Chekaka Recreation Area Lake Mendocino
3.648 reviewsN39 12.164 W123 11.197
Chekaka Recreation Area Lake Mendocino
$20.00 - $40.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
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 taxes, discounts, or incremental charges.
About this campground
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 Camping types are no longer applicable.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.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are described in the source materials.
Sites SizeNo campsite sizes are described as the campground is permanently closed.
Sites PrivacyCampsite privacy information is unavailable as camping is no longer permitted.
Total Campsites1 campsites
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 are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle reservable group picnic site at Overlook Day-Use Area. Former campground area serves as overflow parking.
Open and Closed SeasonThe facility is open for reservations from June 1, 2025, to September 30, 2025.
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.
Amenities available
Potable water
Picnic tables
Flush toilets
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.
Hiking
Several 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.Fishing
Lake Mendocino provides fishing opportunities with species such as sunfish, smallmouth bass, striped bass, crappie, white and channel catfish, bluegill, and perch.Swimming
Swimming is available at a designated swim beach located at the north end of the lake.Biking
The trails around Lake Mendocino are multi-use and accommodate biking, although specific terrain details are not provided.Boating
The 1,822-acre lake supports boating activities including water skiing and general boating. No details on docking facilities are provided.Wildlife viewing
The area offers excellent bird and wildlife habitats with groves of oak, manzanita, and pine trees.Winter Activities
No winter activities are described in the source materials.Water Sports
Activities include water skiing and general boating, but no specifics on non-motorized water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires must adhere to 'Don't Move Firewood' guidelines. Restrictions may apply depending on local conditions.
- Quiet hours are 8:00 PM - 8:00 AM
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include twisty roads, limited signage, and wildlife interactions.
Active alertsCampground permanently closed for camping. Overlook Day-Use Area remains open for reservations.
Weather forecast
94
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 21%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 11 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are likely available in Ukiah, which is less than 15 minutes away. Detailed information is unavailable.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 1 - September 30, 2025.
Trash and recyclingNo details regarding trash and recycling facilities are provided in the source materials.
Proximity to water featuresLake Mendocino is adjacent, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming.
Common complaintsCommon user complaints include a lack of signage and confusion about the campground's closure status.
Campground Map
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.
Camper Reviews
3.6
8 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 8 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 8 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints include dissatisfaction with the campground closure, lack of signage leading to the area, and some disappointment with the overall experience.
Based on 8 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend enjoying the dam walk and bringing supplies as amenities are limited.
Based on 8 reviewsSeasonal 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 8 reviewsCamper 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 8 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No campsite-specific reviews are applicable as camping is permanently closed.
Based on 8 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 8 reviewsPet-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 8 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025