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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Top-rated campgrounds near Mendocino National Forest
97%
(460)
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*******.
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$75
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98%
(87)
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!
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$100
/ night
97%
(91)
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.
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$50
/ 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!"
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$55
/ 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.
Potable water
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$40
/ night
91%
(175)
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.
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$20
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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.
Potable water
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$60
/ 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.
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$240
/ night
100%
(9)
EL EL Cool Ranch
1 site · Lodging80 acres · Ukiah, CA
Welcome to our majestic homestead nestled on 80 acres of pristine wilderness, up a private secluded road just outside of Ukiah. Situated off Highway 253 towards Booneville, our enchanting retreat offers a sanctuary for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
In the winter months, the landscape transforms into a winter wonderland, with streams, creeks, and waterfalls cascading through the lush forests. Lichen adorns the trees, while curious newts explore their surroundings. It's a magical time to reconnect with nature and marvel at the beauty of the season.
As the temperatures rise in the summer, our homestead comes alive with vibrant gardens bursting with vegetables and flowers, fruit trees in bloom, and a tranquil pond offers the perfect spot for a dip. Keep an eye out for the unique wild ponies that call this valley home, adding to the allure of the landscape.
Explore hiking trails that wind through the property, offering glimpses of wildlife and breathtaking vistas at every turn. Nearby rivers and creeks beckon for swimming, while the majestic redwoods and stunning coastline are just a short drive away.
Our dome, a true architectural gem, provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience for guests. With its remarkable acoustics, it's the perfect setting for yoga sessions, writing retreats, or simply soaking in the serenity of the surroundings. In the colder months, cozy up next to the wood stove and indulge in a hot bath while a pot of soup simmers on the stove.
Accessible via a well-maintained gravel and dirt road, our homestead offers a secluded escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Please note that AWD/4WD is required during the winter months to navigate the terrain safely.
Whether you're seeking solitude and reflection or adventure and exploration, our majestic homestead offers something for everyone. We invite you to experience the magic of our sanctuary and create memories that will last a lifetime. Welcome home.
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$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.
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$27.50
/ night
99%
(79)
Cannabis Friendly Camping
2 sites · RVs, Tents160 acres · Willits, CA
We are a 160 acre off-grid, homestead located in the coastal mountains of Mendocino County, California's Emerald Triangle. We have been homesteading here since 1998 and have developed a lifestyle where we nourish the abundance that thrives here.
Bill has built the entire homestead, including our solar system, water system, roads, our orchard, our barn, our home, and each camp site.
We grow our own food in our CCOF organically certified gardens, make all our food from scratch and make our own medicine. We are legacy, personal
Cannabis cultivators and we have a "do it yourself" attitude towards life.
We are ready to share our lifestyle with others, as we host campers on Hipcamp.
We offer an off-grid homestead tour of our solar system, a garden tour, seasonal vegetables from our gardens, an encounter with our horses. We also offer our personally, hand-crafted, organic ice cream delivered to your site.
Our land is abundant with wildlife and guests are able to view the wildlife in their natural habitat. Our internal, dirt roads are private and provide for enjoyable walks and bike rides.
Land History:
Back in the day, our land was part of a large sheep ranch. The Skunk Train was used by homes along the tracks for transportation and supply deliveries. Today, it can be heard daily on its journey along the tracks which run through neighboring properties.
The Pond Site:
We are delighted to share our lifestyle and to offer everybody a sweet, private spot in the woods next to our pond, where you can be free to explore the outdoors and observe the abundant wildlife in their undisturbed home.
We walk lightly on the land, and we expect our guests to do the same.
We are family friendly and have trails for you to explore the property and meet our horses. We also provide a tour of our off-grid solar system.
The pond site is located on a private, internal dirt road, which provides for absolute privacy. It's like experiencing an outback camping experience with the amenities of car camping. A clean outhouse, a spigot with cold, delicious mountain spring water, and a bi-level campsite with picnic table is at the site. A fire pit and second picnic table is located next to the pond for a delightful stargazing experience.
The pond is a healthy, spring fed ecosystem and quite refreshing on those hot days. It is big enough for small kayaks, paddle boards, and rafts too.
NEW 2022 Pond Site Addition:
We have installed a new fire pit this year!! Upon your arrival, you will find
complimentary, match-light firewood set up in the pit for a warm welcome to your site. More firewood is available for purchase throughout your stay. It is illegal in California to travel across county borders with firewood. Firewood often has insect eggs or larvae that can devastate a forest. Please refrain from bringing firewood purchased or harvested from outside Mendocino County.
The Best Rest Along the Way:
We have created a “self-contained” dry campsite along our main road that is van and truck camping friendly, and can take travel trailers max 16’ length. This site has no amenities and is intended to accommodate people who need a place to catch a rest without sleeping on the roadside, although many do like it as a bear bones campsite.
We are conveniently located about 10 min from the 101, for easy in-and-out access. There are lengthy internal roads and trails for unwinding and stretching your legs. Did I mention that town is less than 10 minutes from your campsite? If you forget anything, it is no biggie to run and get what you need.
Come check it out! The homestead has much to offer:
Eat from our organic garden, check out Cathy's handcrafted,Organic Insect Repellant.
We are cannabis friendly 🌱, we like a chill vibe, and if you get the munchies ...
Cathy handcrafts some delicious organic ice cream that we'll deliver to your campsite.
Off-Site Excursion Options:
- The Skunk Train 🚂 from Willits &/or Fort Bragg
- Ft Bragg/Mendocino Coast - Botanical Gardens, Kayaking Van Damm, Coastal Trail
-Jackson State Forest
- Montgomery Woods - Tallest Tree
- Blue Lakes
- Eel River
- Wine tasting
- Casinos
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$46
/ night
100%
(1)
The Ripe Choice Farm Stay
1 site · RV, Tent6 acres · Lakeport, CA
6 acres with vineyard, orchard, commercial kitchen, barn loft (2night min), mini pigs, chickens, tortoise, dogs
Pets
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from
$20
/ 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
- All regular campgrounds, other than Sycamore Grove, are first-come, first-served. Arrive early to grab a site.
- If traveling in a group, book a group campsite ahead of time, which can be reserved up to 12 months in advance.
- 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.
Top cities near Mendocino National Forest
- Mendocino National Forest
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