Chekaka Recreation Area Lake Mendocino
Mendocino Lake
Chekaka Recreation Area is situated on Lake Mendocino in California's Mendocino Range, where redwood forests meet wine country. There is one reservable picnic pad in the Overlook Day-Use Area. Chekaka Campground has been permanently closed.
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.
The old Chekaka Campground is permanently closed to camping; it is instead being used as overflow day-use parking for the South Boat Ramp and Coyote Valley Dam. The Overlook Day-Use Area group picnic site in the Chekaka Recreation Area is available for reservations.
Need to Know
Chekaka Recreatrion Area is open for day-use ONLY. Typical Day-Use hours are 8am - 5pm in the off-season and 8am - 8pm in the summer, however hours are subject to change. Please call Lake Mendocino's project office at (707) 467-4200 to confirm. Overnight parking is not permitted.
Pets must be penned or on a six-foot leash, and under the owner's control at all times. Do not leave pets unattended in vehicles. Please pick up after your pet.
Off-road vehicles not permitted.
Certain activities conducted on Corps of Engineers project lands require a Special Use Permit in addition to a shelter reservation. For example, parties that expect to exceed shelter capacity (50 people) or have additional equipment, large decorations, mechanical devices, inflatable bounce houses, amplified sound, and/or live music must also obtain a Special Use Permit. Please call Lake Mendocino's project office at (707) 467-4200 and ask for the Special Use Coordinator for more details.
- Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.
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 throughout the summer, offering fresh produce, local wines, arts and crafts and live music.
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 3-mile Shakota Trail that begins at the Overlook Day-Use Area and offers beautiful views of the lake.
Lake Mendocino also offers two disc golf courses that can be found near the Overlook Day-Use Area on the south end and the Pomo A Day-Use Area parking lot on the north end. The rolling terrain is heavily wooded in some areas, making for challenging tunnel shots with obstacles around most pins.
Contact Information
Default
N39 12.164 W123 11.197 CA 95482-9404
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 707-467-4200
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From the South (San Francisco, Santa Rosa, Ukiah): Follow 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.
From the North (Eureka, Willits, Fort Bragg): Follow Highway 101 South. Approximately 17 miles south of Willits, take the Lake Mendocino Dr. exit and turn left. Turn left at North State St., then right 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.
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 5 miles after the Potter Valley turn-off, continue onto Highway 101 South. Take the Lake Mendocino Dr. exit and turn left. Turn left at North State St., then right 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.
Available Campsites
Photo Gallery
