Children swinging on hammocks. New parents nuzzling babies in the glow of the campfire. Pet lovers playing fetch with Rover. At a time when overdependence on technology is eroding family time, along comes Mendocino Grove, offering 37 acres of glamp-sites designed to unite moms, dads, siblings, and furry companions.
For those of us who did not grow up camping, Mendocino Grove is a godsend. Just remember that many folks from different cultures find sleeping on the ground and eating outdoors kind of odd. For some like my own mother, the idea of camping gives off that not-so-pleasant refugee vibe. But not here.
Imagine someone who will light the fire for you when you can’t get even produce a flicker from that darned stack of wood. And imagine a tent that is already pitched and outfitted with a super thick mattress, adjustable temperature bed warmer, clean wood floor, shower towels and a clothing rack, plus a lantern to guide you in the dark.
Mendocino Grove, with rates starting at $199, is one of several independent luxury camping grounds in the country that provides the ultimate outdoor experience minus the hardship. Just pack the kids and your clothing in the car and go. Who wants to bring tonnage of bulky camping gear? Don’t like sleeping on dirty ground? No problem. Your platform floor tent comes equipped with a dust pan and broom. Aren’t sure how to cook over a campfire? No problem. You can barbeque on the gas grills with posted instructions and utensils.. There’s even a phone number to call if you really find yourself in a pickle. And if you really need to go online, there is limited wi-fi here, don’t please don’t revert to going crazy on your cell phone.
M.G. is ideal for families with small children, for you have 24×7 access to a microwave, plus daily breakfast is included. To date, the fare includes hot oatmeal with toppings, fresh fruit, boiled eggs, homemade banana bread, and hot tea, coffee, and hot chocolate.
The compound filled with ferns, trees, and flowers is meticulously groomed. Pathways are cleared of rocks and thorny things so no obstacles can cause little ones or elderly ones to trip or fall. A pet park with a gate allows big and small pooches to romp about untethered. Dogs are also allowed to sleep in the tents. A large lawn lets kids play ball, run wild, and make up games … just like we did in the old days.
Other game activities on site include board games that can be checked out of the camp store and bocce ball. Families can take on the Fern Canyon Loop trail, a one-mlle path offering easy hills with views of the ocean. Morning yoga on the yoga deck is another option. And across the road, highly recommended are the outrigger canoe rentals from Catch-a-Canoe that can seat small ones and pets.
If you forget something, the camp store offers the basics, and much more. There are the softer-than-soft blanket throws, signature baseball caps, and beefy sweatshirts. It vibes more like an upscale boutique than your run-of-the-mill camping supply shop. For sale are playing cards and s’mores kits to make classic camping memories. If you need pressed juice blend or a kombucha hit, you can buy it here. In addition, you are a five minute drive from downtown Mendocino, so you are hardly roughing it.
Amid sky high redwoods, nine neighborhoods comprised of 60 luxury tents feature single beds, double beds, bunks, and other configurations. The outside of the ADA-compatible tents feature a platform path where wheelchairs can roll right in. Each of the sleeping quarters has ceilings at least eight feet high. The website is excellent, and you can pick your room type, site location, and preferred views.
And there’s more. Each unit comes with its own deck with Adirondack chairs, tree stump stools, and coffee table. Your personal outdoor space includes a fire pit and picnic table.
We found that Meadow Commons, the breakfast area and open living room space, was one of our favorite spots to hang out. Around-the-clock tea and hot water are at hand, and my husband Frank and I spent the first day just reading our books on the couches. Overhead heat lamps were a great touch as well as the coffeehouse jazz piped into the setting.
By the way, the communal deck called Lower Bath House features restrooms, tiled showers, and a sauna. It can get pretty cold here, and I saw a mom and her daughter tuck in for a few minutes just to stay warm. This is where the massage room (yes, I said massage!) is located. I booked a massage ahead of time and experienced one of the best I’ve ever had.
Parents will appreciate the campsite’s cleanliness. I thought the place had recently opened, but in reality, it has been in operation for ten years. Places like this can go to seed fast if not routinely cleaned and maintained. During our stay, workers were leaf blowing debris off pathways. Others were delivering and replenishing firewood to the tents. Early in the morning a crew was freshening up the restrooms.
Design mavens will be attuned to the farmhouse chic that make this feel like a set for an HGTV design show. Details such as fresh flower arrangements add cheer throughout the facility and new wedding-like bouquets are delivered weekly Foxgloves, ferns, and peonies in mason jars are perched like… everywhere. Another attention getter is the cluster of wicker basket chandeliers over the long breakfast farm table. The designer teas, packed in lidded mason jars, are showcased in little crates. Willow chairs look weathered but are actually comfortable and sturdy.
The night we arrived and sat by the gas fire pit, we met a young couple from the East Bay with their baby. It was their first trip with their first child, and they were beaming. The couple found all the amenities comforting as they were already concerned about how their little treasure would adapt being away from her crib for the first time. But lo and behold, the infant slept like a rock the first night, nestled between her parents. “It’s all going so well,” they smiled.
This is camping on training wheels as your every need is fulfilled. You can rent a camping cooking box for $75 that arrives with everything you need. Tablecloth, cutlery, plates, cups, wine opener, cutting board, plus tongs and spatulas and iron pots and pans make your packing life easier. It even comes with olive oil, and salt and pepper.
Before you book your reservation, note that the fog horn blares repeatedly and sirens do go off in the distance, and so earplugs are recommended. You do need to bring your own ice chest to keep your raw food chilled. No refrigerators here. Other than these two issues, you are good to go.
A warning: you will get spoiled by the hot oatmeal bar, warmed beds, and fire valets. Maybe you should experience the old fashioned kind of camping first, and then come here to appreciate these luxuries. We’ve already told ourselves that after Mendocino Grove, there’s no turning back!
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When You Go:
See mendocinogrove.com
Note that the glamping site closes for the winter.
Do check website for details.