California / Mendocino County

Chekaka Recreation Area Lake Mendocino

Open — The campground has been permanently closed. The area is open for day-use only, typically 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the off-season and 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. in summer. Overnight parking is not permitted.

About

Chekaka Recreation Area sits on the shores of Lake Mendocino in California's scenic Coyote Valley, where the Mendocino Range's redwood forests transition into wine country. The area is formed by the Coyote Dam on the Russian River, creating a 1,822-acre lake surrounded by rolling hills forested with oak, manzanita, and pine groves. The Chekaka Campground has been permanently closed and the former campground area now serves as overflow day-use parking for the South Boat Ramp and Coyote Valley Dam. The Overlook Day-Use Area remains open and features a reservable group picnic site. Several miles of trails wind through the area, including the popular 3-mile Shakota Trail that begins at the Overlook Day-Use Area and offers beautiful views across the lake. The recreation area provides access to excellent water-based activities on Lake Mendocino, including boating, swimming, and water skiing. Anglers can fish for sunfish, smallmouth bass, striped bass, crappie, white and channel catfish, bluegill, and perch. Two disc golf courses are available, with challenging terrain that includes heavily wooded sections and technical tunnel shots. The charming city of Ukiah is less than 15 minutes away, offering dining, shopping, museums, and a Saturday farmer's market during summer months.

Directions

From Ukiah: Take Highway 101 North, exit at Lake Mendocino Drive (approximately 2 miles north of Ukiah), turn right, then left on North State Street, and right again onto Lake Mendocino Drive. Chekaka Recreation Area is at the top of the hill. Take a slight left before reaching the Coyote Valley Dam to visit the Overlook Day-Use Area.

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