MacKerricher State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Located 3 miles north of Fort Bragg just minutes from the town of Cleone, MacKerricher State Park is a California coastline featuring 9 miles of beaches, dunes, wetlands, and forests between Fort Bragg and Ten Mile River.
MacKerricher State Park features a wide range of wildlife, including raccoons, gray foxes, and black-tailed deer; other animals include harbor seals and gray whales. More than 90 species of birds come by to either visit or live near Cleone Lake.
Spring 45-80 F
Summer 55-90 F
Fall 45-85 F
Winter 40-68 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in MacKerricher State Park
You can enjoy a night near the beach in the comfort of an RV. If you think an RV is the way to go but you don't own one, consider renting from RVshare where you can try any style of rig with your family at a reasonable price. All rentals come with 24/7 roadside assistance, nationwide insurance and an excellent team devoted to serving you.
MacKerricher State Park offers more than 140 campsites to accommodate tents or recreational vehicles; all RV sites are equipped with generator use, drinking water and more. Sites fill up quickly at MacKerricher, so here are a few other campgrounds within the area.
Caspar Beach RV Campground
Caspar Beach is located 3.5 miles north of Mendocino, just about 10 miles from MacKerricher, and is in a canyon facing a protective cove. The 100-foot cliffs protect the cove from high winds and harsh elements; it's shaded by lush greenery, which you will be grateful for on a hot summer's day, and it's within minutes of dining, shopping and botanical gardens. Caspar offers both full and partial hookup rates starting at $46 per night.
• Water hookup: Yes
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: Yes
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Cable TV, game room, coin-op showers
Westport Beach RV & Camping
Westport Beach is located off Meander Shoreline Highway One, 17 miles past the Fort Glass Beach; you will see some centuries-old buildings where Westport comes together with the ocean. You can stay in the parking area or pull your RV into a site right along the shoreline to relax and enjoy the luxury of a beachfront lifestyle. The park area is protected from the winds by large willow and pine trees whereas the sites along the shoreline are not protected. RV sites are available with full or premium hookups; rates start at $49 per night.
• Water hookup: Yes
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: Yes
• Wi-Fi: Yes, but limited
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Private beach, cleaning station, coin-op showers
Pomo RV Park & Campground
Pomo is located on 17 acres of land just a few minutes from the beautiful Mendocino Coast in Fort Bragg. It's shaded with pine and oak trees. The campground is 3.3 miles from the Fort Bragg Coastal Trail and 0.3 miles from the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens and just minutes from MacKerricher. Rates start at $47 per night.
• Water hookup: Yes
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: No
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Horseshoe pits, dump station, picnic tables, fire rings, cable TV
What to Do at
MacKerricher State Park
MacKerricher State Park isn't just well-liked among campers; it's also attractive for those who enjoy the great outdoors. Begin your trip at the visitor center, which offers fascinating information about the animals that live there. Then, head out to the beaches for bird-watching, swimming and more. If you want to get up close to nature, take a walk on the 1.3-mile trail that circles the lake.
Inside MacKerricher State Park
Some other exciting things you can do at this park include:
Fishing – Next to the parking lot is the 30-acre Lake Cleone, which provides outstanding freshwater fishing for licensed anglers. If fishing is an outdoor activity you enjoy, bring all your gear and try your luck on catching the many fish species found in the lake. Fishing is permitted on the shoreline or on the lake in a non-motorized boat.
Hiking and cycling – Travel through the redwood and pygmy forest on the Jughandle Ecological Staircase Trail or take the 10-mile beach trail and check out the dunes. If your interests are more about the different types of sea life, follow the Boardwalk Trail that travels to the raised viewing area. MacKerricher State Park typically keeps its trails level, easily accessible for wheelchairs, user-friendly and convenient. Other popular trails are the Haul Road Coastal Trail and Headlands Hiking Trail.
Junior Ranger Program – Young guests from ages 7 to 12 can enroll in the Junior Ranger Program where they will receive a badge and logbook full of scholarly activities on the area, conservation, and native wildlife. Each child who completes an activity will receive a stamp from one of the park rangers or even higher rewards.
Picnicking - MacKerricher State Park provides picnic tables for each campsite along with a food storage locker. If you're just visiting the park, then you can take full advantage of the Lake Cleone picnic area. This area offers barbecue grills and freshwater for drinking and cooking. There are also parking and restrooms nearby.
Outside MacKerricher State Park
One of the best things about MacKerricher State Park is how there is plenty of things to do nearby. Since MacKerricher is in Fort Bragg, there are many activities within a short drive.
Restaurants
Understandably, the popular town of Fort Bragg has a variety of food options from the largest restaurant chains to an abundance of homestyle cafés, small diners and more. Here are a few places to try while in the area.
Home Style Café
Located just a few miles from MacKerricher, this café serves the best homestyle recipes, including hot soups and chili. You'll love the mouthwatering 8-ounce steak, roast beef, and turkey meals. Don't forget the tasty waffles, fresh fruit and homemade muffins available during the morning hours.
Type: Breakfast and Lunch
Location: Fort Bragg, CA
Denny's
Denny's is famous for its amenities with free birthday meals, promotional discounts and kids-eat-free days. Try it all with the Super Slam breakfast meal including two eggs, pancakes, hash browns, sausage links, and bacon. Not looking for breakfast? No problem. Denny's also has delicious lunch and dinner meals.
Type: Diner
Location: Fort Bragg, CA
Shopping
The Boatyard Shopping Center
The nearest shopping area to MacKerricher State Park is less than a 5-mile drive. Here, you have shopping and restaurant options, Dollar Tree, Harvest Market, Subway, Papa Murphy’s, and more.
Location: Fort Bragg, CA
Sightseeing
Ricochet Ridge Ranch
The horseback tours begin at Ricochet Ridge Ranch and travel in designated areas of the MacKerricher State Park and beach area. Rides start at $60 per person for a one-hour tour; there are also three-hour and all-day riding tours available as well.
Location: Fort Bragg, CA
Sea Glass Museum
The Sea Glass Museum is known as the largest permanent sea glass exhibit with well over 3,000 pieces on display for you to view for free. You will have the option of purchasing a souvenir of this fabulous place from the gift shop.
Location: Fort Bragg, CA
Pacific Star Winery
Here, you will be able to taste sweet, semi-sweet or dry wines, and when you’re finished with wine tasting, you can enjoy the outdoor seating while sipping on your new bottle of wine. During certain types of the year, you can enjoy a fun evening event alongside a bonfire. Events are free for wine club members and $10 for non-members.
Location: Fort Bragg, CA
How to Get to
MacKerricher State Park
MacKerricher State Park is in Northern California about 192 miles northwest of Sacramento, 120 miles northwest of Santa Rosa and 235 miles southwest of Redding. The 3-mile road from Fort Bragg is easy to maneuver an RV through. The main parking lot is right off Highway 1.
By Car
Entering MacKerricher State Park
MacKerricher State Park opens at 6:00 a.m. and stays open until 10:00 p.m.
MacKerricher State Park Per Vehicle : $8.0
1-4 adults
RVshare is excited for you to visit one of these fabulous state parks in California. You're sure to have the time of your life at MacKerricher no matter what your interests are. Be certain to tag RVshare when you post your fantastic adventure or send the site a photo and a few details at [email protected] RVshare may post your unique story on its blog or social media profile.
Frequently Asked Questions About MacKerricher State Park
The MacKerricher State Park Campground contains 140 campsites for both tents and RVs. These campsites are large enough for RVs up to 35 feet in length and come equipped with generator use, drinking water, and other amenities.
MacKerricher State Park is home to a variety of fascinating wildlife. In addition to over 90 unique bird species, the area is inhabited by raccoons, gray foxes, black-tailed deer, harbor seals, and gray whales.
The climate of MacKerricher State Park is very mild all year long. The area sees quite a bit of rainfall between November and March, and the temperatures rarely drop below 40 degrees or rise above 70.
If you want to enjoy warm, pleasant weather while having outdoor fun in the park, your best bet will be to visit during summer. Between June and September, the conditions should be excellent for recreational activities.
Leashed pets are allowed at the park, but they are prohibited in certain areas. Pets are not permitted on Virgin Creek Beach, the northern half of Ten Mile Beach, the Surfwood Walk-In Campground, or the harbor seal pup nursery area.