Ukiah, CA
Big Yurt at Golden Cup Wilderness
A 900-square-foot yurt anchors the Forest Village on 160 acres of Mendocino County forest between Hopland and Ukiah. Inside there's a full kitchen, wood-burning stove,…
North Coast · California
Private campsites & glamping in Ukiah, CA
Ukiah sits in the Russian River valley of Mendocino County, two hours north of San Francisco — far enough to escape the Bay Area weekend crush, close enough for a Friday-afternoon getaway. This is California's quiet corner of wine country: Hopland's tasting rooms without Napa prices, Lake Mendocino for summer swimming, and 160 acres of private oak-and-redwood forest hosting the stays we list.
The vibe is back-to-the-land Mendocino. One stay centers on a 900-square-foot yurt with a full kitchen, wood-burning stove, and dining table for six, set among old-growth oaks with a redwood-grove treehouse and seasonal cob sauna to explore. The other is a hand-built cob-and-straw-bale hut — clay floors, wood stove, artesian spring water — fully off-grid except for wifi at the central crossroads. Summers run hot inland (90s are normal); spring and fall are ideal. Pair it with the Mendocino coast, about an hour west over the hills, for the classic redwoods-to-sea weekend.
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2 stays in Ukiah
Ukiah, CA
Bear Hut at Golden Cup Wilderness
Hand-built from cob and straw bale on 160 acres of private Mendocino forest, the Bear Hut is a two-bedroom earthen home with clay floors and a wood stove. An open…
Questions, answered
Camping in Ukiah: FAQs
How far is Ukiah from San Francisco?
About 110 miles, roughly 2 hours via US-101 North. It's an easy Friday-afternoon drive — and far enough that the weekend crowds thin out.
What's the best season?
Spring and fall. Inland Mendocino County summers regularly hit the 90s; winter brings rain and vivid green hills. Shoulder seasons give you both.
Is there wine tasting nearby?
Yes — Hopland and Redwood Valley, minutes south of Ukiah, hold tasting rooms without the Napa crowds or prices. Many are small, family-run operations.
Can I combine Ukiah with the Mendocino coast?
Easily. Highway 253/128 west reaches the coast (Mendocino village, Van Damme State Park) in about an hour — redwoods-to-sea in a single weekend.
Are these stays really off-grid?
The Bear Hut is fully off-grid (solar, spring water, wood heat); the Big Yurt has a full kitchen and more conventional comforts. Confirm power, water, and cell specifics with the host when you book.