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Chekaka Recreation Area Lake Mendocino Campground

Mendocino Lake, California

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As of October 2026, Chekaka Recreation Area Lake Mendocino Campground is a campground in California with 1 campsite. Chekaka Recreation Area Lake Mendocino Campground is booked through Recreation.gov.

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Chekaka Recreation Area Lake Mendocino Campground is located at 39.2031° N, 123.1864° W.

people allowed on each site: 50

Chekaka Recreation Area Lake Mendocino Campground reservations and next available dates

October 2026

November 2026

open, tap to book on Recreation.govsold outin your alert

Stay and booking rules

Maximum stay: 14 nights
Military discount available

Published by Recreation.gov for Chekaka Recreation Area Lake Mendocino Campground, read on September 29, 2026.

Campsites at Chekaka Recreation Area Lake Mendocino Campground

Group 1
Hookups 1

Amenities

potable water

At a glance: Setting: Forest.

Things to do: fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, wildlife, photography, horse riding.

All sites at Chekaka Recreation Area Lake Mendocino Campground, as listed by Recreation.gov

Every site is in the OVERLOOK DAY-USE AREA loop.

Site	Type	Sleeps	Hookups
OVERLOOK GROUP PICNIC SITE	Group	50	Electric

About Chekaka Recreation Area Lake Mendocino Campground

Overview

Chekaka Recreation Area is situated on Lake Mendocino in California's Mendocino Range, where redwood forests meet wine country. There is one reservable picnic pad in the Overlook Day-Use Area. Chekaka Campground has been permanently closed.

The lake is formed by the Coyote Dam on the Russian River. A wide variety of recreational opportunities is available, including boating, swimming, water skiing, fishing, hiking and horseback riding.

Recreation

The 1,822-acre lake provides abundant boating, swimming and water skiing opportunities. Anglers will find sunfish, smallmouth bass, striped bass, crappie, white and channel catfish, bluegill and perch.

Several miles of trails wind around Lake Mendocino, including the 3-mile Shakota Trail that begins at the Overlook Day-Use Area and offers beautiful views of the lake.

Lake Mendocino also offers two disc golf courses that can be found near the Overlook Day-Use Area on the south end and the Pomo A Day-Use Area parking lot on the north end. The rolling terrain is heavily wooded in some areas, making for challenging tunnel shots with obstacles around most pins.

Facilities

The old Chekaka Campground is permanently closed to camping; it is instead being used as overflow day-use parking for the South Boat Ramp and Coyote Valley Dam. The Overlook Day-Use Area group picnic site in the Chekaka Recreation Area is available for reservations.

Natural Features

Lake Mendocino lies in the scenic rolling hills of Coyote Valley. Groves of oak mixed with manzanita and pines forest the area, offering limited shade and an excellent bird and wildlife habitat.

Contact Info

This location has limited staffing. Please call (707) 467-4200 for general information.

Nearby Attractions

The charming city of Ukiah, less than 15 minutes away, offers a variety of shopping and dining opportunities, museums and golf courses. The Ukiah Farmer's Market runs Saturday mornings throughout the summer, offering fresh produce, local wines, arts and crafts and live music.

Rules and notices at Chekaka Recreation Area Lake Mendocino Campground

Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 29, 2026. Check Chekaka Recreation Area Lake Mendocino Campground on Recreation.gov

Notices from Recreation.gov

Chekaka Recreation Area is open for day-use ONLY. Typical Day-Use hours are 8am - 5pm in the off-season and 8am - 8pm in the summer, however hours are subject to change. Please call Lake Mendocino's project office at (707) 467-4200 to confirm. Overnight parking is not permitted.

Certain activities conducted on Corps of Engineers project lands require a Special Use Permit in addition to a shelter reservation. For example, parties that expect to exceed shelter capacity (50 people) or have additional equipment, large decorations, mechanical devices, inflatable bounce houses, amplified sound, and/or live music must also obtain a Special Use Permit. Please call Lake Mendocino's project office at (707) 467-4200 and ask for the Special Use Coordinator for more details.

Pets must be penned or on a six-foot leash, and under the owner's control at all times. Do not leave pets unattended in vehicles. Please pick up after your pet.

Recreation.gov permit and campground cancellations →

Chekaka Recreation Area Lake Mendocino Campground FAQ

How hard is it to get a campsite at Chekaka Recreation Area Lake Mendocino Campground?

Chekaka Recreation Area Lake Mendocino Campground is rated "Hard to Book" based on historical demand. This campground is popular and often books out weeks in advance. Your best strategy is to monitor cancellations.

How do I find last-minute availability at Chekaka Recreation Area Lake Mendocino Campground?

Cancellations happen frequently at Chekaka Recreation Area Lake Mendocino Campground, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.

How many campsites does Chekaka Recreation Area Lake Mendocino Campground have?

Chekaka Recreation Area Lake Mendocino Campground has 1 campsites.

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