FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of Camping is this?

Come thinking CampingPlus....
Our tents are set-up and fully furnished for a great night’s sleep. We suggest you bring a goody-filled ice chest (or buy provisions in town), and if you’ve got a “camping supply” box, bring it too. For those wanting to travel light we offer a selection of camp gear rentals including: ice chest, camp box*, and s’mores kit (see the full list).  Our bathhouses come fully stocked with EO organic bath products, the showers (both indoor and out) have plenty of hot water. We supply bath towels too. *Camp box includes: 1 table cloth, set of plates, drinking glasses, mugs, bowls, eating utensils, paper towels, cooking utensils, salt and pepper mill, fry pan and pot, plus more. $75.00 two person / $100.00 four person


What should I pack?

Weather on the coast can be unpredictable.  We suggest bringing really warm clothes, like a down jacket and beanie hat, even if you’re staying with us in the summer months of July-September. Some other things to pack include:

  • Insulated cup or thermos for hot beverages (we offer on-demand hot water, tea and coffee in the morning)

  • Mat for Yoga —classes are offered Saturdays, Sunday and by appointment

  • Beach towel and chairs (if you want them on the beach). We appreciate the bath towels staying on property so we can keep them fresh and fluffy.

  • Sunscreen and mosquito repellent (we also carry good brands in our campstore)

  • If you've got it: camp stove, camp box, hammock, ice chest, headlamp, bikes for the kids because the local trails are fantastic for all ages

We've got you covered with: bedding, bath towels, shampoo & body wash, lantern, firewood (for purchase) and gas grills.


Are there fun things to do at the campground?

Some of our campers never leave the campground because there is so much to do. We have a beautiful redwood deck where we offer Yoga on weekends which is also open to guests for relaxing anytime. There are a number of look-out spots for gathering. You can spend the afternoon enjoying the serenity of the campground, lounging in a hammock, reading on your private deck, or walking our 1/2 mile fern canyon loop trail. For those who like fun and games, we have bocce ball, badminton and volley ball in the meadow, and board games to borrow from the office. You can walk down to Big River where you can rent a canoe, kayak, or bike from Catch-a-Canoe. Just a little father past that is the Mendocino Bay Overlook where you can take in the view of Mendocino Village across the bay.


Can I shop when I get there? 

We are conveniently located 1/4 mile south of the town of Mendocino. Here you will find Mendoza’s Market, offering wonderful gourmet grocery and provisions (open until 10pm every night). Corners Of the Mouth is also a good option for specialty items like organic veggies, local cheeses, and yummy snacks. If you arrive early enough on Friday you can visit the Farmers Market held in the town center from 12-2pm. 


Do You Serve Meals?

We offer a special dinner and live music every Friday Night.  The dinner is simple, delicious, and designed to relax and nourish you after your journey.  We post the season's rotating menu on the Menu page. Information about our chef and the live music can be found on the Friday Night Dinners page.

Additionally, each morning we offer light snacks with hot coffee, cocoa and tea in the Meadow Commons.


HOW CLOSE IS THE The CAMPGROUND TO TOWN, Parks & beaches?

Within a five minute drive you can be hiking in the redwoods, laying on a gorgeous beach, or strolling around the village of Mendocino. The campground is only 1/4 mile from Mendocino Village and while some like to walk there, we suggest taking a car since highway walking can be tricky. There is plenty of parking in town and at the beach.


WHAT'S THE CANCELLATION POLICY?

For a full refund on reservations of four accommodations or less, you must cancel two weeks in advance of your reservation date. For groups booking five or more accommodations, a full refund is issued when you cancel 60 days prior to your reservation. Please note, we cannot take responsibility for inclement weather. As such, we cannot make exceptions for cancellations due to cold, rain or fog. We recommend checking the weather before your trip and packing appropriately. 

Group Booking Deposit Policy: A group booking is designated as five or more tents in one reservation. For all group bookings, a 50% deposit is collected at time of booking with the balance due 60 days prior to the reservation date.


Check-In / Check Out

Check-in is after 4pm the day of arrival.  We ask that all guests register at the office when they arrive. If you are arriving after the office closes (9pm most nights, 8pm May, October, and November), we will have your check-in forms ready and attached to the info bulletin board outside the office. Check out is 11am. Please make arrangements prior to 10am (or the night before if possible) if you will be staying an extra night.   


Quiet Hours?

For the enjoyment of all guests, we ask for quiet after 10pm.  No amplified music is allowed.


Parking?

We allow one vehicle parking space per campsite and ask that you park in your designated parking area during your stay. Let us know if you will be coming with more than one vehicle and we will find you an additional spot.


IS THE CAMPGROUND CHILD FRIENDLY?

Mendocino Grove has become a favorite destination for families of all sizes. We are here to help with all aspects of camping, like getting your fire started, bringing additional towels, cleaning up late night messes, and pointing you in the direction of morning coffee. We do ask that children under the age of 6 are supervised at all times, especially in showers, restrooms, and other locations near the roadways. This is a campground so there are many activities around fire—individual campfires just off your deck and community campfires in the Meadow Commons. Please help us keep your children safe by keeping them a good distance from open flame. If you have any questions about safe distance, check in with our campfire valet.

There are a number of great places in close proximity for riding bikes, but keep in mind that bike riding is not permitted at the campground. 


CAN I BRING MY DOG?

Well-behaved dogs are welcome at the campground. We have a number of canine amenities including a dog wash station with warm water, cleaning supplies, and towels, as well as a dog park. The nightly cost per pet is $35.00 and includes a bed, bowl and blanket. You can find pet jackets for sale in the camp store. Pets must be kept on leash at all times. Mendocino County has a number of dog-friendly beaches, hiking trails, and restaurants, all a short distance from the campground. For a more extensive list including dog-friendly restaurants and grooming facilities check out dogtrekker.com. Pets must be attended at all times at your campsite. Dogs may not be tethered to utility fixtures, picnic tables, trees, or fences.


DO YOU HAVE WiFi?

While we encourage people to unplug when camping with us, we understand that some guests will need to use a WiFi connection during their stay. We have designated WiFi areas throughout the campground where you can find a reliable connection. We also have a few tents located in areas with WiFi. If this is important to you, call the office before booking.


WILL MY TENT HAVE ELECTRICITY?

Our tents have limited electricity for powering bedside lamps and heated mattress pads. The use of CPAP machines is also supported. We ask that you do not use the electrical outlets for any unapproved devices. Please call ahead with any questions. The bedside lamps have a USB port for compatible chargers. 


CAN WE HAVE OUR OWN CAMPFIRE?

Each site comes with a fire ring and grill. In accordance with California State Forestry and in an effort to curtail the spread of black beetle disease, all firewood must be purchased locally.  As an amenity to our guests only, wood bundles can be purchased at the campground and delivered to you tent for $12. We are also happy to light your fire or show you how. Our Campfire Valets are on duty nightly.


CAN I COOK ONSITE?

You can cook over your private campfire. Each fire pit is equipped with a grill. There are also communal gas BBQ areas at the campground. Our staff keep these areas maintained, clean, and ready for your use. However, we do ask that all campers clean the grill after use if need be. Please bring grilling utensils and cookware.  A sink area with hot water is available for clean up. Grilling utensils are also available as part of a Camp Box for rent. Reserve yours in advance to ensure availability.


CAN WE HAVE EVENTS AT THE CAMPGROUND?

Mendocino Grove is the perfect place for large and small group gatherings. There is nothing like sitting around a campfire in the company of friends and family sharing stories. With 60 tents located in 8 distinct neighborhoods, there are a number of options to choose from. More information can be found in our Private Events section.


After-Hours Assistance Security

Use the call box located on the information bulletin board outside the office for after-hours assistance. This intercom will radio directly to the campground host. In the event of an emergency, please call 911 and use your tent number as a location for emergency responders. 


Lost, Stolen or Damaged Property

Campground management is not responsible for loss, damage, or claims to property of guests due to fire, theft, accident, or any other cause. For maximum security we ask guests to lock valuables in their car. Possession of weapons including firearms while outside a personal camping vehicle is not permitted on property. The management also reserves the right to refuse service to anyone.