Best Camping near Mendocino Lake

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Mendocino Lake, CA is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Mendocino Lake campgrounds just for you. Find the best campgrounds near Mendocino Lake, CA. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Best Camping Sites Near Mendocino Lake, CA (152)

Showing results 1-10 of 152 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Mendocino Lake

Recent Reviews In Mendocino Lake

591 Reviews of 152 Mendocino Lake Campgrounds


  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mackerricher State Park Campground
    Oct. 31, 2024

    Mackerricher State Park Campground

    Hear the waves crash

    $40 for the night / $10 bundle of fire wood. Sites have a burn barrel and picnic table and parking spot. Nice that you can hear the waves crashing. Short walk to the beach. Bathrooms clean and showers were cheap. Only animals spotted were deer. Would stay again if in the area.

  • don L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lakeview Dispersed Campground
    Oct. 23, 2024

    Lakeview Dispersed Campground

    still nice..

    we used to go hunting up there in the 8os, you should have seen the campground then. really nice, had picnic tables fire pits great place to camp. i was up there a few years ago still looks kind of the same but they took all that out of the campground years ago.. road going in still looks the same..there is an old tree in the campground, people who have neen there will know the tree i mean, looks old low hangin branches, thats where we used to camp..more trash atound now. in 1987 it was clean.. still nice place

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Westport Union Landing State Beach
    Oct. 20, 2024

    Westport Union Landing State Beach

    The view earns the stars

    Dry camping. There are dumpsters for trash, pit toilets that looked abandoned, so we just avoided and can’t comment. Four star review is for the view and the quiet, can’t beat it. This is about as remote as you can get on the 1 - the northernmost coastal terminus - and there aren’t a lot of options. Check in instructions are a little confusing as there are several camping areas and payment must be made at the office, which is in the middle section, from what we could tell. Once we figured out that location, park host was friendly and got us squared away. Will be five stars once the road construction just to the north is done - there’s currently a one-lane situation with traffic and alert lights that are on 24/7 and detract just a bit from the dark sky effect.

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Gerstle Cove Campground
    Oct. 7, 2024

    Gerstle Cove Campground

    The Overflow Lot is Where It's At!

    Along the forgotten coast of Central California along Hwy 1, this small state park offers a great way to explore the area. 

    The upper campground is relatively small and was still heavily impacted by 2023-24 winter storms, many downed trees still had some campsites closed in the spring of 2024. Most of these sites would accommodate smaller rigs and tents only. The campground is tucked in between the remaining coastal pines and live oak. The bathrooms were small but tidy with flush toilets and running water, no showers.   We drove through here and then headed to the overflow lot...

    If you are in a self-contained vehicle, the most stunning place to camp in this park is the “overflow” camping lot closer to the beach. Here you can camp with a 180 degree view of the ocean and the rolling hills leading to the beach. The lot is completely open to the sky, so solar and satellite internet work great. The only downside is that the closest bathroom and fresh water spigot is either in the day-use area down toward the water, or back uphill at the campground. But the view and scenery were more than worth the minor inconvenience. 

    If you’ve got a solar powered system, you could have the most inexpensive California beach vacation around. The rocky beach area is great for wildlife viewing, we saw sea lions, seals, and even the occasional spout from migrating gray whales. While not necessarily good for swimming, the beach area is great for fishing.  Hiking is right from the campground and leads to the north or south from the headland area. 

    Come prepared with food and gas!  Supplies will be difficult to come by, as there are only a few small convenience/ general stores and restaurants, in nearby Jenner. The larger grocery outlets will be inland in Santa Rosa about an hour away. This is the price you pay to have a stunning California beach vacation without the normal crowds.

  • Michael C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Pomo RV Park & Campground
    Oct. 1, 2024

    Pomo RV Park & Campground

    Quiet and roomy, with privacy and blackberries!

    We chose Pomo based on other reviews on TheDyrt. I picked site 47 out of the three that were left when I was searching for a place near Fort Bragg. Although it looks like the site is in the middle of the town, the sites are very private, many nestled between thick brush (blackberries!) and many back far enough from the road that it seems like you're boondocking. Our primary reason for choosing a coastal site was for comfort. It was still over 95 degrees inland, but a very comfortable 65 along the coast. 

    Almost all the RV sites are gravel, with the exception of a couple smaller ones, and the tent sites. There is a single bathroom complex, and the men's restroom was great...tiled with multiple stalls, large glass windows and CLEAN! I didn't check the showers out, but I'm assuming the same level of detail and finish also apply there.

    It appears the sewer system doesn't cover all the sites, so the further back in the campground you go, there won't be any (an educated guess on my behalf). I walked through the campground, and most the RV sites have a power pedastal and water, a nice wooden picnic table and a fire ring. Internet access is available throughout, and when I ran speedtest I was getting 170Mbps down, which is incredible.

    Make sure you look through the pictures of each site on the reservation page. They all are slightly different in size, privacy, and whatnot. There are several sites that "share" a common open space if you're in a group, and a large group area which looked to have 5 or 6 sites all comingled.

    For tent camping, there is a large, open line of grass near the front of the campground, which doesn't really offer much protection from the sun. BUT...there is a loop at the back of the campground that has at least 10 grassy tent sites under a thick cover of pine trees. It's isolated by a path from the other RV sites, and I was really impressed by the area! If I were still tent camping, this would no doubt be my go-to tent site.

    The nights were quiet and dark, and the staff friendly. They have 1 dump station, a fish cleaning station, propane and the office has a bunch of DVD movies available (not sure if for rent or free use).

    Overall an excellent site and we were glad to find it, and will probably use this as a staging point for future treks further up the coast! I'll include some pictures of the site (I never include personal/family pictures because this is a campground review site, not a family album!)

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Gerstle Cove Campground
    Oct. 1, 2024

    Gerstle Cove Campground

    Overflow Lot FTW

    Salt Point State Park has 3 separate camping areas: Woodside Campground, Gerstle Cove Campground, and Gerstle Cove Overflow. The overflow is a lot that overlooks the ocean, and you don’t have to wait for the campground to be full to be able to camp here. You can ask to stay here when you arrive at the ranger station at the entrance. 

    The overflow is for self contained RVs only. No tents or car camping allowed. There is a trash bin in the center of the lot but no other amenities. It seems to be mellow during the week and busy on weekends. We’re glad we were just paying day by day because it got too crowded for us when the weekend hit, so we decided to leave. 

    There are beautiful hikes in this area, and a trail straight from the lot to the ocean. You can also see whales from the lot! 

    Dogs ok, cell service is good, the lot isn’t very level but it isn’t too bad. No designated spots so just come down and figure out a good place to set up once you get there. This is a beautiful place to camp and we do love it, even at $30.

  • T
    Camper-submitted photo from Gualala Point Regional Park
    Sep. 28, 2024

    Gualala Point Regional Park

    Raccoons were aggressive and plentiful

    This campground lives up to all the other positive comments BUT the raccoons were extremely aggressive and even ate its way into a tent at 2AM. It would have been nice if the host had warned of them when he visited to check reservation and sell us wood!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Ocean Cove Store and Campground
    Sep. 18, 2024

    Ocean Cove Store and Campground

    Campground by the Ocean

    I tent camped here on a September weeknight. The campground is very spacious on a bluff overlooking the ocean. Very few other campers so I had plenty of options for sites. It was cool, sunny, and no wind-perfect weather! Stunning views all around, with a trailhead to Stillwater Cove. Very quiet and relaxing stay here!

  • Roxanne S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Ocean Cove Store and Campground
    Sep. 16, 2024

    Ocean Cove Store and Campground

    Picture perfect views!

    The views are worth the drive!  The cliffs are just spectacular and there are places to walk and explore the coast, albeit it can be windy. We arrived on a Thursday afternoon and there were plenty of spots to choose from. Most campsites are fairly spacious, the general store is well stocked and prices are reasonable. The outdoor showers are a win, as we stayed 4 nights and it was so quite once the weekend passed. If the guy with the BBQ oysters is set up on the weekend - they are fabulous! Cafe Aquatica in Jenner has amazing chowda and quaint outdoor seating. Sunsets for days...

  • Catherine L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Cowboy Camp
    Sep. 15, 2024

    Cowboy Camp

    Quiet

    Quiet stop, but I wouldn't call it the most beautiful stop I've ever stayed. Camping spots are to the left and the right I'd the day use. Pit toilets. No garbage.

  • Jaye S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lakeview Dispersed Campground
    Sep. 1, 2024

    Lakeview Dispersed Campground

    Decent dispersed site

    Drive up to the site all incline dirt road ~6 miles - we made it up without 4 wheel drive but some areas were a little sketchy. Overall pretty dusty too. Sites themselves were decently maintained, some trash from previous campers but nothing major. This area is a popular for target practice so if the sounds of gunshots throughout the day isn’t your vibe, then this spot might not be suitable. Overall beautiful sunrises and sunsets and starry night sky

  • Cathy E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Kyen Campground
    Sep. 1, 2024

    Kyen Campground

    Loud, Dirty, and Poorly Maintained

    This is the worst campground I’ve ever seen. There was trash throughout the campground - including a used condom and condom wrappers in our campsite - bathrooms were dirty and had no soap, and there were several loud groups well after the posted quiet hours. We stayed one night and left early. If you’re into obnoxious parties, then this place is for you. The “potable” water is brown out of the tap.

  • Steve M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Clear Lake Campground
    Jul. 27, 2024

    Clear Lake Campground

    Not on the lake! On a fishy smelling algae filled Creek next to a highway and very little shade

    Cute but older and I mean really old RV camp on what's called a creek. I was told I could pick any Lakefront campsite but this is not the lake! They have a nice small pool and showers are included in the cost and there are full hookups available. Three Yurts available for rent. They offer kayak rentals and have plenty of boat ramps for guests but I didn't want to go into this nasty water, And I brought my own inflatable kayak. Decent for the price if you can't find anything on the lake itself but not what it is cut out to be.

  • Steve M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Clear Lake View Point Dispersed
    Jul. 27, 2024

    Clear Lake View Point Dispersed

    Absolutely not! Nowhere to camp and a terrible road

    As soon as I started going up an extremely steep hill and saw a sign that said not a through street, I should have turned around but it was impossible with my 30-foot car and trailer. I am Bart Upon A frightening , rutted, unmaintained road that is only suitable for off-road vehicles for sick four wheel drives . Barely made it out of there with everything working as it should on car and trailer and actually got stuck at one point and had to use logs to get myself traction. Do not try this and there is nowhere to stop and set up a ten , at all!

  • Chris N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Caspar Beach RV Park & Campground
    Jul. 21, 2024

    Caspar Beach RV Park & Campground

    Good Place For RVs & Group Camping

    Easy access and great store, with access to fire rings, tables, showers, potable water, dump station and trash receptacles. The tent sites are beautiful, but a bit too close to each other when there are dogs involved.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Kyen Campground
    Jul. 20, 2024

    Kyen Campground

    Sketchy

    Hot weather looking for a cool, on lake CG. We didn’t camp there. Thought we might but, instead just drove through. Day-use area close. Parking lot for boaters open. CG host said full; grounds not well maintained. Open sites with expired occupancy dates on them. Large groups with extra vehicles. Some sites looked like long term occupancy. Pleased there was no room. Don’t think would’ve been comfortable experience.

  • dThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Caspar Beach RV Park & Campground
    Jul. 15, 2024

    Caspar Beach RV Park & Campground

    Holiday was packed.

    We were here for 3 nights and enjoyed the summer concert series on the grass and the close location to a private beach across from the Rv park. 

    The spaces for Rv’s are tight, but we made it work. Tent camping is much more spacious. 

    The weather was humid and cool. It felt wonderful for July!!

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Westport Union Landing State Beach
    Jul. 12, 2024

    Westport Union Landing State Beach

    Great quiet beach!

    The sites are very close to each other and the camp is very busy In The summer. There is a trail down to a wonderful beach for tide pooling and sunrise/sunset walks. Camp has single clean pit toilet, over subscribed given thwre were many tent campers while we visited. Drinking water is available at a single spigot, and trash dumpsters are throuought camp. Bike trails or Hwy1 south to westport or north. The cliff edge and part of the road have eroded so be careful and abide warning signs.

  • m
    Camper-submitted photo from Hidden Pines RV Park & Campground
    Jul. 6, 2024

    Hidden Pines RV Park & Campground

    PLEASE READ AND DONT STAY HERE!

    The dozens of 1 star google reviews over the years are 100000 percent accurate.

    If you’re thinking of staying here, don’t! This place is a DUMP! You walk into a literal mushroom shop. The photos online are extremely misleading. They charge double what other parks in the area charge.

    We checked in and immediately left on a holiday weekend. It’s dirty, cramped, and unkempt. We called around to find another spot in town and all the other park owners confirmed that the owner (Mike) at Hidden Pines is basically a crook. He overcharges, misleads, and mismanages the park. We were placed in a grass lot, there were no views, no ocean access. Nothing. The lot was so bad our auto leveling trailer couldn’t level.

    I was going to just let it go but the owner, Mike, called me five times after leaving and screamed at me. I didn’t even ask for my money back and told him he could give the space away. He kept screaming at me and told me he was going to write a report so I could never go there again - no problem Mike, we WILL NOT be back.

    Now this is the point I decided to write a negative review. After screaming at me on the phone, he gave my phone number to a random person to have that person ask me if I would call HP to allow them to buy my spot. I never consented to my information being shared.

    I would rate this place negative stars if I could. It’s atrocious and crooked, and other park owners jump to help you find a space when you call and ask, because it’s THAT BAD!

    Stealing this bit from another review, because it’s absolutely accurate -

    Also, this is for Mike, DO NOT WRITE THAT WE VIOLATED POLICIES OR DID NOT STAY AT YOUR PARK. YOU ARE A SCUMBAG AND OVERCHARGE FOR SOMETHING THAT IS AN ABSOLUTE ATROCITY.

  • m
    Camper-submitted photo from Woodside RV Park
    Jul. 6, 2024

    Woodside RV Park

    Extremely Hospitable

    Woodside RV Park in Fort Bragg may not be the most luxurious but it’s quiet and clean. I rated 5 star due to the kindness and hospitality of the hosts - Dan and his daughter, Phyllis. They will give you local history and treat you like family, even if you’re there for just a few nights!

    Woodside was able to make a last minute accommodation for us on 4th of July weekend. I’m glad they did. They are clean, kind, quiet and hospitable. They are right by the Botanical Gardens. I would absolutely stay here again.

    Other reviews. Ore and are correct, there do seem to be a number of permanent residents but that has not impacted my review as they’ve all been very nice or kept to themselves - as have we!

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Woodside Campground
    Jun. 30, 2024

    Woodside Campground

    Beautiful Campground... Deserves more than one night...

    Beautiful campground nestled among the trees.  Drive to campground (we came from the south and departed same way) is true Highway 1 spectacular scenery with narrow road along some cliffs with some hair-pin turns.  (Parts of road were under repair in June 2024 creating some delays.)  Individual camp sites were perhaps 1/4 to 1/2 mile from both entrance gate and camp host site.  Individual sites were good size with picnic table and cleared-out area surrounding it.  RV parking was on good asphalt surface.  Restrooms were clean and had flush toilets.  Unfortunately no showers, no RV dump station, no threaded connections to refill RV potable water tank.  Did have portable water spigots in campground to fill personal water bottles.  Coastal fog rolled in at night and cleared by mid-morning.  We would have loved to hike trails to beach; however, we did not have time.  We will save that for next time we are passing through.

  • Robert H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lakeview Dispersed Campground
    Jun. 30, 2024

    Lakeview Dispersed Campground

    High Above Clear Lake

    Beautiful spot with some views of the lake. No services, but had cell service (CC). I drove in from the south access to High Valley rd. The road was challenging. It was steep with loose dirt in spots. It was an adventure. I am going to try north access into Lucerne later. (See Google for more info)



Guide to Mendocino Lake

Camping near Mendocino Lake, California, offers a mix of stunning natural beauty and a variety of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to hike through redwoods or relax by the water, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Hendy Woods State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "Nice trails down to the river," making it a great spot for nature lovers.
  • Wine Tasting: The nearby towns of Philo and Boonville are known for their charming wineries. A family shared, "The nearby towns are super cute," highlighting the local attractions.
  • Beach Access: At Caspar Beach RV Park & Campground, you can enjoy a private beach. One camper said, "The location was great, with access to a private beach across from the RV park."

What campers like:

  • Privacy: Campers appreciate the spacious sites at Pomo RV Park & Campground. A long-time visitor stated, "Love that our sites are private and secluded."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campers rave about the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. One reviewer at Gualala River Redwood Park noted, "The bathrooms were clean, and showers were a nice amenity."
  • Natural Beauty: The stunning surroundings are a big draw. A camper at Russian Gulch State Park Campground remarked, "Serene, beautiful, clean bathrooms, spacious."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell reception. A visitor at Van Damme State Park Campground mentioned, "There is NO cell service," so plan accordingly.
  • Tight Spaces for RVs: If you're bringing an RV, some campgrounds have tight spaces. A reviewer at Caspar Beach RV Park & Campground said, "The spaces for RVs are tight, but we made it work."
  • Weather Variability: Be ready for changing weather conditions. One family camping at Kelsey Creek Campground noted, "It was freezing at night," so pack accordingly.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with play areas. A camper at Gualala Point Regional Park mentioned, "There’s a play area for kids," making it a great choice for families.
  • Spacious Sites: Choose campgrounds with larger sites for more room to play. One reviewer at Anchor Bay Campground said, "The site was calm, the sea is right next to it," perfect for family fun.
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A visitor at Pomo RV Park & Campground noted, "There is plenty of wildlife to see," which can be exciting for kids.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Before booking, check the size of the RV sites. A camper at Van Damme State Park Campground advised, "If you are in a tent, you may have a challenge finding a flat enough spot."
  • Bring Extra Cables: If you plan to use electric hookups, bring long cables. A reviewer at Gualala River Redwood Park mentioned, "Electric hookups and water spigots were at odd locations."
  • Plan for Dump Station Fees: Be aware that some campgrounds charge for dump station use. A visitor at Kelsey Creek Campground noted, "The dump station costs $10 to use," so budget accordingly.

Camping near Mendocino Lake, California, offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and relaxation. With its beautiful landscapes and welcoming campgrounds, it's a fantastic destination for your next getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available near Mendocino Lake?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Mendocino Lake offers a wide range of camping options, with 152 campgrounds and RV parks near Mendocino Lake and 8 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Mendocino Lake?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mendocino Lake is Hendy Woods State Park with a 4.7-star rating from 26 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mendocino Lake?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 free dispersed camping spots near Mendocino Lake.

  • What parks are near Mendocino Lake?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 parks near Mendocino Lake that allow camping, notably Mendocino National Forest and Lake Sonoma.