Lake Mendocino

The Lake Mendocino boat ramp provides access to this scenic reservoir in Mendocino County, California. Operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the ramp is open to the public and offers amenities like a boarding float and ample parking for vehicles with boat trailers.

Paddlers and small boaters will find Lake Mendocino to be a pleasant destination. The lake is formed by the Coyote Dam on the Russian River, offering relatively calm and protected waters well-suited for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. Motorized boats are also permitted, with an annual pass or daily launch fee required. The surrounding Mendocino Range provides a scenic backdrop, with nearby recreation areas like Cow Mountain offering additional outdoor activities.

While the Chekaka Campground has been permanently closed, the Kyen Campground and Oak Grove Day Use Area are located within 10 miles, providing camping and day-use options for visitors to the lake. Overall, the Lake Mendocino boat ramp provides a convenient access point to explore this peaceful reservoir in the heart of Northern California's wine country and redwood forests.

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,...

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.
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.
Facilities
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. 
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.
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.

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