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The best camping near Mendocino National Forest

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Mendocino adventure.

The best camping near Mendocino National Forest

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Mendocino adventure.

Camping near Mendocino National Forest

93% (32 reviews)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Mendocino adventure.

Minimal pavement and plenty of forest and wilderness ensure a rugged and wild outdoor experience.  

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Community favorites near Mendocino National Forest

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Mendocino National Forest

Top-rated campgrounds near Mendocino National Forest

97%
(455)

Shangri-La

8 sites ¡ Lodging, Tents100 acres ¡ Upper Lake, CA
For 21 years, we have worked on keeping this property as a Sacred Space. There's a meadow with an Indian artifact and amazing views. We are a team, husband and wife, this is off-the-grid and we raise our children here. At the same time, we grow organic food and work on our crafts and spiritual practice, never using chemical fertilizers, and keeping all of the groundwater clear and clean with an abundance of spring water for drinking. This is a magical forest retreat and we love to share it with others who are like-minded. Right out of the Mendocino National Forest, 100-Acre Forest and Meadow Retreat is just minutes to the Eel River out of the small town of Potter Valley and 15 minutes to Lake Pillsbury. Private views, fresh spring water and endless possibilities. *******We also recommend that you have AWD or 4x4 vehicle, as the road is dirt coming in and the campsite are up the mountain off of a dirt road*******We have 2 campsites currently with fresh spring water, and fire pits. Private and in the woods. Lots of hiking on the land, with stunning views. Bring your own tent, hammock, food whatever you need to be a happy camper!! In the spring of 2019 we added in 2 new yurt sites, with soaking tubs, filled with hot spring water. We have 2 campsites to book for regular camping tents and we just added a community bathroom . Nestled away in the forest very private queen size bed natural spring water for soaking in the tub on your porch. In addition for comfort and convenience we have a nice bathroom with hand-washing station. Each yurt can come with propane heat in winter time you need to request it, in the Extras. making it cozy all year long. *******We also recommend that you have AWD or 4x4 vehicle, as the road is dirt coming in and the campsite are up the mountain off of a dirt road*******.
from 
$75
 / night
91%
(169)

Gelmsters Farm

5 sites ¡ RVs, Tents38 acres ¡ Orland, CA
My dad bought the farm in 1975 and it used to be a working dairy and sheep farm. My dad passed away while cutting our oat field on mothers day 2003, our little farm started to break down. We have recently been working on it to bring it back to life and hope to have it up and running strong again soon. Hopefully have a produce stand or garden soon to offer more options for our guests.Learn more about this land:Our farm is 3miles west of town within 10 miles to lake for fishing, boating, hiking, and even disk golf. Right off of I-5 by a Pilot travel center. Public pool 3miles(1pm-5pm, water arobics Tue and Thur 6-7pm $2, family night Tue and Thur 730-9pm June-Aug) as well as shopping and dining within 3miles. Great sunset and area to roam for a bike ride or walk in the country in our little hick town with only about 8000 population. It is very likely you will hear animals so if your a light sleeper you may want ear plugs. Chickens crow, cows bellow, and dogs bark. Driveway is rough and we are working on getting it fixed asap so please take your time coming up. There is FIELD roaches you may see soon after we irrigate, they are bigger then the nasty cockroach but harmless. The wind can be up to 30mph at times so be prepared with extra rope to tie down and secure if your in a tent also park vehicle to help block from wind and driveway. It does get up into the 100° here during summer so it would be good to have shade or plan to keep cool during the hottest parts of the day. Longer stays are best done at sites 4 and 3 further from the driveway. Quick stops just to sleep are best at 1 and 2.
from 
$20
 / night
96%
(24)

Eucalyptus Forest & Mountain Views

31 sites ¡ RVs, Tents300 acres ¡ Elk Creek, CA
Eucalyptus Forest and Mountain Views on an old lumber mill property.
from 
$40
 / night
98%
(82)

spirit chicken ranch

7 sites ¡ RVs, Tents130 acres ¡ Ukiah, CA
Our property boasts year round creeks, waterfalls, swimming holes, Madrones, Oaks, Douglas firs and manzanitas. Wild horses roam the land as well as the occasional mountain lion and black bear. On the human end we have an ancient walnut grove as well as many fruit trees two small ponds all in total privacy at the very end of the road. We also have a Sauna and outdoor bathtub and shower available for use. We are out a 9 mile dirt road and a 4X4 or all wheel drive vehicle is highly recommended. Ask me about booking the whole place for a private event!
from 
$100
 / night
99%
(309)

Morning Star Ranch

11 sites ¡ RVs, Tents5 acres ¡ Stonyford, CA
Learn more about this land: $27.50 per person per night, which works out to $55 for a couple (two people who are together).  Kids 11 and under stay free.  Morning Star Ranch is a working Thoroughbred horse farm nestled in the shadow of the majestic 7,000 foot Snow Mountain, located within the Mendocino National Forest boundary. Catch a small glimpse into ranch life. Reconnect with nature while relaxing by ponds and appreciating the rugged beauty which surrounds you.  In clear weather, the star gazing is amazing!   Take a guided tour of the horse barn and small petting zoo (goat and chickens) for the kids, if interested ask to make arrangements. . Your well behaved dogs are welcome here, although they must stay on a leash at all times. Camp fire wood is available for sale at the ranch when fires are allowed.  A friendly note to light sleepers, since this is a working horse farm, there may be horses whinnying to each other occasionally during the night, and often the bullfrogs around the pond can't resist singing a few songs after dark. We also need to make mention that, like most of California, this is rattlesnake country so paying attention to where you put your hands and feet are important. Looking forward to meeting you soon!  Area attractions: The Stonyford OHV (Off Highway Vehicle) for motorcycles, buggies, etc. is just under 2 miles west of the ranch on Forest Road M10.  Take a hike or practice your rock hounding in the Mendocino National Forest, which yields some beautiful jasper rocks.  Consult the Mendocino National Forest website for trails and details. Close proximity (about 4 miles) to the historic Eastpark Reservoir (closed in Winter) for all your water sports, fishing and swimming.
from 
$27.50
 / night

Hatchet Mountain Horse Ranch

1 site ¡ Lodging30 acres ¡ Covelo, CA
Rugger terrain zone B hunting. Modern style cabin with one private bedroom, and loft for sleeping areas. Granite countertops in itchen and bathroom, Wood heat, propane gas cooking stove. Tile double head shower in bathroom. Very Private, beautiful views. Covered enrance porch, and back deck overlooking fishing pond (stocked with trout) below cabin. Sliding glass doors and remote control skylight. Solar power and back up generator. Also extra building, sleeps 2, (not connected to cabin) with outhouse available, and outdoor kitchen coming soon. We will be offering horseback riding, and pack trips, fabulous river swimming for special reservations.
from 
$240
 / night
100%
(40)

Shimmerback Ranch

4 sites ¡ Tents150 acres ¡ Willits, CA
Nestled in a magical valley along Dutch Henry Creek, Shimmerback Ranch is a working farm and queer land community, with whom guests may share common facilities such as the kitchen and bathhouse. We're proponents of plant medicine and are known to throw an occasional dance party in the woods. Shimmerback Ranch is clothing optional/body positive, which means you can be naked if you want. We are respectful and inclusive of all people, and we expect the same of our guests. We have two land dogs, Lola and Jenny, friendly and rambunctious pit mixes. Please note that while our road can be challenging for some 2WD vehicles (though most do just fine), we're happy to shuttle guests in using our land truck. Shimmerback Ranch is perfectly situated an hour south of the Avenue of the Giants redwood groves, an hour from the stunning Mendocino coast, less than an hour from Mendocino's famed wineries, and just two easy hours from the Golden Gate Bridge. Learn more about this land: Camp along our beautiful year-round creek and enjoy 150 magical acres of classic Mendocino woodlands and meadows. Stroll across our swinging bridge to take a dip in the gorgeous swimming hole. Doze off in a hammock after a ridge-top hike. Soak in the wood fired hot tub under the stars. Guests have access to our fabulous outdoor kitchen, solar shower and flush toilet. There's even wifi and a big screen projector for outdoor movies.
from 
$60
 / night
97%
(219)

Ravens Landing

10 sites ¡ Lodging, Tents20 acres ¡ Clearlake Oaks, CA
Come celebrate nature with us! Ravens Landing is a unique piece of property. Saddled in between two big mountains, it sits on top of a valley with breathtaking views. Ravens Landing burnt down in 2015 and since then, I and many friends and artists have been rebuilding using recycled lumber and various objects that survived the fires. Today I am so humbly proud to facilitate a space for artists, musicians, nature lovers, off the grid fanatics and more! We love being inspired and inspiring so please come for a visit and leave some of your own inspiration behind. We are an off-grid forever building artist community. Come explore the beautiful oak and manzanita forests. Relax and take in the fresh air. Spend quality time with our animals, drive off to the cold running creek, take a workshop or relax in a sound journey. This is our Home, so please visit with an open mind, open heart, and most of all Respect. Everyone is always welcome here. Please remember Kids are considered guests here so please include them when you reserve the number of people in your party. KID POLICY: **Must keep an eye on your children at all times. You are responsible for them! **Children must be comfortable and respectful around animals. We have a lot here, they are amazing and kid friendly. **Kids fill this space with their amazing energy so please make sure you account for them in your reservation. If your kids are walking they are considered little people and are charged at regular price. Please inform during booking there will be kids in your party, that way we can possibly reserve a site closer to amenities. Please bring your own tent. All campers get all access to our hand built cob kitchen which and access to our epic dining hall deck. It’s a very sunny property so please bring a canopy for shade if you want it over your campsite. But remember to bring stakes, it can be windy here. There is limited water due to the drought. Here we make every drop count so please come with water conservation in mind. Also for big groups, we love celebrating but please please avoid bringing balloons, styrofoam, plastic banners, plastic cups, streamers or anything else that can blow away in the wind. We are off-grid with no amenities from the city so please be mindful of how much trash you’ll leave behind. If drinking alcoholic beverages we ask that campers take their empties. Ask for a bag if you need it. It’s always a journey finding the magical places so just a sweet heads up our mountain dirt road is a bit bumpy. Cars make it up all the time. Be sure to drive at a steady pace (second gear is good) on the way up and don’t stop till you see the Welcome sign! You will be greeted by one of our wonderful residents.... Or myself! Arrival: We ask campers to arrive between 1pm at 8pm. If possible a general ETA day of helps as well. Dogs: We have two dogs with wonderful dispositions that roam freely here. Checo is a 11 year old GSD and Arco is a 3 year old ??? wearing a beautiful tuxedo. Arco will check in with most guests at some point. Checo just hangs out. Water: Please bring your own Drinking Water. We do have potable water here as well. We have a shower for those staying more than one night. We ask that people take _very_ efficient showers. Water is tremendously valuable here.
from 
$60
 / night
87%
(165)

Lightworks ranch

8 sites ¡ RVs, Tents85 acres ¡ Willits, CA
The peace, quiet and beauty of nature is the theme at our property.  This land is dedicated to the re-sacralization of culture. The spot was an ancient Native American camping area.  People have found arrowheads, stone beads and grinding stones on the land.   We offer various types of camping sites, as well as a teepee - so please read each listing for specific amenity and location information. We sell firewood, fresh eggs, and raw honey on site. The amount and variety of wildlife is astonishing, with bear, deer, turkeys, fox, coyote, bobcat, Eagles, River otter, salmon and steelhead, with a wide variety of songbirds during migration. Easy access from road, close to town, tall oak trees, privacy, creek with salmon within a five minute walk, mountains, wildlife, barn owl nest box. Guests love staying here: "Elderberry camp was really great! It was a large site, plenty of space, shade, and parking. Very peaceful and good distance between other sites although we were pretty much the only campers out there. Outhouse was clean and there was drinking water. We spent most of our Saturday in Eel River which was great. The water was perfect for swimming and fishing, our husbands caught some big ones. Stephen was very nice and accommodating, the honey and eggs we asked for were a nice addition too!" Helpful0 Report
from 
$55
 / night
97%
(90)

Nelson Family Vineyards

7 sites ¡ RVs200 acres ¡ Ukiah, CA
For 70 years the Nelson family has been farming vineyards and attracting people every year to the beautiful region of Hopland. It is truly a family affair as each generation has put in their time and energy, infusing this ranch with their own flair. In 1951 Herman and Clara Nelson sold their ranch in what is now Silicon Valley and headed north, landing in Southern Mendocino County near the town of Hopland. Since then the mature prune orchards and grass-fed sheep that dotted the farm’s rolling hills have given way to an abundance of sustainable vineyards as well as Bartlett pears, an olive orchard, and live Christmas Trees. You will be staying on a working ranch, vineyards, and winery. We have several locations but none of them have hookups at this time. We have vineyard views and oak woodlands and hilltop valley views. We host weddings and other events. We have a tasting room and a redwood picnic area. We are the fourth owners of this property. The ranch has produced hops, prunes, pears, wine grapes, sheep, and cattle at different periods. Currently, we grow pears, grapes, strawberries, and Christmas trees.
from 
$50
 / night
100%
(1)

Hull Mt. Cabins

2 sites ¡ Lodging30 acres ¡ Potter Valley, CA
Hull Mt. Cabins is settled back on 30 acres of a Coniferous forest hillside. There are about 8 buildings, 5 cabins that share the space and are within eye and earshot of each other but not too close. Each cabin has its own deck and seating with BBQ and access to a fire pit. This is the spot for adventurous people who would like a step up from tent camping. It offers all the creature comforts of home with nature and adventure, right outside your door. An amazing place to unwind and have a bit of digital detox. The property is full of pines, Madrone and Oak trees. Nice horseshoe pit, hammock and decks to chill on. Woodpeckers, deer, squirrels and jack rabbits all in their daily grind surrounding. Below cabins we offer an open field for fetch with dog, frisbee or kite flying. Bonus, enclosed area for complete light pollution free star gazing at night. It's wide open and one of the best spots in the country -you can drive to. Attn- Wi-Fi is limited not for streaming in cabin or long term use just checkin stuff. Lots of Hollywood History that goes along with the property that Heather will be happy to share along with the legendary lodge tour if interested.
from 
$165
 / night
94%
(826)

Mendocino Magic

122 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents600 acres ¡ Laytonville, CA
Mendocino Magic is a camping, fishing, wedding and outdoor events destination in inland Mendocino county, Northern California, just a few miles off Highway 101 in the heart of the Emerald Triangle. This unique sprawling 600-acre property is home to the largest privately-held reservoir in the North Coast region, perfect for swimming and catch & release fishing. We offer tent camping, RV & Car camping, luxe furnished tents, and cabins for your stay. Star gaze from the rolling hills of the Mendocino forest, kayak on our private Reservoir, and show off your BBQ skills with included campground amenities. Reserve your camp site early for the best availability. About half of our 2023 summer weekends are currently sold out. All Mendocino Magic Campers Enjoy the Following Amenities - Central Camp with tables, BBQ grills (propane provided), filtered water, and weekend fire dish run by staff. - Portapotty bathrooms with outdoor sinks. - Outdoor showers with hot water. - Access to Holland Reservoir, our private lake, for swimming, boating, and fishing. Kayaks are available at no charge. Bring your own life jackets if you need them. - Miles of hiking and biking trails through mountainous hillsides and scenic valleys. - Some of the best stargazing in Northern California with frequent meteor showers. - Camping supplies delivered to your camp site (for an additional charge), including cooler rentals, ice. Mackenzie manages the campground with a team of incredible people. In a world increasingly connected in the digital sense, we invite you to come up and get back to your roots, and connect with people the old fashioned way. Come join us for stargazing, paintball, fishing & swimming, weddings & outdoor events, and camping!
from 
$60
 / night

The best camping near Mendocino National Forest guide

Overview

About

Despite covering nearly 1 million acres, not a single paved road or highway crosses through Mendocino National Forest. Rugged and wild, with four designated wilderness areas, there’s plenty of room for outdoor adventures. Hikers, bikers, and horseback riders have more than 250 trails to explore, and a wide network of trails exist for off-highway vehicles. Boaters, swimmers, and anglers can take advantage of five rivers, dozens of lakes, and hundreds of ponds and creeks. Hang gliding, hunting, and wildlife spotting are also popular. With more than 40 developed campgrounds, and nearly the entire forest open for dispersed camping, there are plenty of options for campers.

Notable campgrounds

  • Best for boaters and lake access: The Fuller Grove Campground offers easy access to Lake Pillsbury, the park’s biggest lake, and several boat ramps.
  • Best for anglers and swimmers: The Letts Lake Campground is right by a popular fishing pier and swim beach.
  • Best for OHV riders: The Middle Creek Campground is situated close to a large network of OHV trails.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. All regular campgrounds, other than Sycamore Grove, are first-come, first-served. Arrive early to grab a site.
  2. If traveling in a group, book a group campsite ahead of time, which can be reserved up to 12 months in advance.
  3. Check on seasonal opening and closing dates, which vary by campground.

When to go

Summer is the most popular time for recreation and camping in the forest, with most campgrounds and trailheads accessible between May and October. Expect road closures for rain, mud, and snow over the winter. Visit in the spring and summer to see dazzling displays of wildflowers in the canyons and mountain meadows, especially in the Yuki Wilderness. Keep an eye out for bald eagles from October through August.

Know before you go

  • Fire permits are required outside of developed campgrounds. Permits are also required for mushrooms, pinecones, firewood, and Christmas trees.
  • Wilderness areas are limited to travel by foot, horseback, or wheelchairs. Bicycles and other mechanized equipment are not permitted.
  • Bring extra water if exploring the Snow Mountain Wilderness in the summer, as good water sources are very limited.
  • OHVs must have highway licenses or a current green or red sticker and all riders must wear helmets.
  • Fishing licenses are required for anyone 16 or over in California.

Nearby attractions

  • Explore the wonders of camping near Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument, where nature meets adventure. Filled with diverse wildlife and scenic beauty, Berryessa Snow Mountain camping offers unforgettable stargazing experiences and exhilarating hiking trails. It's truly a camper's paradise!
  • Step into a world of awe-inspiring coastal wilderness by camping near King Range National Conservation Area. With its dramatic landscapes, towering peaks, and endless ocean views, your King Range camping journey is sure to be a soul-stirring experience.

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