The best forest campgrounds near Albion, California

If you're looking to camp near Albion, California and prefer a forested setting, Hipcamp has over 796 options for you to choose from. With prices ranging from as low as $25 per night to an average of $66 per night, you're sure to find something that fits your budget. Some of the top campsites in the area include Jug Handle Creek Farm (1479 reviews), Salmon Creek Ranch (1270 reviews), and Mendocino Magic (410 reviews). These sites offer popular amenities such as pets, trash disposal, and campfires, as well as activities like swimming, hiking, and wildlife watching. So pack your bags and get ready to enjoy the great outdoors!

94% (8K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Campfire serenade at Jughandle Beach, just a short walk from our campsite

97%

(51)

206 sites · Cleone, California

The diversity of this park makes it extra special!

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

11. Hendy Woods State Park

98%

(60)

90 sites · Philo, California

An inland wonderland with some of California's most breathtaking redwood groves.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

12. Mendocino Lake

83%

(18)

270 sites · Calpella, California

Discover the diverse allure of Lake Mendocino, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

Pets

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Locus Solus

96%

(80)

21mi from Albion · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Point Arena, CA

Tired of the scorching heat? Come chill out on the coast where it's always 20 degrees cooler than everywhere else. Located in the coastal prairie minutes from the Pacific Ocean and the town of Point Arena. Plenty of privacy to launch into day trips and other adventures in this special corner of the world. The Octagon and the campsite offer solitude, stunning views, bird watching, and walking trails on the property. We're 5 mins from town, the cove, various beaches, tide pools, the historic lighthouse, fishing spots, and the B Bryan Animal Preserve where you can view African animals and hand feed giraffes. Come find what you've been missing!

Ariana Acres

94%

(69)

24mi from Albion · 4 sites · Lodging · Willits, CA

Welcome to Ariana Acres 💛 💛 Conveniently located two hours north of San Francisco, and six minutes off the US 101. Our location is ideal for people traveling up and down this historic highway in search of a comfortable and peaceful night's rest. Golden Bowl is located at the far end of the property in its own private nook. Take the first driveway down the grade, and cross the seasonal creek. Follow the meandering path to your tent site. Golden Bowl is becoming a private resort destination. Equipped with a King Sealy Serta Mattress for ultimate sleep comfort. A new deck adjacent to Golden Bowl is home to a firepit, two outdoor lounge chairs, a propane grill, and outdoor kitchen. When the sun sets and hits the mountain at your camp, it looks like you are in a golden bowl. We welcome good stewards of the earth to come and enjoy this majestic mountain. Ariana Acres is located on Ridgewood Summitt, the highest mountain pass along this historic highway before descending into the town of Willits. Located at near 3000 feet elevation, the mountain air is brisk, clean and refreshing. Hiking trails surround you. Walk the ridge at sunset, or find a place to sit and watch it in awe and wonder. As we Fall into Winter, it's time for warm fires under the stars in the firepit, and in Golden Bowl tent. Golden Bowl has a cool coal stove inside with coal provided. We are so excited for this new edition, and experience into the past! Willits is named the heart of Mendocino County. Gateway to the Redwoods. This region is truly a hidden gem. The Skunk Train is world famous, and named one of the top 10 attractions in the United States by The NY Times. It's an open air steam locomotive, and it passes the world's largest Redwood tree. Guests at Ariana Acres receive a 50% discount! Whether you purchase tickets online, or in person. Ariana Acres is a place to come to feel away from it all, while only being a ten minute drive to town. You get the best of both worlds! Cheers to you hipcampers and many happy trails ahead 👣 😀

Huckleberry Hideaway•Redwood Ridge

90%

(5)

25mi from Albion · 9 sites · Tents, Lodging · Anchor Bay, CA

Ridgetop campsites tucked beneath towering redwoods, above the fog line on the Mendocino Coast. Our 8 beautiful, quiet campsites sit on a peaceful ridge 3 miles above Bowling Ball Beach and 3 miles above the Garcia River, surrounded by soaring groves of redwoods and fresh coastal air. Wake up to filtered sunlight through the trees, enjoy the open forest space, and experience true Mendocino stillness while still being close to beaches, rivers, and scenic drives. Pets are welcome at two designated sites only: Site 1 — Dogwood Grove Site 7 — Redwood Dog Camp All other campsites are no-pets 🙏 Our ridge is unfenced, close to the road, and surrounded by wildlife and neighboring properties. To keep everyone safe and to preserve the peaceful experience for all guests, pets cannot be brought to any other sites. Dog Rules for Sites 1 & 7 $15 pet fee per night Dogs must be leashed at all times No aggressive dogs No excessive barking (quiet hours after 10pm) Please clean up after your dog each time Dogs may not be left unattended at any time Non-compliance with these rules may require an early checkout without refund to maintain a safe and peaceful environment for all.

South Facing Ridge With Views

97%

(526)

13mi from Albion · 12 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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."

Thanktuary Retreat

96%

(115)

31mi from Albion · 11 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Gualala, CA

Learn more about this land: The winds whisper through the redwood trees and provide respite from the hot sun. Here on the ridge above Gualala, lies nestled a lovely and serene campground called Thanktuary Retreat. Skunks, jackrabbits, deer, foxes and very rarely a mountain lion or bear can be found on our 5 acres of forested land. There is a fishpond with water lilies, mini golf course and pétanque court (both with equipment in a useful shed close by), a horse shoe ring and beautiful, natural secluded spots in the redwoods perfect for meditation and vision questing. Huckleberry bushes and ferns grow abundantly. The place lends itself to self-reflection and introspection. There is space for 1 RV with a patio table and chairs and some sun loungers. There are also 2 tent sites available on the property, located in one large area, further away from the RV sites. Barely 7 minutes away is downtown Gualala, with amenities such as 2 supermarkets, pharmacy, bakery, restaurants and more. There is a beautiful holistic gift store, The Sea Trader, Four Eyed Frog Bookstore, and some lovely art galleries in town.   Kayaking is available at the Gualala River. Hiking at Gualala Regional Park, the Bluff Trail, The Sea Ranch public access beaches, Stump Beach, Salt Point Park with a petrified forest, Bowling Ball Beach with its amazing natural formations (can only be seen fully at low tide of more than -0.2m), Manchester State Beach, Elk Beach, and more. Swimming at the Navarro River, and various bays. It is a place of incredible scenic beauty all along CA 1. Watch whales spouting during whale season. (Gray whales and orcas is December to May. For humpbacks, visit May through November, and for blue whales, the largest animal on Earth, plan your stay between July and October). Bower Park, just 0.5 miles away with a lovely lake, tennis courts, a baseball field, a basketball court, and two separate playgrounds. Play disc golf or hike along the nature trail/fitness course. Anchor Bay is 5 miles up CA 1, with a supermarket, a few cafes, restaurants (including a great Thai place!) laundromat, hair salon, and more. The quaint town of Point Arena is 12 miles north, with a supermarket, Frannie's Cup And Saucer, The Bird Cafe, a beautiful historic lighthouse, a theater, a pier, a mini-safari park (B Bryan Preserve with zebras, giraffes and more. Tours need to be booked in advance). Also visit Roots, a natural pharmacy for herbs, teas and supplements.  There are also spots like Occidental, Bodega Bay, Jenner (with the Russian River to kayak and swim) and Timber Cove, all on the way to Gualala from the south. Bodega Bay has lovely spots to eat, with clam chowder, fish and chips. Enjoy wind and water sports, and walk on the pier.

Lucky Penny Laytonville

99%

(183)

35mi from Albion · 9 sites · Tents, RVs · Laytonville, CA

We've headed into our Winter season, so we are offering a discounted price to camp. However, due to the weather of the season. Outdoor kitchen and showers are closed for the season. Starting April 15th 2026 the kitchen and outdoor showers we'll be fully reopen for Spring. Outdoor camping made easy with a FULLY OUTFITTED OPEN AIR OUTDOOR KITCHEN and HOT SHOWERS (not available in the coldest times of the year when pipes freeze). Kitchen includes hot water sinks, refrigerator, stove, microwave, toaster oven, toaster, blender, espresso machine, coffee grinder and maker, dishes, utensils, pots and pans, knives, cutting boards, etc. If there's something you need and can't find it, we'll bring it out from our kitchen in the house. ALL YOU NEED TO BRING FOR MEALS IS THE FOOD. Limited grocery shopping in our little town; it's good to shop ahead. During June- August, fires MIGHT be allowed in the communal fire pit near the kitchen. You must ask the host!, No fires at your campsite June- August, Fires during cooler months are often allowed at your campsite, but you must ask the host if current conditions allow Fire MUST be completely extinguished before you go to sleep at night. Instructions are printed and at at each site as well as at the communal firepit. Firewood available for purchase. SMOKERS, please be super careful! Outlets to CHARGE YOUR PHONE and DEVICES at the Stage and in the kitchen. Fruit trees and gardens dot the property. Feel free to pick a piece of fruit. We almost always have organic fresh eggs from the chickens for sale, The Camp Store has a variety of items such as jam, organic veggies, flowers, etc. See the list on the fridge. We're in a wooded country neighborhood where lots of folks have dogs, so you might hear some barking and see some neighbors. Very occasionally we see a dog off leash. We ask that you keep your dogs on leash at all times, as we have cats and chickens. We encourage you to enjoy the forest, but do be aware that there is poison oak. If you don't know what it looks like we can show you. Arrive anytime after 1pm. Check out is at noon, but you can often stay later if we don't have other campers arriving to your site. If your plans change, just let us know at least 24 hours before check-in and you'll get a full refund.

Huckleberry Haven

97%

(102)

50mi from Albion · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Cazadero, CA

Huckleberry Haven currently features TWO sites: FIRST is the Camp Deck for your tents in the forest. Pitch your tent on a dry and flat redwood deck. Surrounded by huckleberries (in season July-Nov), fir, pine and redwood trees and adjacent to Salt Point State Park and Kruse Rhododendron State Preserve. Deck site has basic amenities: potable well water, fire ring (PROPANE only, bring your own fire ring, as we are now in fire season), picnic table, and an outhouse. SECOND is the small RV or teardop/Van camping parking spot. (no tents) This site is near the top of our grassy meadow, with glorious forest views, on dry gravel, and features a picnic table & outhouse. It does not have a campfire facility, nor water. You're welcome to bring your own propane fire & cooking source, but NO open wood fires due to grassy fire hazards. Property is situated at 800' above sea level (usually above the fog) across the road from the Stump Beach trailhead in Salt Point State Park - which, from our driveway, is a 2 mile hike or bike ride down to the beach. Enjoy quiet solitude of one of the most private and quiet places on the Sonoma Coast. Avoid the crowds of Salt Point, with all the basic amenities you expect. Birdwatch, play frisbee golf, hunt for mushrooms, basecamp your hikes, runs or mountain bike rides in Salt Point, or use Huckleberry Haven as the central spot to innumerable road bike rides on empty roads. The choice is yours! Special note: Huckleberry Haven is on the edge of some great wilderness! We have all sorts of wildlife sauntering by, and certainly have for decades. We recommend taking precautions to avoid interacting with curious/hungry wildlife - Don't sleep with your food in the tent, and keep camp tidy! We know there to be black bears, mountain lions, bobcats, foxes, racoons, skunks and so forth. Mountain Lions tend to avoid us, but you'll want to check on best practices to avoid bear interactions. This is one website we've found helpful: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/backpacking-in-bear-country.html

Many Moons Homestead

99%

(258)

0.4mi from Albion · 3 sites · Lodging · Albion, CA

Situated on 2 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 2 sweet little dudes climbing the old plum tree, 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.

31mi from Albion · 16 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mendocino Lake

86%

(7)

Kyen Campground

31mi from Albion · 101 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mendocino Lake

Miti Boat-In Campground

32mi from Albion · 16 sites · in Mendocino Lake

89%

(9)

Bushay Recreation Area and Campground

32mi from Albion · 137 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mendocino Lake

97%

(15)

Usal Beach Camp

43mi from Albion · 25 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sinkyone Wilderness State Park

Stories from the community

Cabin 5 is the largest of our cabins with a queen and bunked twins. It’s also taller than the others.

U

Ujjwal

1 week ago

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Heartwood Mendocino

Definitely one of the best places I have stayed in a while!

K

Kyle

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Locus Solus

Loved this campsite. Secluded but easy to get to/close to town. Will be back!

E

Eden

2 weeks ago

With pets

Weekend Trip to Ariana Acres

Even though the temps were a bit chilly at night, we stayed warm and comfortable! Kristina's communication was excellent and everything was as it was described. We ended up just getting dinner in town since it's so close and direct more time exploring the area.

Jordane

3 weeks ago

Tent

3 nights at Huckleberry Haven

Wonderful site. Very private. Gorgeous scenery. The deck makes for a very comfortable stay. Will be back!

Rosa

3 weeks ago

With pets

Weekend Trip to Pickle Barrel Cabin and Camp

Very cozy little spot! Felt private and everything was great. Perfect getaway with the pup :)

S

Sherissa

3 weeks ago

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Jug Handle Creek Nature Center

Great place to camp! Clean restrooms, ample space, close to some great trails. We will definitely be back!

K

Kristen

3 weeks ago

4 ft travel trailer

With kids

3 nights at Jug Handle Creek Nature Center

Loved it all. Highly recommend. We will be back for sure.

M

Michael

3 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to spirit chicken ranch

Definitely recommend a 4x4 vehicle to get to the property. Have your directions downloaded before you pass the high school. Our Subaru was up for the task! The property is gorgeous and very secluded. We brought our 8 year old boy and dog. We were super lucky to have the entire camp site to ourselves the entire weekend. The temperature at night was almost freezing, so the sauna and shower made it much more tolerable. The sauna was by far the highlight of the trip for me besides being with my family unplugged! Epic stargazing at the point camp site. Having a kitchen to make a full meal for each meal was a luxury. The kitchen has everything you need to cook minus ingredients. Bring your own oil/spices etc. Also, pack out what you pack in. Meaning, there isn’t a garbage facility/ site dumpster. Also, there is really only 1 running toilet that we could find by the kitchen. I could see this being annoying in a large group setting, although having a toilet at all is a luxury when camping. If you’re a BBQ enthusiast, bring your own grill, there isn’t one to use on the property. Make sure to bring tick repellant/ check yourselves (especially dogs) regularly. We pulled a dozen off our dog and bodies. Highly recommend this spot for a weekend getaway! We loved it and will certainly be back, as a couple, as a family and with friends for sure!!

J

Johnathon

3 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Root's End

Really loved staying here, the tiny cabin was clean and had all the amenities needed for a comfortable winter stay. The outhouse was clean and the firewood was provided. Location is relatively close to downtown which was also nice

C

Citlali

3 weeks ago

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Heartwood Mendocino

We had a great time car camping with our dog at Heartwood this weekend. Beautiful site, with many handy amenities. The heated bathrooms were a lifesaver this chilly weekend, but we still took advantage of the redwood shower! It was great to chat with other campers and easy to drive out to explore beaches and hikes during the day, and run to Harvest Market if we needed anything. We will definitely come back again to camp or stay in a cabin.

S

Steve

3 weeks ago

With pets

3 nights at Heartwood Mendocino

A true gem in the forest of Mendocino. The attention to details and hospitality was amazing. The communal spaces are well thought out and create an almost hostel like experience. Being pet friendly was a huge plus. We can't wait to visit again!

Anna

3 weeks ago

3 nights at Baby Banana Slug Farm

Nathan was an incredible host and everything was better than we had imagined. This is a beautiful place and we had a great visit. Looking forward to coming back again!

P

Patrick

3 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Waterfall Camp

We had an amazing thanksgiving weekend here. Shay and Liz have been amazing hosts. From firewood to string lights, everything is provided for an exceptional camping experience that still feels very connected to nature. We will definitely be back again. And the hot morning showers are a real treat.

N

Nate

3 weeks ago

Tent

2 nights at Jug Handle Creek Nature Center

Great camp site. Bathrooms were the nicest and cleanest of any campground I've ever been to. Distance between sites was also nice--no one was too close

M

Michele

3 weeks ago

Tent

4 nights at Jug Handle Creek Nature Center

Beautiful, spacious site! Quiet, great location. Will definitely stay here again!

Brandon & Marsha

3 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

4 nights at Waterfall Camp

Our recent stay at Shay and Liz’s Hipcamp in Mendocino County was, without question, the best Hipcamp experience we’ve ever had. From the moment we arrived, it was clear that they had thought of absolutely everything to make guests feel welcome, comfortable, and at home. Their warmth and hospitality set the tone, and the environment they’ve created is nothing short of magical, with unique artwork, beautiful plants, and thoughtful touches everywhere. Each site has its own outdoor kitchen, spacious tent pad, fire pit with chairs, blankets, and even firewood. Highlights included a hot shower among the redwoods, a trail from camp to a waterfall, and easy access to amazing beaches. The camp and nearby beaches were wonderfully dog‑friendly, and our son loved it so much he wrote a two‑page review in their guest book. We’ve already booked our return! Thanks again Shay and Liz!!

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bhavna

3 weeks ago

Tent

2 nights at Heartwood Mendocino

I loved the campsite. It’s amazing would definitely come back

H

Hillary

3 weeks ago

With pets

3 nights at Baby Banana Slug Farm

I really enjoyed my time at Baby Banana Slug Farm! I stayed in the sunshine cabin and it was lovely, very cozy. I traveled on my own and I felt safe and comfortable the whole time.

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Christina

3 weeks ago

18 ft pop-up camper

2 nights at Root's End

Delightfully clean and private campground in the redwoods. The host was quick to communicate and respond to any needs. Very convenient to town while tucked away in a quiet and peaceful setting. We’ll be back.