How much does camping cost at Chekaka Recreation Area Lake Mendocino?

Camping fees at Chekaka Recreation Area Lake Mendocino range from $20-$40/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Chekaka Recreation Area Lake Mendocino first-come first-served or reservation?

Chekaka Recreation Area Lake Mendocino accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Chekaka Recreation Area Lake Mendocino before I book?

Yes! Chekaka Recreation Area Lake Mendocino has 4 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Chekaka Recreation Area Lake Mendocino?

Chekaka Recreation Area Lake Mendocino is open May 18 to September 30. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Chekaka Recreation Area Lake Mendocino?

Chekaka Recreation Area Lake Mendocino does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Chekaka Recreation Area Lake Mendocino have?

Chekaka Recreation Area Lake Mendocino has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Chekaka Recreation Area Lake Mendocino?

Yes, pets are allowed at Chekaka Recreation Area Lake Mendocino. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Chekaka Recreation Area Lake Mendocino?

Chekaka Recreation Area Lake Mendocino offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Chekaka Recreation Area Lake Mendocino?

Popular activities at Chekaka Recreation Area Lake Mendocino include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Chekaka Recreation Area Lake Mendocino

3.35

40 reviews

N39 12.164 W123 11.197

Summer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

801 ft

Price

$20 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Chekaka Recreatrion ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Lake Mendocino Project Office Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

801 ft

Price

$20 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Chekaka Recreatrion ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Lake Mendocino Project Office Official Website

Get Directions

Chekaka Recreation Area Lake Mendocino

$20.00 - $40.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP PICNIC AREA: $40.00; GROUP SHELTER ELECTRIC: $40.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC: $20.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

707-467-4200

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

N39 12.164 W123 11.197

Chekaka Recreation Area Lake Mendocino

N39 12.164 W123 11.197

Nearby places

Ukiah (less than 15 minutes away)

Weather at Chekaka Recreation Area Lake Mendocino

Best Time to Camp at Chekaka Recreation Area Lake Mendocino

Best season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit Chekaka Recreation Area because warm, reliably dry weather (daytime highs typically in the mid-70s to low-90s°F, mornings in the 50s–60s) makes lake activities — boating, swimming, and bass fishing — most enjoyable and consistent. Trail conditions are dry for hiking and biking and the Overlook Day-Use Area is available for group reservations (June 1–Sept 30), so planning events is easiest in summer. Expect busier weekends and holiday crowds on the lake, but mid‑週 Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer offers reliable dry weather and is the peak season (Jun 1–Sep 30) for day use.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 18 to September 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Chekaka Recreatrion Area is open for day-use ONLY. Typical Day-Use hours are 8am - 5pm in the off-season and 8am - 8pm in the summer, however hours are subject to change.

About Chekaka Recreation Area Lake Mendocino

Chekaka Recreation Area sits on the shores of Lake Mendocino near Ukiah, operated by the Lake Mendocino Project Office. This small seasonal campground offers flush and vault toilets, potable water, and direct access to lake activities. Visitors come for bass fishing, boating, and the dam walk trail that connects to a scenic overlook.

Chekaka Campground is permanently closed for overnight stays but offers day-use facilities. Camping types are no longer applicable.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit Chekaka Recreation Area because warm, reliably dry weather (daytime highs typically in the mid-70s to low-90s°F, mornings in the 50s–60s) makes lake activities — boating, swimming, and bass fishing — most enjoyable and consistent. Trail conditions are dry for hiking and biking and the Overlook Day-Use Area is available for group reservations (June 1–Sept 30), so planning events is easiest in summer. Expect busier weekends and holiday crowds on the lake, but mid‑週 Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation801 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe recreation area sits at 801 feet elevation among rolling hills dotted with oak groves and manzanita. Lake Mendocino dominates the view. The landscape shifts between golden grasslands and tree clusters. Wildlife moves through the area regularly, making it popular with birders.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging accommodations are available in the Chekaka Recreation Area.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are described in the source materials.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 nights, within a rolling 30-day period.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are described in the source materials.

Site SizeNo campsite sizes are described as the campground is permanently closed.

PrivacyCampsite privacy information is unavailable as camping is no longer permitted.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Need help booking Chekaka Recreation Area Lake Mendocino?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

The Chekaka Campground is permanently closed to camping but offers day-use facilities such as the Overlook Day-Use Area. Amenities available include flush toilets, vault toilets, picnic tables, BBQ facilities, water spigots, playgrounds, scenic overlooks, trailheads, and boat ramps.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

The Chekaka Recreation Area offers a variety of day-use recreational activities including hiking, fishing, boating, biking, and disc golf. Visitors can enjoy scenic views of Lake Mendocino and the surrounding area.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

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Policies & Safety

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.4

40 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Chekaka Recreation Area Lake Mendocino has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the permanent closure of the campground, scenic views of the lake, and the popularity of the dam walk. Sentiment ranges from disappointment about the closure to appreciation for day-use facilities.

Review Summaries

Based on 40 reviews

What Campers Love

Several users praised the cleanliness of the area and the scenic views from the viewpoint. The dam walk and trail were noted as enjoyable features.

Based on 40 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include dissatisfaction with the campground closure, lack of signage leading to the area, and some disappointment with the overall experience.

Based on 40 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No campsite-specific reviews are applicable as camping is permanently closed.

Based on 40 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend enjoying the dam walk and bringing supplies as amenities are limited.

Based on 40 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews indicate that spring and summer are popular for day-use activities due to favorable weather. Some users expressed interest in returning during these seasons.

Based on 40 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'If Ukiah doesn't want illegal camping then Ukiah should open unused campgrounds.' – Chuck Austin 2. 'The walk across the dam is very popular. There are nice views of the lake and the Ukiah...

Based on 40 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility features.

Based on 40 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets must be kept on a leash and under the owner's control at all times. No specific feedback from pet owners is included.

Based on 40 reviews

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Mendocino Lake

Chekaka Recreation Area Lake Mendocino

About Mendocino Lake

Context for the broader area surrounding Chekaka Recreation Area Lake Mendocino, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Lake Mendocino is located in the midst of wine country and near the gateway to the Redwoods. It is two hours north of the Bay area in central Mendocino County, near the city of Ukiah. The lake was created by a dam in 1958.<p>Lake Mendocino offers many recreational opportunities including over 300 campsites, with boat-in camping and 15 miles of hiking and biking trails. Some of the trails are in the 700-acre wilderness area, where native wildlife can be viewed. There are five large day-use areas with covered picnic shelters and barbeques. For on-the-water fun, there is boating, swimming and water skiing Fishing for large and small mouth bass, strippers, crappie, blue gill and three varieties of catfish is a popular activity.

Directions

From Ukiah, 3 miles north on US 101, then east on Lake Mendocino Drive.