Lake Camping Near Shelter Cove, California, US: 12 Best Lake Campsites 2026

Looking to camp near Shelter Cove, California and prefer a lakeside experience? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 110 options in the area, you'll find the perfect spot to pitch your tent or park your RV right by the water. Average prices per night start at $69, with options as low as $20. For a top-notch experience, check out the highly rated campsites like Mendocino Magic (410 reviews), Shangri-La (287 reviews), and Lightworks Ranch (102 reviews). You'll have access to popular amenities like trash disposal, toilets, and potable water. Plus, you can enjoy activities such as exploring historic sites, biking, and wind sports. Happy camping!

98% (410)

Top-rated campgrounds near Shelter Cove

Looking to camp near Shelter Cove, California and prefer a lakeside experience? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 110 options in the area, you'll find the perfect spot to pitch your tent or park your RV right by the water. Average prices per night start at $69, with options as low as $20. For a top-notch experience, check out the highly rated campsites like Mendocino Magic (410 reviews), Shangri-La (287 reviews), and Lightworks Ranch (102 reviews). You'll have access to popular amenities like trash disposal, toilets, and potable water. Plus, you can enjoy activities such as exploring historic sites, biking, and wind sports. Happy camping!

98% (410)

Top-rated campgrounds near Shelter Cove

1. Mendocino Magic

94%

(849)

38mi from Shelter Cove · 167 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Mendocino Magic is a camping, fishing, wedding and outdoor events destination in inland Mendocino county, Northern California, just a few miles off Highway 101 in the heart of the Emerald Triangle. This unique sprawling 600-acre property is home to the largest privately-held reservoir in the North Coast region, perfect for swimming and catch &release fishing. We offer tent camping, RV & Car camping, luxe furnished tents, and cabins for your stay. Star gaze from the rolling hills of the Mendocino forest, kayak on our private Reservoir, and show off your BBQ skills with included campground amenities. Reserve your camp site early for the best availability. About half of our 2023 summer weekends are currently sold out. All Mendocino Magic Campers Enjoy the Following Amenities - Central Camp with tables, BBQ grills (propane provided), filtered water, and weekend propane fire dish run by staff. - Portapotty bathrooms with outdoor sinks. - Outdoor hot showers - Access to Holland Reservoir, our private lake, for swimming, boating, and catch and release fishing. Kayaks are available at the lake for no additional charge - first come, first served. No lifeguard on duty, bring your own life jackets if you need them. - Miles of hiking and biking trails through mountainous hillsides and scenic valleys. - Some of the best stargazing in Northern California with frequent meteor showers. - Camping supplies delivered to your camp site (for an additional charge), including cooler rentals, ice. Mackenzie manages the campground with a team of incredible people. In a world increasingly connected in the digital sense, we invite you to come up and get back to your roots, and connect with people the old fashioned way. Come join us for stargazing, paintball, fishing & swimming, weddings & outdoor events, and camping!

2. Shangri La

100%

(2)

46mi from Shelter Cove · 2 sites · Lodging

Nestled in the Mendocino wilderness the primountain retreat Shangri La …offers fabulous views, of the surrounding mountains ,central to the vista is Black Butte and the valley below on 300 acres of paradise.. Situated on the edge of the Mendocino National Wilderness this incredible gathering spot has many amenities included. There are two ponds on the property many hiking biking roads and trail’s, lovely landscaping and large open areas for camping. Included with the main camp is your own two story mountain cabana that can easily sleep 8-10 people comfortably. Under the living quarters is a fully stocked game room with cable bar and full sized pool table. The covered patio deck is perfect for lounging and and letting the breeze blow through. There is a nice outdoor BBQ zone with fully stocked indoor kitchen at arms reach as well. Nearby are the horseshoe pits and flat areas for tent camping. There is ample parking for your quads trailers and other toys. The driveway is rough for the first half and smooths out nicely once on the property. Be advised an SUV or similar is recommended although the owners would drive their Mercedes and other regular passenger cars up the 2.0 mile driveway to the retreat. Please get in touch about the local Covelo airport if you are a flyer concerning transportation to the property.

3. Sherwood Oasis

93%

(7)

45mi from Shelter Cove · 4 sites · Tents, RVs

Sherwood Oasis is at 2,700 ft. elevation on a ridge with panoramic views of Redwood forests to the Pacific Ocean (15 miles away) from southwest (Ft. Bragg) to northwest (Westport), and mountain views of the Coast range from the Yolla Bolly wilderness and Anthony Peak to the Northeast and southeast to Snow Mountain, Mt. Konocti, and Cobb Mountain near Clear Lake. Rolling ridgetop meadows and forests include a two-acre lake suitable for swimming, boating, and fishing. A rustic clubhouse with a large concrete patio, barbecue, and restroom provide room for larger groups. Property is bounded on 2 sides by a sprawling 6,000 acre ranch. A wide variety of wildlife are found here including deer, elk, coyotes, bobcats, otters, raccoons, and more rarely black bear and mountain lion. For birders, wild turkey, Golden and Bald Eagles, Red Tail and Kite Hawks, Osprey, Egrets, Great Blue Heron, Quail, Meadowlarks, Redwing Blackbirds, Ravens and many more can be seen. Dark sky vistas are perfect for stargazing with no city, house, or street lights visible providing excellent viewing conditions for meteor showers, comets. planets, moons, stars, galaxies and general astronomy. Most of the time the silence is deafening!

4. Sinkyone Wilderness State Park

97%

(36)

87 sites · Leggett, California

Hike the Lost Coast and take in the ethereal beauty of this California state park.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

5. Six Rivers National Forest

97%

(29)

281 sites · Hoopa, California

This park gets its rather self-descriptive name from the six beautiful rivers that flow through its borders, but don’t the name fool you. There is a lot more than just rivers to check out here. More than a million rambling acres of forest take you through foggy and mystical redwood landscapes. Further inland, miles of towering Douglas firs, glacial peaks, and hidden pools just wait to be discovered. Of course, the rivers are the main attraction. You can’t go two feet without tripping over a perfect swimming hole. After your dip, there are plenty of warm rocks to lay out on. Oh, and if the natural beauty doesn’t get you: this was the place where they first spotted Bigfoot. Yeah, the original footage that basically made everyone believe in the hairy bi-ped. That, on its own, is reason enough to check it out

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Toilets

Campfires

6. MacKerricher State Park

97%

(51)

206 sites · Cleone, California

The diversity of this park makes it extra special!

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Toilets

Campfires

7. Shasta-Trinity National Forest

93%

(137)

912 sites · Junction City, California

California’s largest national forest offers year-round outdoor adventures and diverse camping options.

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Toilets

Campfires

Public campgrounds near Shelter Cove

Jones Beach Camp

7.3mi from Shelter Cove · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sinkyone Wilderness State Park

Streamside Camp

7.8mi from Shelter Cove · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sinkyone Wilderness State Park

100%

(7)

Needle Rock Camp

8.1mi from Shelter Cove · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sinkyone Wilderness State Park

100%

(1)

Orchard Camp

10mi from Shelter Cove · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sinkyone Wilderness State Park

Railroad Camp

10mi from Shelter Cove · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sinkyone Wilderness State Park

100%

(1)

Bear Harbor Camp

11mi from Shelter Cove · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sinkyone Wilderness State Park

100%

(4)

Wheeler Camp

13mi from Shelter Cove · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sinkyone Wilderness State Park

100%

(5)

Little Jackass Creek Camp

15mi from Shelter Cove · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sinkyone Wilderness State Park

Fellow camper set up camp right on the bluff's edge. Most epic view from a camp site.

100%

(1)

Anderson Camp

16mi from Shelter Cove · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sinkyone Wilderness State Park

97%

(15)

Usal Beach Camp

18mi from Shelter Cove · 25 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sinkyone Wilderness State Park

75%

(4)

Mad River Campground

40mi from Shelter Cove · 25 sites · Tents, RVs · in Six Rivers National Forest

Fir Cove Campground

40mi from Shelter Cove · 14 sites · Tents, RVs · in Six Rivers National Forest

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

B

Bridget

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Mendocino Magic

Such a beautiful and peaceful property. I was lucky enough to have the place to myself, but even with people there, I presume the large layout, reservoir and walking trails spread everything out nicely.

K

Kate

August 2025

Tent

1 night at Mendocino Magic

Lots of wildlife, quiet and peaceful, Mackenzie’s a great host. I walked around the reservoir and plan to return again and spend at least another day so I can enjoy it even more.

Nathaniel and Pearl

July 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Mendocino Magic

This place is Magic.. The humans the make the space are epic. Truly a cosmic water hole. ❤️🙏

P

Prateek

July 2025

With pets

4 nights at Shangri La

A truly unforgettable mountain retreat. Perched high above, the property offers breathtaking views that inspire peace and reflection. Surrounded by nature, the area comes alive with humming bees, birdsong, and occasional wildlife visitors. It provides you with a perfect environment to disconnect from the noise of daily life and reconnect with the natural world. The host is exceptionally welcoming and caring, bringing warmth and thoughtful hospitality to every guest interaction. With a rich background in the culinary industry, the host shares stories and experiences that add a personal and memorable touch to the stay. An ideal escape for anyone seeking tranquility, natural beauty, and genuine hospitality. Highly recommended for those wanting to slow down and appreciate life’s simple pleasures.

R

Rick

July 2025

Tent

2 nights at Sherwood Oasis

Excellent, remote location when you want to get away from it all but still have amenities like a kitchen and grill area, clubhouse, etc. These sites are on a small lake/pond that you can float around on a paddle board or kayak. Bring everything you need, as the closest services are 14 miles away in Willits. Beautiful, peaceful, with a very kind, accommodating host - highly recommended.

J

Julia

June 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Mendocino Magic

I enjoyed the bell tent. It was very clean and cute in the interior. I loved the land and playing at the lake. It was incredibly peaceful. I’ll definitely be back! It was hot so enjoyable to spend time at the lake mostly. The staff was friendly, hospitable and welcoming.

Tina

June 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Sherwood Oasis

The Patio site was perfect for us, right near the bathroom and the pond. We were the only ones there for the night. The pond was perfect for paddleboarding. The African bullfrogs were plenty, along with water lillies and dragonflies. It was a wonderful stay in this beautiful little oasis.

A

Anthony

June 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Shangri La

We thoroughly enjoyed our one-night stay at Hanalee. The views overlooking the valley floor were absolutely breathtaking—truly million-dollar scenery. The accommodations were comfortable and well-appointed, with beautiful decks and plenty of cozy spots to relax and unwind. We loved the extra touches like the picnic table, horseshoe pit, and tranquil pond. The surrounding trails were perfect for hiking and exploring nature. In the evening, we had a fantastic bonfire under the stars, and the stargazing was unforgettable. Waking up to the sunrise from the deck, coffee in hand, was the perfect way to start the day. A truly special place—we only wish we could’ve stayed longer.

Anna

May 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Mendocino Magic

One of the best glamping experiences we've ever had! We stayed at a luxe tent with a real bed, so clean and cozy. The campground is huge, with trails to hike or bike, and a reservoir for kayaking, swimming or fishing. And it was also very convenient that they have a community kitchen with bbq grills. There were also hot showers, and water and soap by every bathroom. The staff was incredibly nice and helpful, we really enjoyed chatting with folks while making s'mores in the evenings! We were also super lucky to be there around the time when their friend, an astrophotographer Mich, had a telescope setup up the hill, telling campers about stars, astrophotography and showing us galaxies at night. That was so cool! We saw a huge meteor that day! Highly recommend this place for stargazing, they even plan a special event in August for Perseid meteor shower!

K

Katelyn

May 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Mendocino Magic

The best ever! We’ve been back to this campsite a handful of times and always love our experience. The site is clean, well shaded, and perfect for lake activities. We’ll always come back here and couldn’t recommended Cannon Ball and Mendocino Magic enough!