ABOUT BUSHAY CAMPGROUND: Bushay ACE Campground in Lake Mendocino Recreation Area is one of many campgrounds on this large lake. We previously camped at a different campground here in 2017, Kyen ACE Campground. They were closed due to the wildfires in the area the past couple of years. Bushay was the only one open and only part of it was available. It was almost empty and we had no trouble on a Monday picking a campsite, #79, with a wonderful Lake view. But very few people were camping so we took a chance on this site since it was next to, and facing, the Day Use Area playground and picnic area. If we were to return here to Bushay, site 93 should be our 1st choice because it has the view but doesn’t have other campsites and activities close to it, followed by #80. Other choices might be 41, 54 and 57, decent campsites but no views.
The campground offered no hook-ups, but there was a dump station and drinking water was available. The cost for a waterview site was ridiculous since there were no hook-ups ($40 per night). With the Federal senior pass it was $20 – ½ price. Bushay has 136 individual campsites and 3 group campgrounds. It offers picnic shelters, a playground, volleyball court, and a large open grassy field. Campfire programs are also given on weekends throughout the summer at the Bushay Campground Amphitheater. There are several trails that lead to the water, but many of these are very steep. There are flush and vault toilets, showers, and a horse staging area is located in the campground near the Kaweyo Trailhead.
Lake Mendocino lies in the scenic rolling hills of Coyote Valley. Groves of old Oak mixed with Manzanita and Pines forest the area, offering shade and an excellent bird and wildlife habitat. The 1,822-acre lake provides abundant boating, swimming, and water skiing opportunities. Fishing and biking are also popular activities. Several miles of trails wind around Lake Mendocino, including the 7-mile Kaweyo Trail, which is open to hiking and horseback riding. This trail winds from the lake to the dam, providing excellent views of the lake and wildlife in the area.
Lake Mendocino Recreation Area: The campgrounds are located between Ukiah and Calpella, California. For all the campgrounds within the Recreation Area and for further information, or to make reservations, go to www.recreation.gov. Or for campground inquiries, call (707) 467-4200.
- 2022 – 03/21-03/22