Mendocino Magic
Laytonville, California
Mendocino Magic in Laytonville, California, is a multi-format camping destination in inland Mendocino County offering RV sites, glamping setups, and traditional tent camping — a versatile outdoor accommodation property in the US-101 corridor of the North Coast Range where the Eel River's wild and scenic stream country, the Cahto Wilderness, and the drive to the Mendocino Coast's redwood groves, sea stacks, and art galleries give guests the most complete North Coast camping experience available from a campground positioned between the redwood coast and the inland mountain valley. Laytonville's Mendocino County position on US-101, 45 miles east of the Mendocino coast and 50 miles south of Humboldt Redwoods State Park, gives the campground the specific North Coast corridor character of a property at the intersection of the coast road's scenic tourism appeal and the inland mountain valley's quieter outdoor recreation character.
RV sites, glamping setups, and traditional tent camping give Mendocino Magic the complete spectrum of overnight outdoor accommodation in a single Laytonville property — the glamping format specifically gives the comfort-seeking non-camper the curated outdoor accommodation experience that the Mendocino County inland mountain setting sustains without the tent camping infrastructure logistics, and the RV site gives the self-contained traveler the hookup service for the North Coast leg of the US-101 coastal tour. The campground's multi-format accommodation reflects the specific Mendocino County market of the coastal artisan and agricultural heritage tourism that the North Coast's unique culture sustains. Pets are welcome.
Humboldt Redwoods State Park, 50 miles north of Laytonville on US-101 in Humboldt County, protects the largest remaining contiguous old-growth coast redwood forest in the world — 17,000 acres of ancient Sequoia sempervirens forest in the Eel River's Bull Creek drainage where the Avenue of the Giants 32-mile scenic alternate to US-101 passes through the Rockefeller Forest's 10,000-acre old-growth stand, the world's largest preserved ancient redwood grove, in a grove of trees that include the confirmed tallest individual specimens in the forest. The coast redwood's maximum height of 380 feet and the 2,000-year age class of the Bull Creek drainage's oldest trees give the Humboldt Redwoods the specific scale and antiquity that no other temperate forest in the Northern Hemisphere matches.
The Mendocino Coast, 45 miles west of Laytonville via CA-162 and CA-1 at Fort Bragg, provides the dramatic sea stack and headland coastline of the Mendocino Headlands State Park, the Mendocino village's Victorian architecture and artist colony character, and the Noyo Harbor's working fishing fleet and salmon charter boat operation that give the Fort Bragg-Mendocino corridor its specific combination of natural coastal scenery and North Coast cultural heritage. The MacKerricher State Park's 10 miles of beach north of Fort Bragg and the Glass Beach's sea-polished glass deposits give the Mendocino coastal day trip its accessible natural and geological attractions.
Mendocino Magic serves guests through Mendocino County's North Coast camping season, with the spring whale migration from February through April giving the coastal viewpoints their spectacular gray whale observation and the summer fog season from June through August creating the coastal marine layer conditions that the inland Laytonville valley's warmer, clearer summer temperatures specifically complement for the guest who values the inland camp over the often-foggy coast campground in the summer. The Cahto Wilderness in the Mendocino National Forest gives the campground's immediate backcountry hiking access in the Laytonville area's inland mountain terrain. Reserve sites and glamping accommodations ahead for the summer US-101 coastal tourism season and the fall harvest season in Mendocino County's wine and apple country.
What does this place offer
- Bathrooms
- Boating
- Cabins
- Canoeing/Kayaking
- Forest
- Gated Entrance
- Golf Course Nearby
- Hiking
- Lake
- Mountain
Select your site to book online
Location
3000 Branscomb Rd, Laytonville, CA 95454, USA
Things to know
Check-in: 4:00 PM
Check-out: 12:00 PMRules
Registration and Arrival
Check-In Procedure
- Check-In: 4 PM-8 PM.
- Check Out: before 12 PM.
- Contact 707.367.0002 if early/late.
- Arrive before sunset.
- If you arrive after 10 PM we may place you in a campsite closer to the parking lot to avoid disturbing other campers.
- Please contact us by calling or texting if you are going to be early or late. The campground is secured by a green gate outside of check-in hours.
- While each park attempts to accommodate your exact spot request, the on-site manager makes the ultimate decision for spot placement.
Speed Limit
- Drive 3MPH at Mendocino Magic.
- Any speed that kicks up dust is considered speeding!
Quiet Hours
- Quiet Hours are 10 PM TO 8 AM.
- From 10 PM to 8 AM please be respectful of our valley neighbors and other guests by being as quiet as possible.
- Sound travels far in our valley!
- There is no amplified sound or generator use allowed during quiet hours.
- With respect to Mendocino County’s Sound Ordinance, all camping guests, private events, and weddings must adhere to quiet hours 10 pm-8 am unless otherwise coordinated with event permitting and cooperation with our community.
- Our decibel meter reading must stay at no more than 50 dB from 50 feet away.
- Late-night sound options include non-amplified music, acoustic performances, congregating in the lower Mast Family campground area only (by the Central Camper’s Kitchen), or investing in a silent disco option – we have preferred vendors available, let us know how we can serve your sound needs.
- Megaphone use of siren or sampling of any sirens from any speakers regardless of amplification of any kind will not be tolerated.
Trash Policy
- Plan to pack it out & leave no trace.
- There is no trash service at Mendocino Magic.
- Plan ahead to pack out all your trash and recycling.
- You will be charged $25 per bag for any trash or recycling left behind.
- Cottage rentals include garbage service.
- The closest waste transfer station is at 1825 Branscomb Road (2 miles towards Laytonville).
- They are open Wednesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 3:45 PM.
- Bring sturdy trash bags and clear recycling bags.
- There is no composting here.
- Bring CASH to pay for the waste transfer station.
- CRV recycling is accepted at no charge if properly sorted.
- Remove excess packaging and recycle it at home before you pack.
- Carry a small trash bag with you to pick up personal trash.
- You will be charged $5 for each cigarette butt or piece of trash left by your camp.
- Walk your campsite every day to pick up small trash.
- Leave time to check your campsite after you pack up.
- Plan Ahead & Prepare Have an accurate headcount; prepare enough food but minimize waste; ask questions and know the rules; check the weather.
- Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces Our accommodations are created for your enjoyment; do not make new campsites; always stay on trails.
- Dispose of Waste Properly Recycling sorting stations available at the Central Camper’s Kitchen; Pitch in, do not litter;
- Be responsible for you, your party, your pets.
- Leave What You Find Do not collect any souvenirs during your stay, including rocks, arrowheads, or any animals. Catch & Release fishing only.
- Minimize Campfire Impacts Re-Emphasizing the fire rules listed above, please clean up your fire area after cooking & use.
- Respect Wildlife Lots of wildlife lives here year-round in harmony with guests.
- Stay on the trails and be aware of your surroundings.
- Be Considerate of Other Visitors Many guests are able to enjoy Mendocino Magic at the same time if we all respect each other’s campsite spaces, share use of the reservoir, boats, and docks, keep voices low unless you are calling for help, and respect quiet hours between 10 pm and 8 am unless alternative agreements with management have been made.
- There is absolutely no styrofoam allowed at Mendocino magic fee for bringing styrofoam is $250.
- Campers must pack out their garbage or pay a fee for management to haul sorted garbage. You can help by using the labeled recycling and compost bins, following instructions, and minimizing your waste.
- We embrace the Leave No Trace Principles listed above and request our guests comply with the same respect for the great outdoors.
- For events with a planned cleanup, note local facility located at 1825 Branscomb Road in Laytonville operates Wednesday to Sunday 10 am to 4 pm, refuse bags are $7 each to dump, and CA CRV and sorting of recycling are mandatory to minimize costs for hauling.
Fire Safety
- Join us in protecting this 600-acre forest from wildfires.
- Due to the high potential of wildfires in California–campfires and charcoal grills are NOT ALLOWED.
- Gas grills are available for your use at the Central Camp Area.
- Propane camp stoves are available for rent on the Front Porch.
- Mendocino Magic Staff will run a fire pit in the Central Camp on Friday and Saturday nights.
- All propane camp stoves and gas grills must be supervised while hot, with absolutely no exceptions.
- Place camp stoves on a table instead of the ground.
- Be aware of locations and proper use of fire extinguishers at your site.
- Drive only on gravel roads.
- Do not drive through grass or park on tall grass.
- Place generators on bare dirt or gravel.
- Generators must be supervised by an adult whenever in use.
- Store gasoline containers in the shade.
- Staff may facilitate generator use.
- Anyone violating fire safety principles may be asked to leave immediately with no refund.
- During a fire ban, please do not start a fire at any camp's fire ring - guests who do so will be asked to leave without a refund.
Smoking Policy
- Tobacco and Cannabis smoking is allowed outside.
- Due to wildfire danger, please smoke on gravel roads & concrete surfaces.
- Do not smoke in tents or cottages.
- Carry a portable ashtray with you for butts.
- You will be charged $5 for each cigarette butt left on the ground.
- Please maintain a respectful distance from others who are not smoking.
- Smoke & Vape only in designated areas.
- $5 for every cigarette butt picked up after private events & campouts.
Water Safety
- Holland Reservoir is the jewel of Mendocino Magic.
- Join us in protecting this beautiful place & our drinking water
- There is no lifeguard at the reservoir.
- Do not go into the water alone. Use the buddy system.
- Children and pets must be supervised at all times.
- There are no motorboats allowed in our reservoir.
- Bring your favorite floaty toy, or stand-up paddle board, or borrow one of our kayaks.
- Please use reef-safe sunscreen and body products.
- Toxins in your sunscreen end up in your drinking water.
- Do not use glass containers at the Reservoir.
- Bring water shoes to navigate the steep banks and sharp rocks.
- Wear a hat, shirt, and sunscreen.
- Sunburn is our most common injury.
- Do not visit the Reservoir at night.
- No water activities are allowed after dusk.
Drinking Water
- Our drinking water is filtered but has a light iron taste
- You may prefer to bring your own drinking water with you.
- Be prepared to pack out your disposable bottles.
- Potable water is at the central camp or in orange water jugs throughout the campground.
Drugs & Alcohol
- Alcohol may be consumed by adults over 21.
- Intoxicated guests who require staff help will be charged an adult babysitting rate of $250 an hour.
- No illegal drug use is allowed.
- Cannabis is legal for adults over 21 in California.
- Please only smoke in areas where it is permitted.
Children & Families
- We welcome children & families to Mendocino Magic throughout the year.
- Children must be directly supervised by an adult at all times.
- The campground, tents, and cottages are not childproof.
- Explain the various dangers of the environment to your children.
- Use sun protection and drink plenty of water on hot days.
- Wild animals are not pets and should not be approached or fed.
- Animals we share this land with include rattlesnakes, scorpions, wild pigs, and deer.
- Look for poison oak before you walk or sit.
- Check yourself for ticks regularly. Wear long sleeves and pants when hiking.
- Wasps, bees, and mosquitos are common throughout the campground.
- If your child is allergic to bees, make sure to carry an epi-pen.
- There is NO lifeguard at the Reservoir.
- Children must be supervised at all times while in or near the water.
- The Reservoir shore is steep with sharp rocks.
- Life jackets are not provided. Bring your own life jacket.
Photography Policy
- Event organizers are permitted to bring photographers, videographers, documentarians, and drone videographers on-site to document their events at their own discretion, but these vendor guests must check in with on-site management on arrival; some nearby areas are no-fly zones for drones.
- Photographers provide links to their footage and files within 1 month of the conclusion of the event. Photographers will be credited.
- When tagging photos and locations on social media platforms, please use @MendocinoMagic.
- Mendocino Magic reserves the right to access and utilize photos taken at the campground for tasteful promotional use, including providing their own venue photographers and videographers during your event.
Pets Policy
- Please consider your dog’s comfort and safety before bringing them to Mendocino Magic.
- There are no fenced pet areas, so your dog will have to be on a leash with you at all times.
- Our cottages and luxe tents are not dog-proof but well-behaved dogs are welcome.
- We share this land with creatures that may injure or kill your dog–including bears, wild pigs, scorpions, and rattlesnakes.
- Dogs must be supervised and on a leash at all times.
- Clean up and pack out all the dog waste.
- Bring your own poop bags.
- No pets on the furniture or beds.
- Guests may be asked to pay a pet cleaning fee.
- Owners not playing by these rules will be asked to tether their dog for the remainder of the campout.
- On second notice the owner will be asked to leave the property without a refund.
- We LOVE animals at Mendocino Magic.
- As long as impacts are minimal and the animals stay under the control of the owner at all times during the length of stay on site, we are happy to have them.
- For Campouts and Weekend Rentals: YES! While dogs are welcomed, they must be kept on leashes for the safety and security of themselves, other guests, and other guests' dogs, and to protect our native habitat and many natural facets of our ecological space.
- Owners must be responsible for their pets and pet’s behavior, and poop must be picked up and placed in the garbage (not in the compost) to be packed out upon departure.
Swimming Policy
- Please enjoy the Reservoir and swim at your own risk!
- We are deeply grateful for our Holland Reservoir, and love sharing it with our guests.
- In addition to swimming, paddling, floating, and kayaking, we also permit catch-and-release fishing.
- The day rate to use the reservoir is $15/day.
- Lake-safe sunscreen only. We really care about this place.
- Swimming is not allowed after dark.
- Please do not move or rearrange any of the docks.
- Please return all kayaks, canoes, and paddles.
- As always, leave it better than you found it!
Bikes & ATVs
- Bikes and electric skateboards are welcome throughout the campground.
- Motorcycles & ATVs must stay on marked gravel roads at all times.
- Motor vehicles taken through the tall grass can cause a wildfire.
- Remember to store gasoline in the shade.
Packing List
- Visit www.mendocinomagic.com/packing for everything we recommend you bring for a camping or glamping weekend.
Weather & Climate
- Check the weather for Laytonville, California, 95454 before you pack. https://www.google.com/search?q=weather+95454
- We are located at 1,900 feet above sea level in the rolling hills of the Mendocino forest.
- There can be a 40-degree difference between our high and low for the day. Bring layers.
Banned Items
- You will be charged a $250 fine for these items.
- Charcoal grills or campfires.
- Styrofoam.
- Fireworks, flares, explosives, flying lanterns, incandescent lamps.
- Candles (battery-operated candles are allowed).
Cancellation Policy
MODERATE
If the guest cancels at least 1 week before your check-in day and time, they will receive a full refund (minus Spot2Nite convenience or resort fees). If the guest cancels within the 1 week before check-in, there will be no refund.