocino Lake Bu-Shay Campground provides spacious tent campsites with amenities including flush toilets, free showers, and picnic tables. The campground operates seasonally from May 1 to September 29 and maintains relatively low occupancy even on weekends. For more primitive tent camping, Buckhorn Campground offers year-round access with basic facilities including vault toilets and fire rings, though no potable water is available. Penny Pines Campground, located near Upper Lake, provides tent-only sites with picnic tables and toilets in a forested setting.
Most tent campgrounds in the region feature dirt or gravel pads with varying degrees of shade. Walk-in tent sites typically require carrying gear short distances from parking areas, while drive-in sites allow for convenient unloading. Campers should bring their own water for primitive tent camping locations, as many sites lack potable water sources. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with complete bans common during high fire danger periods. Self-registration is standard at many locations, with payment collected via honor system drop boxes. Cal Fire personnel periodically patrol campgrounds but permanent camp hosts are uncommon at smaller primitive tent campgrounds.
Tent campers report varying experiences with privacy and noise levels. According to reviews, Paul M. Demmick Campground in Navarro River Redwoods State Park offers "shaded, peaceful and lovely" tent sites with creek access, though weekend spots fill quickly. Sites near rivers tend to be most popular, with one camper noting that "sites near the river are best" for both scenery and recreation. Midweek camping typically provides greater solitude for backcountry tent camping experiences. Wildlife sightings are common at several locations, with one visitor reporting "tons of wildlife" including fox, deer, and raccoon at Dunlap Campground. Cell service is limited or nonexistent at most tent campgrounds in the region, allowing for a more disconnected outdoor experience.
"Upside: almost no one here, including security and onsite host (private and undisturbed), no road noise, great playground, bathrooms, showers and water views."
"The town of Ukiah is pretty close as well, so you can get food or supplies easily."
"Set up tent from my cars headlights. Woke up to absolutely beautiful views. The dirt road up to this site is rough."
"We're happy to welcome this property to our platform. This property is offering 2 lodging options, a Caboose & Tent camping under the Walnut trees."
Available next weekend
from $39 - $175 / night
"Shaded, peaceful and lovely. We arrived early afternoon in August on a Saturday and found a nice empty spot no problem. The remaining spots mostly filled up by Saturday evening."
"Nice campsite with around 27 ish spots. First come first serve at $35 as of 2025. I went tent camping but you can probably bring in a small RV."
from $10 - $35 / night
"3 sites are currently closed due to COVID to encourage social distancing; sites fill up quickly on weekends; no on-site camp host, but Cal Fire does come through to write receipts and pick up trash."
"The drive up was windy and a bit steep at points but well groomed and manageable in an SUV. I’m sure most cars can do the drive with a responsible person behind the wheel."
"There are numerous pull-outs and campsites along this High Ridge Road with absolutely breathtakingly stunning views of the valley to the east and the lake to the west."
"We had just bought a motor home and wanted to go somewhere close to home to try it out. Nice clean camp sites close to restrooms and showers. Lots of places to fish, hike and bike."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 / night
ScoutSpacious sites, paces from the ocean. There are showers but if someone didn’t shower before you they take hella long to get warm. Bring two tokens! ($1/each for 5 minutes). Dog friendly spot. If it’s fall or winter, get the spots adjacent to the ocean. They’re sunnier
RangerTired from the drive over the mountains rolled in here for a secure night of sleep. Plenty of spots. Electric water, flushers, but bring your quarters for the shower.
TravelerThese camp spots have the most epic view of the ocean and a massive rock arch. The spots are close to each other (I’d recommend grabbing spot #1 as it’s the most private). The porta potties were clean and the beach was nice.
This spot reminds me more of dispersed camping than a traditional campground. No fee tube and people saw some people camping on the beach in tents. Great spot, would definitely come back.
ScoutThere’s no campground sign at the turnoff, no envelopes to pay, and no ranger. So beach front camping for free. Nothing fancy, no running water, but clean portos. 8 sites
TravelerGreat camp with amazing views. But, you should not camp alone. I've been here often this month and have seen a herd sheep eating the grass on the hillside, heard a pack of coyotes several nights in a row, until I heard a Mt Lion doing it's bird like sounds at night, as it circled my rv. This is last night, 10/07/2026 - mt lion presence detected, not seen. Be careful.
RangerClean bathrooms. First come first serve. Fire pits. Water available. Was full when we woke up in the morning. Ranger going around fixing the reserved signs. Loved this place.
GuideI was hesitant about booking this campground because the reviews said it was overgrown, unkempt, and dirty in spots. However, I had been driving all day and saw other reviews of the gorgeous lakeside campsites and did it. I stayed at 93 right next to the restrooms and a weird overgrown amphitheater. I'll add the photo 😀 When it says lake side- I am sure at one point it was when the water could fill the lake to the top! But it was still amazing. You can walk down to the beach below. And enjoy the lake. I was on a deadline and had to head out early the next morning. Many sites were overgrown so they should state that when booking- or have them unavailable.
RangerBathrooms were terrible but views were awesome. Right off the US1 with picnic tables, bear boxes, and fire rings.
TravelerMultiple great riding trails. Saw mule deer, bull moose with cows, skoates and marmot. Large bull moose walked through Williams Camp!
Ukiah's camping areas sit in the Coastal Mountain Range of Northern California, ranging from 600 to 2,500 feet in elevation. The region experiences Mediterranean climate patterns with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Most tent camping options near Ukiah remain open year-round, though seasonal fire restrictions typically limit campfire use during high-risk periods from June through October.
River recreation access: Paul M. Demmick Campground offers direct access to the Navarro River. "There's a path down to the river near the Day Use area; the river was pretty tame, which is surprising for a campground that routinely floods in the wintertime," notes camper L.
Forest exploration: Several miles of hiking trails wind through Jackson Demonstration Forest, allowing day hikers to experience diverse ecosystems. "Plenty of trails to explore and Noyo River meanders through the center," reports Danielle F., adding that the "day use area with tables and creek for playing in" provides additional recreation options.
OHV riding: For off-highway vehicle enthusiasts, Red Mountain offers extensive trail networks. According to justin, it's "paradise if you have ATVs etc. Cool spot off the beaten path" with the six-mile drive up the mountain providing initial off-road experience.
Wildlife viewing: Many campsites report substantial wildlife activity. At Dunlap Campground, Carter B. observed "tons of wildlife. Fox, deer, raccoon, etc." and cautions to "keep your food locked up at all times."
Affordability: Most primitive tent camping sites near Ukiah cost between $6-20 per night. Penny Pines Campground offers budget-friendly options at "$6 per night" according to Cary A., who noted it's "beautiful and very affordable."
Midweek solitude: Several campgrounds report minimal occupancy during weekdays. At Buckhorn Campground, campers find themselves "away from everyone else in the OHV park" according to keith B., making for peaceful experiences outside weekend rush periods.
River proximity: Water access ranks high in camper satisfaction. At Cole Creek Campground, Chris P. mentioned "lots of places to fish" along with "hike and bike" opportunities, providing diverse recreation without leaving the campground.
Spacious sites: Campers frequently mention site spacing as a positive feature. Bu-Shay Campground delivers "spacious sites and there are a mix of shady and sunny sites," according to Joshua H., who adds that "the sites are spacious and there are a mix of shady and sunny sites."
Road noise: Several campgrounds sit near highways with audible traffic. Linda Y. notes at Dunlap Campground: "Only possible complaint would be that you can hear the road noise, but get used to it after awhile." Tom E. agrees, stating "Three stars is mostly due to road noise."
Fire restrictions: During summer months, complete fire bans often apply. Many campgrounds have seasonal limitations affecting campfires, with Mary K. mentioning Dunlap provides "vault bathroom, no water, $20 a day" but fire availability depends entirely on current conditions.
Limited cell service: Most campgrounds offer minimal or no connectivity. At Bear Creek Campground, most visitors report no cell reception, forcing a digital disconnect during your stay.
Self-registration: The majority of primitive sites operate without permanent camp hosts. Cassidy Y. notes at Jackson Demonstration Forest: "No camp host on site, cal fire crew came in once a day to check the campground."
Look for playgrounds: Only select campgrounds offer dedicated children's play areas. Joshua H. mentions Bu-Shay Campground: "Our young kids had a great time playing on the playground which was an unexpected bonus."
Consider bathroom facilities: Toilet quality varies significantly between campgrounds. Susan W. notes that at Paul Demmick Campground "there are plenty of vaulted toilets available" and they "were extremely clean no flies and didn't have a strong odor."
Creek play opportunities: Children enjoy water features at several campgrounds. As Cary A. describes Paul Demmick Campground: "There is creek access in the camp with a small day use area by the creek" providing natural play spaces.
Site access challenges: Several campgrounds have limited RV accessibility. Penny Pines Campground "is a small spot in the forest accessible by a rough road" according to Cary A., who notes that "camp spots are fairly small and close together."
Limited hookups: Most campgrounds near Ukiah lack RV-specific amenities. Israel M. reports Bu-Shay Campground has "water spickets everywhere and I think there are also dumping stations for people with RVs," making it one of the few options with partial RV facilities.
Road conditions: Access roads to many campgrounds require careful navigation. Red Mountain requires "worth the 4x4 trek to the campground" according to Becky H., who notes the reward is "a 'million dollar' view of the mountain range and Clearlake."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Ukiah, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Ukiah, CA is COE Mendocino Lake Bu-Shay Campground with a 3.2-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Ukiah, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 38 tent camping locations near Ukiah, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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