Campgrounds and RV parks near Ukiah, CA

Lake Mendocino is the main draw, with boating, swimming, water skiing, and fishing. Anglers can pursue sunfish, smallmouth and striped bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill, and perch. Several miles of trails wind around the shoreline, including the Shakota Trail on the west side of the lake. East of town, the North Cow Mountain Recreation Area covers BLM land managed largely for non-motorized use, with hiking, biking, and equestrian trails. Wine tasting in the Ukiah Valley, the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas monastery, the Grace Hudson Museum, and the Ukiah farmers market round out in-town options. Montgomery Woods State Reserve, west of Ukiah on the road to Orr Hot Springs, protects old-growth coast redwoods.

Ukiah has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The area averages roughly 844 mm of precipitation a year, with a distinct dry season in summer, and July through September are essentially rainless. December is typically the wettest month, with average monthly precipitation around 8 inches in long-term normals. Late spring through early fall is the core RV season. April through June brings green hillsides, wildflowers, and comfortable daytime highs in the 60s and 70s Fahrenheit. July and August are reliably hot and dry, with average highs near 91°F in July, making lake access and shaded sites valuable. September and October cool off and remain dry, and are often the best window for hiking on Cow Mountain. Fire restrictions tighten in summer, and a California campfire permit is required on BLM land and may be suspended during high fire danger. Winter brings storms, possible road washouts, and reduced services at some lake-area campgrounds, though Ukiah itself rarely sees snow.

Bushay features over 100 family sites spread across its loop, many positioned on elevated ground overlooking the lake, with each site including a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern pole, and shared facilities including flush and vault toilets, hot showers, drinking water, a dump station, and a playground. Sites accommodate tents and RVs up to 62 feet depending on the specific pad. Hookups are limited at Corps campgrounds, so plan for dry camping or partial service. Poison oak is common throughout the Lake Mendocino area, so staying on designated pads and trails matters. Cell coverage is spotty near the lake and weaker on Cow Mountain. Summer afternoons get hot, and shade varies site to site, so an awning and extra water are useful. BLM campgrounds on North Cow Mountain are basic, with vault toilets and no potable water.