Kyen Campground And Oak Grove Day Use Area

2.41

151 reviews

1400 Marina Drive

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

869 ft

Price

$35 - $65/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

93 campsites

Season

Open season: May 22,...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

869 ft

Price

$35 - $65/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

93 campsites

Season

Open season: May 22,...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Kyen Campground And Oak Grove Day Use Area

$35.00 - $65.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Rates range from $35 to $65 per night, depending on site type. For example, RV electric sites cost $65, whereas standard nonelectric sites range from...

Standard Site Fee$40.00

Hookup Site Fee$65.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$40.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

707-467-4200

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What Campers Say

2.41

Mixed Reviews

Based on 151 reviews

115 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewslakefriendlywell-maintained

"User sentiment about Kyen Campground varies, with some praising its scenic location and amenities like clean bathrooms and water access, while others note issues such as overgrown facilities, poor cell reception, or intimidating ranger enforcement."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

1400 Marina Drive

Kyen Campground And Oak Grove Day Use Area

1400 Marina Drive

Driving directionsFrom San Francisco, travel north on Highway 101 for 5 miles past Ukiah. Turn east onto Highway 20, then turn right on Marina Drive. Continue past the north boat ramp to the campground entrance.

Accessible via paved roads, but campground roads are described as one lane, winding, and narrow. Vehicles and trailers over 30 feet are not advised.

Nearby places

Ukiah - Less than 15 minutes away.

Nearby supplies

The city of Ukiah offers shopping, dining, museums, golf courses, and a Farmer's Market with fresh produce, local wines, arts and crafts, and live music.

Best Time to Camp at Kyen Campground And Oak Grove Day Use Area

Experience the quintessential California climate at Kyen, where warm, dry days are kissed by moderate breezes that rustle through the tree canopy. The campground truly comes alive from May through September, when golden sunshine illuminates long days perfect for water activities and exploration. Savvy visitors should note that lake levels can fluctuate throughout the season, creating an ever-changing waterscape. While exploring the natural beauty, remain mindful of poison oak that thrives in this Mediterranean-like environment.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Peak season May–Sep: best for boating, swimming and lake activities though busy.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

Open through Sep 30; pleasant weather but season ends early and closures possible.

Spring(Mar-May)

2.5 / 5

Opens May 22 (late spring) so spring access is limited; closures for fire/high water possible.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 22–Sep 30; winter camping not supported.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22, 2025 – September 30, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season: May 22, 2025 – September 30, 2025. Reservable start dates: June 20, 2025.
Current Alerts: Fluctuating lake levels may lead to closures.

About Kyen Campground And Oak Grove Day Use Area

Nestled in the rolling hills of California's stunning Mendocino Range, Kyen Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts to experience the natural beauty of Lake Mendocino. With 93 spacious family sites spread across a landscape dotted with graceful oaks, fragrant manzanita, and towering pines, this well-appointed campground serves as your gateway to unforgettable adventures. Modern amenities including flush and vault toilets, hot showers, fresh drinking water, a convenient dump station, and easy boat ramp access ensure comfort meets wilderness. Wake to the songs of diverse bird species and keep watch for the abundant wildlife that calls these oak-studded hills home.

Kyen Campground offers a mix of standard nonelectric sites, tent-only spaces, RV sites with full hookups, and group picnic shelters. These cover a range of camping needs, from primitive to family and group accommodations.

Historical SignificanceLake Mendocino itself tells a story of human ingenuity and natural harmony, created by the impressive Coyote Dam that harnesses the waters of the Russian River. The area's rich cultural tapestry comes alive along the nearby Shakota Trail, which winds its way from the fascinating Pomo Cultural Center. Here, centuries of indigenous heritage blend with the modern recreational paradise, offering visitors a chance to connect with both the land's deep roots and its vibrant present.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the quintessential California climate at Kyen, where warm, dry days are kissed by moderate breezes that rustle through the tree canopy. The campground truly comes alive from May through September, when golden sunshine illuminates long days perfect for water activities and exploration. Savvy visitors should note that lake levels can fluctuate throughout the season, creating an ever-changing waterscape. While exploring the natural beauty, remain mindful of poison oak that thrives in this Mediterranean-like environment.

Natural Features and SceneryLake Mendocino sparkles like a jewel set among the undulating hills of this breathtaking region, where ancient oak groves mingle with aromatic manzanita bushes and stately pines. Though the landscape offers limited shade—lending it an open, expansive feel—it compensates with spectacular vistas and exceptional opportunities for wildlife viewing. Bird enthusiasts will discover a paradise here, as the varied habitats support an impressive array of avian species. The interplay of water, woodland, and meadow creates a photographer's dream and a naturalist's playground.

Geological RegionDiscover a landscape where two of California's most iconic environments converge in the scenic Coyote Valley. Here in the Mendocino Range, the misty realm of ancient redwood forests gradually gives way to the sun-drenched hills of renowned wine country. The centerpiece Lake Mendocino, masterfully created by the Coyote Dam's embrace of the Russian River, showcases the dramatic geology of this transition zone. Rolling hills carved by millennia of wind and water create a topography that's both gentle and dramatic, offering endless exploration opportunities.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

1PM

Check-out

11 AM

Stay Limit

Camping limited to 14 days in a 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Campsites are limited to eight persons per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground features family sites and group picnic shelters. Roads are described as winding and narrow.

Reservation PlatformsReservations available only through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

Walk-in AvailabilityCamping by reservation only. Same-day reservations are available through Recreation.gov.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations can be made prior to the day of check-in. A $10 fee applies for changes or cancellations. Late cancellations will forfeit the first night's recreation use fee in addition to the $10 fee.

AccessibilityAccessible campsites are available; specifics on broader accessibility features are not provided.

Site SizeCampsites are designed for families, with space for one tent per site noted for tent-specific spaces. RV/trailers over 30ft are not advised due to narrow roads.

PrivacyDetails about privacy are not explicitly provided, but the campground is noted to be within walking distance of the lake.

Total Campsites93 campsites

Recommended SitesSome campsites only offer space for one tent. Full hook-up sites may have utilities located up to 20 ft away.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Campers at Kyen Campground can enjoy a wide range of recreational activities. Lake Mendocino provides opportunities for boating, swimming, water skiing, and fishing. Trails around the lake, including the 3-mile Shakota Trail, offer hiking options with scenic views. Biking and horseback riding are also popular activities in the area.

HikingSeveral miles of trails wind around Lake Mendocino. The 3-mile Shakota Trail begins near the Pomo Recreation Area, offering beautiful lake views.

FishingThe lake is home to various fish species, such as sunfish, smallmouth bass, striped bass, crappie, white and channel catfish, bluegill, and perch.

SwimmingSwimming is available within the lake's designated areas, though specific safety measures or facilities are not elaborated upon.

BikingBiking trails are available, but detailed information about their terrain or recommended skill levels is not provided.

BoatingBoating opportunities include water skiing and general access via the boat ramp provided at the campground.

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

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPoison oak is common throughout the campground. Fluctuating lake levels may lead to closures of boat ramps, parking areas, and campsites.

Active AlertsFluctuating lake levels may lead to closures.

Fire PolicyFires are permitted in designated fire rings only and must be extinguished completely before leaving or sleeping.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are from 10 PM to 6 AM.

Emergency ServicesMendocino County Sheriff’s Office: 707-463-4086. Lake Mendocino Project Office (Monday to Friday, 8 AM – 4 PM): 707-467-4200.

Trash & RecyclingCampground dumpsters are available for garbage disposal, and campers are required to keep campsites free of litter.

Water FeaturesLocated within walking distance of Lake Mendocino.

Camp HostCamp hosts, Laura and Rodney, have been praised for their friendliness and helpfulness.

Weather at Kyen Campground And Oak Grove Day Use Area

Reviews

2.4

151 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Kyen Campground And Oak Grove Day Use Area has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User sentiment about Kyen Campground varies, with some praising its scenic location and amenities like clean bathrooms and water access, while others note issues such as overgrown facilities, poor cell reception, or intimidating ranger enforcement.

Review Summaries

Based on 151 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews highlight the friendly camp hosts, the scenic beauty of Lake Mendocino, and well-maintained bathrooms. Families especially appreciate the lake's recreational opportunities.

Based on 151 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include poor cell phone reception, overgrown and unkempt facilities, closure due to fire relief efforts, and intimidating experiences with rangers.

Based on 151 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend visiting during the off-season for a quieter experience and emphasize the benefit of a signal booster or enhanced WiFi availability.

Based on 151 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews indicate that closures due to fire relief efforts or high water levels may affect availability. Off-season camping is preferred by some visitors.

Based on 151 reviews

Camper Quotes

"We're so happy USACE was able to open this year! Lake Mendocino is one of our favorite places to camp." - Mardi Wally "For the price and location, a signal booster would be great, if not free WiFi."...

Based on 151 reviews