Do I have to pay a fee to launch my boat if I am camping at the lake?
No. Launch fees are not currently collected.
Can I collect firewood?
You may collect dead and down wood within the park. Firewood collection is allowed. Review the Don't Move Firewood website for helpful tips.
Are showers available?
There are hot showers in the Kyen and Bushay Campgrounds. Miti Campground and group sites in Bushay do not have shower facilities.
How close is the nearest grocery store?
The nearest grocery store on the north end of the lake near Kyen and Bushay Campgrounds is the Calpella Superette. On the south end of the lake, the closest grocery store is the Forks Market located on the intersection of North State Street and Lake Mendocino Drive. The city of Ukiah is a full-service town with most common amenities.
Where are the swim areas?
The only designated swimming area is located in the Pomo Day-Use Area. This area is separated from the main portion of the lake by buoys. Swimming is permitted almost anywhere in the lake, except for the boat ramps and docks, or within 100 yards of the Coyote Valley Dam Control Tower. Please be aware that there are no lifeguards on duty at this lake, and you must familiarize your self with lake conditions; like shallow water, submerged obstacles, etc.
Is a reservation required to camp?
Reservations are required and available by going to www.recreation.gov or calling the reservation system at 1-877-444-6777. We are no longer accepting cash or checks at the campgrounds. Campers that arrive without a reservation will need to make a reservation before camping. Reservations can be made the same day as arrival.
How do I make campground or day-use reservations?
Reservations can be made online at www.recreation.gov or by calling the toll free number 1-877-444-6777.
How do I reserve accessible sites?
Accessible spaces are available through the reservation system at recreation.gov or calling 1-877-444-6777. Sp
When can I check in to my campsite and what time do I have to check out?
Check in is at 1 p.m., check out time is 11 a.m. If others have already checked out from the previous night and the site is ready to be used, you may be checked in earlier by the camp host. Early check in is done at the host's discretion. If you stay in the campsite beyond check out time, you will be charged for an additional night and removed from the campground if the site you are in is reserved by another person.
How many people per campsite?
Eight people are allowed in each campsite. If your group is larger, you will be required to get an additional campsite.
How many vehicles per campsite?
You may have two vehicles in your campsite provided that they are parked on the pavement and do not extend into the roadway. Additional parking is available for extra vehicles and boat trailers.
Where is your lost and found area?
All lost and found items are stored at the park headquarters on Lake Mendocino Drive. If you lose something in the park or campground, check with the entrance station first then call or stop by the park headquarters at 707-464-4200.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs are allowed in most areas of the park with the exception of the Pomo A playground and swimmer's beach . Pomo A swim beach needs to be kept clean of animal waste for health reasons.
Do dogs have to be on leashes?
Dogs must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Free roam dog parks are available in Redwood Valley and at Low Gap Park in Ukiah.
How long are the trails?
The Shakota Trail is on the west side of the lake 3 miles (4.8 km) long. The Kaweyo Trail, which runs along the east side of the lake from the Bushay Campground to the Dam, is about 7 miles (11.2 km) long.
What do the names of your campgrounds and trails mean?
Most of the park facilities have names in the language of the local Pomo Indians. Below is a list of their translations:
Sho-Da-Kai: This is the name of the valley in which Lake Mendocino is located
Che-Ka-Ka: Quail
Pomo: People
Kyen: Duck
Bu-Shay: Deer
Miti: Rattlesnake
Shakota: Rabbit
Kaweyo: Horse
Where is the park office located?
Our address is 1160 Lake Mendocino Drive, Ukiah, CA 95482-9404. You will find the park headquarters on the south end of the lake on the road leading to the public boat ramp. Public access is limited. To make an appointment, please call 707-467-4200.
Can you build a fire on the shoreline?
No. Campfires are only allowed in established fire rings.
Do you allow hunting in the park?
Hunting is currently closed.
When was the dam built?
Authorization for the dam was granted in 1950, and the project was completed in 1959.
How do I seek employment with the US Army Corps of Engineers at Lake Mendocino?
Just choose the link for employment information. For a listing of all federal jobs, go to USAJobs.
How do I become a volunteer camp host?
Volunteer opportunities are posted online at Volunteer.gov. Search "Lake Mendocino." For more information, call the Park Headquarters at 707-567-4200 and ask for the Volunteer Coordinator.
What is that foul smell towards the end of the summer?
What you smell is a gas called Hydrogen Sulfide. Although it smells awful, the amount of gas that is released from the dam as the water circulates is not harmful. The gas is created when organic matter, like plants begin to decompose in a low oxygen environment like the cold, deep water in the lake.