Kyen Campground And Oak Grove Day Use Area
3.6710 reviews1400 Marina Drive
Kyen Campground And Oak Grove Day Use Area
$35.00 - $65.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
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 $35 to $55 depending on the season.
About this campground
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.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible campsites are available; specifics on broader accessibility features are not provided.
Sites 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.
Sites PrivacyDetails about privacy are not explicitly provided, but the campground is noted to be within walking distance of the lake.
Total Campsites93 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSome campsites only offer space for one tent. Full hook-up sites may have utilities located up to 20 ft away.
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 are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground features family sites and group picnic shelters. Roads are described as winding and narrow.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season: May 22, 2025 – September 30, 2025. Reservable start dates: June 20, 2025.
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.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Sewer hookups
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
Several miles of trails wind around Lake Mendocino. The 3-mile Shakota Trail begins near the Pomo Recreation Area, offering beautiful lake views.Fishing
The lake is home to various fish species, such as sunfish, smallmouth bass, striped bass, crappie, white and channel catfish, bluegill, and perch.Swimming
Swimming is available within the lake's designated areas, though specific safety measures or facilities are not elaborated upon.Biking
Biking trails are available, but detailed information about their terrain or recommended skill levels is not provided.Boating
Boating opportunities include water skiing and general access via the boat ramp provided at the campground.Wildlife viewing
The area offers excellent bird and wildlife habitats, with groves of oak, manzanita, and pine providing limited shade.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not described comprehensively but may be limited due to seasonal closures.Water Sports
Opportunities for water skiing and boating are available, but other non-motorized water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding are not specifically noted.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires are permitted in designated fire rings only and must be extinguished completely before leaving or sleeping.
- Quiet hours are from 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPoison 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.
Weather forecast
93
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 22%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 12.9 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
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
Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office: 707-463-4086. Lake Mendocino Project Office (Monday to Friday, 8 AM – 4 PM): 707-467-4200.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 22, 2025 – September 30, 2025.
Trash and recyclingCampground dumpsters are available for garbage disposal, and campers are required to keep campsites free of litter.
Proximity to water featuresLocated within walking distance of Lake Mendocino.
Common complaintsSpotty or nonexistent cell reception. Budget cuts have reportedly led to overgrowth and unkempt areas.
HostCamp hosts, Laura and Rodney, have been praised for their friendliness and helpfulness.
Campground Map
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.
Camper Reviews
3.7
10 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 10 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 10 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints include poor cell phone reception, overgrown and unkempt facilities, closure due to fire relief efforts, and intimidating experiences with rangers.
Based on 10 reviewsPro 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 10 reviewsSeasonal 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 10 reviewsCamper 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 10 reviewsShow more
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 10 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but specific reviews regarding pet policies or experiences are not provided.
Based on 10 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025