Camping near Mendocino
See rocky cliffs and fern-filled valleys in this charming seaside village.
95% (7215 reviews)
- Mendocino
95% (7215 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Mendocino
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12 top campgrounds near Mendocino
96%
(4896)
Jug Handle Creek Farm
20 sites · 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.
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CAMPFIRE!
4 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!
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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.
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$49
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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!"
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Raven's Landing - Mendocino Coast
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.
Please read the below before contacting us as most of the questions we receive are answered here:
FAQ's
• Are fires allowed? - No, Sorry. A fire ban in currently in effect.
• Are pets allowed? - Yes, on leash. Please clean up after your pet for everyone's enjoyment.
• Can you accommodate tents or car camping? - We require campers provide their own facilities, so a converted van, RV, pod or such with facilities is best.
• We are experienced wilderness campers with no trace skills, can we camp without facilities? - Sorry, no. Everyone must have their own potty. We do not have a shower, outhouse on site for campers.
• We have a camp stove, can we use it on the picnic table? - Yes, if someone is in full attendance at all times.
• Is the picnic table / fire pit area communal? / shared space? - YES!
• Are we allowed to explore the property? - Yes! We have trails, a beautiful labyrinth, a medicine wheel, some artsy installations and lots of natural beauty.
• How late can we arrive? - We ask that folks arrive before ten pm so they are set up for our 10 pm quiet time. This allows for all campers to enjoy their peace and time of rest. We have made special exceptions on a few occasions so please ask up front so we have an opportunity to see if it would work. Thank you for your consideration.
• How do I know which camp to choose? - Camp A is the only one with power and water, so if you need those, that's your best choice! Camp B is being phased out and will no longer be an option. Camp C is more private, tucked in the woods. All camp spots have wifi.
• How good it the wifi there? - Usually it's great.
• How good it the cell service? - The Mendocino Coast has wildly varied cell service, some places have no service while others it's great. We have installed a booster so we have better service than many. Wifi-based calling is the best.
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$45
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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!
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$70
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The 3 G Familia Farm
12 sites · RVs200 acres · Manchester, CA
This farm/ ranch had been in our family for nearly 100 years. During those years there have been events from farm bureau shows, rodeos, horse racing, barbecue events for functions, musical festival's, fund raisers, and tons of family fun. This property borders the Stornetta Lands which is a spectacular National Park. You'll find this destination a central hub for things to explore in this unchartered piece coastal area along mendocino county coast line.
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Waterfall Camp
5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Mendocino, CA
Welcome to Waterfall Camp.
Come enjoy your stay with us on our beautiful 5-acre property centrally located, its only 10 min to the village of Mendocino, 5 minute drive to Caspar beach and 10 min to the town of Fort Bragg.
Nestled on the edge of the Redwoods and Pygmy Forest, adjacent to Russian Gulch State Park. The property has private access into park which consists of many miles of beautiful Redwood trails,the trail to the waterfall, biking trails along with a trail that leads straight to the ocean.
Come and relax around your private campfire and cook over the open flames or treat yourself to fine dining in Mendocino or Fort Bragg, the experience is at your fingertips.
From camping under the stars to hiking and biking through the redwoods or kayaking up Big River, come let the Mendocino coast show you what it’s all about.
Our goal is to make you feel right at home.
Each of our three sites has a redwood deck with a sink and food prep space, potable water, remote solar lighting, picnic table, smokeless fire pit and grill, firewood, level parking area and tent pad.
One of the three sites can accommodate a 25’ trailer.
There is a beautiful redwood bathhouse with two outdoor showers and two flushing toilets.
All water onsite is potable so make sure to top off before your day of adventuring.
There is a horseshoe pit, cornhole, and badminton set for fun under the sun.
All sites are a two min walk to the State Park trails and 5 min ride to Jackson state forest bike trails. It's about a half hour walk to the beautiful waterfall from our property.
Large Groups are welcome to book all three sites with two additional RV locations. Also we have a fully stocked westfalia camper van to glamp in if your wanting to pack light for the weekend.
We hope to make your stay with us a memorable and fun experience.
Shay & Liz
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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.
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Thanktuary Retreat RV-Tent Site
8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · 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.
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Otter Valley Farm
8 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Comptche, CA
Otter Valley Farm sits in a sunny valley cradled by redwood forest. On one side of the property we host serene campsites nestled under the redwoods and on the other we run a small farm, garden and homestead with a menagerie of animals. We enjoy many warm sunny days in summer, with occasional foggy mornings. Fall and spring are both pleasant with a combination of sun, clouds and rain. Colder winters are moderated by coastal influence and California climate.
Relax at camp, in the meadow or enjoy many nearby activities for kids and adults alike. Just 2.5 hours north of the Bay Area, the farm is near many local hiking trails amongst the world's tallest trees. We are a 30 min drive to the town of Mendocino and the many treasures of the Northern California Coast, including majestic beaches, fresh fish, whale watching, paddle boarding, kayaking, surfing, hiking, hot springs etc. A drive of equal distance inland will take you to Anderson Valley, home of Hendy Woods State Park and a mecca for cider and wine tasting.
Be advised that this is a working farm and there is an echo in the valley. While it is peacefully quiet most of the time, you may hear some daytime farm activity. We also have a guard dog who moves around with our flock of sheep and goats. She barks regularly after dark and when she perceives a potential predator. Please do not touch or enter the electric fences that contain the livestock. Do not try to pet or feed the livestock.
***There is no cell service on or within 15 minutes of our property. Wifi and a landline phone are available to campers in case of emergencies.
**Pets must be kept on a leash at all times! For the safety of everyone including your pets, our dogs, and the various livestock on the farm, we can't allow any pets off leash.
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Glynraven Gardens
8 sites · Lodging, Tents200 acres · Hopland, CA
This is a fully operational legal cannabis farm in the mountains of Mendocino County, overlooking beautiful wine country. There are
5 full time residents living and caring for the farm that also includes an organic fruit orchard and veggie garden.
The owner, Antler bought the property 20 years ago, and has lived full time her for 12 years.
Antler has a vision for this communal farm to be a place for artists and others to come and create freely. As you explore this property you will see where his vision has come into play with many artists leaving their mark on this beautiful land in many forms.
If you're looking to be inspired and get away from the usual and mundane... then this is the place to come. Many people have said this land holds some kind of special magic and there isn't anything like it.
Antler is always excited to share the story of this land, so feel free to ask questions when you see him around!
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Camping near Mendocino 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.
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