Overview
by Courtney Elko
Mendocino Grove is a glamping destination situated just outside of Mendocino Village. The property has always been a camping site, but was recently revamped to become a glamping site.
Families seeking time away from screens and more time the among trees will love a stay here. The platformed canvas glamping tents offer heated beds and electricity, and the nearby Bath House allows for showers and bathroom time in comfort. Families will love to go on hikes, rent a canoe nearby, play lawn games in the large meadow area and sit around the campfire reconnecting under the starry night sky. Mendocino Grove, open seasonally, allows families to have a camping experience with a little less of the roughing it portion. Pets are welcome to stay.
Our Editor Loves
- Glamping platform tents
- Heated beds and electricity
- Pet-friendly
Family Interests
- Beach
- Hiking
- Museum/Cultural
Family Amenities
- Family Room 5+
- Free Breakfast
- Free Wi-Fi
Room Information
Find the Best Price for Your Stay
The campsites are situated in tent clusters, each with a different view, amount of privacy or level of access to the Bath House. Each cluster area features platform canvas tents, a grilling station and a designated parking area. At the parking area, families can also find large wheeled wagons that can be used to unload cars and transport all of your stuff to your tent. Every tent has its own picnic table, fire ring and grill for open fire cooking. Firewood can be purchased onsite by the bundle, and there is a Camp Fire Valet for hire who is happy to build and start your fire for you. Some tents are dog-friendly. Bath towels are provided.
Glamping Tents
Most of the spacious platformed canvas tents can sleep between two and four people. There is a heated queen bed with down comforters so there’s no chance of being cold in the night. There are bedside lamps and USB ports for charging, a small table, coat rack, lantern for heading to the Bath House at night (pathways are also lit) and an outdoor deck with chairs to enjoy the view. A cot for children under 12 years old can be added to these tents.
Family Tents
The family tents are very spacious at 16 x 20 feet and can accommodate between four and six people. The family tents feature a queen bed and two sets of bunk beds or two twin beds. The beds are heated and offer down comforters. There are bedside lamps and USB ports for charging, a small table, coat rack, lantern for heading to the Bath House at night (pathways are also lit) and an outdoor deck with chairs.
Restrooms and Shower Area
While this is a glamping destination, you are still camping and there are no restrooms or showers inside any of the tents. The Bath House area is situated in the center of the property. Depending where your tent is located, it could be about a two- to five-minute walk to the Bath House (the tents with the best views are also furthest away from the Bath House). At the Bath House, families will find beautifully large, tiled indoor showers with an area for changing, as well as restrooms, sinks, a full length mirror, hairdryer and plenty of bath products.
In addition to the indoor portion of the Bath House are additional outdoor showers. There are more of these showers available, but they are a bit more rustic with an open roof. The outdoor showers are also large and offer a changing portion, but these lend more to the camping side and less toward glamping.
There are also a few restrooms (nicer versions of port-o-potties) placed near the campsites that are furthest from the Bath House. Bath towels are supplied in your tent. We recommend bringing footwear and a shower caddy.
Reviews
by 112kristina
We stayed at Mendocino Grove in October and loved it. It's the perfect balance of wanting to be out with nature and camping, but not having to pack the car and put up the tent. The owners have done a great job of giving you the best of camping without all the work. The campsite layout gives you privacy. There are personal and communal fire pits. The bathrooms are nicely done with indoor and outdoor private showers. In the morning they have a campfire going by the breakfast area. They're set up with a yoga platform overlooking Mendocino. They also offer hikes and have musicians. We will definitely go back again!
by lee m
The safari tents are new, clean and spaced wiht some room to contiuing breathing the clean Mendocino coastal air. The beds are comfy and have a heated mattress pad if the air too cool. A campfire and fab dinner await every night (a bit extra for dinner, campfire for free, continental breakfast and a morning fire if too cool a morning awaits. All food homemade or high quality, organic, delicious. The location is up from Highway 1, on the eastern side and just kitty corner across from the town of Mendocino and above Big River and it's lovely accessible beaches. For a higher price you can score an oceanview tent with gorgeous views. A trail walk around the full property is great with lookouts over ocean, canyons and fern groves. Redwood trees abound. Staff and owner, Teresa offer their ease and expertise as needed. There is a very relaxing atmosphere in Nature for the ultimate glamping beauty, comfort and experience. Oh, and they allow well behaved, sweet dogs! And private campfire pits and picnic table at each tent.
Family Activities
While there is no pool or kids’ club at Mendocino Grove, kids will love being outdoors and running and playing in large grassy fields among tall trees.
Meadow
The large grassy meadow, situated in the center of the property, offers families a great place to play. There is a Bocce ball court, hammocks are dotted around the area, and horseshoes and corn hole are available. A large selection of books and board games are also available to borrow in the office.
Hiking and Canoeing
Hiking trails and canoe and bike rentals are located nearby. There is a loop trail families can explore, as well as a direct trail to the Catch a Canoe and Bicycle Too rentals (not associated with Mendocino Grove). An expert guide and naturalist is available to take kids and families on a complimentary, guided hike on Saturday mornings.
Family Dining
Meadow Commons
Located in the large Meadow area is the Commons, an open-air pavilion where families can find complimentary coffee each morning and some light breakfast treats. Breakfast is available from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. daily.
Grilling
Gas BBQ grills can be found throughout the property for guests to use. There is a gas grill station and a wash station for every cluster of tents and also a station at the Meadow Commons.
Planning & Tips
All About the Extras
- Wi-Fi
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available near the office and Meadow. Internet and cell service can be spotty, depending on your cell provider, so be prepared to not be constantly connected. - Parking
Free parking is available within walking distance to your assigned tent cluster. - Pet Friendly
Mendocino Grove is a pet-friendly destination and dogs are welcome to stay in designated tents.
The Best Time to Visit
Mendocino Grove is a seasonal resort, open from May through November (weather dependent). At the beginning of each season, the tents and most of the property is re-constructed and then it is all stored away at the end of the season.
Most families visit during the summer months, with July and August being the busiest. Mendocino is in Northern California so expect cooler temperatures. Temperatures stay around 60 degrees most of the year, with it being a bit cooler in the winter and a bit warmer in the summer.
Getting There
Mendocino Grove is located in Northern California, about three and half hours north of San Francisco. The Sonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa is located about two hours away. Both the Sacramento and San Francisco International airports are located about three and a half hours away.
Getting Around
A vehicle is needed when staying at Mendocino Grove. The small village of Mendocino is located about a two-minute drive away from the campsite. The village area is easily walkable. But you can’t walk there from the glamping site. Also, parking is limited in Mendocino Village and could prove difficult during peak tourist season in the summer months.
For Parents
- Yoga
A yoga/meditation/sunset viewing platform can be found amongst the trees. Morning yoga sessions are held here on Saturdays, but anyone can stop by at any time throughout the day. The water views through the tall trees offer a breath of fresh air.