Discover the best campgrounds near Mendocino, California with horseback riding

United States
—
California
—
Mendocino

98% (2980 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Mendocino

Available this weekend

Under $50

96%

(4781)

Jug Handle Creek Farm

20 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents33 acres · Caspar, CA

Jug Handle Creek Farm and Nature Center is a nonprofit with a five minute walk to Jug Handle State Reserve, Jug Handle beach and the Ecological Staircase trail. We offer 11 unique campsites with plenty of space and privacy. Each site has two picnic tables, a fire ring, parking for two cars and plenty of space for your tents. We also offer three lovely cabins, which have power and access to a shared kitchen and bathroom with a hot shower. Our 33 acres include a native plant nursery, community gardens, forests, meadows, and nature trails. Our site has lots of nature trails, is peaceful and beautiful and just a 5-minute walk to Jug Handle Beach and the Jug Handle Preserve. Our Mission: We offer a welcoming and supportive environment for people of all backgrounds to explore nature and connect with the natural word. Nature stewardship is central to our non-profit mission and as an organization we are engaged in many nature restoration projects throughout Mendocino County. We also provide a supportive learning environment for nature education for disadvantaged youth during the school year. If you teach k-12 and would like to bring your classroom to Jug Handle contact us about special rates and our immersive nature education programs.

100%

(9)

Faultline Farm

2 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Manchester, CA

We are excited to share our peaceful place with panoramic views and distant ocean roar. There are two sites available on our 15 acre homestead: one for vans, small trailers and campers and a second with a pop-up tent trailer. We have a natural sag pond and coastal prairie landscape that is 2 miles from the nearest beach and the Point Arena lighthouse, and 10 minutes from Point Arena, a picturesque town with several restaurants, a bakery, an African animal preserve, a historic movie theater, and access to the Stornetta Lands National Coastal Monument.

Raven's Landing

4 sites · RVs3 acres · Fort Bragg, CA

Nestled in a sunny clearing surrounded by the magical redwoods, this sweet 3.25 acre sanctuary invites you to come relax and renew. You'll be close enough to the coast that you can hear the ocean and gentle rhythm of the fog horns in the distance, but far enough that you're out of the fog. Sometimes you can hear the Harbor Seals and Sea Lions in the Noyo River. Conveniently located near all area activities yet you're tucked away with privacy. Raven's Landing is only 5 mins from the local health food market, 10 minutes to the ocean and ten miles of trail along the coast, 8 mins to Ft. Bragg center and 15 to the quaint village of Mendocino. Walking trails on the property, meditation labyrinth and lovely gardens are available to visit by arrangement.

Rocking 40 Horse Hotel

2 sites · RVs22 acres · Willits, CA

We are located in the Little Lake Valley east of Hwy 101 in Willits, Ca. About 130 miles north of San Francisco. We run a quarter horse breeding operation and compete in reining and versatility events. Enjoy you stay!Learn more about this land:Our facility offers a flat level area to park, horse barn, and electric and water. Overnight stays only in a rural area, but, close to town and other local. Traveling horse people only, no camping!!! THIS IS NOT A TENT OR RV CAMP IT'S FOR TRAVELING HORSE OWNERS FOR OVERNIGHT STAYS ONLY!

12 top campgrounds near Mendocino with horseback riding

96%

(4781)

Jug Handle Creek Farm

20 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents33 acres · Caspar, CA

Jug Handle Creek Farm and Nature Center is a nonprofit with a five minute walk to Jug Handle State Reserve, Jug Handle beach and the Ecological Staircase trail. We offer 11 unique campsites with plenty of space and privacy. Each site has two picnic tables, a fire ring, parking for two cars and plenty of space for your tents. We also offer three lovely cabins, which have power and access to a shared kitchen and bathroom with a hot shower. Our 33 acres include a native plant nursery, community gardens, forests, meadows, and nature trails. Our site has lots of nature trails, is peaceful and beautiful and just a 5-minute walk to Jug Handle Beach and the Jug Handle Preserve. Our Mission: We offer a welcoming and supportive environment for people of all backgrounds to explore nature and connect with the natural word. Nature stewardship is central to our non-profit mission and as an organization we are engaged in many nature restoration projects throughout Mendocino County. We also provide a supportive learning environment for nature education for disadvantaged youth during the school year. If you teach k-12 and would like to bring your classroom to Jug Handle contact us about special rates and our immersive nature education programs.

99%

(37)

Foxfern Forest

1 site · Lodging8 acres · Mendocino, CA

A unique private home milled glamping cabin designed and built by the host. Tranquility on the edge of a whimsical forest full of Redwood trees, Pines, Oaks, Hemlocks, Rhododendrons, Ferns, wildflowers and mushrooms. The cabin is on our 8 acre property, only about 7 minutes to the historic village of Mendocino. Beaches and trails close by and waiting for you to explore! Hear the ocean waves crashing in the distance, if you listen closely you may even hear the seals chatting. In the spring see the tall brilliant pink rhododendrons bloom. Star gaze at night and listen to the trees talking through the costal breeze while keeping warm by the fire pit, and stay cozy inside the cabin by the mini wood burning stove. Use the tea kettle to brew up a delicious drink to sip. All while making memories to last!

97%

(117)

Root's End

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents4 acres · Mendocino, CA

Nearly four acres close to town and amenities, yet quiet and secluded. Away from any major roads and on quiet nights, the fog horn from the Big River buoy can be heard. Wildlife on the property include piliated woodpeckers, deer, raccoons, jack rabbits, bears (keep your trash and food inside!), mountain lions, foxes, and of course, our resident ravens. Wild huckleberries and rhododendrons are abundant among the redwoods and fir. A beautiful spot to spend the night!

Meadow Farm & Forest

9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents28 acres · Fort Bragg, CA

Meadow Farm is a quiet and creative sanctuary surrounded by the forest. The ocean breezes freshen the air and the pulse of the planet is heard as the surf sounds travel to put us to rest at night.. We are a place for people experimenting with the new old ways to live with low impact and conservation of our precious resources. We offer affordable accommodations, organic gardening, and education on plants and living simply. We welcome your interest in veganic garden and diet, orchards, and forest trails. Our organic vegetables and fruit may be available if you wish to bring some of our farm to your table. Our garden is reduced this time of year but we may still have something to share. We can offer you a quiet and peaceful place without social pressures if you wish to "decompress" from city life, jobs or any stressful times. Or come to the communal fire near the bathhouse for sharing some time with family and the few other campers that may be there. Bringing your own wood is welcome. The coastal bike and hike trails are many. From South of Ft Bragg to the Sand Dunes near Ward Ave. you can travel over 7 miles one way and go down to quiet little beach coves along the way. Meadow Farm is a nonprofit 501c3 with goals of coastal food security, disaster preparation and sheltering, carbon sequestering and forest restoration. We offer native plant tours on or off site with advance notice. We like our dog companions! Two McNab collies, Moxie and Shama live here and may bark at first...still very friendly and social with people and other dogs.. There are several dog friendly off-leash areas such as, Noyo North Harbor Beach, Seaside Beach and dog parks in both Ft Bragg and Mendocino. Our farm is dog friendly tho we wish pets to be kept close, must be neutered and friendly to other dogs and people. Please be sure to bury or bag the waste. Speaking of waste, Meadow Farm strives to reduce waste by avoiding plastic as much as possible, recycling what we can and composting our veggie scraps. Please bring your own waste receptacles and take them along when you go. We take ours to the Caspar Transfer Station which is open Saturday through Wednesday... the location and hours can be found online. Our water is from a deep well and we periodically test it for bacteria. It is cold and delicious. Our irrigation pipes that have spigots and hoses at each camp are safe for drinking, cooking and cleaning. Our solar pump moves water into storage tanks that provide all the water to the farm. It is very important that the water valves on your camp spigot is turned off (gently please) to avoid losing 2500 gallons of water in a short time. If you see a leak or break in a line please contact us immediately. There are also water shut offs for the camps on the west side of the Farm House if you are unable to reach us right away.. When doing dishes we request that you use the strainer to catch food particles from the dish water and toss them in your trash or compost bucket. If you have vegetable waste let us know and we can pick them up for adding to the worm bins or composting piles. We make worm "tea" fertilizer and rich soil from these offerings. No animal products or oil please... a few egg shells are okay. We do have the usual wildlife though we haven't had problems with them. Ravens will raid your camp if food or bags are left out while you are away. From dusk to dawn keep children and pets close. We coexist well here with the critters...and glad to have them. Wishing you a very peaceful and soul refreshing stay at Meadow Farm. Come and allow this natural setting to heal and restore your sense of well-being.

Raven's Landing

4 sites · RVs3 acres · Fort Bragg, CA

Nestled in a sunny clearing surrounded by the magical redwoods, this sweet 3.25 acre sanctuary invites you to come relax and renew. You'll be close enough to the coast that you can hear the ocean and gentle rhythm of the fog horns in the distance, but far enough that you're out of the fog. Sometimes you can hear the Harbor Seals and Sea Lions in the Noyo River. Conveniently located near all area activities yet you're tucked away with privacy. Raven's Landing is only 5 mins from the local health food market, 10 minutes to the ocean and ten miles of trail along the coast, 8 mins to Ft. Bragg center and 15 to the quaint village of Mendocino. Walking trails on the property, meditation labyrinth and lovely gardens are available to visit by arrangement.

100%

(68)

The Deck and Cozy Container

1 site · Tent60 acres · Albion, CA

**NEW** Rent our Cozy Container (see Extras) for a dry, warm and cozy Winter getaway!! Hello and welcome to The Deck on Albion Ridge! A Bit About Us and The Deck Site: Albion and the surrounding areas are the original home of the Pomo peoples Northern California and we honor their stewardship of this land for millennia before us. This property sits just above the Salmon Creek watershed which is home to coho salmon and steelhead, northern spotted owls, bears, dear, mountain lions, pileated woodpeckers, along with thousands of other species big and small, and so we feel it is our duty to uphold that stewardship of this land for future generations. We were both born and raised on the Mendocino Coast, and are now raising our two young children here. We have been developing and preserving the natural beauty of our coastal Redwood property here in Albion for the past 13 years. One of the first things we built on this property was a 2,000 sq ft deck that cantilevers over the hillside with a view of the Redwood ridges and Eastern sunrises beyond, all with wood milled from the property. Our vision for this deck was to host our family and friends and bring people together in this gorgeous outdoor setting. We have had many a birthday party, movie nights, baby showers, as well as a couple weddings and yoga retreats at this site, and now you can too! We can't wait to share the beauty and tranquility of this campsite with you! What We Offer: Camp next to, and make use of, our large Redwood deck with sweeping ridge top views. The base rate for this site includes up to four people, there is an extra charge of $25 per day, per person, for any extra people. We allow up to 16 campers total but if you're looking to have more please message us and we can talk details. Campers can set up tents just off the deck, OR for an extra fee (see Extras), you can rent our new addition of The Cozy Container, for the people that want to be in nature but don't quite want the fuss of pitching a tent. This sleeping container, not to be confused with the shipping container connected to the deck that houses the bathroom and kitchenette, houses a full size bed as well as a fold out futon and sleep 3-4 people comfortably. When booking the Cozy Container we will make up the full size bed with pillows, sheets and down comforter, however if you would like to also use the futon, we ask that you bring your own bedding for that. We also allow trailers and small RVs, we just ask that during the wet Winter months, you park in our gravel parking spaces. Connected to The Deck we have another 30 ft shipping container converted into a kitchenette and bathroom with toilet and running water. Behind that you'll find an enclosed shower with hot and cold water. We also have a grill, propane heater, cooler and a cornhole set available to rent (see Extras). There is plenty of space to set up multiple tents so this is the perfect spot to wrangle all those friends or family you’ve been missing and enjoy some quality time together in nature. The Area: The village of Albion has a well equipped grocery store and deli, as well as a hardware store and post office. There IS gas if you are in a pinch, but we recommend filling up long before you get to the coast, or making the drive up to Fort Bragg for gas. You will also find EV charging stations in Fort Bragg at the Boatyard Shopping center. Drive just 20 minutes North to the village of Mendocino where you'll find plenty of shops and restaurants as well as access to hiking, biking, kayaking, surfing and bird and whale watching. Please don't hesitate to ask us for recommendations for all things to eat, see and do while you're here. We love to share the beauty of the area with our guests! Dogs: We live on the property as a family of four with two young children and two friendly dogs. Our dogs Olive and Blue may greet you when you arrive, and might bark at your car, but rest assured they are friendly and when you get out of your car, call their names and they should come begging for pets. If you're not into dogs, that's totally fine. You can always text us and we will do our best to keep them home. Tenants/Neighbors: We do have one tenant on the property whose rental shares a road with The Deck site so you may see them coming and going, but there is no line of site from their rental to The Deck site. However, being that they are somewhat close we ask that campers be mindful of noise in the evenings and we ask that all amplified music be turned off between the hours of 10pm-7am. Should you have any questions or need any help during your stay, we are just a short walk away and happy to help. We love sharing the beauty of our land and all that the Mendocino Coast has to offer so don't hesitate to ask for our recommendations on all things Mendocino! Trash and Clean Up Expectations: We provide dish ware, glasses, utensils and some other odds and ends, in hopes that our guests will use less single use plastics and cut down on waste. However, we know there is always some level of trash that comes along with camping therefore, we provide trash bags and labeled trash and recycling bins, but we ask that our guests bring their trash with them when they leave. *If for some reason this is not possible, we can remove the trash for you for a fee of $15/bag, but you must message us prior to your departure and let us know that your are unable to take the trash with you. Otherwise we provide the operating hours of the solid waste disposal site (located just down the road) in our guest book in the kitchen container. We hope you enjoy our campsite and all it has to offer and we look forward to hosting you! Alex and Justin

97%

(18)

Old Mill Farm

1 site · Lodging300 acres · Mendocino, CA

This magical place is far out there! We are providing a setting for those adventurers who want a place to REALLY "get away from it all." Expect a beautiful 30 minute drive on gravel roads through mature Redwood forest from the village of Mendocino. The property is also accessible from Fort Bragg via HWY 20 and road 408/Little Lake Rd. The Aloha Cabin is a beautiful one room timber frame cabin located on a ridge top in the Redwood forest. Upon entering the gate at Old Mill Farm the Aloha Cabin is the first building you see as you come out of the thick forest and into the mixed meadow/forest ridge top of the property. Old Mill Farm is a 320 ranch in the middle of Mendocino county's 50,000 acre JDSF (Jackson State Demonstration Forest.) The Aloha sits by itself about a 1/2 mile from the rest of the ranch buildings and like the entire ranch is completely off-grid. Electricity is provided by a solar photovoltaic system and battery back up. All water is pumped with solar power and gravity fed throughout the property. You will be imbedded in the outdoors with ample opportunity to commune with the forest and the wildlife that live there. The Aloha has a kitchen equipped for cooking with refrigerator, range and oven. There is a bathroom with a flush toilet and a private outdoor shower. We provide linens and bedding for the full size bed and towels for 4 guests. There is also a sleeping loft (with no bedding included but can be added as an extra.) Please bring your own pads and sleeping bags to use the loft or pitch a tent in the front yard. The front yard is fenced and has a fire pit. Always be fire conscious - never burn outside of the fire pit and extinguish all fires before leaving or bed. You are free to relax in the natural beauty of this place, meditate while walking our earthen labyrinth or hike around the property along the ridge and on the logging roads that descend on each side. Please respect all signs and private residents. JDSF has extensive hiking and mountain bike trails accessible right from the cabin or a short drive away. The breathtaking Mendocino Coast offers an abundance of activities from the forest to the ocean headlands and beaches.

100%

(233)

Many Moons Homestead

3 sites · Lodging2 acres · Albion, CA

Situated on 1.5 acres, the old farmhouse, where our family lives is said to be one of the very oldest houses in Albion... built in 1865! When we got the place in 2018, it was in pretty bad disrepair and the land was a a jungle of brambles, holly bush, and tons of buried trash. Pregnant and feeling brave (also very naive), we dug into loving up the land and home. Here we are, nearly 6 years later, with a sweet little dude climbing the old plum tree, a babe in arms, a secret garden filled with all kinds of wild and cultivated edible and medicinal plants to enjoy. It makes our hearts really happy to care for this land and we love to share it with folks looking to slow down and connect with this beautiful place we get to call home. We view ourselves as just the current stewards of this beautiful place. This was home to the flora and fauna for hundreds of thousands of years before people, then home to the Pomo people for many generations, then a slew of immigrants and homesteaders, and now us. As our motto goes, This land, home, trees, and forest animals have been here for many moons before us; it's our greatest hope to be worthy stewards to ensure its health and vitality for many more.

96%

(61)

Ocean Forest Mendocino

18 sites · Lodging50 acres · CA

Ocean Forest Retreat is a nature lover’s sanctuary on the Mendocino Coast. Magical and pristine old-growth redwood groves overlook a beautiful ridge-top ocean view. The Retreat is surrounding by thousands of acres of serene redwood forest, remote nature trails and just minutes from the beach. There are 4 private and unique glamping cabins. The Honeybear and Garden Cabins have French doors with beautiful old growth forest views, cozy glass-door wood stoves, deck and patio . The Adobe Earth Cabin is surrounded by a covered Gathering Area with Earthen benches, a firebrick pizza oven and simple outdoor kitchen. The Redwood TreeCabin has French doors, an extra sleeping loft and a redwood deck. All cabins have comfortable queen beds, cozy heaters, private outdoor fire pits, plenty of forest or ocean view seating, solar string lights, hammocks and nature gathering spaces. Each cabin has a private outdoor hot showers, and the earth cabin has an outdoor bathtub in a redwood grove. The land has direct access to hiking trailheads leading into miles of redwood forest. Ocean view seating and gathering area (shared space.) Just a 5 minute drive to the coastal trails in Mackerricher State Park, famous Glass beach, Ten Mile Beach and River, The Dunes Nature Reserve, and much more. Ocean Forest is Off-the-Grid with simple lighting in the cabins and outdoor solar string lights. Outhouse Eco-composting toilets. Please note that the cabins are 10x12 and each comfortably sleep 2 people ( and perhaps small children.) For additional guests please bring a tent. Please note that the Earth Cabin and Redwood TreeCabin are close to each other and share a composting toilet in a common location. There's privacy fencing in-between and plenty of private outdoor space as well. The Garden and Honeybear cabins are farther apart. Adventurous nature activities available just minutes away! Including: beach horseback riding, guided ocean and river kayaking, famous Skunk train and Rail bike rides through the redwoods and more. Or enjoy hiking, mushroom picking, and soaking in the unique magic of rare old growth redwoods right on the property. Close to the amenities charming Fort Bragg and Mendocino have to offer including delicious restaurants ( seafood at the harbor) yoga studios, botanical gardens, art galleries and more. Send Inquires if you are interested in booking the entire property for private retreats, small gatherings, private family camping trips etc. We welcome you to come unplug and reconnect to your Self, each other and Nature in this magical Ocean forest. 🙏🏽

93%

(35)

Coastal Ridge Cabin

3 sites · Lodging20 acres · CA

A secluded, private, ridgetop cabin homestead hand-built with all salvaged, recycled & harvested materials. Simple and rustic; yet comfortable with all amenities. This land is "outdoor oriented" meaning outside shower, bathtub, pizza oven, bbq, sauna, laundry room, yardsports, etc. Foraging for huckleberries and wild mushrooms encouraged. Great opportunites for all ocean and river activities. Canines Welcome.

100%

(39)

Shepards Creek

7 sites · Tents96 acres · Comptche, CA

In the magical mountains of Northern California. Come enjoy this Historic property nestled in the redwoods of Comptche. This amazing 96 acre site has a long flavorful history. From logging to bootlegging and the modern exploits of today.Please enquirer with your property owners and hosts for more details or a guided tour !!

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!

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

100%

(29)

Russian Gulch State Park

Mendocino, California

99%

(34)

Sinkyone Wilderness State Park

Leggett, California

93%

(32)

Mendocino National Forest

Elk Creek, California

Camping near Mendocino with horseback riding guide

Overview

Set on a rugged bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Mendocino offers an easy seaside getaway on the Northern California coast. The charming town offers fine dining, quaint shops, a vibrant art scene, and plenty of stunning vistas. Don’t miss hiking around the Mendocino Headlands State Park, or a visit to the many beaches and redwoods nearby. Campers are spoiled for choice here, with a wealth of scenic state parks along the coast and inland forests, and camping options that span tent and RV sites near a river, lake, or the ocean, or a cabin in the woods.

Where to go

Near Mendocino

The campground at Russian Gulch State Park offers easy access to a waterfall, redwoods, and beach, and also has space for equestrians. At Van Damme State Park, explore the Pygmy Forest or Kayak the Little River, then choose a campsite near a beach or meadow, or better yet, hike to a primitive site along Fern Canyon. For a lux experience, campers can choose from platform tents and retro Airstreams at a private campground just outside of town.

North Mendocino Coast

Just north of Fort Bragg, MacKerricher State Park offers beaches, a lake, amenities, and campsites set in a beautiful coastal forest. Explore miles of rugged coastline at Westport-Union Landing State Beach and camp on the bluffs overlooking the ocean. At the Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area, choose from three campgrounds in the forest or along the Eel River. To escape the crowds, head to a remote stretch of the rugged Lost Coast, and tent camp directly on the beach at USAL Beach in the Sinkyone Wilderness.

South Mendocino Coast

Head south along the coast to Navarro River Redwoods State Park, where you can explore a redwood tunnel to the sea. Camp overnight at the mouth of the Navarro River near the ocean, or further inland in a redwood grove. At Manchester State Park, campers can stay near the ocean, wetlands, and coastal dunes. Further south, stay in a forested campground near the river and ocean at Gualala Point Regional Park. Salt Point State Park offers excellent abalone diving, a rhododendron reserve, and two campgrounds.

Inland

Head inland to Mendocino Woodlands State Park, where groups can stay in well equipped camping cabins. For more primitive or equestrian options, head to Jackson Demonstration State Forest and its two separate campgrounds. Further south, enjoy a cool dip in the Navarro River, then set up camp in the forest at Hendy Woods State Park. At Lake Mendocino, campers can choose from regular, hike-in, boat-in campsites, along with great fishing and water recreation.

When to go

Summer is the busiest time in Mendocino and campgrounds fill up early, especially over the weekends. Fall is a good time for pleasant weather, fall foliage, and smaller crowds. Several festivals are also held during this time, including the abalone festival and the mushroom, wine, and beer festivals. Look for whales between November and April and wildflowers in the spring.

Know before you go

Bring layers, even over the summer, when coastal fog is common in the mornings.
Some areas along the coast are not safe for swimming, and do not have lifeguards on duty. The water here is very cold. Also exercise caution near bluffs.
Anglers 16 and over must have a valid fishing license.
Dogs are not allowed on certain beaches, including at MacKerricher State Park and Manchester State Park. Some parks also prohibit dogs on certain trails.