- Mendocino National Forest
The best camping in Mendocino National Forest, CA
91% (34)
Camper favorites near Mendocino National Forest
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Eden
4 days ago
With pets
Even though the temps were a bit chilly at night, we stayed warm and comfortable! Kristina's communication was excellent and everything was as it was described. We ended up just getting dinner in town since it's so close and direct more time exploring the area.
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Tim
1 week ago
20 ft Class B
Loved my night stay here! Made friends with the pigs and cats. Apples off the tree in the morning! Very peaceful and quiet! Mark was an excellent host.
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Kinny
3 weeks ago
With pets
The golden bowl was perfect for my partner and I. Due to daylight savings time, we never met the host, but they were super accommodating and lovely to message with. Kind size bed was comfy. Blankets were super warm, so no heater was needed (there is not electricity). This spot is closer to camping with luxuring than glamping with all the extras. We didn't use the outdoor kitchen area but imagine it is super useful. My rav4 had no problem getting down the hill to our tent. This tent seems much more secluded than the other two on this property, so that's good to know for other potential people staying! We so sorry appreciate an affordable place to sleep, as everyone does not have $$$ that is trying to travel. Location was great to get to willits, the coast, and we stopped at orr hot springs on our way there - all within a reasonable distance for folks like us who are used to driving to get anywhere! I didn't bring my dog but always appreciate pet friendly spots :) I would come back!
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Avik
November 2025
With pets
Kristina was great with communication before she dried by to show me where everything was after I arrived. The sure has an excellent tent and bed setup.. way more than I expected. And the patio and grill/stove setup just made it a very comfy time.
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Mike
October 2025
Tent
This place may not be for everyone, but for two dual sport motorcycle campers shut out of “normal” campgrounds due to the government shutdown, it was perfect. Kind of a steampunk vibe with lots of concrete and steel, with a view of the Stony Gorge Reservoir spillway. It is central to some fantastic motorcycle riding.
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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.
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Amy
October 2025
18 ft campervan
With pets
One of the best camping experiences I’ve had. Super quiet, beautiful vineyard, friendly hosts.
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Tyler
October 2025
10 ft campervan
With pets
Great property, great folks. Would recommend this stay if you’re in the area. Close to county and state parks, near the city, and beautiful stars at night!
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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.
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Sebastian
October 2025
Tent
Group trip
Huge area to choose a spot to camp. Plenty of trees for hammock camping and lots of flat area for tents. Common area was super cool with a HOT outdoor shower. Shower does have walls that cover your torso and stuff, but it's not completely enclosed. Shared kitchen facilities, fridge, freezer, etc. all pretty top notch for a hipcamp spot. Two flush toilets in a shed structure with a lockable door. Would love a sink in there :)
Super, super friendly and hospitable hosts.
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Tyler
October 2025
10 ft campervan
With pets
Great place; great people! Cool animals and property.
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David
October 2025
11 ft travel trailer
The site was a very, very private and beautiful setting next to a very old oak tree. The site had no amenities except a pretty old picnic table. But honestly for the price to be able to just take my little trailer and just pop inside and go to bed and feeling safe because I was on a property that was behind a locked gate., I couldn’t have asked for much more.
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Bridget
October 2025
Tent
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.
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Luis
October 2025
Tent
This wonderful farm has plenty of apple trees and it looks great at this time of year. Lots of apples and the farm animals are greeting you in the morning. Such a beautiful place to be!
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Nikki
October 2025
Tent
We had such a lovely time at Lucky Penny, and it was so beautiful even at the end of the season! Hillary was a wonderful host and surprised us with fresh brewed coffee in the morning. We will definitely be back. Highly recommend
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Hezzyl
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Ariana Acres
Staying at Golden Bowl is a lovely way to get out of the city and disconnecting from electricity for a weekend. You can see the stars without all the light pollution it was beautiful. Had a lovely romantic night by the campfire. And our favorite part is spending time in the kitchen area making meals and enjoying the fire!
Kristina was great being there when we arrived to show us around. She even helped getting wood for the fireplace. The tent was decorated lovely and really felt outdoorsy.
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Carrie
October 2025
20 ft campervan
Cute place. Felt super safe and loved having all the animals around. Stargazing was amazing here as well. Thank you for accommodating us on super short notice!!
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Luis
October 2025
Tent
Awesome as always. Thank you Mark! This is a beautiful farm and wonderful natural place.
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James
October 2025
15 ft Class C
Fantastic area, safe to be located in. The farm was cute and the directions are clear enough.
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Furkan
October 2025
Tent
If you're looking for a quiet place to rest before a Thunderhill day, this is it. Awesome hosts, level spot, really cute dogs around and even got to hand feed ducks at the pond. Highly recommend.
See moreTop public campgrounds in the park
Stay at a public campground in Mendocino National Forest
Top-rated campgrounds
The best camping in Mendocino National Forest, CA guide
Overview
About
Despite covering nearly 1 million acres, not a single paved road or highway crosses through Mendocino National Forest. Rugged and wild, with four designated wilderness areas, there’s plenty of room for outdoor adventures. Hikers, bikers, and horseback riders have more than 250 trails to explore, and a wide network of trails exist for off-highway vehicles. Boaters, swimmers, and anglers can take advantage of five rivers, dozens of lakes, and hundreds of ponds and creeks. Hang gliding, hunting, and wildlife spotting are also popular. With more than 40 developed campgrounds, and nearly the entire forest open for dispersed camping, there are plenty of options for campers.
Notable campgrounds
- Best for boaters and lake access: The Fuller Grove Campground offers easy access to Lake Pillsbury, the park’s biggest lake, and several boat ramps.
- Best for anglers and swimmers: The Letts Lake Campground is right by a popular fishing pier and swim beach.
- Best for OHV riders: The Middle Creek Campground is situated close to a large network of OHV trails.
Tips for snagging a campsite
- All regular campgrounds, other than Sycamore Grove, are first-come, first-served. Arrive early to grab a site.
- If traveling in a group, book a group campsite ahead of time, which can be reserved up to 12 months in advance.
- Check on seasonal opening and closing dates, which vary by campground.
When to go
Summer is the most popular time for recreation and camping in the forest, with most campgrounds and trailheads accessible between May and October. Expect road closures for rain, mud, and snow over the winter. Visit in the spring and summer to see dazzling displays of wildflowers in the canyons and mountain meadows, especially in the Yuki Wilderness. Keep an eye out for bald eagles from October through August.
Know before you go
- Fire permits are required outside of developed campgrounds. Permits are also required for mushrooms, pinecones, firewood, and Christmas trees.
- Wilderness areas are limited to travel by foot, horseback, or wheelchairs. Bicycles and other mechanized equipment are not permitted.
- Bring extra water if exploring the Snow Mountain Wilderness in the summer, as good water sources are very limited.
- OHVs must have highway licenses or a current green or red sticker and all riders must wear helmets.
- Fishing licenses are required for anyone 16 or over in California.
Nearby attractions
- Explore the wonders of camping near Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument, where nature meets adventure. Filled with diverse wildlife and scenic beauty, Berryessa Snow Mountain camping offers unforgettable stargazing experiences and exhilarating hiking trails. It's truly a camper's paradise!
- Step into a world of awe-inspiring coastal wilderness by camping near King Range National Conservation Area. With its dramatic landscapes, towering peaks, and endless ocean views, your King Range camping journey is sure to be a soul-stirring experience.
91%
34 ratings · 27 reviews
Mixed feelings
· September 2025
Pretty unorganized. I didn’t really care I just used it as a place to crash after hiking in the redwoods. If your looking for twenty minutes away and you don’t really care about amenities sure
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Kory B.
5 reviews
July 2023
Do not go on this road, road dropped 3 feet down then 10 feet down. Had to turn around with our group. 7.7.23
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Tee S.
2 years on Hipcamp
August 2020
Have stayed here many times over the last decade. The group campgrounds/cabins are an affordable and delightful stay. All grounds are well kept. Showers are hot and bathrooms are locked! Right on the river but no view from campsites.
Karen H.
9 years on Hipcamp
July 2020
I have been camping at Letts Lake for 20 years and going up there last weekend was tough. It was the first time it's been opened since the Ranch/Mendocino Complex fire in 2018. Even though I knew it was burned badly, I was still shocked to see it in person. The trees in the campgrounds were mostly saved but the ones around the lake didn't fare so well. The lake was still clear, refreshing and beautiful.
Sandy L.
8 years on Hipcamp
June 2020
There are 6 spacious sites here. There is one toilet which was clean except for a bunch of flies inside. There is no water/garbage service. The growth around the sites are not well maintained but the tables & fire rings are in good condition. There was also lots of chopped wood. The area is very peaceful & we only saw one truck, which did not stop, the several hours we were there. We did not get a good vibe here, I'm not one of those people that "feels peoples energy" or anything... it just felt uneasy despite the visual peacefulness. We heard some crazy noises which we now realize was probably mountain lions. Our dog was also very uneasy and on alert, it just felt off so we packed up and moved on rather than stay the night.
Jen T.
5 years on Hipcamp
May 2020
We arrived Friday night and all the sites were taken so we ended up going rogue and camping on a nearby hill. It ended up being a great decision as the campground was quite loud with all the bikers. We walked to Letts lake, which is still closed, not sure if because of the fire or covid, but we walked around the lake and saw river otters in the lake!! The temp was perfect for a quick dip too! The next day we did a hike at the deafy glade trailhead. It was beautiful, lots of burned trees and mosquitos, but worth it for the amazing view after only 1 hour of hiking.
Zee L.
5 years on Hipcamp
September 2019
This campground took some time to get to because the main road was washed out, but we were the only people there for the whole Labor Day weekend. The mosquitos and flies were annoying, but the campground was beautiful and the lake/pond was very picturesque.
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Morgan F.
6 years on Hipcamp
May 2018
So I tried to find my way there last year and almost got my giant 4x4 trapped in a creek that was crossing the road in! It's a fairly rigorous National Forest road...if you aren't used to backcountry driving, make sure you bring a 4wd with high clearance...and make sure you check the ranger station at the park entrance to check road closures (I didn't, hence the creek scare.) I ended up driving all the way back home after that, finding no camping at nearby Lake Mendocino! Learn from my stupid mistakes :D
Melissa G.
8 years on Hipcamp
July 2017
While Lett's lake is quite picturesque, the drive there from SF is 3.5 hours IF you don't hit traffic or stop to get gas or something to eat. Coupled with the fact that you can't make reservations and potentially not getting a spot, it's tough to commit to making the trip. The nearest store is 45 minutes away and is a small general store. You can get ice and water if you don't have enough. Someone said there was blue-green algae in the lake this year. Not sure if that's true or not but I did hear that from another camper.
Sandy L.
8 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2017
a river runs across the road entering the campground- our vehicles couldn't make it across!
Jessica P.
9 years on Hipcamp
May 2017
This place is cool if you can snag a spot. The best tip is to pull into the fist open spot you see because they fill up fast on the weekends.
Wake up early and take a short 1.2 mile hike around the lake. There are a few rope swings here and there so go find them. The sites on the lake are nice, but there are a few loops so keep your eye out for a spot.
The vault toilets were a little smelly and hopefully your spot isn't super close to one. It's $12 per night. There are no motorized boats allowed on the lake.
Katie M.
9 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2017
Bring your bike. Everyone else does lol
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Pat W.
8 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2017
My family loves to come here to camp, a first come first serve facility with a lake for swimming, fishing and non-motorized boating. Highly recommend!
Luana B.
8 years on Hipcamp
December 2016
Hotspot for OHVs so if you're seeking a backcountry vibe probably not the best since you're in the middle of a well developed OHV network. Nice warm campground on the ridge, definitely a favorite for early season camping.
Gregory B.
9 years on Hipcamp
December 2016
Nice campsites, stayed here late spring and had still had some snow on the ground. Probably one of the more "modernized" campgrounds I have seen here.
Gregory B.
9 years on Hipcamp
December 2016
Nice campsite in the boondocks. Down in a hollow so gets cold early in the season.
Gregory B.
9 years on Hipcamp
December 2016
Beautiful location above the Eel River right on the edge of the Mendocino National Forrest. I would stay here to break up a drive but consider there to be nicer more secluded campsites deeper in the forrest.
Gregory B.
9 years on Hipcamp
December 2016
Lett's Lake is a beautiful lake chuck full of feisty largemouth bass right on the edge of the Mendocino National Forrest (MNF). Spring camping is nice, bug free, though too cold to swim, and summer camping though more buggy with mosquitos and yellow jackets lends itself to the full lakefront camping experience. My favorite trip is to enter MNF from stonyford, spend 2 nights at Lett's Lake with my little inflatable boat, rod, and soft plastics, then drive out on m10 across bear creek to M1 then down to Upper Lake for lunch at the Blue Wing Saloon.
Gregory B.
9 years on Hipcamp
July 2016
As far as developed campgrounds go, Bear Creek is pretty secluded. There are about 16 well dispersed sites, two vault toilets, and no garbage service or running water (although you could filter / boil water from the creek). There is no phone signal and you have to cross a creek to get to the campground. 4WD high clearance vehicles recommended. A decent rain would likely render the creek / road impassible. Our site had two picnic tables, was isolated from the other sites, had lots of shade, and was right on the creek. A fine retreat from the Mendocino heat. The area is popular with OHV recreation, so don't expect 100% silence. The Snow Mountain Wilderness and accompanying trailhead is also nearby.
Dylan P.
11 years on Hipcamp
September 2015
It was a small nook of campsites in the middle of the forest.
Quiet, and very beautiful. Wish I could have stayed longer.
Aimee T.
10 years on Hipcamp
August 2015
Great spot! We originally planned on camping at Letts Lake, but found the CG way too crowded and cramped. Drove just a few miles to Mill Valley to find a quiet spacious spot. Spent 2 fun and sun filled days at the lake and had a peaceful spot to relax after.
Karissa B.
10 years on Hipcamp
July 2015
Cheap and pretty remote, you can bring a large loud group here and have the valley pretty much to yourself. It gets really hot and sunny during summer days, so head to much cooler Lett's Lake during the daytime. There IS a working drinking water spigot
Sarah N.
10 years on Hipcamp
April 2015
There are a ton of amazing trails here for OHV, quads, dirt bikes, etc. Some of the campgrounds I drove through seemed like they wouldn't be as fun if you weren't partaking in the fun, mostly filled with RV trailers towing bikes etc.
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Hipcamper
10 years on Hipcamp
March 2015
Fishing in Mendocino National Forest is pretty sweet. You’ll find tons of trout!
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Hipcamper L.
10 years on Hipcamp
March 2015
Challenging and exciting whitewater rivers will make for an unforgettable weekend adventure.
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Hipcamper
10 years on Hipcamp
March 2015
There is an amazing geological formation called the Crabtree Hot Springs, which, unfortunately is closed to the public… (Sorry to get your hopes up)
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Hipcamper
10 years on Hipcamp
March 2015
This is a camper’s heaven! You’ll definitely feel at peace being away from huge crowds and road noise. How good does it feel to hear nothing but nature? Especially if you’re camping in the backcountry (we recommend it).
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Hipcamper
10 years on Hipcamp