Is Kyen Campground And Oak Grove Day Use Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Kyen Campground And Oak Grove Day Use Area 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 Kyen Campground And Oak Grove Day Use Area before I book?

Yes! Kyen Campground And Oak Grove Day Use Area has 6 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 Kyen Campground And Oak Grove Day Use Area?

Kyen Campground And Oak Grove Day Use Area is open Open season: May 22, 2025 – September 30, 2025. Reservable start dates: June 20, 2025.. 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 Kyen Campground And Oak Grove Day Use Area?

Yes, Kyen Campground And Oak Grove Day Use Area has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Kyen Campground And Oak Grove Day Use Area have?

Kyen Campground And Oak Grove Day Use Area has 93 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Kyen Campground And Oak Grove Day Use Area?

Yes, pets are allowed at Kyen Campground And Oak Grove Day Use Area. 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 Kyen Campground And Oak Grove Day Use Area?

Kyen Campground And Oak Grove Day Use Area offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Sewer Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Kyen Campground And Oak Grove Day Use Area?

Popular activities at Kyen Campground And Oak Grove Day Use Area include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Kyen Campground And Oak Grove Day Use Area

2.42

151 reviews

1400 Marina Drive

Summer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

869 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

93 campsites

Season

Open season: May 22,...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Full HookupsShowers

Book on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

869 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

93 campsites

Season

Open season: May 22,...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Full HookupsShowers

Book on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Kyen Campground And Oak Grove Day Use Area

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Group Site Fee$40.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

707-467-4200

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Kyen Campground And Oak Grove Day Use Area

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Campground Map

1400 Marina Drive

Kyen Campground And Oak Grove Day Use Area

1400 Marina Drive

Nearby places

Ukiah - Less than 15 minutes away.

Weather at Kyen Campground And Oak Grove Day Use Area

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

Best season: summer. Summer offers warm, sunny weather and long days at Lake Mendocino, making it the best time for boating, swimming, fishing, and family-friendly water recreation. Daytime highs typically range from the mid-70s to mid-90s°F with cooler nights in the 50s–60s°F, so evenings are comfortable for campfires and stargazing. Facilities (showers, flush toilets, dump station) are fully staffed and boat ramps are most reliable, but expect busy weekends and arrive with reservations after June 20 to secure a—se Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is peak season for boating, swimming and fishing; warm days ideal for water activities.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open season: May 22, 2025 – September 30, 2025. Reservable start dates: June 20, 2025.

About Kyen Campground And Oak Grove Day Use Area

Kyen Campground sits on the shores of Lake Mendocino near Ukiah, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This large lakeside facility offers full hookups for RVs alongside tent sites, with access to swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking trails. Camp hosts maintain clean bathrooms and create a welcoming atmosphere, though some areas show signs of deferred maintenance due to budget constraints.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers warm, sunny weather and long days at Lake Mendocino, making it the best time for boating, swimming, fishing, and family-friendly water recreation. Daytime highs typically range from the mid-70s to mid-90s°F with cooler nights in the 50s–60s°F, so evenings are comfortable for campfires and stargazing. Facilities (showers, flush toilets, dump station) are fully staffed and boat ramps are most reliable, but expect busy weekends and arrive with reservations after June 20 to secure a—se Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation869 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground overlooks Lake Mendocino, a reservoir created by Coyote Dam on the Russian River. Rolling hills covered in oak, manzanita, and scattered pine surround the water. Shade is limited, giving the landscape an open, sun-drenched feel. Reviewers mention good wildlife viewing and abundant bird species. The terrain is where redwood country transitions into wine country, with views of hills shaped by erosion. Lake levels fluctuate depending on the season, changing the shoreline throughout the year.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging accommodations are available; the campground primarily offers family and group campsites.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are specified.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

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

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

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.

Need help booking Kyen Campground And Oak Grove Day Use Area?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

FULL HOOK-UP SITES : We offer a number of full hook-up sites. Please be advised the water, power, and sewer hookups may be up to 20 ft. away at some sites.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Sewer hookups

Flush toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Winter Activities

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Policies & Safety

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

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

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews include a negative experience at campsite 030 in Loop D, where a camper was locked out due to gates closing at 10 PM.

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

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but specific reviews regarding pet policies or experiences are not provided.

Based on 151 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

You want full hookups and lake access for boating, swimming, and fishing near Ukiah.

Skip if

You need reliable cell service or pristine grounds throughout the campground.

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Bushay Recreation Area sits on the shores of Mendocino Lake in Northern California's oak and manzanita country. This large campground operated by Bushay Recreation Area Management offers tent sites, RV camping, and group options with full amenities including hot showers and a dump station. Visitors come for lake access and warm-weather activities like boating, fishing, and hiking, with complimentary firewood and a friendly staff adding to the experience.

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Fuller Grove Campground

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Reservable

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Campgrounds

Mendocino Lake

Kyen Campground And Oak Grove Day Use Area

About Mendocino Lake

Context for the broader area surrounding Kyen Campground And Oak Grove Day Use Area, 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.