Chekaka Recreation Area Lake Mendocino

3.52

40 reviews

N39 12.164 W123 11.197

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

801 ft

Price

$20 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

The facility is open...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Lake Mendocino Project Office site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

801 ft

Price

$20 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

The facility is open...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Lake Mendocino Project Office site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Chekaka Recreation Area Lake Mendocino

$20.00 - $40.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Facility rates range from $20 for standard electric and non-electric sites to $40 for group picnic areas and electric shelters. Fees do not include...

Standard Site Fee$20.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

707-467-4200

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What Campers Say

3.52

Mixed Reviews

Based on 40 reviews

40 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsclean

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

N39 12.164 W123 11.197

Chekaka Recreation Area Lake Mendocino

N39 12.164 W123 11.197

Driving directionsFrom San Francisco, travel north on Highway 101 for 2 miles past Ukiah to Lake Mendocino Drive Exit. Turn left at North State Street traffic light, then right onto Lake Mendocino Drive. The campground is located at the top of the hill.

Accessibility is good with paved roads leading from major highways to the area. The road is twisty, bumpy, and requires caution as mentioned in user reviews.

Nearby places

Ukiah (less than 15 minutes away)

Nearby supplies

Groceries, dining, museums, and supplies are available in Ukiah, which is less than 15 minutes away.

Best Time to Camp at Chekaka Recreation Area Lake Mendocino

Summer at Chekaka brings quintessential California weather that outdoor enthusiasts dream about. Picture yourself under crystalline blue skies as the morning fog lifts to reveal perfect conditions for lake activities. With temperatures gracefully climbing from a crisp 53°F at dawn to a comfortable 76°F by afternoon, you'll find the sweet spot between refreshing mornings and warm, sun-drenched days. Gentle to moderate breezes sweep across the lake, providing natural air conditioning and ideal conditions for sailing or simply relaxing by the water's edge.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season (June 1–Sep 30) with ideal weather for boating, swimming and hiking.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

Cooler weather and potentially fewer visitors; activity levels likely reduced after peak season.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring called out in reviews as a popular time for day-use and hiking; favorable conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Facility reservation season is listed June–September; limited winter access/details.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 1 - September 30, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The facility is open for reservations from June 1, 2025, to September 30, 2025.
Current Alerts: Campground permanently closed for camping. Overlook Day-Use Area remains open for reservations.

About Chekaka Recreation Area Lake Mendocino

While Chekaka Recreation Area at Lake Mendocino has transitioned to a day-use-only destination, it remains a beloved gateway to outdoor adventure in Northern California. Though overnight camping is no longer available, visitors can still reserve the scenic Overlook Day-Use Area for group gatherings and spend their days exploring the lake's sparkling waters. Whether you're casting a line for bass, launching your boat for an afternoon cruise, navigating the hiking trails, or perfecting your throw at the disc golf course, this recreational haven offers endless opportunities for outdoor enjoyment against the backdrop of Mendocino's stunning landscape.

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

Weather and SeasonsSummer at Chekaka brings quintessential California weather that outdoor enthusiasts dream about. Picture yourself under crystalline blue skies as the morning fog lifts to reveal perfect conditions for lake activities. With temperatures gracefully climbing from a crisp 53°F at dawn to a comfortable 76°F by afternoon, you'll find the sweet spot between refreshing mornings and warm, sun-drenched days. Gentle to moderate breezes sweep across the lake, providing natural air conditioning and ideal conditions for sailing or simply relaxing by the water's edge.

Natural Features and SceneryNestled among undulating hills adorned with California's signature oak groves, Chekaka offers a tapestry of natural beauty where golden grasslands meet clusters of twisted manzanita and towering pines. These native trees create pockets of dappled shade throughout the recreation area, providing cool retreats on warm days. The diverse ecosystem serves as a thriving sanctuary for local wildlife, making it a paradise for birdwatchers who might spot everything from majestic raptors soaring overhead to colorful songbirds flitting through the branches.

Geological RegionDiscover the magical convergence where California's legendary redwood forests embrace the sun-soaked wine country in the heart of the Mendocino Range. This unique geographical position creates a landscape of extraordinary diversity, where the scenic rolling hills of Coyote Valley unfold like a natural amphitheater around Lake Mendocino. Here, the ancient geological forces that shaped the coastal ranges have created a terrain that's both dramatically beautiful and surprisingly accessible, offering visitors a taste of Northern California's most iconic landscapes in one spectacular location.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

8:00 AM

Check-out

8:00 PM

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

Site layoutSingle reservable group picnic site at Overlook Day-Use Area. Former campground area serves as overflow parking.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityNot available. Overnight parking is prohibited, and day-use only access is enforced.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation requires a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations or no-shows incur additional charges: forfeiture of the first night’s fee or $20 for no-shows. Specific cancellation periods apply depending on the reserved facility.

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

Amenities available

Potable water

Flush toilets

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

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.

HikingSeveral miles of trails wind around Lake Mendocino, including the 3-mile Shakota Trail that starts at the Overlook Day-Use Area. The trails provide beautiful views of the lake.

FishingLake Mendocino provides fishing opportunities with species such as sunfish, smallmouth bass, striped bass, crappie, white and channel catfish, bluegill, and perch.

SwimmingSwimming is available at a designated swim beach located at the north end of the lake.

BikingThe trails around Lake Mendocino are multi-use and accommodate biking, although specific terrain details are not provided.

BoatingThe 1,822-acre lake supports boating activities including water skiing and general boating. No details on docking facilities are provided.

Wildlife viewingThe area offers excellent bird and wildlife habitats with groves of oak, manzanita, and pine trees.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include twisty roads, limited signage, and wildlife interactions.

Active AlertsCampground permanently closed for camping. Overlook Day-Use Area remains open for reservations.

Fire PolicyFires must adhere to 'Don't Move Firewood' guidelines. Restrictions may apply depending on local conditions.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 8:00 PM - 8:00 AM

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are likely available in Ukiah, which is less than 15 minutes away. Detailed information is unavailable.

Trash & RecyclingNo details regarding trash and recycling facilities are provided in the source materials.

Water FeaturesLake Mendocino is adjacent, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming.

Weather at Chekaka Recreation Area Lake Mendocino

Reviews

3.5

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

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