The best campgrounds near Ukiah, California with swimming

Looking for a camping experience near Ukiah, California where you can swim? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 900 options in the area that cater to swimming enthusiasts, you're bound to find the perfect spot. Whether you prefer a tent, RV, or cabin, there's something for everyone. Some top campsites to consider include Jug Handle Creek Farm (1479 reviews), Salmon Creek Ranch (1270 reviews), and Mendocino Magic (410 reviews). Prices start as low as $20 per night, with an average of $69. Popular amenities include toilets, showers, and trash facilities. And if you're looking for more than just swimming, you can also enjoy off-roading (OHV), surfing, and other activities in the area. Happy camping!

95% (7.2K)

Top-rated campgrounds

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

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

11. 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.

12. Navarro River Redwoods State Park

100%

(9)

11 sites · Albion, California

Meander through the eleven mile long redwood tunnel at this coveted park off of highway 128.

Potable water

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Otter Valley Farm

96%

(78)

22mi from Ukiah · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · Comptche, CA

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.

Thanktuary Retreat

96%

(115)

29mi from Ukiah · 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.

CAMPFIRE!

98%

(316)

29mi from Ukiah · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · 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! Please take a look at "some things to know" at the bottom! We have 4 different sites to choose from. 3 sites can accommodate recreational vehicles of different sizes and 1 site is just for tents. Pitch your tent under the redwoods, or in our lovely open area! Pick from one of our private zones nestled in the trees or the open space by our vertical Redwood carving! Large groups are welcome to book all 4 sites and have the property all to your self. Enjoy the cool shade of the redwoods all while being in the sunbelt just 4.5 miles from town of Mendocino! The property has tons of hang out spots! Eat lunch over at the picnic tables, stare up at the stars at our moon gazing bench, or hang out in our communal area, over by the campfire.. We also have an outdoor shower and kitchen sink area that are open to all. The property runs parallel with Mendocino state parks and has plenty of spots to explore! Our main goal is to make you feel at home! Some things to know; -The Mosquitos are starting to die down, but are still present depending on time of day.. We provide repellant over on the bar by the campfire if you need! -We provide garbage bins if you need, but please keep it light. Also- The property backs up to Jackson state forest, so please try to keep from throwing food waste in the garbage. The animals love it! -Cell service is very spotty onsite. -There is one communal fire pit. (NO fires at individual site) -Please remember “ pack it in pack it out” -We do our best to be good land stewards, please do the same. Thank you for your interest.

Oz Farm

99%

(283)

27mi from Ukiah · 77 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Point Arena, CA

Originally purchased in the late 60's by "Redwood and Savatri", Oz Farm was initially a commune of sorts and is no doubt a very special place...heck, its even got it's own comic book! Here you can pick your poison, as the property is comprised of 7 rustic cabins, redwood campsites, and geodesic domes that would make Buckminster Fuller proud. The working farm is comprised of over 230 accessible acres of flowing meadows, redwood groves, prime agriculture, and is intersected by the beautiful Garcia River, which flows into the mighty pacific. One thing that is very apparent, is how clearly passionate the community at Oz Farm is about ecology and agriculture. Once you step foot onto Oz Farm, you'll begin to understand why. The property is open seasonally and frequently rented by full-camp retreats and events throughout the summer. Individual cabins open to rent one month in advance and are advertised through instagram @villageozfarm

Many Moons Homestead

99%

(258)

29mi from Ukiah · 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.

Ocean-view Redwood Forest Glamping

97%

(77)

38mi from Ukiah · 18 sites · Lodging · CA

Welcome to Ocean Forest Retreat.Nestled on a ridge with a stunning ocean view, our retreat offers a serene escape amidst ancient redwoods. Surrounded by thousands of acres of tranquil forest and just minutes from the beach, this is the perfect place to unplug, breathe deeply, and reconnect with nature. We have four cozy and unique glamping cabins, each with its own charm. The Honeybear and Garden Cabins have French doors that open onto breathtaking forest views, glass door woodstoves, and decks provide the perfect spots to relax and unwind amidst nature. The Earth Cabin is nestled under the majestic redwoods, where you can craft your own culinary adventure with a clay firebrick oven—enjoy baking your own pizza in the heart of the forest! It's surrounded by a covered gathering area with earthen benches and a simple outdoor kitchen. The Redwood TreeCabin has French doors that lead out to a redwood deck, a loft, and a cozy atmosphere that feels like a treehouse. All cabins come with comfy queen beds, heaters for chilly nights, private outdoor fire pits, hammocks, and solar string lights to illuminate your own little corner of the magical forest. Enjoy stargazing without the glow of city lights! Each cabin has its own private outdoor hot shower under the canopy of redwoods and private composting toilets. The Earth Cabin also offers an outdoor bathtub, where you can soak under the stars. We're off the grid, so leave your devices behind and enjoy a digital detox. No WiFi or cell service means you can truly unplug and reconnect with nature and yourself. Ideal for meditation, yoga, and finding serenity in the peacefulness of the forest. We're just a 5 min. drive from Mackerricher State Park’s coastal trails, Ten Mile Beach, and Glass Beach, the Skunk Train, and Fort Bragg’s restaurants and cafes are only ten minutes away. You can spend your days exploring the coast, or simply soaking up the tranquility of our forest. Our cabins are cozy 10x12 spaces that comfortably fit two people. If you're traveling with friends or family, we welcome additional guests with a fee. Please inquire. Come join us at Ocean Forest Retreat and let the beauty of nature recharge your soul.

Red Wing Ranch

94%

(61)

33mi from Ukiah · 3 sites · Tents, Lodging · Willits, CA

This property is spectacular with views and great hiking! Learn more about this land: Imagine a place where the songs of red wing blackbirds fill the air. A place where you can see as far as the ocean to the west, the mountains of Humboldt County to the north, the Mendocino National Forest to the east, and the mountains of Sonoma County to the south. This is Red Wing Ranch. While staying at Red Wing Ranch you will have the opportunity to walk on a section of the original stagecoach road, canoe in our private pond, watch the sunset over the Pacific ocean, and star gaze from what feels like a private planetarium. This is perfect for artists, writers, yogis, and those seeking the tranquility of off grid living. We have 40 acres of land with beautiful hiking in every direction. Our campsites have a fire pit, picnic table, and access to an outdoor shower and outdoor kitchen! The accommodation includes staying in a 850 square foot wooden yurt with bamboo floors. The building has a wooden stove and propane wall heat. We also have a fridge, stove for cooking and propane wall heater inside the yurt. There is a futon that sleeps 2 plus a kids size bed, but please bring sleeping bags or bedding. You can also put up two tents next to the yurt for more sleeping. We have now added also an attached kitchen and bathroom to the yurt so we have an indoor shower and full kitchen! There is a detached bathroom with a maintenance free composting toilet and simple outdoor kitchen. You will have access to cooking utensils and cookware, camp stove, and fire pit. There is a solar system so you have access to electricity and wifi. The drive from Willits is 25 minutes, with only the last 5 minutes on a dirt road. You can do the drive in any car, unless the occasional snowy conditions. There is plenty of parking next to the yurt for easy unpacking.. To access the coast you do have to go back through Willits and use highway 20.

Redwood Forest Raven Haven

96%

(147)

27mi from Ukiah · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Albion, CA

Quiet, private campsites in the Redwoods. Raven Haven 1 has Easy back in from low traffic county road for small trailers and large RV's. Large, approximate 1/4 acre, mostly forested with nooks and crannies for private sleeping and tents. 2 large level areas. Raven Haven 2 is smaller and closer to my home, but still very private and quiet with more Foxes and Ravens. Great for tents, vans, and smaller RVs. Beautiful, instantly warming, fire safe propane fire pit provided for heat. Wood fire pit also available when it is safe. You must be self contained. Haul it in , haul it out, please. Water and electricity available. Many forest animals and Ravens living on the property. Your well behaved dog will not require a leash at Raven Haven 1. Sorry, due to the tiny goldfish pond, no dogs at Raven Haven 2, small well behaved dogs on leash is a possibility. Really great for campers wanting to relax in the Redwoods, not so great for loud partying. These are not party camps. It is in the forest so the mostly Redwood canopy provides some protection from the weather. Close to many beaches and parks. Albion is 7 miles south of Mendocino and 15 moles south of Fort Bragg. Thank You for your interest!

Public campgrounds near Ukiah

Chekaka Recreation Area and Campground (Lake Mendocino)

100%

(1)

Chekaka Recreation Area and Campground (Lake Mendocino)

4.1mi from Ukiah · 16 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mendocino Lake

Miti Boat-In Campground

5mi from Ukiah · 16 sites · in Mendocino Lake

86%

(7)

Kyen Campground

6.5mi from Ukiah · 101 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mendocino Lake

89%

(9)

Bushay Recreation Area and Campground

6.6mi from Ukiah · 137 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mendocino Lake

98%

(60)

Wildcat Campground

15mi from Ukiah · 88 sites · Tents, RVs · in Hendy Woods State Park

100%

(2)

Middle Creek Campground

16mi from Ukiah · 23 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mendocino National Forest

100%

(1)

Deer Valley Campground

19mi from Ukiah · 13 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mendocino National Forest

100%

(1)

Bear Creek Campground

23mi from Ukiah · 16 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mendocino National Forest

Cole Creek Campground

23mi from Ukiah · 138 sites · Tents, RVs · in Clear Lake State Park

88%

(4)

Kelsey Creek Campground

23mi from Ukiah · 82 sites · Tents, RVs · in Clear Lake State Park

88%

(4)

Upper Bayview Campground

23mi from Ukiah · 33 sites · Tents, RVs · in Clear Lake State Park

75%

(4)

Lower Bayview Campground

24mi from Ukiah · 18 sites · Tents, RVs · in Clear Lake State Park

Stories from the community

R

Ryan

1 week ago

With pets

2 nights at Meadow Farm & Forest

The Cozy Cabin is tiny and adorable - one of those rare properties that is actually exactly as described in its listing. We brought our dog and had a lovely stay. The bed is very comfortable, the cabin is well insulated, well spaced from other dwellings and campsites, the land around it is beautiful, and there are lots of stars to see on a clear night. Only noteworthy flaw was upon arrival: it was pretty tough to find our way in the dark. Arrive in the daylight if possible until they add clearer night-reflective signage and/or a detailed campsite map!

R

Robert

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Otter Valley Farm

Incredible stay, the host was warm and welcoming. Helped me find the right spot and checked on me the second day but otherwise left me to enjoy myself. I was at site 6 - great little area tucked away along the trees. Recommend to anyone that needs a place

G

Grace

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Jug Handle Creek Nature Center

Tent camping was so much fun. We lucked out on the weather and it was beautiful. Very quiet campsites. As well as great clean bathrooms!

J

Jessica

3 weeks ago

2 nights at Vineyard Camping at Bad Rat Ranch

Great little getaway spot. Full kitchen, comfy bed, and full bathroom. Great spot to listen to the rain.

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.

Lisa

3 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Coastal Ridge Cabin

Bon's place is a true delight! The cabin is cozy and comfortable and the property is filled with places to explore and be inspired. The kitchen is very well supplied with all the cookware you'll need to craft your culinary treats. This is where to come when you want space to just BE. Give yourself this gift and check out this exceptional property.

J

Jessica

3 weeks ago

4 nights at CAMP CAZ

Love the property! Had a peaceful and relaxing time. Would come back again!

C

Charlotte

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Baby Banana Slug Farm

My partner and I had an amazing time at Nathan’s camp ground. He was super welcoming and provided more than we could ask for. The tent ground came provided with a functional sink, a wooden table, and fire wood on site. Super nice area, with beautiful views all around it. We are looking forward to coming back here again one day with more of our friends. Best camping ever.

Katherine

November 2025

Tent

1 night at Jug Handle Creek Nature Center

Spacious sites with plenty of privacy between sites. Beautiful location. Clean and maintained flush toilets were a plus.

J

Jifu

November 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Pine Grove Cobb Resort

The cabin is such a cozy place. More than enough space for a couple to stay. My wife and I loved the place. Have to mention the whole camp community is quiet and beautiful, very friendly to dog. Our dog had a wonderful time there.

J

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Jug Handle Creek Nature Center

Usually camp sites are small and rarely provide plenty of room. We rented #7 for 8 people. Honestly, we could have set up 20 tents it is very large. It is flat, with two large tables, 1 pitfire, running water, and two modern restrooms with a sink, lovely, They offer free wood logs at the entrance of the camp. You are right there, walking distance to the beach on a trail, or you can visit the pine forest. The no-pets policy should be revisited; that is the reason I almost cancel. Restroom code is a good idea, but a surprise when you have no cell reception, it can be a challenge. We ultimately got our access code. Lastly, no one came to bug us, which made us feel comfortable. good quality campsite a few miles from Mendocino, beach etc

M

Martin

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Jug Handle Creek Nature Center

Jug Handle was exceptional. An historic farm turned conservation center, with trails from camp to the Pygmy Forest, was hard to beat. We enjoyed warm fires surrounded by tanbark oak. The campground is well maintained and is a must-stay if you are looking for a Mendocino getaway!

Madison

October 2025

With pets

3 nights at Coastal Ridge Cabin

I had a lovely, cozy stay at Bon's cabin. The location is perfect - 10 mins from Elk, 20 mins to Mendocino village, 25 mins to Philo - and the drive is stunning. The cabin itself is incredibly private and cozy with all the amenities, from a full kitchen, to an equipped bathroom, to comfy beds. Then there's the outdoor tub (!!!), wood-fired sauna, and pizza oven. Though Bon has provided space heaters, one of my favorite parts of my stay was keeping the cabin nice and warm with the wood stove. Truly a perfect fall getaway, I can't wait to come back!

L

Larry

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Jug Handle Creek Nature Center

The campground is clean and grassy, and quiet this time of year. The main draw for us is that the location is central to trailheads that lead right from the campground. You want to walk to rugged beaches Mendocino is known for? Less than a mile. You want to go to the fabulous Ecological Staircase, a self-guided walk in geological time. Less than 3 miles. It is not far from other state parks/beaches, and not far from Fort Bragg, now a tourist destination having non-chain restaurants of all kinds.

A

Alexis

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Heartwood Mendocino

Gorgeous location!! The cabin was perfect, cute, clean, and comfortable. It was a little stormy out but heated blankets on the bed made it a great place to stay cozy while listening to the rain patter onto the roof. Don't miss the outdoor redwood shower!

C

Chris

October 2025

30 ft Class A

With pets

Weekend Trip to Redwood Forest Raven Haven

Jackie was great host and her site was perfect. Quiet and had everything needed. Site was just as described and we would stay again. Easy to find and easy to access and park in a class a rv.

C

Carolynne

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Shangri-La

Beautiful and peaceful campsite, particularly the green yurt. Extremely serene forest, and beautiful trees and wildlife. The yurt and tub were clean and cozy, and the bathroom was perfectly stocked.

I

Ivonne

October 2025

With pets

2 nights at Foxfern Forest

Such a great place! It's a forest bath! It's peaceful, relaxing, calming, centering...a wonderful experience! Near to so many great beaches coastal walks/ hikes. Would definitely book again!!

V

Valerie

October 2025

Weekend Trip to spirit chicken ranch

This is an incredibly special place. The land itself is spectacular, with some of the most stunning views I’ve seen. Campsites are spread out and each very sweet. We bought out the whole place for a big group of families. Kids ranging from 2-10, and they couldn’t have been happier. And the amenities are the best! Chris has done such a nice job with the sauna house and outdoor shower and kitchen. Perfect gathering places. The coyotes, birds, and wild horses were wildlife highlights for us all. Stargazing is awesome as it’s far from most light pollution. Note that the road is rough and took us 35 mins in a truck, but our two kids who get carsick a lot were fine with a little Dramamine.