Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Soda Springs, CA

Mendocino County offers pet-friendly campgrounds along the northern California coast with sites ranging from primitive forest camping to fully developed RV parks. The coastal camping area maintains moderate temperatures year-round, typically 50-65°F, with frequent morning fog during summer months. Winter camping requires preparation for rainfall with many campgrounds remaining open but offering reduced services.

What to do

Waterfall hiking: Russian Gulch State Park Campground features the Fern Canyon trail leading to a 36-foot waterfall. "There's a fabulous Fern Canyon trail and waterfall trail back in the gorge," notes one camper who appreciates the diverse hiking options from this coastal campground.

Tide pool exploration: Van Damme State Park Campground provides beach access where visitors can observe marine ecosystems. "The campground is very close to the beach where ocean kayaking is common. Only a few minutes away from Mendocino," according to a reviewer who enjoyed the coastal location.

Blackberry picking: Fall visitors to Pomo RV Park & Campground can collect wild blackberries throughout the property. "Our site along the beach side allowed for an easy walk to the ocean. Sunset was fantastic and at sunrise, sea lions were out playing and sunning on rocks which were fun to watch," shares a camper who enjoyed the coastal wildlife viewing opportunities.

Disc golf: Mendocino Redwoods RV Resort includes an on-site disc golf course with elevation changes. "The disc golf course offers beautiful views when on top of the course, but watch out for poison oak," warns a visitor who enjoyed the recreational amenities.

What campers like

Private campsites: Hendy Woods State Park Campground offers well-spaced sites under redwood canopy. "Campsites are level and have enough space between them for adequate privacy. The campground is pretty in the glow of sunlight," according to a reviewer who valued the campground layout.

Natural swimming holes: During summer months, Hendy Woods provides river access for cooling off. "The swimming hole is nice but can get packed at times. There is a rope under the bridge. The water hole is also deep enough in where you could jump from the bridge," notes a camper describing the swimming area.

Beach proximity: Caspar Beach RV Park & Campground features campsites within walking distance of the ocean. "The back loop is lush, shaded and pretty quiet for tent or car camping. My spot had a babbling stream next to it," shares a visitor who enjoyed the natural setting.

Forest camping: Mackerricher State Park Campground sites are nestled among coastal trees. "The temperate coastal weather is perfect for getting away during the summer months. This campground is a short walk to the beach and hiking trails," a reviewer explains, highlighting the moderate climate.

What you should know

Shower tokens: Multiple state parks require purchased tokens for showers. "Showers require tokens. One token gives 4 minutes of showering. Each token is $1. The shower water temperature is finicky in the women's bathroom," reports a Mackerricher visitor detailing the practical considerations.

Limited cell service: Many forest campgrounds have restricted connectivity. "Zero cell service in the campground. There's WiFi in the laundry room that works pretty well. About 15 minutes drive outside of Willets," a Golden Rule RV Park visitor explains.

Self-pay stations: Dunlap Campground operates on an honor system. "Self-pay station $15 when I went. Expect a LOT of road noise. Access to the river. Went mid week and was the only one there," notes a camper who appreciated the solitude but not the highway sounds.

Weather considerations: Coastal campgrounds experience significant fog. "Campgrounds can be foggy in summer months, but is very close to the beach where ocean kayaking is common," mentions a Van Damme State Park visitor explaining the typical weather patterns.

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly amenities: Mendocino Redwoods RV Resort provides multiple child-focused activities. "A paradise for kids. The splash pad was a family favorite. The petting zoo was also super cute and the animals seemed like they were well taken care of. The mini golf course was a blast, as well as the RC track," a family camper details.

Junior ranger programs: Several state parks offer educational activities for children. "The junior ranger program and nightly events for families helped keep the kids engaged in the camping experience. Park rangers hosted guided hikes, nighttime stargazing with telescopes, and nightly campfires," explains a Hendy Woods visitor.

Beach exploration: Russian Gulch State Park offers protected coastal access ideal for children. "This small campground has a wonderful host, clean amenities, a wonderful smell, and a fabulous beach to play on," shares a family who appreciated the kid-friendly environment.

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Forested campgrounds provide animal sighting possibilities. "Tons of wildlife. Fox, deer, raccoon, etc. keep your food locked up at all times," warns a Dunlap Campground visitor regarding proper food storage.

Tips from RVers

Dump station fees: Some parks charge for sanitary services. "The dump station has a mandatory fee of $10. You pay with a credit card. When payment is approved, the cap to the dump hole unlocks," explains a Mackerricher State Park visitor.

Site privacy considerations: Pomo RV Park & Campground offers vegetative barriers between sites. "Each site has shrubbery around it. It feels like you are in a world by itself. Sites are fairly large and very well maintained. Only negative I have is the roads in the campground are narrow," notes an RVer who stayed at this dog-friendly facility.

Road navigation: Approach routes may be challenging for larger vehicles. "We were checked in and drove into the park. Clean and festive. My husband and I rented a small cabin for the night. It was clean and welcoming," shares a Mendocino Redwoods RV Resort visitor discussing their arrival experience.

Permanent residents: Several RV parks have long-term occupants. "There was only one site available when we arrived and the rest were mostly permanent/long term residents. The host was very friendly and helpful in getting us settled in and other guests were very friendly," explains a Golden Rule RV Park camper.