Willits, California sits at an elevation of 1,350 feet in the heart of Mendocino County, where the coastal climate meets inland temperatures creating distinct seasonal patterns. Summer temperatures range from 50°F to 90°F, with winter bringing cooler weather and occasional frost. The surrounding area offers several yurt camping options within 30-60 minutes of Willits for visitors seeking alternative accommodations.
What to do
Paddling at Lake Pillsbury: Visit Fuller Grove Group Campground for access to Lake Pillsbury's calm waters. "Fuller grove was a nice little campground on Lake Pillsbury (our rented minivan just weathered the dirt road in from the 101). It's a small loop with great options for multi-tent camping," notes Marc A.
Beach exploration: Westport Beach RV Park and Campground provides direct beach access for tidepooling and beachcombing. "Very clean grounds. Clean bathrooms and the dish washing area was nice to get the big junks off your pans :). The beach is right there. You can see and or hear the waves crashing," shares Randy J.
Canoeing and swimming: At Mendocino Magic, visitors can explore the reservoir. "Beautiful secret. Cannonball camp! Hiking, canoeing, swimming! Friendly staff with magnificent host!" writes Frederick S.
Hiking forest trails: Jackson Demonstration Forest offers numerous hiking trails through redwood groves. "Beautiful, clean and peaceful. Plenty of trails to explore and Noyo River meanders through the center," reports Danielle F.
What campers like
Private hot spots: Narrows Lodge Resort offers lakeside yurt camping near Willits. "We rented a camping yurt and we were so surprised how big it is! We received a key to our own bathroom and shower! They had a sink to wash dishes in and a place to clean our fish," explains Jessica R.
Secluded beach access: Campers appreciate the relative privacy at Westport Beach. "The waves are loud, the cell service sucks and the Wi-Fi is very spotty…which makes it a perfect spot to get away! If you get a premium spot, you are almost right on the beach, which is pretty private since there's no public access," notes Rob F.
Lakeside views: The Aurora RV Park offers waterfront camping with boat rentals. "You can fish right from your camp spot if you get a spot right on the water. Clean bathrooms, club house with games and a kitchen. Fire pits and BBQ's," writes Tamera J.
Forest tranquility: Dunlap Campground provides a quieter option. "Decent sized sites well spaced apart. Self-pay station $15 when I went. Access to the river. Went mid week and was the only one there. Tons of wildlife. Fox, deer, raccoon, etc.," shares Carter B.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Fuller Grove Group Campground operates from April to September only, with most facilities closed during winter months. "Nice, clean camp ground. Lots of room and parking. Great fishing, swimming and boating area," writes Jeanette C.
Road conditions: Access to Lake Pillsbury can be challenging. According to Marc A., "our rented minivan just weathered the dirt road in from the 101." Planning for extra travel time is advisable.
Reservation systems: While Manchester Beach / Mendocino Coast KOA takes reservations, many forest service campgrounds operate on a first-come basis. "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," explains Linda Y. about Dunlap Campground.
Cell service: Most forest and beach campgrounds have limited connectivity. As Rob F. notes about Westport Beach, "the cell service sucks and the Wi-Fi is very spotty." Consider downloading maps and information before arrival.
Tips for camping with families
Heated swimming options: Manchester Beach KOA offers amenities for families. "The pool was so clean and warm, we were told it was 85°, and I believe it. The sites are all decent sizes. With walkways between so that people hopefully don't walk through your site," reports Erika L.
Kid-friendly yurt camping: Middle Creek Campground provides affordable camping with basic amenities. "Each campsite has a picnic table, fire pit as well as a bbq grill. They do have vault toilets and running water. It was $8.00 a nite but offered a discount with a America the beautiful pass," shares Donna M.
Nature exploration: Jackson Demonstration Forest offers educational opportunities. "Nice day use area with tables and creek for playing in. At the sites, Trash and pit toilet areas seemed cleaned regularly and cal fire was seen a few times through our stay so it's out there but doesn't feel far away," notes Danielle F.
Proximity to amenities: When selecting a campsite, consider distance to town. "There is an ACE hardware / grocery store in town (who knew these 2 things go so well together), and there is beach access not far away," explains James W. about Manchester.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Aurora RV Park, waterfront sites have specific advantages. "This park has two parts: most is across the street from the lake but some spots are lakeside. The lakeside spots are very tight together-and require backing in. If your neighbor has a slider you are wall to wall," advises Julie H.
Road restrictions: When approaching Lake Pillsbury, note road limitations. "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," warns Ann D.
Overnight options: Mendocino Redwoods RV Resort provides full-service RV sites. "The Mendocino redwoods RV resort just outside of Willits on CA-20 to Fort Bragg, California, was 3 years ago a KOA resort. The overall facility is still in fairly good shape," shares Bill M.
Hookup availability: Manchester Beach KOA offers comprehensive hookups. "This was another nice KOA not too far from the sea shore. The staff were friendly and the facilities were as expected. They had movie night for the kids and 'no kids' hot tub hours for the adults," notes James W.
