Camping near Mendocino
See rocky cliffs and fern-filled valleys in this charming seaside village.
96% (6467 reviews)
- Mendocino
96% (6467 reviews)
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12 top campgrounds near Mendocino
96%
(4781)
Jug Handle Creek Farm
20 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents33 acres · Caspar, CA
Jug Handle Creek Farm and Nature Center is a nonprofit with a five minute walk to Jug Handle State Reserve, Jug Handle beach and the Ecological Staircase trail.
We offer 11 unique campsites with plenty of space and privacy. Each site has two picnic tables, a fire ring, parking for two cars and plenty of space for your tents.
We also offer three lovely cabins, which have power and access to a shared kitchen and bathroom with a hot shower.
Our 33 acres include a native plant nursery, community gardens, forests, meadows, and nature trails. Our site has lots of nature trails, is peaceful and beautiful and just a 5-minute walk to Jug Handle Beach and the Jug Handle Preserve.
Our Mission: We offer a welcoming and supportive environment for people of all backgrounds to explore nature and connect with the natural word. Nature stewardship is central to our non-profit mission and as an organization we are engaged in many nature restoration projects throughout Mendocino County. We also provide a supportive learning environment for nature education for disadvantaged youth during the school year. If you teach k-12 and would like to bring your classroom to Jug Handle contact us about special rates and our immersive nature education programs.
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$40
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99%
(37)
Foxfern Forest
1 site · Lodging8 acres · Mendocino, CA
A unique private home milled glamping cabin designed and built by the host.
Tranquility on the edge of a whimsical forest full of Redwood trees, Pines, Oaks, Hemlocks, Rhododendrons, Ferns, wildflowers and mushrooms.
The cabin is on our 8 acre property, only about 7 minutes to the historic village of Mendocino. Beaches and trails close by and waiting for you to explore!
Hear the ocean waves crashing in the distance, if you listen closely you may even hear the seals chatting. In the spring see the tall brilliant pink rhododendrons bloom. Star gaze at night and listen to the trees talking through the costal breeze while keeping warm by the fire pit, and stay cozy inside the cabin by the mini wood burning stove. Use the tea kettle to brew up a delicious drink to sip. All while making memories to last!
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$180
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97%
(117)
Root's End
4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents4 acres · Mendocino, CA
Nearly four acres close to town and amenities, yet quiet and secluded. Away from any major roads and on quiet nights, the fog horn from the Big River buoy can be heard. Wildlife on the property include piliated woodpeckers, deer, raccoons, jack rabbits, bears (keep your trash and food inside!), mountain lions, foxes, and of course, our resident ravens. Wild huckleberries and rhododendrons are abundant among the redwoods and fir. A beautiful spot to spend the night!
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$70
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CAMPFIRE!
3 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · 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! All we ask is that you make yourself at home!
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$60
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99%
(305)
Heartwood Mendocino
6 sites · Lodging40 acres · Mendocino, CA
Our property is just minutes from Mendocino's beaches, parks and sweet town, yet private and quiet as it is surrounded by 50,000 acre state forest with world class hiking and biking trails directly accessed from our place.
Around the giant redwoods and meadows we have sprinkled in the most amazing little cabins and deluxe bath house. We have a great outdoor camp kitchen available for your use. This is a very special experience for us to share with you.
We are a family of campers. We agree, there's nothing better than a rest in a hammock following a hike and a river swim and a night under the stars without the constant dinging of cell and internet!
Guests love staying here: "Such a lovely getaway! Our family of four and little dog thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Heartwood. The cabins are great, with comfortable (warm) beds, very clean and cozy. It’s well worth the visit even in the winter! Really appreciated being outdoors surrounded by Redwoods, hiking the trails around the property, the modern bathrooms with hot showers, and the indoor sitting area to make coffee in the mornings. Our stay was relaxing, memorable and special!"
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$165
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95%
(201)
Forest Ocean Retreat
3 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · CA
Tree studded campsites with large view of the ocean. Not far off Hwy 1. Many beaches to choose from a few miles away. Close to Anchor Bay, Gualala and Point Arena. Large secluded sites with picnic tables and plenty of room to pitch a tent. Porta potty and potable water available. Great place to get away. Please note ticks are always prevalent on the coast and Spring time there are more of them please make sure you and your dog are protected.
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$49
/ night
92%
(13)
Camp Along the Mendocino Coast
4 sites · RVs14 acres · Mendocino, CA
Coastal views property located near Big River Beach and the village of Mendocino. Spend the night in designated spots for your 24' or less camper or Sprinter-type van. Walk to Big River Beach to surf, swim or relax on the beach. Hike directly from your campsite through our coastal forest. Campsites are located on property with a vacation rental that may or may not be occupied. Property also hosts other campsites and common spaces such as a campfire and outdoor shower. *NO tent camping.
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$99
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98%
(94)
Meadow Farm & Forest
9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents28 acres · Fort Bragg, CA
Meadow Farm is a quiet and creative sanctuary surrounded by the forest. The ocean breezes freshen the air and the pulse of the planet is heard as the surf sounds travel to put us to rest at night..
We are a place for people experimenting with the new old ways to live with low impact and conservation of our precious resources. We offer affordable accommodations, organic gardening, and education on plants and living simply.
We welcome your interest in veganic garden and diet, orchards, and forest trails. Our organic vegetables and fruit may be available if you wish to bring some of our farm to your table. Our garden is reduced this time of year but we may still have something to share.
We can offer you a quiet and peaceful place without social pressures if you wish to "decompress" from city life, jobs or any stressful times. Or come to the communal fire near the bathhouse for sharing some time with family and the few other campers that may be there. Bringing your own wood is welcome.
The coastal bike and hike trails are many. From South of Ft Bragg to the Sand Dunes near Ward Ave. you can travel over 7 miles one way and go down to quiet little beach coves along the way.
Meadow Farm is a nonprofit 501c3 with goals of coastal food security, disaster preparation and sheltering, carbon sequestering and forest restoration. We offer native plant tours on or off site with advance notice.
We like our dog companions! Two McNab collies, Moxie and Shama live here and may bark at first...still very friendly and social with people and other dogs.. There are several dog friendly off-leash areas such as, Noyo North Harbor Beach, Seaside Beach and dog parks in both Ft Bragg and Mendocino. Our farm is dog friendly tho we wish pets to be kept close, must be neutered and friendly to other dogs and people. Please be sure to bury or bag the waste.
Speaking of waste, Meadow Farm strives to reduce waste by avoiding plastic as much as possible, recycling what we can and composting our veggie scraps.
Please bring your own waste receptacles and take them along when you go. We take ours to the Caspar Transfer Station which is open Saturday through Wednesday... the location and hours can be found online.
Our water is from a deep well and we periodically test it for bacteria. It is cold and delicious. Our irrigation pipes that have spigots and hoses at each camp are safe for drinking, cooking and cleaning.
Our solar pump moves water into storage tanks that provide all the water to the farm. It is very important that the water valves on your camp spigot is turned off (gently please) to avoid losing 2500 gallons of water in a short time.
If you see a leak or break in a line please contact us immediately. There are also water shut offs for the camps on the west side of the Farm House if you are unable to reach us right away..
When doing dishes we request that you use the strainer to catch food particles from the dish water and toss them in your trash or compost bucket. If you have vegetable waste let us know and we can pick them up for adding to the worm bins or composting piles. We make worm "tea" fertilizer and rich soil from these offerings. No animal products or oil please... a few egg shells are okay.
We do have the usual wildlife though we haven't had problems with them. Ravens will raid your camp if food or bags are left out while you are away.
From dusk to dawn keep children and pets close. We coexist well here with the critters...and glad to have them.
Wishing you a very peaceful and soul refreshing stay at Meadow Farm. Come and allow this natural setting to heal and restore your sense of well-being.
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$65
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98%
(487)
Baby Banana Slug Farm
11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Albion, CA
Once an ancient Redwood grove full of mature redwood trees towering 250 feet in the air, This is a beautiful piece of property, very private, with an old growth Redwood snag still remaining and 30 foot diameter re-sprouted Redwood fairy rings. it has its own private entrance.In the redwood forest, lots of trees and other vegetation. Good wildlife watching area. 4 miles from the ocean. Campsites have own access point. Pack it in, pack it out. Please be respectful of neighbors and land around you.2 sites available - both with potable water, and area for campfires (outside of any burn ban), and toilet access. Firewood available for fee. Pets allowed.Guests love staying here: "This was such a treat. Nathan was a responsive, present host--made sure we had all of the wood we wanted. We were tucked away in the woods with great amenities... bathroom included. There is a beautiful tree on the campsite that made the whole experience magical. And my pup was free to run and around and bring me sticks. I will definitely come back again!"
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$60
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Private Acreage on the Pacific
1 site · RV3 acres · Fort Bragg, CA
2.5 acres on the Pacific Ocean, with easy access to the beach. The land abuts a 10 mile paved trail along the coast. Excellent whale watching, good surfing , and plenty of wildlife. Fun to watch a osprey w/ a fish or deer nibbling on the grass. Cool ocean breeze is the best as temps in summer and fall typically 64° highs n 48° lows. Virgin Beach is right out the fence with good surfing n sand. There is path from the property to the "Haul Road" where lumber used to be hauled to a mill. This path is closed to cars, but you can walk, bike, or skateboard. If you go north you'll find McKerricker State Park, which has a nice boardwalk. Go south about 2 miles and you'll end up in the town of Fort Bragg.
Dogs are welcome here.
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$55
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Raven's Landing
4 sites · RVs3 acres · Fort Bragg, CA
Nestled in a sunny clearing surrounded by the magical redwoods, this sweet 3.25 acre sanctuary invites you to come relax and renew. You'll be close enough to the coast that you can hear the ocean and gentle rhythm of the fog horns in the distance, but far enough that you're out of the fog. Sometimes you can hear the Harbor Seals and Sea Lions in the Noyo River. Conveniently located near all area activities yet you're tucked away with privacy. Raven's Landing is only 5 mins from the local health food market, 10 minutes to the ocean and ten miles of trail along the coast, 8 mins to Ft. Bragg center and 15 to the quaint village of Mendocino.
Walking trails on the property, meditation labyrinth and lovely gardens are available to visit by arrangement.
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$45
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Mendocino Grove
123 sites · Lodging37 acres · Mendocino, CA
FALL FEST PROMO! USE CODE QMUAST43 for 40% off your stay on group glamping tents.
Mendocino Grove is a modern camping experience on Northern California’s breathtaking Mendocino Coast. Ranked # 6 on Yelp's Top Places to Camp in the US, Mendocino Grove has something for everyone!
With 37 acres to explore, Mendocino Grove has spacious Safari-style Classic and Family tents, fully outfitted with comfortable heated beds, warm-down comforters, wool blankets, crisp cotton linens, lanterns, and more. Each tent is housed on a wooden platform with a redwood deck complete with comfy leather butterfly-chairs & table. All campsites include a picnic table and fire ring with grill, ideal for cooking. Wheelchair accessible tents are also available.
In the morning, head over to the Meadow Commons where can enjoy complimentary coffee, tea, cocoa and a breakfast surprise . The Meadow Commons also features fast wi-fi, and a heated porch where you can gather with friends for a good board game.
Mendocino Grove shared retro bathhouses offer hot showers both indoor and out, organic bath products, fluffy towels and a dog wash.
Yoga is offered daily at 9:30 am and there is a 3/4-mile trail that leads through a forest of bishop pines to an ocean viewing deck. A short walk away, there is kayaks and outrigger-style redwood canoe rentals for paddling on the Big River Estuary, where you might spot harbor seals or otters! Mendocino Grove also offers a bocce ball court, corn hole, games, books, and relaxation hammocks.
FALL FEST NOV 3 - 5, 2023
As the year shifts into shorter days and cooler nights, Fall Fest offers the soul-warming combination of live music, crafting fun, and camaraderie to sustain us into the darker days ahead.
Festival tickets are $220 per person (plus accommodation) and include all meals, music, and craft. Local wine, beer, and kombucha will be available for purchase.
Reserve your spot—tickets will automatically be added to your booking price!
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$199
/ night
Under $50
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Explore the area’s public lands.
Camping near Mendocino guide
Overview
Set on a rugged bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Mendocino offers an easy seaside getaway on the Northern California coast. The charming town offers fine dining, quaint shops, a vibrant art scene, and plenty of stunning vistas. Don’t miss hiking around the Mendocino Headlands State Park, or a visit to the many beaches and redwoods nearby. Campers are spoiled for choice here, with a wealth of scenic state parks along the coast and inland forests, and camping options that span tent and RV sites near a river, lake, or the ocean, or a cabin in the woods.
Where to go
Near Mendocino
The campground at Russian Gulch State Park offers easy access to a waterfall, redwoods, and beach, and also has space for equestrians. At Van Damme State Park, explore the Pygmy Forest or Kayak the Little River, then choose a campsite near a beach or meadow, or better yet, hike to a primitive site along Fern Canyon. For a lux experience, campers can choose from platform tents and retro Airstreams at a private campground just outside of town.
North Mendocino Coast
Just north of Fort Bragg, MacKerricher State Park offers beaches, a lake, amenities, and campsites set in a beautiful coastal forest. Explore miles of rugged coastline at Westport-Union Landing State Beach and camp on the bluffs overlooking the ocean. At the Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area, choose from three campgrounds in the forest or along the Eel River. To escape the crowds, head to a remote stretch of the rugged Lost Coast, and tent camp directly on the beach at USAL Beach in the Sinkyone Wilderness.
South Mendocino Coast
Head south along the coast to Navarro River Redwoods State Park, where you can explore a redwood tunnel to the sea. Camp overnight at the mouth of the Navarro River near the ocean, or further inland in a redwood grove. At Manchester State Park, campers can stay near the ocean, wetlands, and coastal dunes. Further south, stay in a forested campground near the river and ocean at Gualala Point Regional Park. Salt Point State Park offers excellent abalone diving, a rhododendron reserve, and two campgrounds.
Inland
Head inland to Mendocino Woodlands State Park, where groups can stay in well equipped camping cabins. For more primitive or equestrian options, head to Jackson Demonstration State Forest and its two separate campgrounds. Further south, enjoy a cool dip in the Navarro River, then set up camp in the forest at Hendy Woods State Park. At Lake Mendocino, campers can choose from regular, hike-in, boat-in campsites, along with great fishing and water recreation.
When to go
Summer is the busiest time in Mendocino and campgrounds fill up early, especially over the weekends. Fall is a good time for pleasant weather, fall foliage, and smaller crowds. Several festivals are also held during this time, including the abalone festival and the mushroom, wine, and beer festivals. Look for whales between November and April and wildflowers in the spring.
Know before you go
- Bring layers, even over the summer, when coastal fog is common in the mornings.
- Some areas along the coast are not safe for swimming, and do not have lifeguards on duty. The water here is very cold. Also exercise caution near bluffs.
- Anglers 16 and over must have a valid fishing license.
- Dogs are not allowed on certain beaches, including at MacKerricher State Park and Manchester State Park. Some parks also prohibit dogs on certain trails.
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