Discover the best campgrounds near Mendocino, California with swimming

United States
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California
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Mendocino

94% (5760 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Mendocino

Under $50

Dog-friendly getaways

98%

(597)

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!"

98%

(75)

Foxfern Forest

1 site · Lodging8 acres · Mendocino, CA

A unique private home milled camping 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!

97%

(477)

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*******.

99%

(376)

Heartwood Mendocino

12 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 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, camp sites and deluxe bath house. We have a great outdoor camp kitchen available for your use. The redwood tree shower must not be missed! 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 or a beach day 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!"

Jug Handle Creek Farm

20 sites · RVs, Tents33 acres · Caspar, CA

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ **PLEASE NOTE** Construction of our new bathrooms will be taking place during the months of October and November 2024. Construction will take place between the hours of 7:30am and 5:30pm, Monday through Thursday, and it will be noisy. We apologize for the disruption, but look forward to being able to offer this amenity to our campers in the future! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. 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.

12 top campgrounds near Mendocino with swimming

96%

(5015)

Jug Handle Creek Farm

20 sites · RVs, Tents33 acres · Caspar, CA

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ **PLEASE NOTE** Construction of our new bathrooms will be taking place during the months of October and November 2024. Construction will take place between the hours of 7:30am and 5:30pm, Monday through Thursday, and it will be noisy. We apologize for the disruption, but look forward to being able to offer this amenity to our campers in the future! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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. 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.

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!"

Heartwood Mendocino

12 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 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, camp sites and deluxe bath house. We have a great outdoor camp kitchen available for your use. The redwood tree shower must not be missed! 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 or a beach day 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!"

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*******.

Foxfern Forest

1 site · Lodging8 acres · Mendocino, CA

A unique private home milled camping 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!

97%

(246)

CAMPFIRE!

7 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! We have 4 different sites to choose from. 3 sites can accommodate recreational vehicles of different sizes and 1 site is just for tents. Pitch your tent under the redwoods, or in our lovely open area! Pick from one of our private zones nestled in the trees or the open space by our vertical Redwood carving! Large groups are welcome to book all 4 sites and have the property all to your self. Enjoy the cool shade of the redwoods all while being in the sunbelt just 4.5 miles from town of Mendocino! The property has tons of hang out spots! Eat lunch over at the picnic tables, stare up at the stars at our moon gazing bench, or hang out in our communal area, over by the campfire.. We also have an outdoor shower and kitchen sink area that are open to all. The property runs parallel with Mendocino state parks and has plenty of spots to explore! Our main goal is to make you feel at home! Some things to know; -Cell service is very spotty onsite. -There is one communal fire pit. (NO fires at individual site) -Please remember “ pack it in pack it out” -We do our best to be good land stewards, please do the same. Thank you for your interest.

99%

(65)

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.

Otter Valley Farm

8 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Comptche, CA

Otter Valley Farm sits in a sunny valley cradled by redwood forest. Across the valley from camp we run a small farm with a menagerie of animals. In spring and summer, we enjoy many warm sunny days, with occasional foggy mornings. Relax at camp, in the meadow or enjoy many nearby activities for kids and adults alike. Just 2.5 hours north of the Bay Area, the farm is near many hiking trails amongst the world's tallest trees. We are a 30 min drive to the town of Mendocino and the treasures of the North Coast, including majestic beaches, fresh fish, whale watching, paddle boarding, kayaking, surfing, hiking, hot springs etc. A drive of equal distance inland will take you to Anderson Valley, home of Hendy Woods State Park and a mecca for cider and wine tasting. Meadow Car Camp: Park a car or bring your van, RV, camper, or trailer to this serene spot in the open sunny meadow next to the redwoods. RV’s and campers must be self-sufficient. No hookups available and no generators allowed. Redwood Walk-In Tent Sites: Pitch your tent in the serenity of the towering redwoods looking out onto the sunny peaceful meadow. Redwood camp is situated in a grove of redwoods containing multiple tent sites. These are walk-in sites with easy unloading, no more than 50 feet from your car. Tent campers must park in the parking area between the sign board and porta-potty. There is a communal area for all campers with a water spigot, picnic table/bear box, and porta-potty near our info signboard and parking area. Be advised that this is a working farm and there is an echo in the valley. While it is peacefully quiet most of the time, you may hear some daytime farm activity. We also have a guard dog who moves around with our flock of sheep and goats who barks regularly after dark and when she perceives a potential predator. **There is no cell service on or within 15 minutes of our property. Wifi and a landline phone are available to campers in case of emergencies. **Pets must be kept on a leash at all times! For the safety of everyone including your pets, our dogs, and the various livestock on the farm, we can't allow any pets off leash.

97%

(124)

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!

94%

(80)

Thanktuary Retreat RV-Tent Site

10 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.

95%

(46)

Coastal Ridge Cabin

3 sites · Lodging20 acres · CA

A secluded, private, ridgetop cabin homestead hand-built with all salvaged, recycled & harvested materials. Simple and rustic; yet comfortable with all amenities. This land is "outdoor oriented" meaning outside shower, bathtub, pizza oven, bbq, sauna, laundry room, yardsports, etc. Foraging for huckleberries and wild mushrooms encouraged. Great opportunites for all ocean and river activities. Canines Welcome.

Faultline Farm

2 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Manchester, CA

We are excited to share our peaceful place with panoramic views and distant ocean roar. There is one site available on our 15 acre homestead, suitable for tent camping, vans, and small trailers. We have a natural sag pond and coastal prairie landscape that is 2 miles from the nearest beach and the Point Arena lighthouse, and 10 minutes from Point Arena, a picturesque town with several restaurants, a bakery, an African animal preserve, a historic movie theater, and access to the Stornetta Lands National Coastal Monument.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

100%

(29)

Russian Gulch State Park

Mendocino, California

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(9)

Navarro River Redwoods State Park

Albion, California

98%

(60)

Hendy Woods State Park

Philo, California

99%

(34)

Sinkyone Wilderness State Park

Little River, California

100%

(25)

Richardson Grove State Park

Benbow, California

87%

(20)

Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area

Leggett, California

93%

(32)

Mendocino National Forest

Elk Creek, California

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping near Mendocino with swimming guide

Overview

Looking to go camping near Mendocino, California? Hipcamp has over 750 options available for you to choose from. Whether you're into swimming, wildlife watching, or historic sites, there's a campsite that suits your preferences. Check out top campsites like Jug Handle Creek Farm (1479 reviews), Salmon Creek Ranch (1270 reviews), and Mendocino Magic (410 reviews). With amenities like showers, pet-friendly spaces, and campfires, you'll have all the comforts you need. Prices start as low as $20 per night, with an average price of $69. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience!