River, stream, or creek camping near Mendocino

See rocky cliffs and fern-filled valleys in this charming seaside village.

97% (3735 reviews)
97% (3735 reviews)

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12 top river, stream, or creek campgrounds near Mendocino

96%
(4852)

Jug Handle Creek Farm

20 sites · 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
 / night
99%
(109)

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
 / night
94%
(835)

Mendocino Magic

122 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents600 acres · Laytonville, CA
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 fire dish run by staff. - Portapotty bathrooms with outdoor sinks. - Outdoor showers with hot water. - Access to Holland Reservoir, our private lake, for swimming, boating, and fishing. Kayaks are available at no charge. 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!
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$60
 / night
99%
(322)

Heartwood Mendocino

9 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
 / night
96%
(64)

Thanktuary Retreat RV-Tent Site

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · 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.
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$60
 / night
94%
(8)

Sunnyland

5 sites · Tents10 acres · Comptche, CA
Over the years, this town has attracted artists, musicians, writers and wine lovers from all over the world in search for inspiration. Here, you can explore Mendocino County's exquisite wineries, enjoy restaurants, coastal landscapes, beaches , redwoods, pygmy forests. The list goes on and on for recreational activities. Sunnyland is a very remote and rural location. Beautiful redwood grove campsites. Hiking trails all over the property, scoping hundreds of different wild mushrooms growing everywhere. Bird watching too! We have two very friendly Great Pyrenees, 2 cats, 6 ducks and 10 chickens. Fresh farm eggs available. These animals are all located near the house, and not near the campsites. If you have very friendly, non-chicken chasing or dog fighting dogs, they are welcome. The tiny cabin that is available is located near the house. We will do our best to give you your privacy. And if you want to hang and chat that's great with us. Please contact me for specific instructions on how to get to sites, ahead of your arrival time. This is a very rural area, with very WEAK cell service. And please check in before dark, contact me before for detailed instructions. Kids are absolutely welcome. Cell service is spotty for some carriers. Wifi is available here up at the main house if needed. Water is available at the main house or gardens. Campsites are private.
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$55
 / night
97%
(469)

Shangri-La

8 sites · Lodging, Tents100 acres · Upper Lake, CA
For 21 years, we have worked on keeping this property as a Sacred Space. There's a meadow with an Indian artifact and amazing views. We are a team, husband and wife, this is off-the-grid and we raise our children here. At the same time, we grow organic food and work on our crafts and spiritual practice, never using chemical fertilizers, and keeping all of the groundwater clear and clean with an abundance of spring water for drinking. This is a magical forest retreat and we love to share it with others who are like-minded. Right out of the Mendocino National Forest, 100-Acre Forest and Meadow Retreat is just minutes to the Eel River out of the small town of Potter Valley and 15 minutes to Lake Pillsbury. Private views, fresh spring water and endless possibilities. *******We also recommend that you have AWD or 4x4 vehicle, as the road is dirt coming in and the campsite are up the mountain off of a dirt road*******We have 2 campsites currently with fresh spring water, and fire pits. Private and in the woods. Lots of hiking on the land, with stunning views. Bring your own tent, hammock, food whatever you need to be a happy camper!! In the spring of 2019 we added in 2 new yurt sites, with soaking tubs, filled with hot spring water. We have 2 campsites to book for regular camping tents and we just added a community bathroom . Nestled away in the forest very private queen size bed natural spring water for soaking in the tub on your porch. In addition for comfort and convenience we have a nice bathroom with hand-washing station. Each yurt can come with propane heat in winter time you need to request it, in the Extras. making it cozy all year long. *******We also recommend that you have AWD or 4x4 vehicle, as the road is dirt coming in and the campsite are up the mountain off of a dirt road*******.
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$75
 / night
95%
(366)

Eel River Escape

18 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents4 acres · Benbow, CA
This property is conveniently located in historic highway 101. It's 4.5 terraced acres overlooking the south fork Eel River. It is adjacent to the Reggae on the River and Northern Nights festival sites. It's less than a mile from the tourist attraction One Log house and Richardson Grove state park. The property is a permitted educational cannabis farm implementing regenerative agriculture practices.We have several accommodation options! You can stay in our fully furnished bell tent tucked away in a charming garden. It has a full bed with foam topper, charge station, lounge chair, fan or heater, wireless speaker, and wifi. The property has hot outdoor shower and viewing bluff overlooking Eel river. Enjoy convenient hwy 101 location close to state park and dispensary. Wake up, dine and stroll in this dreamy garden! We also have camping and  RV sites that have morning shade, and epic views and two levels of camping area. 
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$55
 / night
98%
(108)

spirit chicken ranch

9 sites · RVs, Tents130 acres · Ukiah, CA
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!
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$100
 / night
88%
(177)

Lightworks ranch

8 sites · RVs, Tents85 acres · Willits, CA
The peace, quiet and beauty of nature is the theme at our property.  This land is dedicated to the re-sacralization of culture. The spot was an ancient Native American camping area.  People have found arrowheads, stone beads and grinding stones on the land.   We offer various types of camping sites, as well as a teepee - so please read each listing for specific amenity and location information. We sell firewood, fresh eggs, and raw honey on site. The amount and variety of wildlife is astonishing, with bear, deer, turkeys, fox, coyote, bobcat, Eagles, River otter, salmon and steelhead, with a wide variety of songbirds during migration. Easy access from road, close to town, tall oak trees, privacy, creek with salmon within a five minute walk, mountains, wildlife, barn owl nest box. Guests love staying here: "Elderberry camp was really great! It was a large site, plenty of space, shade, and parking. Very peaceful and good distance between other sites although we were pretty much the only campers out there. Outhouse was clean and there was drinking water. We spent most of our Saturday in Eel River which was great. The water was perfect for swimming and fishing, our husbands caught some big ones. Stephen was very nice and accommodating, the honey and eggs we asked for were a nice addition too!" Helpful0 Report
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$55
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100%
(14)

Chemise Mountain Retreat

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents16 acres · CA
Chemise Mountain Retreat is an accessible yet remote wilderness destination. Located between the King Range Conservation Area and Sinkyone State Park on California’s Lost Coast, just 10 minutes from Shelter Cove and the Pacific Ocean. Situated on 16 acres, Bear Creek meanders through the property alongside meadows and fir groves. A flush toilet and running water make camping comfortable. Chemise Mountain Retreat is a place where families and or groups can create intimate, unique , accessible experiences with the wilderness and the ocean. Trailheads leading to 62 miles of the world-renowned hiking/biking trails of California’s Lost Coast are within walking distance. To the south are Sinkyone Wilderness trails where herds of Roosevelt Elk graze on the grasslands uplifted from the Pacific. To the north, the Lost Coast Trail follows spectacular black sand beaches and crosses creeks that tumble down to the ocean. Restaurants, beachcombing, fishing, kayaking and surfing are minutes away. Magnificent clear night skies are pierced by thousands of brightly twinkling stars. Full moons are so bright that you can read by their light. Abundant wildlife from birds to bears to salamanders all inhabit the forests surrounding Chemise Mountain Retreat. Enjoy the wilderness, the ocean, the quiet, and enjoy each other at Chemise Mountain Retreat. Minimum booking is 2 nights.
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$45
 / night
97%
(18)

EL EL Cool Ranch

1 site · Lodging80 acres · Ukiah, CA
Welcome to our majestic homestead nestled on 80 acres of pristine wilderness, up a private secluded road just outside of Ukiah. Situated off Highway 253 towards Booneville, our enchanting retreat offers a sanctuary for nature lovers and adventurers alike. In the winter months, the landscape transforms into a winter wonderland, with streams, creeks, and waterfalls cascading through the lush forests. Lichen adorns the trees, while curious newts explore their surroundings. It's a magical time to reconnect with nature and marvel at the beauty of the season. As the temperatures rise in the summer, our homestead comes alive with vibrant gardens bursting with vegetables and flowers, fruit trees in bloom, and a tranquil pond offers the perfect spot for a dip. Keep an eye out for the unique wild ponies that call this valley home, adding to the allure of the landscape. Explore hiking trails that wind through the property, offering glimpses of wildlife and breathtaking vistas at every turn. Nearby rivers and creeks beckon for swimming, while the majestic redwoods and stunning coastline are just a short drive away. Our dome, a true architectural gem, provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience for guests. With its remarkable acoustics, it's the perfect setting for yoga sessions, writing retreats, or simply soaking in the serenity of the surroundings. In the colder months, cozy up next to the wood stove and indulge in a hot bath while a pot of soup simmers on the stove. Accessible via a well-maintained gravel and dirt road, our homestead offers a secluded escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Please note that AWD/4WD is required during the winter months to navigate the terrain safely. Whether you're seeking solitude and reflection or adventure and exploration, our majestic homestead offers something for everyone. We invite you to experience the magic of our sanctuary and create memories that will last a lifetime. Welcome home.
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$100
 / night

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River, stream, or creek camping near Mendocino guide

Overview

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to resource for camping adventures in the United States! With over 634 options near Mendocino, California, you're sure to find the perfect campsite that caters to your preference for a scenic river setting. Whether you're seeking a tranquil spot along the water's edge or a campsite nestled in the lush forest, we've got you covered. Check out our top-rated campsites like Jug Handle Creek Farm (1479 reviews), Salmon Creek Ranch (1270 reviews), and Mendocino Magic (410 reviews) for a memorable stay. Plus, you'll enjoy popular amenities such as trash disposal, showers, and potable water. And if you're looking for some adventure, you can indulge in activities like horseback riding, snow sports, and wildlife watching. So pack your gear and get ready to experience the great outdoors!

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