(7/4-6) JULY 4 WKD in MENDOCINO (CAR CAMPING/DAY TRIP): Train Ride in Redwoods, Kayak in Sea Caves, Explore Tidepools, Pygmy Forest + More!

CAMPSITE AMENITIES  

• Picnic tables

• BBQ grills

• Fire ring

• Showers

• Nice flush toilets 

• Drinking water

• 2 EV charging stations

• Bear lockers

NOTE: Car camping means you park your car next to the campsite! Easy peasy

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: EASY
*Hikes are easy; kayak vendor allows children ages 4 + up (exceptions have been made in the past for younger kids; DM Miranda with questions). You should be able to walk a few miles carrying you and your children's items. The hike in the Redwoods is not stroller friendly.

ITINERARY (subject to change due to weather/trail conditions, park closures, etc)

Friday: Check in from 2 p.m. on. Beach play, short ocean hike to see awesome sinkhole and sunset! Make camp, kids enjoy arts and crafts, plus games. Later, make dinner, s'mores around the campfire.

Saturday: Breakfast then head out for some incredible tidepooling in the morning. Lunch on the beach or in town. In the afternoon, we’ll head out on our kayaking adventure! I have secured a 50% discount for adults in our group. Children ages 4+ are allowed (exceptions might be made for younger kids, DM Miranda); the cove is protected from rough waters. (Kayak info: https://www.kayakmendocino.com/; $40/per person (yes, kids, too — a further discount may be available for kids, DM Miranda). We’ll have two kayaking times in the afternoon (4 PM, 6 PM) so families will have the option to visit a nearby pygmy forest (short hike), a lighthouse or Mendocino village. Evening: Fireworks viewing!!!

Sunday: Breakfast at campsite, break camp, then head out for our awesome train ride through the Redwoods, departing from Fort Bragg. If more than 20 people, our group will get a 20% discount (train info: https://www.skunktrain.com/; seats: $40 per person, lap child free). Afterward, adventurers can explore Fort Bragg and/or famous Glass Beach. 

DAY TRIP: Saturday/Sunday day trip are possible (choose that option in the form). Day trippers can hang out at the campsite after the day trip to enjoy the evening's festivities, like campfire and S'mores. 

WHAT'S INCLUDED

*All logistics. We plan the itinerary
*Parking (1 car per family)
*Guided hikes, scavenger hunt and educational activities; arts and crafts for the kids 🎨🪀
*An iron-on patch as a memento of the camping trip plus a small journal for parents to document the adventure! (campers only)
*A digital guide for our adventure that includes natural + cultural history
*A camping checklist
*Assistance with camping set-up
*S’mores kit for the group 🔥🪵🍫
*Firewood
*Charcoal

YOU'LL ALSO GET ACCESS TO

*First-aid kit
*Loaner kit of hiking gear (48-hour notice). Please inquire about what gear is available; we have items for kids and adults, like single/double jogging strollers, Baby Bjorn infant carrier, toddler backpack carrier, hiking poles, etc. Complete loaner kit request form

FLAT FEE FOR WEEKEND

CAMPERS
EARLY BIRD 🐦 SPECIAL DUAL-INCOME FAMILY**: $350 ($400 after May 1)
EARLY BIRD 🐦 SPECIAL SINGLE-INCOME FAMILY**: $330 ($350 after May 1)
**Family means you, your partner and kids. One tent + car per family. NOTE: After 2 kids, $10 charge for each additional child to cover treats + educational materials.
*No refunds are provided 60 days before departure date
*Camping trip takes place rain or shine

DAY TRIPPERS 
SATURDAY, JULY 5 and/or SUNDAY, JULY 6 (must be at meeting point at 9:30 AM; includes S'mores at campsite in evening)
—EARLY BIRD 🐦 SPECIAL DUAL-INCOME FAMILY: $95/family ($105 after May 1)
—EARLY BIRD 🐦 SPECIAL for SINGLE-INCOME FAMILY: $85/family ($100 after May 1) 
*Family means you, your partner and kids. One tent + car per family. 
**NOTE: After 2 kids, $10 charge for each additional child to cover treats + educational materials.
*No refunds are provided 60 days before departure date.
*Camping trip takes place rain or shine
*Prices increase after May 1 so book early. SPOTS ARE LIMITED!

HOW TO BOOK

1. Add this adventure to your car and checkout!

2. Make payment for kayak/train via Zelle Venmo. Please state your name + 2nd adult’s name (if one is joining) as well as how much you are paying for each activity (i.e. Miranda Steiner, $80 for two kayaks, $80 for two train tickets; total $160): https://bit.ly/mommyandmehikingvenmo or Zelle (650-888-2765)

3. Join the WhatsApp chat

4. Complete loaner kit request form: https://bit.ly/loanerkit

5. Add to your Google calendar: 

WHERE WE ARE STAYING

NOT INCLUDED
*Food (we can potluck the side dishes if people want)
*Camping gear (though I have some hiking gear and limited camping gear that you can borrow: loaner kit request form)
*Kayaking and train tickets costs

PAYMENT & CANCELLATION POLICY
*Prices increase after May 1 so book early 
*Full payment must be made to secure your spot (we don't take cash; only digital payment — see options in "how to book" section below). 
*No refunds are provided 60 days before departure date. 
*Camping trip takes place rain or shine

WEATHER: The weather reaches the low 60s during the day and low 50s overnight, which is generally warm for camping. Please ensure that you have a season-3 sleeping bag (which is the most common one; it's great for everything except snow). The marine layer will help to make it feel warmer. I'll be keeping an eye on the weather and will advise you as we get closer to the trip. If you sleep cold, here are some tips how to stay warmer overnight.

NOTE
*Dogs are allowed at the campsite, on the beach and on some but not all trails
*No entrance fee for campers; if we exceed our parking allotment, day trippers might need to go to overflow parking and pay a fee (unless you have a NorCal State Parks pass; you can also borrow one from your local library: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30806)