Bushay Recreation Area

Overview

Bushay Recreation Area is situated on Lake Mendocino in California's Mendocino Range, where redwood forests meet wine country. The access road to Bushay Campground is subject to high water levels. For this reason the campground is often closed during the rainy months. If high water levels continue into the late spring and early summer months, reservations may be cancelled by Lake Mendocino staff with a full refund. Every effort will be made to provide advance notice in the event of cancellations.
The lake is formed by the Coyote Dam on the Russian River. A wide variety of recreational opportunities is available, including boating, swimming, water skiing, fishing, hiking and horseback riding.

Recreation

The 1,822-acre lake provides abundant boating, swimming and water skiing opportunities. Anglers will find sunfish, smallmouth bass, striped bass, crappie, white and channel catfish, bluegill and perch.

Several miles of trails wind around Lake Mendocino, including the 7-mile Kaweyo Trail, which is open to hiking and horseback riding. This trail winds from the lake to the dam, providing excellent views of the lake and wildlife in the area.

Facilities

This campground offers more than 100 family sites, many of which overlook the lake. Group sites may also be available. The Mesa Day-Use Area is within the campground and offers a group picnic shelter. Family picnic sites are also located here, complete with tables and grills. Amenities include flush and vault toilets, showers, drinking water, a dump station and playground.

Natural Features

Lake Mendocino lies in the scenic rolling hills of Coyote Valley. Groves of oak mixed with manzanita and pines forest the area, offering limited shade and an excellent bird and wildlife habitat.

Nearby Attractions

The charming city of Ukiah, less than 15 minutes away, offers a variety of shopping and dining opportunities, museums and golf courses. The Ukiah Farmer's Market runs Saturday mornings and Tuesday evenings throughout the summer, offering fresh produce, local wines, arts and crafts and live music.

Camp site features

Across 43 camp sites:

  • Picnic table: all 43 sites
  • Pets allowed: all 43 sites
  • Longest rig: 71 ft
  • Largest party: 8 people
  • Equipment: RV, Tent, Trailer

Directions

From the South (San Francisco, Santa Rosa, Ukiah): Follow Highway 101 North towards Ukiah. Approximately 5 miles north of Ukiah, take Highway 20 East. Continue on Highway 20 East for approximately 3 miles. Just after you see Lake Mendocino on your right, you will cross a tall bridge. Take the first left after the bridge. Follow the road under the bridge and along the river until you reach the Host Booth at the top of the hill. From the North (Eureka, Willits, Fort Bragg): Follow Highway 101 South. Approximately 15 miles south of Willits, take Highway 20 East. Continue on Highway 20 East for approximately 3 miles. Just after you see Lake Mendocino on your right, you will cross a tall bridge. Take the first left after the bridge. Follow the road under the bridge and along the river until you reach the Host Booth at the top of the hill. From the East (Sacramento): From the city of Williams, take Highway 20 West. Continue on Highway 20 for approximately 2 hours or 80 miles traveling past Clearlake and Blue Lakes. Approximately 2 miles after the Potter Valley turn-off you will see a sign for Lake Mendocino Recreation Area. Take the first right after the sign. Follow the road under the bridge and along the river until you reach the Host Booth at the top of the hill.

Stay Limit

Check in from 1 PM, check out by 11 AM.

Reviews

67 reviews
5 stars
37
4 stars
9
3 stars
8
2 stars
10
1 stars
3
Olivier F
Loop:Bushay
Site:
Reviewed 16 days ago
Very good camp site.
Duane d
Loop:Bushay
Site:
Reviewed 20 days ago
Our campsite was nice plenty of room for our big tent. Bathrooms pretty clean, showers worked. The view from our camp was wonderful at night.
Paige D
Loop:Bushay
Site:
Reviewed 23 days ago
This campground isn't crowded. We got there just before dusk, so it was already getting cool. Because it was quiet, we slept well. Then we left before it got too hot.
Ricardo R
Loop:Bushay
Site:
Reviewed a month ago
I had a wonderful time with my family
Marie W
Loop:Bushay
Site:
Reviewed a month ago
Although this was a nice big campground on the lake, it looks like it has not been taken care of for quite some time. The place was practically empty, except for about five sites. There were bathrooms with flushing toilets and hot showers. There’s also water. The lake is not accessible from the campground as it is too high up from the lake. Also, I did not see any camp host or Rangers.
Amir A
Loop:Bushay
Site:
Reviewed a month ago
Great place for stay
Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Popularity: Quiet

Busiest in August, when about 33% of guest capacity is reserved. Based on 4 years of reservations.

Camp Sites

Nearby Campgrounds