The best waterside campgrounds near Manchester, California

Looking to go camping near Manchester, California? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 620 options available, you're sure to find the perfect campsite for your outdoor adventure. Whether you prefer pitching a tent, parking your RV, or staying in a cabin, Hipcamp has got you covered. And with top campsites like Jug Handle Creek Farm (1479 reviews), Salmon Creek Ranch (1270 reviews), and Mendocino Magic (410 reviews), you can trust the recommendations of fellow campers. Plus, you'll have access to popular amenities like pet-friendly sites, campfire pits, and toilets. And with activities such as hiking, whitewater paddling, and swimming nearby, you'll never have a dull moment. So pack your gear and get ready for an amazing camping experience with Hipcamp!

93% (5.1K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Looking to go camping near Manchester, California? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 620 options available, you're sure to find the perfect campsite for your outdoor adventure. Whether you prefer pitching a tent, parking your RV, or staying in a cabin, Hipcamp has got you covered. And with top campsites like Jug Handle Creek Farm (1479 reviews), Salmon Creek Ranch (1270 reviews), and Mendocino Magic (410 reviews), you can trust the recommendations of fellow campers. Plus, you'll have access to popular amenities like pet-friendly sites, campfire pits, and toilets. And with activities such as hiking, whitewater paddling, and swimming nearby, you'll never have a dull moment. So pack your gear and get ready for an amazing camping experience with Hipcamp!

93% (5.1K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Thanktuary Retreat

96%

(115)

14mi from Manchester · 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.

2. Lightworks ranch

89%

(236)

41mi from Manchester · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · Willits, CA

The peace, quiet and beauty of nature is the theme at our property. This land is dedicated to the re-sacralization of culture. The spot was an ancient Native American camping area. People have found arrowheads, stone beads and grinding stones on the land. We offer various types of camping sites, as well as a teepee - so please read each listing for specific amenity and location information. We sell firewood on site. The amount and variety of wildlife is astonishing, with bear, deer, turkeys, fox, coyote, bobcat, Eagles, River otter, salmon and steelhead, with a wide variety of songbirds during migration. Easy access from road, close to town, tall oak trees, privacy, creek with salmon within a five minute walk, mountains, wildlife, barn owl nest box. Please note that during late summer, creek does not flow on surface but always has swimming holes where the salmon and steelhead wait for Fall rains to carry them down to the Eel river and eventually to the ocean, until they return as adults to spawn again. Guests love staying here: "Elderberry camp was really great! It was a large site, plenty of space, shade, and parking. Very peaceful and good distance between other sites although we were pretty much the only campers out there. Outhouse was clean and there was drinking water. We spent most of our Saturday in Eel River which was great. The water was perfect for swimming and fishing, our husbands caught some big ones. Stephen was very nice and accommodating, the honey and eggs we asked for were a nice addition too!" Helpful0 Report

3. Mendocino National Forest

91%

(34)

463 sites · Elk Creek, California

Minimal pavement and plenty of forest and wilderness ensure a rugged and wild outdoor experience.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

4. Clear Lake State Park

77%

(13)

273 sites · Soda Bay, California

California’s largest natural lake is a water recreation, fishing, and birdwatching hot spot.

Public campgrounds near Manchester

100%

(2)

Middle Creek Campground

44mi from Manchester · 23 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mendocino National Forest

Cole Creek Campground

47mi from Manchester · 138 sites · Tents, RVs · in Clear Lake State Park

88%

(4)

Upper Bayview Campground

47mi from Manchester · 33 sites · Tents, RVs · in Clear Lake State Park

88%

(4)

Kelsey Creek Campground

48mi from Manchester · 82 sites · Tents, RVs · in Clear Lake State Park

75%

(4)

Lower Bayview Campground

48mi from Manchester · 18 sites · Tents, RVs · in Clear Lake State Park

100%

(1)

Deer Valley Campground

48mi from Manchester · 13 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mendocino National Forest

Stories from the community

Deborah

3 weeks ago

Tent

1 night at Thanktuary Retreat

The “Thanktuary “was a peaceful place. Our campsite was soft. Had water and a table with umbrella which was helpful due to the rain. We enjoyed walking the grounds, sitting in the hot tub and enjoying the woods.

K

Kevin

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Lightworks ranch

Elderberry Camp was a nice and secluded stay. We essentially had the entire place to ourselves. Elderberry camp is the furthest away from the other 2 sites on that side of the property, but also note that it is the closest to the road. There isn’t enough traffic for it to be a problem in my opinion but if you are a light sleeper, it may affect you. Unfortunately, the creek was also dry during our stay. However, the foggy nights brought in nice moisture/frost that burned off by 11am. Another plus was the clean outhouse. Thanks, Stephen!

s

sun

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Thanktuary Retreat

It's not the camping ground, it's nursing home, and In my opinion, don't book for people it's camping ground It's hard to get there we got there night time we almost scared to death to go there. But next morning we show it is peaceful and natural to heal mantaly that it.

Laura

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Lightworks ranch

Stephen was a good host, and we appreciated his hospitality during our Labor Day weekend stay. The property was comfortable, and he was very responsive whenever we reached out. There was a large group staying nearby with three small dogs that barked throughout the day, which made it a little less peaceful than we had hoped. However, Stephen promptly addressed the situation on our behalf, which was appreciated but did little to quiet the dogs unfortunately. He also provided firewood and helpful directions to the nearby river, which—even with the lower summer water levels—was a nice spot to enjoy.

N

Noam

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Thanktuary Retreat

Camped with two other groups at the site and didn't feel crowded. Bathroom was nice. Hot tub amazing. Great location. Recommend!

M

Mary

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Thanktuary Retreat

Pleasant stay. Quiet shaded campsite, clean restrooms and showers, convenient large sink for washing dishes. Didn’t use the hot tub because the weather was quite warm, but it looked nice..

S

Shiv

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Thanktuary Retreat

We had an amazing time camping here! The host was extremely friendly, very prompt in communication, and provided clear instructions that made everything smooth from the start. The location itself is absolutely beautiful and felt safe throughout our stay. The toilets were spotless, and there was access to clean water, which made things super convenient. Being right next to the Gualala River was a huge plus — it added a peaceful vibe and made the whole experience even more enjoyable. One of the highlights for us was stargazing at night. The sky was unbelievably clear, and it felt magical lying under a blanket of stars. Overall, this place checked all the boxes for us — safe, clean, scenic, and well-managed. We’ll definitely be coming back and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a relaxing and memorable camping experience. 🌟

Alex

July 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Lightworks ranch

Nice spot, lots of room, friendly camp host. Go to the river, that’s fun.

C

Carol

July 2025

Tent

2 nights at Thanktuary Retreat

Great place for my van. Place was quiet and clean. Loved the bathhouse and kitchen dish washing area behind. Close to town and ocean

J

Joel

July 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Lightworks ranch

Camp Meadow was a great experience, this has been the first time I have been camping in years and it was great. The creek was such a nice place to swim while it was hot during the day and the fire pit was perfect place to get warm in the early morning and late night when it got cold.

J

Jenny

July 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Lightworks ranch

We camped for two nights over the 4th of July weekend. One of the nights, it was only me, my boyfriend and our dog and it was so nice and quiet, besides the occasional passing vehicle. We loved having access to the creek. Our dog loved swimming and taking dips, the water was very clear and clean. We took walks along the creek a few times a day. Loved our site! Having shade was nice and the weather was perfect during our stay. Reminder to campers: Noise does travel. Some folks are here to enjoy the silence of nature. But other than that, the fellow campers were respectful. Overall, we enjoyed our experience. Thanks Stephen for being responsive and helpful. We'll be back!

S

Shay

June 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Lightworks ranch

Was a great spot! Shady Oaks is true to the name and offered a great spot for a late June camp. The creek is not even a 3 min walk away which we then hiked a couple miles down with our dog. The area is very clean and a hose for water is nearby. Very peaceful and the stars at night are great due to close to zero light pollution. Absolutely recommend!

R

Reed

June 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Thanktuary Retreat

Everything as advertised. Bathroom setup and hot tub are superb, very clean and well maintained. Would absolutely visit again!

kelly

June 2025

14 ft travel trailer

With kids

4 nights at Lightworks ranch

We stayed at Nature Camp and had a great time. This site had the most shade of the sites and was still only a few minutes walk to the river. It also had water and electricity on site. It was next door to where the camp host was staying but because of a large privacy fence, it felt very private. We really enjoyed our stay and would recommend it!

C

Chris

June 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Thanktuary Retreat

Was excellent. Quiet, plenty of space (though it didn’t hurt that we had the whole place to ourselves). Hit water, flushable toilets, hot showers, nice big sink to wash dishes. Very convenient, clean. We were in the Meadow campsite. 10 minutes to the ocean. Gualala a cool seaside town.

I

Isaac

June 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Thanktuary Retreat

Great spot to camp - room for a few nice flat pitches. Quiet at night so a perfect sleep and really nice toilet / shower block as well. Would recommend.

I

Irma

June 2025

15 ft travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Lightworks ranch

Very nice campsite, the whole family enjoyed it! The water was perfect.

m

mimi

May 2025

Tent

1 night at Lightworks ranch

This was a beautiful spot and we loved how easy it was to get to the river. Stephen’s step-by-step directions were clear and the entrance and campsite are well marked.

Diana

May 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Lightworks ranch

We had such a great time. We loved that there was a creek just behind the campsite; our kids spent hours playing. The outhouse was also very clean! We recommend this campsite! 🥰

C

Curtis

May 2025

30 ft travel trailer

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Lightworks ranch

Stephen is a very accommodating host as we have had to reschedule due to the forecast that weekend. Having infants, it was a bit cold for the evening. We still hope to stay soon