Overview
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 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.
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.
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. Contact Info This location has limited staffing. Please call (707) 467-4200 for general information. 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.
Location
Elevation
800 ft
RV Information
Up to 43 ft
Maximum RV Length
Trailers up to 43 ft
Based on FCC availability data. Actual signal may vary in remote terrain.
Trip Reports
0 reports
Sign in to leave a review.
Sat
68°F
1 to 7 mph WSW
Sun
66°F
1 to 8 mph W
Mon
69°F
0 to 8 mph WNW
Tue
74°F
0 to 8 mph WNW
Wed
76°F
0 to 9 mph WNW
Thu
76°F
0 to 7 mph WNW
Fri
79°F
0 to 7 mph WNW
