Boating is a popular activity at Lake Mendocino. Boats may be launched from the North Boat Ramp off of Highway 20 or the South Boat Ramp from Lake Mendocino Drive. Please keep in mind that all camping, picnicking, and boating supplies must be brought to the park. There is no marina at Lake Mendocino. 

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All boaters are required to follow State and Park Safe Boating Rules and Regulations.  Some of the most important include:

• No drinking or use of drugs. Federal law prohibits possession or use of marijuana on boats. Fatalities have occurred at Lake Mendocino because of intoxicated boat operators.
• As of January 1, 2025, all boaters must carry a California Boater Card when operating on state waterways. https://californiaboatercard.com/
• Always wear your lifejacket. In 2020, 86% of boating fatalities occurred when the victim was not wearing a lifejacket. Even strong swimmers can become exhausted or disoriented in the
  water, making it difficult to stay afloat.
• All vessels must carry a U.S. Coast Guard approved wearable life jacket for each person onboard, plus one U.S. Coast Guard approved throwable floatation device (cushion or ring
  buoy). These must be in serviceable condition and readily accessible.
• Children 13 years and younger must wear a lifejacket at all times while on a boat. Loaner lifejacket stations are located near each boat ramp.
• No person under the age of 13 shall operate a motorboat unless under the onboard supervision of an adult.
• Be aware of changing weather and water conditions, and be prepared to act if conditions become hazardous.
• Never allow people to ride on the bow, seat backs, or gunwales of a vessel. Boater's legs shall not hang overboard at any time.
• State law prohibits riding in a loaded trailer such as a boat or on a jet ski under tow by another vehicle.
• Boats without running lights must be off the water before sunset. At Lake Mendocino, this means that when the sun sets behind the hills you should already be off the water. After sunset boats with lighting are limited to a “no wake” speed.

Lake Mendocino specific information

• The inlet channel is open to boaters, but gas motors may not be used past the “no gas motors” buoy line. Electric trolling motors only. No personal watercraft.
• Boaters are not permitted to cross the “no boat” buoy line that spans the length of the Coyote Valley Dam. Approaching the dam or control tower is restricted.
• Due to variable Lake levels underwater hazards, trees, and other debris may be present in the Lake. You are responsible for knowing hazards and operating your boat safely.
• Sleeping overnight on a boat is prohibited. The surface of Lake Mendocino is not a designated camping area. For boat-based camping please use Miti boat-in campground.

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Invasive Mussels

• Inspect all watercraft and equipment.
• Clean any visible mud, plants, fish or animals from watercraft and equipment.
• Drain all water, including from lower outboard unit, ballast, live-well, buckets, and anything else that contains water.
• Dry everything for at least five days or with a towel before reuse.
• Dispose of debris and unwanted bait, worms, and fish parts in the trash.
• Report any mussels or suspect invasive species you find to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife hotline at (866) 440-9530

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Please remember this is a man-made lake.  Watch for uneven lake bottoms, submerged trees and rocks, and fluctuating lake levels all year long.

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4 Main Causes of Drowning:

• Not wearing a lifejacket
• Using alcohol or drugs
• Poor or no swimming ability
• Hypothermia