- Mendocino National Forest
The best RV parks in Mendocino National Forest, CA
91% (34)
Minimal pavement and plenty of forest and wilderness ensure a rugged and wild outdoor experience.
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Read millions of real reviews from campers like you—so you know what to expect.Top-rated campgrounds near Mendocino National Forest
Eucalyptus Forest & Mountain Views
Eucalyptus Forest & Mountain Views
95%
(39)
15mi from Mendocino National Forest · 31 sites · Tents, RVs
Eucalyptus Forest and Mountain Views on an old lumber mill property. Catch and release fishing available in the pond. Join us in the nightly feeding of the ducks.
from
$40
/ night
Higher Grounds
Higher Grounds
91%
(16)
30mi from Mendocino National Forest · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Located in Dos Rios California! Where the Eel flows North 70 miles creating a river vortex that returns back to the river confluence. A rarity in the Northern hemisphere. An awesome location for a mountain retreat with excellent views from camp as well as views of the lovely Eel River from the top of the property. Easily accessible from Hwy 101 only 13 miles along the Covelo Road Hwy 162 to Dos Rios. Where the Eel and Russian rivers converge. From Dos Rios and the River it is a 2 mile scenic drive along the Dos Rios Laytonville Road to the property., The entry is right off the main Road.
The road continues on and makes a northbound loop and meets the Hwy 101 at Laytonville. The road is well maintained and any vehicle can travel the 9 mile trip which takes about 30 minutes driving moderately.
This area offers great mountain biking, days on the river, hikes along the new designated state hiking trail along the Dos Rios railroad tracks.
Trips to the Mendocino National Forest, bird watching and wildlife in general to see, there are many indigenous species in this microclimate of two rivers.
Many backroads and adventures to travel and have.
Currently able to host two large sites and up to 10 visitors. The Eel River is only five minutes down the road with dozens of glorious swimming holes.
Water hookup
Pets
from
$64
/ night
Websters Farm
Websters Farm
91%
(234)
30mi from Mendocino National Forest · 7 sites · Tents, RVs
My dad bought the farm in 1974 and it used to be a working dairy and sheep farm. My dad passed away while cutting our 6 acre oat field on mothers day 2003, our little farm started to break down. We have been working on it to bring it back to life and I hope to have it up and running strong again. Sadly I just lost my mother on Aug 6th and my father Aug 13th. Alot of loss but hopefully i can have a garden soon to offer more options for our guests.
Learn more about this land:
Our farm is 3miles west of town within 10 miles to Black Butte lake for fishing, boating, hiking, and even disk golf. Right off of I-5 by a Pilot travel center. 4496 county road DD and also shows as Orange grove ave on some GPS maps. Public pool 3miles(1pm-5pm, water arobics Tue and Thur 6-7pm $2, family night Tue and Thur 730-9pm June-Aug) as well as shopping and dining within 3miles. Great sunset and area to roam for a bike ride or walk in the country in our little hick town with only about 8000 population. It is very likely you will hear animals so if your a light sleeper you may want ear plugs. Chickens crow and roam, cows bellow from all sides, and dogs bark and welcome guests. No trespassing signs are for hunters and people that DO NOT have permission to be here. Driveway is rough and we are working on getting it fixed asap so please take your time coming up. There is FIELD roaches you may see soon after we irrigate, they are bigger then the nasty cockroach but harmless. The wind can be rough at times up here on our lil hill so be prepared with extra rope to tie down and secure if your in a tent, also park vehicle to help block from wind and driveway. It does get up into the high 100°s here during the summer so it would be good to have shade or plan to keep cool during the hottest parts of the day. The toilet is a outhouse with solar lights and does not flush, there is shavings to drop when done. Longer stays are best done at sites 4 and 5 further from the driveway. Quick stops just to sleep are best at 1 and 2. Rainy weather only sites 5, 6 and 1 are usable sadly.
Pets
from
$20
/ night
Jackrabbit Ranch
Jackrabbit Ranch
94%
(68)
36mi from Mendocino National Forest · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Once a remote cattle range and now a ranch and hermitage ranging from 900' to 2800' in elevation over 590 acres of glorious land, most of it untouched by human hands. Wild windblown oak meadows, pine forests and wildflowers, mud and greenery in winter to a lovely dry golden bronze in summer with access to the North Fork of the Eel River if you have 4wd, AWD, horse or a quad of your own to ride. Sites run from car access to 4wd and even quad access only, all of them rustic and primitive perfect for folks who really want a change from technology. Phone service generally will *not* work on site. Prepare to unplug.
Pets
from
$75
/ night
Lucky Penny Laytonville
Lucky Penny Laytonville
99%
(183)
37mi from Mendocino National Forest · 9 sites · Tents, RVs
We've headed into our Winter season, so we are offering a discounted price to camp. However, due to the weather of the season. Outdoor kitchen and showers are closed for the season. Starting April 15th 2026 the kitchen and outdoor showers we'll be fully reopen for Spring.
Outdoor camping made easy with a FULLY OUTFITTED OPEN AIR OUTDOOR KITCHEN and HOT SHOWERS (not available in the coldest times of the year when pipes freeze). Kitchen includes hot water sinks, refrigerator, stove, microwave, toaster oven, toaster, blender, espresso machine, coffee grinder and maker, dishes, utensils, pots and pans, knives, cutting boards, etc. If there's something you need and can't find it, we'll bring it out from our kitchen in the house. ALL YOU NEED TO BRING FOR MEALS IS THE FOOD. Limited grocery shopping in our little town; it's good to shop ahead.
During June- August, fires MIGHT be allowed in the communal fire pit near the kitchen. You must ask the host!, No fires at your campsite June- August,
Fires during cooler months are often allowed at your campsite, but you must ask the host if current conditions allow
Fire MUST be completely extinguished before you go to sleep at night. Instructions are printed and at at each site as well as at the communal firepit. Firewood available for purchase. SMOKERS, please be super careful!
Outlets to CHARGE YOUR PHONE and DEVICES at the Stage and in the kitchen.
Fruit trees and gardens dot the property. Feel free to pick a piece of fruit. We almost always have organic fresh eggs from the chickens for sale, The Camp Store has a variety of items such as jam, organic veggies, flowers, etc. See the list on the fridge.
We're in a wooded country neighborhood where lots of folks have dogs, so you might hear some barking and see some neighbors. Very occasionally we see a dog off leash. We ask that you keep your dogs on leash at all times, as we have cats and chickens.
We encourage you to enjoy the forest, but do be aware that there is poison oak. If you don't know what it looks like we can show you.
Arrive anytime after 1pm. Check out is at noon, but you can often stay later if we don't have other campers arriving to your site.
If your plans change, just let us know at least 24 hours before check-in and you'll get a full refund.
Pets
from
$75
/ night
Corning Oaks
Corning Oaks
97%
(81)
37mi from Mendocino National Forest · 2 sites
This particular property has been in the family for four generations now.
It was in the past a producing walnut orchard that is now past its prime.
The orchard is now home to a couple of horses and few wild turkeys.
The property location is great for anyone traveling up or down Interstate 5 as we are located about two miles east of the interstate.
The Sacramento River is five miles to the east and the Rolling Hills Casino is not too far away.
The city of Chico is about 20 minutes away to the south and Lassen National Park and Shasta Lake are not too far north of the property.
The site is perfectly located for numerous day long adventures.
Enjoy.
Learn more about this land:
Bring your self contained RV or Camper to a place that is an easy on and off stay near Interstate 5 and just south of the town of Corning. Your space is near a couple of huge valley oak trees and a pasture in an older walnut orchard. You will be the only camper on the property. Every once in a while a few wild turkeys or a fox will wander through the area. The Sacramento River and the Rolling Hills Casino are 5 minutes away, not to mention Lassen National Park, Lake Shasta and the town of Chico nearby.
Pets
from
$30
/ night
Cannabis Friendly Camping
Cannabis Friendly Camping
100%
(125)
38mi from Mendocino National Forest · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
We are a 160 acre off-grid, homestead located in the coastal mountains of Mendocino County, California's Emerald Triangle. We have been homesteading here since 1998 and have developed a lifestyle where we nourish the abundance that thrives here.
Bill has built the entire homestead, including our solar system, water system, roads, our orchard, our barn, our home, and each camp site.
We grow our own food in our CCOF organically certified gardens, make all our food from scratch and make our own medicine. We are legacy, personal
Cannabis cultivators and we have a "do it yourself" attitude towards life.
We are ready to share our lifestyle with others, as we host campers on Hipcamp.
We offer an off-grid homestead tour of our solar system, a garden tour, seasonal vegetables from our gardens, an encounter with our horses. We also offer our personally, hand-crafted, organic ice cream delivered to your site.
Our land is abundant with wildlife and guests are able to view the wildlife in their natural habitat. Our internal, dirt roads are private and provide for enjoyable walks and bike rides.
Land History:
Back in the day, our land was part of a large sheep ranch. The Skunk Train was used by homes along the tracks for transportation and supply deliveries. Today, it can be heard daily on its journey along the tracks which run through neighboring properties.
The Pond Site:
We are delighted to share our lifestyle and to offer everybody a sweet, private spot in the woods next to our pond, where you can be free to explore the outdoors and observe the abundant wildlife in their undisturbed home.
We walk lightly on the land, and we expect our guests to do the same.
We are family friendly and have trails for you to explore the property and meet our horses. We also provide a tour of our off-grid solar system.
The pond site is located on a private, internal dirt road, which provides for absolute privacy. It's like experiencing an outback camping experience with the amenities of car camping. A clean outhouse, a spigot with cold, delicious mountain spring water, and a bi-level campsite with picnic table is at the site. A fire pit and second picnic table is located next to the pond for a delightful stargazing experience.
The pond is a healthy, spring fed ecosystem and quite refreshing on those hot days. It is big enough for small kayaks, paddle boards, and rafts too.
NEW 2022 Pond Site Addition:
We have installed a new fire pit this year!! Upon your arrival, you will find
complimentary, match-light firewood set up in the pit for a warm welcome to your site. More firewood is available for purchase throughout your stay. It is illegal in California to travel across county borders with firewood. Firewood often has insect eggs or larvae that can devastate a forest. Please refrain from bringing firewood purchased or harvested from outside Mendocino County.
The Best Rest Along the Way:
We have created a “self-contained” dry campsite along our main road that is van and truck camping friendly, and can take travel trailers max 16’ length. This site has no amenities and is intended to accommodate people who need a place to catch a rest without sleeping on the roadside, although many do like it as a bear bones campsite.
We are conveniently located about 10 min from the 101, for easy in-and-out access. There are lengthy internal roads and trails for unwinding and stretching your legs. Did I mention that town is less than 10 minutes from your campsite? If you forget anything, it is no biggie to run and get what you need.
Come check it out! The homestead has much to offer:
Eat from our organic garden, check out Cathy's handcrafted,Organic Insect Repellant.
We are cannabis friendly 🌱, we like a chill vibe, and if you get the munchies ...
Cathy handcrafts some delicious organic ice cream that we'll deliver to your campsite.
Off-Site Excursion Options:
- The Skunk Train 🚂 from Willits &/or Fort Bragg
- Ft Bragg/Mendocino Coast - Botanical Gardens, Kayaking Van Damm, Coastal Trail
-Jackson State Forest
- Montgomery Woods - Tallest Tree
- Blue Lakes
- Eel River
- Wine tasting
- Casinos
Pets
from
$46
/ night
Black Oak Ranch
Black Oak Ranch
96%
(249)
38mi from Mendocino National Forest · 32 sites · Tents, RVs
Now open for group camping! Black Oak Ranch has hosted music festivals on our beautiful 150 acre property for more than 30 years, including The Hog Farm Pignic, Earthdance, Kate Wolf Music Festival, and the Hog Farm Hideaway. Conveniently located just off of Highway 101 in Mendocino County, Black Oak Ranch offers beautiful flat campsites full of majestic old oak trees, leafy bay groves, and Ten Mile Creek which is perfect for cooling off on hot summer days. Black Oak Ranch is home to an abundance of wildlife including deer, raptors, and our newest residents, two families of beavers!
Electrical hookup
Pets
from
$500
/ night
Mendocino Magic
Mendocino Magic
94%
(849)
38mi from Mendocino National Forest · 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!
Electrical hookup
Pets
from
$60
/ night
FullCircle Florals Flower Farm
FullCircle Florals Flower Farm
100%
(12)
45mi from Mendocino National Forest · 4 sites
We are a working you-pick flower farm also offering u-pick fruit in season, hoping to soon offer veggies and slowing starting our nursery space. Easily accessible from Highway 99 near the quaint little town of Vina.
Off the beaten path, on the skirts of the Vina plains, our property runs along a seasonal creek (slough) and has epic views of the sunset. Enjoy the property for hiking, quite morning bird watching and your morning cup of coffee in the serenity of the farm. We have a plethora of wildlife that occupies our acreage. Keep you eyes peeled for foxes, hawks, bunnies and the occasional otter, deer or mountain lion.
The town of Vina is home to an award winning Winery at the Monastery just down the street. If you stay Thursday-Sunday you can enjoy the delicious food from the famed Lassen Steakhouse also, just down the street, undergoing some construction currently so check for details online or send us a message. Though both are only a few miles away, our property will have you feeling like you've escaped it all due to it's location, nestled down Division lane.
We are popular with the locals for a quiet and beautiful setting to capture gorgeous portraits. We are often visited by local artisans and musicians whose wares and stylings add to the vibe here at the farm.
If you love star gazing or night sky photography, you will definitely love it out here! Bring your tripod and enjoy capturing our beautiful night sky with very little light pollution.
Our property has a varied amount of camps spot based on the season/conditions. It is vastly natural, rustic and has a vibe you just have to visit to understand. We are so happy to host guests to experience this special area for themselves.
Pets
from
$38
/ night
Rods-In on the waters edge
Rods-In on the waters edge
93%
(41)
46mi from Mendocino National Forest · 6 sites · RVs, Lodging
In the small town of Clearlake Oaks, Rods-In has direct lake access from Hwy 20 via the Keys. Located on the water and close to the public launch ramp, it is perfect for early morning fishing without the drive. We have a very nicely set up two bedroom house all furnished for your stay Or experience a 26 foot very livable, travel trailer and see if this is for you. We also have two RV sites and room for your off street boat parking. We have a recreational area for guest to join together and have a campfire this time of year. the fire season will probably end July or thereabouts.
Bass, Catfish, and Crappie fishing can draw fisherman from all over to demonstrate their skills and claim the next championship.
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
Pets
from
$49
/ night
spirit chicken ranch
spirit chicken ranch
98%
(165)
46mi from Mendocino National Forest · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Our property boasts year round creeks, waterfalls, swimming holes, Madrones, Oaks, Douglas firs and manzanitas. Wild horses roam the land as well as the occasional mountain lion and black bear. On the human end we have an ancient walnut grove as well as many fruit trees two small ponds all in total privacy at the very end of the road. We also have a Sauna and outdoor bathtub and shower available for use. We are out a 9 mile dirt road and a 4X4 or all wheel drive vehicle is highly recommended. Ask me about booking the whole place for a private event!
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
Pets
from
$100
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
l
ly
2 weeks ago
16 ft travel trailer
With kids
This is the best hidden gem. This retreat is so big you can spend couple of days exploring. The bathroom is evacuate. The hot shower is amazing. If you need to a place to mentally reset and reconnect with nature, this is the spot. We came with our kids and spent a night there before heading up to the redwoods. Its a great break if you dont want do one long drive.
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S
Sarah
3 weeks ago
Tent
Cosmo has a beautiful space and home-and a beautiful spirit to match.
He upgraded me to a cabin-which was cozy and clean-and offered me firewood for the stove.
Come, if you like incredible views and country peace-don’t, if you require a hairdryer,
mints on your pillow and cell service.
thank you Cosmo, The Orange One and Daniel 👋I cant wait to come back
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S
Sarah
December 2025
18 ft campervan
With pets
I loved my one night stay and really wish I could have stayed longer. Beautiful property and many flowers were still in bloom. Erin and Eric are very hospitable and made me feel welcome. The sunset was spectacular. Oh so quiet and enjoyed listening to the cows in the early morning. I will definitely be back.
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Laura
November 2025
13 ft campervan
With pets
Amazing view, beautiful vineyard, sweet cows, tasty wine. Wish we could have stayed for the hike and more wine tastings.
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G
Gabby
November 2025
Tent
Beautiful open camping spot, wonderful hosts, exactly what we wanted
See more
M
Michael
November 2025
Tent
With pets
Definitely recommend a 4x4 vehicle to get to the property. Have your directions downloaded before you pass the high school. Our Subaru was up for the task!
The property is gorgeous and very secluded. We brought our 8 year old boy and dog. We were super lucky to have the entire camp site to ourselves the entire weekend. The temperature at night was almost freezing, so the sauna and shower made it much more tolerable. The sauna was by far the highlight of the trip for me besides being with my family unplugged!
Epic stargazing at the point camp site.
Having a kitchen to make a full meal for each meal was a luxury. The kitchen has everything you need to cook minus ingredients. Bring your own oil/spices etc.
Also, pack out what you pack in. Meaning, there isn’t a garbage facility/ site dumpster.
Also, there is really only 1 running toilet that we could find by the kitchen. I could see this being annoying in a large group setting, although having a toilet at all is a luxury when camping.
If you’re a BBQ enthusiast, bring your own grill, there isn’t one to use on the property.
Make sure to bring tick repellant/ check yourselves (especially dogs) regularly. We pulled a dozen off our dog and bodies.
Highly recommend this spot for a weekend getaway! We loved it and will certainly be back, as a couple, as a family and with friends for sure!!
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F
Fiona
November 2025
16 ft pop-up camper
A beautiful place to come in the fall. Weather was warm during the day the forest hikes and waterfall were beautiful. Having a bath house with a sauna was a real treat. Be prepared for the long dirt road up to the property. Lots of potholes, steep hills, and turns, you need daylight and patience.
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Fred & Heather
November 2025
22 ft campervan
Private and quiet stop while traveling through the area.
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M
Madeline
November 2025
16 ft car
Spirit chicken ranch is magical! The sauna was the perfect respite on a slightly chilly autumn evening. Much thanks to Chris, we’ll definitely be back!
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Tim
November 2025
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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M
Michaela
November 2025
Tent
With pets
Exactly as described, we had no issues finding our way there. We arrived late, camped in our tent and headed out pretty early the next morning but this was the perfect spot! Our dog liked watching the cows from the car, too! :-)
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Joey
November 2025
Tent
With pets
Peaceful spot, easy driving instructions and responsive host.
Well groomed campsite areas (creekside 1/2) felt safe and comfortable. My cell service was spotty and needed to travel about 5-10min out to get all services available but that’s ok, it’s camping.
The view of the stars and moon were clear, the fire pit and toilet were very nice to have. The care taker was pleasant and accommodating
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M
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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A
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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T
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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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.
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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.
See moreT
Tyler
October 2025
10 ft campervan
With pets
Great place; great people! Cool animals and property.
See moreD
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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L
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!
See more 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
K
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
T
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.
M
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
P
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