The best camping near Mendocino Headlands State Park
Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Mendocino Headlands State Park adventure.
Discover the rugged beauty of Mendocino Headlands State Park.
Popular ways to camp
Community favorites near Mendocino Headlands State Park
Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.
Top-rated campgrounds near Mendocino Headlands State Park
96%
(4769)
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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from
$40
/ night
97%
(115)
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!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from
$70
/ night
95%
(196)
Forest Ocean Retreat
3 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · CA
Tree studded campsites with large view of the ocean. Not far off Hwy 1. Many beaches to choose from a few miles away. Close to Anchor Bay, Gualala and Point Arena. Large secluded sites with picnic tables and plenty of room to pitch a tent. Porta potty and potable water available. Great place to get away. Please note ticks are always prevalent on the coast and Spring time there are more of them please make sure you and your dog are protected.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from
$49
/ night
100%
(148)
CAMPFIRE!
3 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Mendocino, CA
Come make yourself at home on our beautiful 10 acre property just up the road from the town of Mendocino. This site is only a 5 min drive to town, so it’s close to the beach, river access and local restaurants and shops.. Walk through the redwoods or enjoy the sunshine, the property offers a bit of it all! All we ask is that you make yourself at home!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$60
/ night
100%
(34)
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!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$180
/ night
98%
(487)
Baby Banana Slug Farm
11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Albion, CA
Once an ancient Redwood grove full of mature redwood trees towering 250 feet in the air, This is a beautiful piece of property, very private, with an old growth Redwood snag still remaining and 30 foot diameter re-sprouted Redwood fairy rings. it has its own private entrance.In the redwood forest, lots of trees and other vegetation. Good wildlife watching area. 4 miles from the ocean. Campsites have own access point. Pack it in, pack it out. Please be respectful of neighbors and land around you.2 sites available - both with potable water, and area for campfires (outside of any burn ban), and toilet access. Firewood available for fee. Pets allowed.Guests love staying here: "This was such a treat. Nathan was a responsive, present host--made sure we had all of the wood we wanted. We were tucked away in the woods with great amenities... bathroom included. There is a beautiful tree on the campsite that made the whole experience magical. And my pup was free to run and around and bring me sticks. I will definitely come back again!"
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from
$60
/ night
97%
(432)
South Facing Ridge With Views
12 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents30 acres · Comptche, CA
Surrounded by cooperate timberland, it feels like there are no neighbors! There is not a house in sight but the the ridge views seem to go on forever!
- There is a simple latrine at each site. A full bath house with a flush toilet and hot shower is available next to the main house. A water spigot is attached to the main house.
- Spare camping supplies are available by the bath house if you forget something! Ask ahead if you need to borrow a specific item.
More about the property: I built my home high upon a southern ridge. Watching the river of coastal fog flow in and out below me is one of the most wonderful views to behold! I have 30 acres of land to explore and camp upon in the surrounding redwood forest.
10 miles east are Montgomery Woods redwood preserve with GIANT trees, and a little farther, perhaps a mile is the famous Orr Hot Springs Resort. If you drive a half hour west from my land you will be in the coastal Mendocino village.
We are marijuana friendly!! Thus, we have created more of an adult oriented atmosphere.
one last note: We recently made separate listings for different sites. See campsite #1 for reviews.Guests love staying here "What a fantastic experience. I arrived to Cosmo’s super late after a long day going up the coast. It was a last minute book that morning, if I remember right - my campsite had fallen through. His directions were spot on, and very kindly he stayed up to take me to my site and help me get set up, even going so far as to light me a fire. His property was easily navigable in the dark, and my two wheel drive made it fine. We talked for a while - what a cool guy. He was able to give me recommendations from a friend of what to do during the next legs of my trip, which was great and really did make a difference for the rest of my week. I cooked my dinner and sat stunned looking at some of the best stargazing I’ve had in a long time.When I woke up I realized that I had been sleeping next to a mountainside view - this was site 3. Talk about the best surprise I’ve gotten in a while unzipping a tent. The clouds were gathered in the valley and as I ate breakfast I got to watch the sun slowly clear then out. It was unbelievable.Before I left, Cosmo let me use his indoor solar-heated shower and told me all about his projects to build his own home and roads and move towards a more sustainable future. Overall this is really the best of what I imagine hipcamp has to offer - kind property owners & unique individuals who care about their guests while also allowing them to have their own experience. If I’m ever near Mendocino I will gladly make the trip inland to stay at his property again."
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from
$40
/ night
92%
(13)
Camp Along the Mendocino Coast
4 sites · Lodging, RVs14 acres · Mendocino, CA
Coastal views property located near Big River Beach and the village of Mendocino. Spend the night in designated spots for your 24' or less camper or Sprinter-type van. Walk to Big River Beach to surf, swim or relax on the beach. Hike directly from your campsite through our coastal forest. Campsites are located on property with a vacation rental that may or may not be occupied. Property also hosts other campsites and common spaces such as a campfire and outdoor shower. *NO tent camping.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from
$99
/ night
99%
(297)
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!"
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from
$165
/ night
96%
(60)
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. 🙏🏽
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from
$140
/ night
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
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from
$100
/ night
95%
(112)
Redwood Forest Raven Haven
2 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Albion, CA
Quiet, private campsites in the Redwoods. Raven Haven 1 has Easy back in from low traffic county road for small trailers and large RV's. Large, approximate 1/4 acre, mostly forested with nooks and crannies for private sleeping and tents. 2 large level areas. Raven Haven 2 is smaller and closer to my home, but still very private and quiet with more Foxes and Ravens. Great for tents, vans, and smaller RVs. Beautiful, instantly warming, fire safe propane fire pit provided for heat. Wood fire pit also available when it is safe. You must be self contained. Haul it in , haul it out, please. Water and electricity available. Many forest animals and Ravens living on the property. Your well behaved dog will not require a leash at Raven Haven 1. Sorry, due to the tiny goldfish pond, no dogs at Raven Haven 2, small well behaved dogs on leash is a possibility. Really great for campers wanting to relax in the Redwoods, not so great for loud partying. These are not party camps. It is in the forest so the mostly Redwood canopy provides some protection from the weather. Close to many beaches and parks. Albion is 7 miles south of Mendocino and 15 moles south of Fort Bragg.
Thank You for your interest!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from
$65
/ night
The best camping near Mendocino Headlands State Park guide
Overview
About
Mendocino Headlands State Park offers a treasure trove of activities for nature lovers and adventurers alike. With its dramatic cliffs, scenic trails, and the historic charm of the surrounding village, visitors can immerse themselves in hiking, wildlife viewing, and cultural exploration. The park's day-use status invites guests to savor the coastal splendor without the option of overnight stays.
When to go
The best time to visit Mendocino Headlands State Park is during spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural beauty is at its peak. Summer offers a cool escape, while winter provides a dramatic backdrop for the gray whale migration. Be prepared for changeable weather year-round.
Know before you go
- Check the weather before your visit, as conditions can change rapidly along the coast.
- Remember that drones are not permitted, ensuring a peaceful experience for all visitors.
- Accessible features are available; contact the park for specific information.
- Drinking water and restrooms are provided for your convenience.
- For a unique experience, visit the Historic Ford House to delve into the area's rich history.
Top cities near Mendocino Headlands State Park
- Mendocino Headlands State Park
Safety at Hipcamp
Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.