MacKerricher State Park, managed by California State Parks, divides its camping into two distinct areas: Pinewood, set closer to Highway 1, and Surfwood, which sits nearer the coast. The Surfwood section draws the most attention from reviewers, and for good reason. Sites there are within a short walk of the beach, sheltered by a buffer of coastal trees that cuts down on wind considerably. Some sites have ocean views; others face the tree line. The variation matters when choosing a site, so it's worth knowing that spots 122-124 sit on a roundabout and tend to be larger and more private than average.
"You can hear the ocean and sometimes catch peeks of the ocean from the campground," notes Mea H., who also points out that the coastal tree buffer keeps the wind at bay. Most sites include a fire ring, bear locker, and picnic table, with some featuring concrete pads and others sand driveways. Wildlife shows up regularly after dark. Raccoons and skunks are common visitors once the sun goes down, so securing food is essential.
The beach is a five-minute walk from most Surfwood sites, with foot trails cutting through dunes and coastal forest before opening onto sea cliffs and tide pools. Reviewers have spotted harbor seals and sea lions on nearby rocks. A paved multi-use trail also connects the campground southward, and camping near MacKerricher State Park draws visitors who combine beach time with hiking and biking. Nearby alternatives include West Pinewood Campground - Mackerricher State Park and Cleone Campground for those who want options within the same general area.
Showers are coin-operated, at $1 per token for five minutes, with tokens available at the front gate. The dump station carries a mandatory $10 fee, charged by credit card. Firewood runs $10 a bundle and is sold on-site, though at least one reviewer found it slightly damp. Reservations are available and recommended, though walk-in sites do exist on a first-come, first-served basis after 2 p.m. Fort Bragg, where campers can resupply or find restaurants, is just a few miles south, and campgrounds just outside Fort Bragg give additional context for planning a longer coastal itinerary. This campground suits campers who want direct coastal access with state park infrastructure and don't mind paying for amenities like showers and firewood.
Description
Cleone Group Area
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
California State Parks wants to thank our park visitors for helping us keep our parks and environment clean. In 2018, State Parks installed new RV dump station collection systems at ten state park units as part of a pilot program to help us protect the environment and are added amenities for our visitors.
Following the success of the initial pilot program in 2018, an additional eleven park units have been added to the program. The service is available for campers, day-use or transient visitors for $10-$20 per use, depending on the location. Please note that visitors with current reservations arriving on or after April 13, 2021, who are interested in using the RV dump stations may be required to pay the use fee. The price per campsite for these state parks does not include the use of a dump station. View the following link: Camping Information
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsMackerricher State Park Campground is located in California near Fort Bragg
Address
12301 N. Hwy. 1, Box 1
Mendocino, CA 95460
Coordinates
39.4894953825999 N
123.789864275 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 32 usersLast on 7/31/26
VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 15 usersLast on 7/31/26- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 9 usersLast on 7/31/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 32 usersLast on 7/31/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 15 usersLast on 7/31/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 9 usersLast on 7/31/26
Access
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
