The best star host camping near Mendocino

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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.

98% (5.8K) 129 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Mendocino

2. R.V Site Full Hookups/Hubcap Ranch

98%
(57)
12mi from Mendocino · 1 site · RV
Hubcap ranch is located under the redwoods. Sorry no tent camping! Experience the campsite inland from the town of Mendocino. Go to the beach go hiking or shop in town. Visit the farm animals such as chickens and goats in the farm yard.Hike in Montgomery Woods and see the big trees or just relax under the trees. Firehouse park has swings for kids to enjoy also Also the water system is gravity feed spring so please conserve!! Please try to conserve heat and air conditioning if possible. If you have a big rig it is best to back in from the road if possible, thank you! We will help you into the site!! 40 acres to hike and bring your animals just stay on the road or path thank you. PLEASE DONT TAKE Orr Springs Road from Ukiah you will be sorry!! WINDY AND NOT R.V COMPATIBLE FOR R.V'S Wifi calling at site but last cell service is about 30 minutes away IN MENDOCINO OR BOONIVILLE Farm stand is seasonal. We have eggs, jam and pickles only when they are in production. This time of year eggs are slowed down will pick you in summer.
Pets
Full hookups
from 
$52
 / night

3. Otter Valley Farm

96%
(80)
13mi from Mendocino · 8 sites · Tents, RVs
Otter Valley Farm sits in a sunny valley cradled by redwood forest. Across the valley from camp we run a small farm with a menagerie of animals. In spring and summer, we enjoy many warm sunny days, with occasional foggy mornings. 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 hiking trails amongst the world's tallest trees. We are a 30 min drive to the town of Mendocino and the treasures of the North 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. Meadow Car Camp: Park a car or bring your van, RV, camper, or trailer to this serene spot in the open sunny meadow next to the redwoods. RV’s and campers must be self-sufficient. No hookups available and no generators allowed. Redwood Walk-In Tent Sites: Pitch your tent in the serenity of the towering redwoods looking out onto the sunny peaceful meadow. Redwood camp is situated in a grove of redwoods containing multiple tent sites. These are walk-in sites with easy unloading, no more than 50 feet from your car. Tent campers must park in the parking area between the sign board and porta-potty. There is a communal area for all campers with a water spigot, picnic table/bear box, and porta-potty near our info signboard and parking area. 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 who barks regularly after dark and when she perceives a potential predator. **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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$45
 / night

5. Comptche Matrix @ Sunny-land

98%
(62)
17mi from Mendocino · 8 sites · Tents, Lodging
Over the years, this town has attracted artists, musicians, writers and wine lovers from all over the world in search for inspiration. Here, you can explore Mendocino County's exquisite State Parks such as Montgomery Woods with giant redwoods (20 min drive). Orr Hot Springs (25 min), enjoy restaurants, coastal landscapes (Hwy 1 , 40 min away) , hiking trails along the headlands & beaches (40 min away), wineries (Anderson Valley 30 min) also hike the pygmy forests nearby in Little River. Fishing and whale watching too out of Ft. Bragg. Ca. Sunnyland is a VERY REMOTE AND RURAL location. We are an off grid solar homestead. Beautiful redwood grove campsites and views for miles. Stargazing and no light pollution. Meteor showers are the best here! Hiking trails all over the property, hundreds of different wild mushrooms. Bird watching, hearing ravens and hawks right here at our place making for an extra special vibe. We have two very friendly Great Pyrenees, 2 cats, 5 ducks and 10 chickens. Fresh farm eggs available. These animals are all located near the house, and not near the campsites. Directions: Please contact me for specific instructions on how to get here ahead of your arrival time. Feel free to reach out the day before for directions also. If you are coming from Ukiah, reach out to me there. Or if coming from the coast please reach out to me from Mendocino area since service is very unreliable shortly after both of those towns. Please check in before dark or contact me before for detailed directions. Drive slowly and respectfully for all neighbors and campers. Follow your Bliss.... Kids are absolutely welcome. CELL SERVICE IS SPOTTY. Wifi is available here up at the main house if needed. Water is available at the main house. Campsites are private.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$27
 / night

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.

98% (5.8K) 129 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Mendocino

2. R.V Site Full Hookups/Hubcap Ranch

98%
(57)
12mi from Mendocino · 1 site · RV
Hubcap ranch is located under the redwoods. Sorry no tent camping! Experience the campsite inland from the town of Mendocino. Go to the beach go hiking or shop in town. Visit the farm animals such as chickens and goats in the farm yard.Hike in Montgomery Woods and see the big trees or just relax under the trees. Firehouse park has swings for kids to enjoy also Also the water system is gravity feed spring so please conserve!! Please try to conserve heat and air conditioning if possible. If you have a big rig it is best to back in from the road if possible, thank you! We will help you into the site!! 40 acres to hike and bring your animals just stay on the road or path thank you. PLEASE DONT TAKE Orr Springs Road from Ukiah you will be sorry!! WINDY AND NOT R.V COMPATIBLE FOR R.V'S Wifi calling at site but last cell service is about 30 minutes away IN MENDOCINO OR BOONIVILLE Farm stand is seasonal. We have eggs, jam and pickles only when they are in production. This time of year eggs are slowed down will pick you in summer.
Pets
Full hookups
from 
$52
 / night

3. Otter Valley Farm

96%
(80)
13mi from Mendocino · 8 sites · Tents, RVs
Otter Valley Farm sits in a sunny valley cradled by redwood forest. Across the valley from camp we run a small farm with a menagerie of animals. In spring and summer, we enjoy many warm sunny days, with occasional foggy mornings. 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 hiking trails amongst the world's tallest trees. We are a 30 min drive to the town of Mendocino and the treasures of the North 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. Meadow Car Camp: Park a car or bring your van, RV, camper, or trailer to this serene spot in the open sunny meadow next to the redwoods. RV’s and campers must be self-sufficient. No hookups available and no generators allowed. Redwood Walk-In Tent Sites: Pitch your tent in the serenity of the towering redwoods looking out onto the sunny peaceful meadow. Redwood camp is situated in a grove of redwoods containing multiple tent sites. These are walk-in sites with easy unloading, no more than 50 feet from your car. Tent campers must park in the parking area between the sign board and porta-potty. There is a communal area for all campers with a water spigot, picnic table/bear box, and porta-potty near our info signboard and parking area. 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 who barks regularly after dark and when she perceives a potential predator. **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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$45
 / night

5. Comptche Matrix @ Sunny-land

98%
(62)
17mi from Mendocino · 8 sites · Tents, Lodging
Over the years, this town has attracted artists, musicians, writers and wine lovers from all over the world in search for inspiration. Here, you can explore Mendocino County's exquisite State Parks such as Montgomery Woods with giant redwoods (20 min drive). Orr Hot Springs (25 min), enjoy restaurants, coastal landscapes (Hwy 1 , 40 min away) , hiking trails along the headlands & beaches (40 min away), wineries (Anderson Valley 30 min) also hike the pygmy forests nearby in Little River. Fishing and whale watching too out of Ft. Bragg. Ca. Sunnyland is a VERY REMOTE AND RURAL location. We are an off grid solar homestead. Beautiful redwood grove campsites and views for miles. Stargazing and no light pollution. Meteor showers are the best here! Hiking trails all over the property, hundreds of different wild mushrooms. Bird watching, hearing ravens and hawks right here at our place making for an extra special vibe. We have two very friendly Great Pyrenees, 2 cats, 5 ducks and 10 chickens. Fresh farm eggs available. These animals are all located near the house, and not near the campsites. Directions: Please contact me for specific instructions on how to get here ahead of your arrival time. Feel free to reach out the day before for directions also. If you are coming from Ukiah, reach out to me there. Or if coming from the coast please reach out to me from Mendocino area since service is very unreliable shortly after both of those towns. Please check in before dark or contact me before for detailed directions. Drive slowly and respectfully for all neighbors and campers. Follow your Bliss.... Kids are absolutely welcome. CELL SERVICE IS SPOTTY. Wifi is available here up at the main house if needed. Water is available at the main house. Campsites are private.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$27
 / night

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The best star host camping near Mendocino guide

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.