Updated on 2025-05-21 9:02 to include views of Hipcamp proponents
Mendocino County Department of Planning and Building has announced five stakeholder meetings on amendments to an ordinance that addresses hipcamps and other short-term rentals also called "low-intensity camping" by their proponents.
• Fort Bragg: Wednesday, May 21st, 2025 at 6:00 pm Fort Bragg Veterans Hall, 360 N. Harrison St., Fort Bragg
• Anderson Valley: Wednesday, May 28th, 2025 at 6:00 pm Boonville Veterans Hall, 14470 Highway 128, Boonville
• Covelo: Wednesday, June 4th, 2025 at 6:00 pm Round Valley Library, 23925 Howard St., Covelo (RVAMAC regular meeting) • Willits: Wednesday, June 11th, 2025 at 6:00 pm Mendocino County Museum, 400 E. Commercial St., Willits
• Ukiah: Wednesday, June 18th, 2025 at 6:00 pm Conference Room C Mendocino County Administration Center, 501 Low Gap Road, Ukiah and virtual participation via Zoom. Webinar ID: 831 7441 6078
The county has been wrestling with how to regulate small commercial campgrounds in residential neighbors for close to a year.
Hipcamp hosts say the extra income makes a significant difference as the cost of living continues to rise. They say settig up a small camping zone on their properties offers visitors a private, unique, and fun way to visit the Mendocino coast.
Opposition to hipcamps is particularly strong in coastal areas, where small commercial campgrounds have been set up in residential communities made up of one-, two-, three-, and four-acre parcels. At prior meetings residents have also expressed concern about the increased risk of fire in areas zoned for agriculture and timber use, as well as residential areas that are located far from a fire station.
Additional issues cited by residents include potential groundwater contamination, disruption of sensitive habitats, and the nuisance caused by late-night visitors and traffic on private roads.
