Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Willits, CA

Mendocino Redwoods RV Resort near Willits accepts pets at all accommodation types including tents, RVs, cabins and glamping sites. Golden Rule RV Park and Sleepy Hollow RV Park also welcome pets with standard leash requirements. Campgrounds maintain clean areas for pets with trash receptacles available throughout. Most visitors with pets report positive experiences at Mendocino Redwoods, noting the family-friendly environment makes it comfortable for dogs as well. The campground features full hookups, picnic tables, and reservable sites where pets can remain with their owners.

Several hiking trails accessible from Willits campgrounds accommodate leashed dogs. Dunlap Campground provides creek access where pets can cool off during summer months, though multiple reviewers note significant road noise at this location. Pet owners should be aware that wildlife sightings are common, with reports of foxes, deer and raccoons at Dunlap Campground requiring careful food storage and pet supervision. Mendocino County regulations require pets to remain leashed in all public areas including campgrounds. Veterinary services are available in Willits approximately 15-30 minutes from most camping locations. Campgrounds with shower and bathroom facilities typically request pets stay outside these common areas.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Willits, California (105)

    1. Mendocino Redwoods RV Resort

    9 Reviews
    Willits, CA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 459-6179

    "The Mendocino redwoods RV resort just outside of Willits on CA-20 to Fort Bragg, California, was 3 years ago a KOA resort."

    "We were just a few steps from the pool, which was clean, but pretty cold. It didn’t seem like it was heated. If it is, it’s not heated well."

    2. Mackerricher State Park Campground

    42 Reviews
    Fort Bragg, CA
    25 miles

    $45 - $260 / night

    "This state park was so much fun, very dog friendly! Campgrounds were nice and well kept, and just a short walk to the beach! I highly recommend:)"

    "There are not many people in the off season so we were able to get a spot with direct access to the beach! Each spot has a picnic table and firepit."

    3. Hendy Woods State Park Campground

    27 Reviews
    Philo, CA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 895-3141

    $45 - $70 / night

    "centrally located in within Anderson valley,so one can go for a hike and (cool off in the Navarro river), go next door and eat organic apple, and Saunders down 128 (<1/4 mile) and sip some wine at the"

    "We stayed one night and lived the site and area surrounding. There were so many beautiful sounding birds in the canopy above and our site was surrounded by redwoods and douglas firs."

    4. Dunlap Campground

    5 Reviews
    Comptche, CA
    12 miles
    Website

    "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."

    5. Golden Rule RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Redwood Valley, CA
    7 miles
    +1 (707) 459-2958

    $50 - $75 / night

    6. Sleepy Hollow RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Soda Springs, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 459-0613

    7. Van Damme State Park Campground

    26 Reviews
    Little River, CA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 937-5804

    $45 - $160 / night

    "Simple campground just outside of Mendocino/Ft Bragg. Steps from a beautiful sandy beach."

    "bathrooms with outlets (I charged my EcoFlow battery in there) Paid showers • Free WiFi • Gift/info shop on-site • Bear boxes, fire rings, and picnic table at seemingly every site • Lush foliage with walk"

    8. Kyen Campground

    6 Reviews
    Redwood Valley, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 467-4200

    $35 - $65 / night

    "Some Lakeside campsites for RVs and tents with many other campsites, stretching up a gentle hill. Potable water is available."

    9. Pomo RV Park & Campground

    16 Reviews
    Fort Bragg, CA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 964-3373

    $50 - $73 / night

    "Even though you are so close to town this is off the beaten path and you can’t even get into this campground unless you have a reservation."

    "The convenience of being so close to town, yet feeling like you’re in the forest is hard to beat. There are showers & restrooms, although the showers operate on quarters."

    10. Sunset Point Campground

    8 Reviews
    Mendocino National Forest, CA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 275-2361

    "Close to neighboring campsites but not too bad. Grove village is really close where they have firewood, grocery store, restaurant, shops, post office. Bugs in summer so don’t forget your bug spray!"

    "Great location in the Sequoia National Park. Appropriate for families, couples or singles. Plenty of trails to roam and scenery galore. Easy access to bathrooms, evening activities."

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Showing results 1-10 of 105 campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Willits, CA

612 Reviews of 105 Willits Campgrounds


  • s
    Sep. 7, 2018

    Hendy Woods State Park Campground

    Redwoods, Apples, and Wine

    centrally located in within Anderson valley,so one can go for a hike and (cool off in the Navarro river), go next door and eat organic apple, and Saunders down 128 (<1/4 mile) and sip some wine at the Navarro winery. Big bonus for pet owner this park has trails that you can walk your dog on!

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 19, 2022

    Mendocino Redwoods RV Resort

    Former KOA; Rebranded & lacking

    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 but you can see the results of the pandemic and a little bit lack of effort on maintaining various things with inside the facility. Not to get me wrong, it's still a very nice resort but the new affiliation that they've decided to go with needs to step it up a little bit otherwise it will go into disrepair and short order. After traveling recently to a very high-end KOA resort, I can assess and compare between the two locations very quickly. I think it is a very wonderful location with a lot of wonderful things to do and activities within an hour's drive of it, I just wish they would do a little bit more to start bring it up to the level that it once was.

  • G
    Feb. 23, 2022

    Letts Lake Campground — Mendocino National Forest

    Dry Campig for 35' RV

    We originally were going to Fouts Creek Campground but it was HOV weekend (Presidents). Lots of dirt bikes and law enforcement. National Forest pulled in officers from surrounding forests and Sheriff Depts.

    With a 35' Class A our options were limited. A Ranger suggested Letts Lake. There is a narrow one lane newly paved road that goes up to Dixie Glade equestrian camp, from there it is dirt. Taking it slow, we made it to Letts Lake and parked in spot 12. It was a tight fit, but we made it.

    There are two additional campgrounds at the opposite end of the lake but they are closed for winter. As there was no water or trash service there was no fee. Typically $5.00)

    The lake is small with no motors allowed but easy to walk around. Pet friendly in fact all but one campsite had at least one dog.  Fire damage to the forest is substantial but new growth is already starting

  • Tim J.
    Sep. 29, 2018

    Gualala Point Regional Park

    Waterfront Camping and Forest Setting

    Beautiful campground sitting next to water with dense forest and ground cover.  Clean shower and restrooms that include hot water, hand soap, paper towels, mirrors and electrical outlets.  Friendly camp host and hike and bike area. Extra fee for pets.

  • Alixandra S.
    Mar. 11, 2021

    Gualala Point Regional Park

    Beautiful Spot Along the River

    This spot was a great little find. There is a trail from the campground to the park and beach area which is nice for a stroll. The campground is amongst the trees along the river. I would recommend the spots along the river over those on the inner side. Make sure to get a reservation in advance as it fills up. The spots are a little close together, but the big trees offer some separation. There is a pet fee of $2 per pet fyi.

  • J
    Jun. 21, 2021

    Thousand Trails Russian River

    Not worth the money

    Meh…

    I had high hopes for this place, but overall, I’m unimpressed.

    The good: Park staff is very responsive. Very close to the 101 with no highway nose.

    The bad: No reservations. It is first come, first served. Poison Oak EVERYWHERE. No designated pet areas. Very tightly packed with no privacy. Hot with very little shade. Bathrooms are old, outdated, full of cobwebs and dirt. Low water pressure and n the showers.

  • B
    Jul. 4, 2019

    Hendy Woods State Park Campground

    Perfect

    We stayed one night and lived the site and area surrounding. There were so many beautiful sounding birds in the canopy above and our site was surrounded by redwoods and douglas firs. I wanted to stay longer! Needless to say, I'll be back! I think this is my new favorite place. It was a little noisy at times but that's because it's fourth of July weekend and the site next to us had two families having a great time together. I was worried they might keep me up all night but they were respectful of quite hours which was nice. Pets are allowed which I also love. Next time I am bringing my pupper!

  • D
    Aug. 4, 2018

    Mendocino Redwoods RV Resort

    Family Fun

    Designed for families, this KOA 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. Good stopover.

  • D
    May. 15, 2024

    Gualala Point Regional Park

    one of my favorite camping spots

    bathrooms where clean, park ranger was super nice, and i love how the trees gave lots of shade. the campsite we got was pretty big as well. also extremely pet friendly


Guide to Willits

Willits sits at the edge of the Mendocino National Forest and Mendocino County redwoods, where summer temperatures average 85°F during day and drop to 50°F at night. The town's position at 1,350 feet elevation creates distinct camping experiences from the coastal campgrounds 30 miles west, with inland sites offering warmer temperatures during summer months. Wildlife interactions are common throughout area campgrounds, particularly during dawn and dusk hours.

What to do

Creek swimming access: Dunlap Campground provides creek access where campers can cool off in the warmer months. The campground sits just off the highway with "access to the river" that one reviewer found ideal for cooling off. According to Carter B., "Expect a LOT of road noise" but you'll find "access to the river" that provides relief during hot days.

Disc golf opportunities: For active visitors, Mendocino Redwoods RV Resort offers a disc golf course with scenic views. Paul H. notes, "the disc golf course offers beautiful views when on top of the course, but watch out for poison oak!" This activity provides recreational options beyond standard hiking.

Wine tasting excursions: The Hendy Woods State Park Campground places campers in proximity to Anderson Valley wineries. Beth K. explains the area is "a Pinot Noir region so wineries surround the campground" and "Booneville is a cute nearby town with kid-friendly Anderson Valley Brewery and Pennyroyal Cheese Farm."

Tide pooling adventures: Coastal campsites approximately 30 minutes west offer ocean-based activities. At Mackerricher State Park Campground, Hannah S. reports, "Access to the ocean is quick, and there are multiple bike & hiking trails nearby!" She adds that nearby tide pools contain diverse marine life, making it worth the drive from Willits.

What campers like

Private camping spaces: Pomo RV Park & Campground receives high marks for site separation. Scott P. explains sites are "very private spaces divided by hedges" and "fairly large and very well maintained." Hayley K. adds that "sites are a bit tight together but have adequate privacy utilizing trees and shrubs."

Western-themed amenities: Mendocino Redwoods RV Resort offers unique theming that campers appreciate. Amaya L. describes it as having "a western themed town that hold little dances and ice cream parlor parties for kids" and notes the resort "also has a mini waterpark."

Ancient redwood groves: Hendy Woods State Park Campground provides access to old-growth redwoods. Sophia B. calls it "a sacred place" where "the old growth redwoods and rich diversity of plants and fungi really make this place stand out." She recommends bringing a camera for mushroom photography in late winter and early spring.

River swimming holes: When temperatures climb inland, campers appreciate water access. Hendy Woods visitors mention the "beautiful river about a 10 min walk from the campground." David G. notes at Hendy Woods there is "a rope under the bridge. The water hole is also deep enough in where you could jump from the bridge!"

What you should know

Seasonal water levels: River swimming spots may vary throughout summer. According to David G., by late summer at Van Damme State Park Campground, "the river near the daily access area was somewhat dried up (flowing like a small creek) and had very little shade."

Wildlife safety requirements: Beyond standard bear precautions, smaller wildlife requires attention. Carter B. notes at Dunlap Campground visitors should expect to see "tons of wildlife. Fox, deer, raccoon, etc." and reminds campers to "keep your food locked up at all times."

Limited cell service: Several campgrounds have connectivity challenges. Stefanie W. reported "zero cell service in the campground" at Golden Rule RV Park, though "there's WiFi in the laundry room that works pretty well." At Hendy Woods, Sophia B. notes "I always have a little bit of service (Verizon) at the campground."

Quarter-operated showers: Several campgrounds charge for showers. At Mackerricher State Park, Mea H. explains, "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."

Tips for camping with families

Group camping activities: Mackerricher State Park Campground offers structured entertainment for children. Jennifer M. shares there are "showers, bathrooms, drinking water and fire rings" and notes decent cell service throughout the park. Multiple reviewers mention watching wildlife from campground areas.

Kid-oriented amenities: Mendocino Redwoods RV Resort specializes in family experiences. Donna D. explains it is "designed for families" and offers "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."

Junior Ranger programs: State parks in the region offer educational opportunities. At Hendy Woods, one visitor noted "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."

Safety considerations: Families should prepare for local hazards. Multiple campgrounds contain poison oak, especially around trails and undeveloped areas. One visitor to Hendy Woods warns "there's quite a bit of poison oak, be aware of where you are walking."

Tips from RVers

Site access challenges: Golden Rule RV Park presents navigation difficulties. Greg D. mentions a "winding downhill road in a valley to get there" but notes "the host was very friendly and helpful in getting us settled in and other guests were very friendly."

Self-contained vehicle options: Some coastal campgrounds offer alternatives to traditional sites. At Van Damme State Park, Heather G. explains "there is an added bonus for all self contained vehicles. Since there's a temporary bridge in place, they are allowing self contained vehicles (potty in your vehicle) to stay at the beach parking lot instead of a camp site."

Dog friendly campgrounds near Willits: Several parks welcome pets with some restrictions. At Pomo Campground, pet fees apply at $1 per pet per night according to Hayley K. For pet-friendly camping options near Willits, Jessica N. confirms Mackerricher State Park "was so much fun, very dog friendly! Campgrounds were nice and well kept, and just a short walk to the beach!"

RV hookup limitations: Assess electrical needs when booking. At Sleepy Hollow RV Park, ProfG999 warns "full hookups but sewer line has to go uphill" and notes there's "almost no phone signal" with "no wifi" and "no credit cards. Checks or cash."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Willits, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Willits, CA is Mendocino Redwoods RV Resort with a 4.1-star rating from 9 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Willits, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 105 dog-friendly camping locations near Willits, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.