Discover the best waterfall campgrounds near Mendocino, California

United States
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California
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Mendocino

98% (2419 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Mendocino

Available this weekend

Dog-friendly getaways

99%

(303)

Heartwood Mendocino

6 sites · Lodging40 acres · Mendocino, CA

Our property is just minutes from Mendocino's beaches, parks and sweet town, yet private and quiet as it is surrounded by 50,000 acre state forest with world class hiking and biking trails directly accessed from our place. Around the giant redwoods and meadows we have sprinkled in the most amazing little cabins and deluxe bath house. We have a great outdoor camp kitchen available for your use. This is a very special experience for us to share with you. We are a family of campers. We agree, there's nothing better than a rest in a hammock following a hike and a river swim and a night under the stars without the constant dinging of cell and internet! Guests love staying here: "Such a lovely getaway! Our family of four and little dog thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Heartwood. The cabins are great, with comfortable (warm) beds, very clean and cozy. It’s well worth the visit even in the winter! Really appreciated being outdoors surrounded by Redwoods, hiking the trails around the property, the modern bathrooms with hot showers, and the indoor sitting area to make coffee in the mornings. Our stay was relaxing, memorable and special!"

96%

(4777)

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.

Private sunny forest near the coast

1 site · RV, Tent6 acres · Albion, CA

Learn more about this land: The site is in a forested area with short pine and manzanita trees, so its nice and sunny, just out of the daily fog zone that blankets the coast, but only 3 miles from the coast. The neighborhood is super quiet and you can walk right from here to the Pygmy State Park trail system or just on the gravel neighborhood road. There is a main tent site and another tent site and places for 2 cars or more or a small travel trailer. There's a place for at least 2-3 tents and there is a table with 3 chairs provided. Also a metal box to keep your food away from bears that might come by (haven't had that happen yet). No campfires please but propane/gas cook stoves are fine. 50 gallons of potable water is provided from a tank. Please conserve water. Keep all food in your vehicle as there are bears and forest critters around. Outhouse with new, clean composting toilet, environmentally friendly! There has been an ornery squirrel that keeps ripping up the toilet paper so please bring your own. Use this lat/long as Google Maps doesn't like my address- 39.2581451131371, -123.723920996094. Brief directions- coming from the coast on Little River Airport Rd, turn right on "Posted Rd. 18/Sundew Lane" sign, stay right at the fork, first driveway on the right (funky oval painted sign as pictured).

93%

(34)

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.

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!

11 top waterfall campgrounds near Mendocino

96%

(4777)

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.

Heartwood Mendocino

6 sites · Lodging40 acres · Mendocino, CA

Our property is just minutes from Mendocino's beaches, parks and sweet town, yet private and quiet as it is surrounded by 50,000 acre state forest with world class hiking and biking trails directly accessed from our place. Around the giant redwoods and meadows we have sprinkled in the most amazing little cabins and deluxe bath house. We have a great outdoor camp kitchen available for your use. This is a very special experience for us to share with you. We are a family of campers. We agree, there's nothing better than a rest in a hammock following a hike and a river swim and a night under the stars without the constant dinging of cell and internet! Guests love staying here: "Such a lovely getaway! Our family of four and little dog thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Heartwood. The cabins are great, with comfortable (warm) beds, very clean and cozy. It’s well worth the visit even in the winter! Really appreciated being outdoors surrounded by Redwoods, hiking the trails around the property, the modern bathrooms with hot showers, and the indoor sitting area to make coffee in the mornings. Our stay was relaxing, memorable and special!"

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!

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

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!

Private sunny forest near the coast

1 site · RV, Tent6 acres · Albion, CA

Learn more about this land: The site is in a forested area with short pine and manzanita trees, so its nice and sunny, just out of the daily fog zone that blankets the coast, but only 3 miles from the coast. The neighborhood is super quiet and you can walk right from here to the Pygmy State Park trail system or just on the gravel neighborhood road. There is a main tent site and another tent site and places for 2 cars or more or a small travel trailer. There's a place for at least 2-3 tents and there is a table with 3 chairs provided. Also a metal box to keep your food away from bears that might come by (haven't had that happen yet). No campfires please but propane/gas cook stoves are fine. 50 gallons of potable water is provided from a tank. Please conserve water. Keep all food in your vehicle as there are bears and forest critters around. Outhouse with new, clean composting toilet, environmentally friendly! There has been an ornery squirrel that keeps ripping up the toilet paper so please bring your own. Use this lat/long as Google Maps doesn't like my address- 39.2581451131371, -123.723920996094. Brief directions- coming from the coast on Little River Airport Rd, turn right on "Posted Rd. 18/Sundew Lane" sign, stay right at the fork, first driveway on the right (funky oval painted sign as pictured).

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.

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%

(16)

Epic Orr Springs Ranch

5 sites · RVs, Tents164 acres · Calpella, CA

Picturesque scenes in nature upclose with wildlife, waterfalls and the adventures of private hiking. This property gives you the feeling of being miles and miles out into nature yet your 15 minutes to all amenities, restaurants, wineries, hot springs and cannabis clubs. Please respect neighboring properties as we have plenty of space of our own (100+ acres)

from

$50

/ night

100%

(13)

Chemise Mountain Retreat

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents16 acres · CA

Chemise Mountain Retreat is an accessible yet remote wilderness destination. Located between the King Range Conservation Area and Sinkyone State Park on California’s Lost Coast, just 10 minutes from Shelter Cove and the Pacific Ocean. Situated on 16 acres, Bear Creek meanders through the property alongside meadows and fir groves. A flush toilet and running water make camping comfortable. Chemise Mountain Retreat is a place where families and or groups can create intimate, unique , accessible experiences with the wilderness and the ocean. Trailheads leading to 62 miles of the world-renowned hiking/biking trails of California’s Lost Coast are within walking distance. To the south are Sinkyone Wilderness trails where herds of Roosevelt Elk graze on the grasslands uplifted from the Pacific. To the north, the Lost Coast Trail follows spectacular black sand beaches and crosses creeks that tumble down to the ocean. Restaurants, beachcombing, fishing, kayaking and surfing are minutes away. Magnificent clear night skies are pierced by thousands of brightly twinkling stars. Full moons are so bright that you can read by their light. Abundant wildlife from birds to bears to salamanders all inhabit the forests surrounding Chemise Mountain Retreat. Enjoy the wilderness, the ocean, the quiet, and enjoy each other at Chemise Mountain Retreat. Minimum booking is 2 nights.

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

Waterfall camping near Mendocino guide

Overview

Looking to experience the beauty of a waterfall near Mendocino, California? Look no further than Jug Handle Creek Farm! With over 344 options specifically tailored to this preferences, you'll be sure to find the perfect campsite for your adventure. Whether you prefer the rustic charm of Mendocino Magic, the magical atmosphere of Separate Star Point, there's something for everyone. Plus, with popular amenities like showers, pet-friendly spaces, and campfires, you'll have all the comforts of home while enjoying the great outdoors. Don't wait - book your camping experience today starting as low as $40 per night!