Bushay Recreation Area
Situated on the side of Lake Mendocino in California’s gorgeous Coyote Valley, Bushay Recreation Area Campground is a pawesome place for you and your canine companion to camp out. The campground has over 100 sites, and those partial to their creature comforts will be glad to know that there are showers on-site. There are electrical hookups, but those come at a cost -- up to $10 on top of your normal fee. Several of the sites are ADA accessible, but places are limited, so it’s best to book early to make sure your needs are met. Bushay Recreation Area is popular but rarely too busy; still, if you’re going to camp in the peak season, you might want to make sure that your pooch can deal with crowds.
Hound-dog hikers will be delighted to know that there are some fabulously Fido-friendly trails just outside their tent -- the Eastside Lake Trail leaves from Bushay Campground and hugs the side of the serene lake for five whole miles, out and back. You’ll find many other opportunities to get lost in nature just a little fur-ther afield, too! Lake Mendocino Recreation Area, on the other side of the lake, has a whole fifteen miles of oak-lined trails for you and your buddy to sniff and explore, running over rolling hills with fabulous views of the water. Your buddy will need to be leashed, of course, but if your furry friend does need to run free, don’t fret! Low Gap Dog Park in Ukiah is a grrreat place to let your doggo lose the leash, and it’s under fifteen minutes away. Head to town on a Saturday and you two can check out the farmers market!
There’s no wifi at Bushay Recreation Area, and cellular coverage can be spotty, so consider your camping choice carefully if you need to be contactable. Otherwise, set that out-of-office email response and relax! Campfires are allowed, but only within designated rings, and water is available. One further note -- the campground can close when the water gets too high, but if this happens, you’ll have your reservation refunded. Remember to bring waste bags for your pupper, and have a furrific vacation!
