Chekaka Recreation Area Lake Mendocino

About

Chekaka Campground, once situated on Lake Mendocino in California's Mendocino Range, has been permanently closed to overnight camping. The former campground area now serves as overflow day-use parking for the South Boat Ramp and Coyote Valley Dam. The Chekaka Recreation Area remains open for day-use activities, with hours typically 8am to 5pm in the off-season and 8am to 8pm during summer. The Overlook Day-Use Area features a reservable group picnic site, playground, and serves as the trailhead for the 3-mile Shakota Trail offering scenic lake views. Two disc golf courses are available nearby. Lake Mendocino, a 1,822-acre reservoir formed by Coyote Dam on the Russian River, offers boating, swimming, water skiing, and fishing for sunfish, smallmouth bass, striped bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill, and perch. For overnight camping at Lake Mendocino, visitors should look to other campgrounds in the area such as Kyen Campground.

Directions

From the South (San Francisco, Ukiah): Take Highway 101 North towards Ukiah. Approximately 2 miles north of Ukiah, take the Lake Mendocino Dr. exit and turn right. Turn left at North State St., then right again onto Lake Mendocino Dr. 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.