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Jug Handle Creek Nature Center

Hosted by Jughandle · Caspar, California
12 sites · RV, Tent · 33 acres
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Best in California: 1st place
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2023.
Great for groups
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for larger groups.
Family-friendly
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.
Best legacy: Finalist
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.
Nestled on 33 acres of coastal meadows and forest, Jug Handle Creek Nature Center is a peaceful, nature-centered campground with a rich history and a truly unique landscape. Saved from development in the 1970s, Jug Handle now stands as a thriving nonprofit sanctuary dedicated to education, restoration, and connection with the natural world. Just a five-minute walk from Jug Handle State Reserve, Jug Handle Beach, and the renowned Ecological Staircase Trail - a rare geological formation that reveals 500,000 years of coastal history - you’ll find yourself immersed in one of Mendocino County’s most remarkable environments. We offer 11 spacious campsites, each with two picnic tables, a fire ring, parking for two vehicles, and plenty of room for tents. Spread out across open meadows and forest edges, the sites offer privacy, quiet, and the soothing sounds of nature. Explore on-site nature trails, a native plant nursery, and beautiful woodlands, or simply relax beneath the stars. A few important things to note: Due to the close proximity of neighboring livestock, as well as the bountiful wildlife that call this special place home, PETS ARE NO LONGER PERMITTED on the premises. Firewood is not provided, though there are several roadside stands nearby where it is available for purchase. You'll be pretty independent here. We provide self-check-in for your convenience. Directions and access information (including the bathroom code!) will be messaged to you prior to your stay.
from
$45
/ night
12 sites

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Tent-only sites

7 sites
High demandInstant book

#4 - Big Meadow, Electrical Hookup

96%
(354)
Tent site · Sleeps 8
Site #4 has is perfect for your small-midsize RV or camper! Our only site with electrical hookups, Site #4 features one 30 amp 120 volt 3 prong outlet and a standard 20 amp 120 volt (household) 3 prong outlet. Maximum RV/Camper length of 24 feet. Site #4 looks out over our main meadow. Our Mission: We offer a welcoming and supportive environment for people of all backgrounds to explore nature and connect with the natural world. Nature stewardship is central to our non-profit mission and as an organization we are engaged in many nature restoration projects throughout Mendocino County. We also provide a supportive learning environment for nature education for disadvantaged youth during the school year. If you teach k-12 and would like to bring your classroom to Jug Handle contact us about camping, lodging, and our immersive nature education programs. Our 33 acre property has lots of nature trails, is peaceful and beautiful, and is a 5-10 minute walk on a wooded trail to Jug Handle Beach and Jug Handle State Natural Reserve. Please note that due to the close proximity of neighboring livestock, as well as the presence of bountiful wildlife that call this special place home, WE CAN NO LONGER ALLOW PETS AT JUG HANDLE CREEK NATURE CENTER.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
No showers
Picnic table
from
$60
/ night
for 8 guests
High demandInstant book

#3 - Grandma's Wild Woods

97%
(347)
Tent site · Sleeps 6
Site #3 - Grandma's Woods is in the midst of a Grand Fir Forest. It also borders our main meadow so you have access to both sun and shade. This is a tent camping only site! Not appropriate for trailers, campers, etc. as the parking area is small and on a slant. Our Mission: We offer a welcoming and supportive environment for people of all backgrounds to explore nature and connect with the natural world. Nature stewardship is central to our non-profit mission and as an organization we are engaged in many nature restoration projects throughout Mendocino County. We also provide a supportive learning environment for nature education for disadvantaged youth during the school year. If you teach k-12 and would like to bring your classroom to Jug Handle contact us about camping, lodging, and our immersive nature education programs. Our 33 acre property has lots of nature trails, is peaceful and beautiful, and is a 5-10 minute walk on a wooded trail to Jug Handle Beach and Jug Handle State Natural Reserve. Please note that due to the close proximity of neighboring livestock, as well as the presence of bountiful wildlife that call this special place home, WE CAN NO LONGER ALLOW PETS AT JUG HANDLE CREEK NATURE CENTER.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
No showers
Picnic table
from
$50
/ night
for 6 guests
High demandInstant book

#2 - Sunny Spot in Meadow

96%
(324)
Tent site · Sleeps 10
Site #2 is a spacious site, located in a meadow with part sun and part shade. There is a shared dish washing station between Site #1 and Site #2. Our Mission: We offer a welcoming and supportive environment for people of all backgrounds to explore nature and connect with the natural world. Nature stewardship is central to our non-profit mission and as an organization we are engaged in many nature restoration projects throughout Mendocino County. We also provide a supportive learning environment for nature education for disadvantaged youth during the school year. If you teach k-12 and would like to bring your classroom to Jug Handle contact us about camping, lodging, and our immersive nature education programs. Our 33 acre property has lots of nature trails, is peaceful and beautiful, and is a 5-10 minute walk on a wooded trail to Jug Handle Beach and Jug Handle State Natural Reserve. Please note that due to the close proximity of neighboring livestock, as well as the presence of bountiful wildlife that call this special place home, WE CAN NO LONGER ALLOW PETS AT JUG HANDLE CREEK NATURE CENTER.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
No showers
Picnic table
from
$60
/ night
for 10 guests
High demandInstant book

#1 - Shady & Big

96%
(311)
Tent site · Sleeps 8
Site #1 is in the shade and great for tent camping. It is quite, private and peaceful. A sink/dish washing station is located between sites #1 and #2. Our Mission: We offer a welcoming and supportive environment for people of all backgrounds to explore nature and connect with the natural world. Nature stewardship is central to our non-profit mission and as an organization we are engaged in many nature restoration projects throughout Mendocino County. We also provide a supportive learning environment for nature education for disadvantaged youth during the school year. If you teach k-12 and would like to bring your classroom to Jug Handle contact us about camping, lodging, and our immersive nature education programs. Our 33 acre property has lots of nature trails, is peaceful and beautiful, and is a 5-10 minute walk on a wooded trail to Jug Handle Beach and Jug Handle State Natural Reserve. Please note that due to the close proximity of neighboring livestock, as well as the presence of bountiful wildlife that call this special place home, WE CAN NO LONGER ALLOW PETS AT JUG HANDLE CREEK NATURE CENTER.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
No showers
Picnic table
from
$60
/ night
for 8 guests
Instant book

#5 - Play in the Shade

96%
(296)
Tent site · Sleeps 4
Site #5 is close to everything. Mostly shady with some sun. Our Mission: We offer a welcoming and supportive environment for people of all backgrounds to explore nature and connect with the natural world. Nature stewardship is central to our non-profit mission and as an organization we are engaged in many nature restoration projects throughout Mendocino County. We also provide a supportive learning environment for nature education for disadvantaged youth during the school year. If you teach k-12 and would like to bring your classroom to Jug Handle contact us about camping, lodging, and our immersive nature education programs. Our 33 acre property has lots of nature trails, is peaceful and beautiful, and is a 5-10 minute walk on a wooded trail to Jug Handle Beach and Jug Handle State Natural Reserve. Please note that due to the close proximity of neighboring livestock, as well as the presence of bountiful wildlife that call this special place home, WE CAN NO LONGER ALLOW PETS AT JUG HANDLE CREEK NATURE CENTER.
Short walk to site
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
No showers
from
$50
/ night
for 4 guests
High demandInstant book

#9 - Walk into Forest

97%
(211)
Tent site · Sleeps 4
This is our most private site. Its in the woods and very peaceful. You cannot drive to this site. It is a short (100 foot) walk from your dedicated parking area. **NOTE: This site may be subject to last-minute closures under certain, seasonal weather conditions, such as high winds, or heavy rainfall. Under most circumstances, we should be able to give you 3 days notice to either cancel or make other arrangements. When possible, we would be happy to assist in trying to book you at one of our other sites if the need arises. Our Mission: We offer a welcoming and supportive environment for people of all backgrounds to explore nature and connect with the natural world. Nature stewardship is central to our non-profit mission and as an organization we are engaged in many nature restoration projects throughout Mendocino County. We also provide a supportive learning environment for nature education for disadvantaged youth during the school year. If you teach k-12 and would like to bring your classroom to Jug Handle contact us about camping, lodging, and our immersive nature education programs. Our 33 acre property has lots of nature trails, is peaceful and beautiful, and is a 5-10 minute walk on a wooded trail to Jug Handle Beach and Jug Handle State Natural Reserve. Please note that due to the close proximity of neighboring livestock, as well as the presence of bountiful wildlife that call this special place home, WE CAN NO LONGER ALLOW PETS AT JUG HANDLE CREEK NATURE CENTER.
Short walk to site
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
No showers
from
$50
/ night
for 4 guests
Instant book

#8 - Woodland's hangout

94%
(178)
Tent site · Sleeps 4
Site #8 is off the beaten path in the woods. No RV's please. This site is in the shade and very private. **NOTE: This site may be subject to last-minute closures under certain, seasonal weather conditions, such as high winds, or heavy rainfall. Under most circumstances, we should be able to give you 3 days notice to either cancel or make other arrangements. When possible, we would be happy to assist in trying to book you at one of our other sites if the need arises. Our Mission: We offer a welcoming and supportive environment for people of all backgrounds to explore nature and connect with the natural world. Nature stewardship is central to our non-profit mission and as an organization we are engaged in many nature restoration projects throughout Mendocino County. We also provide a supportive learning environment for nature education for disadvantaged youth during the school year. If you teach k-12 and would like to bring your classroom to Jug Handle contact us about camping, lodging, and our immersive nature education programs. Our 33 acre property has lots of nature trails, is peaceful and beautiful, and is a 5-10 minute walk on a wooded trail to Jug Handle Beach and Jug Handle State Natural Reserve. Please note that due to the close proximity of neighboring livestock, as well as the presence of bountiful wildlife that call this special place home, WE CAN NO LONGER ALLOW PETS AT JUG HANDLE CREEK NATURE CENTER.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
No showers
Picnic table
from
$50
/ night
for 4 guests

RV/tent sites

5 sites
High demandInstant book

#7 - Large Sunny Family Spot

94%
(344)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 10 · Vehicles under 24 ft
Site #7 is great for families. It is large enough to easily accommodate three or four tents with lots of space to spread out. Has shade and sun. Our Mission: We offer a welcoming and supportive environment for people of all backgrounds to explore nature and connect with the natural world. Nature stewardship is central to our non-profit mission and as an organization we are engaged in many nature restoration projects throughout Mendocino County. We also provide a supportive learning environment for nature education for disadvantaged youth during the school year. If you teach k-12 and would like to bring your classroom to Jug Handle contact us about camping, lodging, and our immersive nature education programs. Our 33 acre property has lots of nature trails, is peaceful and beautiful, and is a 5-10 minute walk on a wooded trail to Jug Handle Beach and Jug Handle State Natural Reserve. Please note that due to the close proximity of neighboring livestock, as well as the presence of bountiful wildlife that call this special place home, WE CAN NO LONGER ALLOW PETS AT JUG HANDLE CREEK NATURE CENTER.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
No electrical hookup
No water hookup
from
$60
/ night
for 10 guests
High demandInstant book

#6 - Sunny and Open

95%
(335)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 4 · Vehicles under 24 ft
Site #6 is a nice little spot with part sun and part shade. It is in the middle of the campground near the bathroom and water spigot. Our Mission: We offer a welcoming and supportive environment for people of all backgrounds to explore nature and connect with the natural world. Nature stewardship is central to our non-profit mission and as an organization we are engaged in many nature restoration projects throughout Mendocino County. We also provide a supportive learning environment for nature education for disadvantaged youth during the school year. If you teach k-12 and would like to bring your classroom to Jug Handle contact us about camping, lodging, and our immersive nature education programs. Our 33 acre property has lots of nature trails, is peaceful and beautiful, and is a 5-10 minute walk on a wooded trail to Jug Handle Beach and Jug Handle State Natural Reserve. Please note that due to the close proximity of neighboring livestock, as well as the presence of bountiful wildlife that call this special place home, WE CAN NO LONGER ALLOW PETS AT JUG HANDLE CREEK NATURE CENTER.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
No electrical hookup
No water hookup
from
$50
/ night
for 4 guests
High demandInstant book

#10 - Sunny Spot

94%
(216)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 4 · Vehicles under 18 ft
Campsite #10 is in a sunny spot near the end of our campground and has a nice view of a large meadow. It is next to the group site. Campsite #10 can accommodate a camper or RV up to 24 feet in length. There are no electrical hookups at Campsite #10. Our Mission: We offer a welcoming and supportive environment for people of all backgrounds to explore nature and connect with the natural world. Nature stewardship is central to our non-profit mission and as an organization we are engaged in many nature restoration projects throughout Mendocino County. We also provide a supportive learning environment for nature education for disadvantaged youth during the school year. If you teach k-12 and would like to bring your classroom to Jug Handle contact us about camping, lodging, and our immersive nature education programs. Our 33 acre property has lots of nature trails, is peaceful and beautiful, and is a 5-10 minute walk on a wooded trail to Jug Handle Beach and Jug Handle State Natural Reserve. Please note that due to the close proximity of neighboring livestock, as well as the presence of bountiful wildlife that call this special place home, WE CAN NO LONGER ALLOW PETS AT JUG HANDLE CREEK NATURE CENTER.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
No electrical hookup
No water hookup
from
$45
/ night
for 4 guests
Instant book

#11 Large Sunny Group Campsite

97%
(73)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 30 · Vehicles under 24 ft
Hold your nature-based outing (30 people max) in our spacious group campsite in a lovely meadow, surrounded by forest. The group campsite includes a large fire pit, four picnic tables, and a large mowed meadow for tents. Group Site #11 includes a cooking counter with a large sink. Our Mission: We offer a welcoming and supportive environment for people of all backgrounds to explore nature and connect with the natural world. Nature stewardship is central to our non-profit mission and as an organization we are engaged in many nature restoration projects throughout Mendocino County. We also provide a supportive learning environment for nature education for disadvantaged youth during the school year. If you teach k-12 and would like to bring your classroom to Jug Handle contact us about camping, lodging, and our immersive nature education programs. Our 33 acre property has lots of nature trails, is peaceful and beautiful, and is a 5-10 minute walk on a wooded trail to Jug Handle Beach and Jug Handle State Natural Reserve. Please note that due to the close proximity of neighboring livestock, as well as the presence of bountiful wildlife that call this special place home, WE CAN NO LONGER ALLOW PETS AT JUG HANDLE CREEK NATURE CENTER.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
No electrical hookup
Water hookup
from
$160
/ night
for 30 guests

Entire Campground 11 sites

RV/tent site · Sleeps 100 · Vehicles under 24 ft
PLEASE NOTE, this site books out the entire campground. You will have exclusive access to and use of all campsites on the property. The maximum number of people is 100. Nestled on 33 acres of coastal meadows and forest, Jug Handle Creek Nature Center is a peaceful, nature-centered campground with a rich history and a truly unique landscape. Saved from development in the 1970s, Jug Handle now stands as a thriving nonprofit sanctuary dedicated to education, restoration, and connection with the natural world. Just a five-minute walk from Jug Handle State Reserve, Jug Handle Beach, and the renowned Ecological Staircase Trail, you’ll find yourself immersed in one of Mendocino County’s most remarkable environments. We offer 11 spacious campsites, each with two picnic tables, a fire ring, parking for two vehicles, and plenty of room for tents. Spread out across open meadows and forest edges, the sites offer privacy, quiet, and the soothing sounds of nature. Explore on-site nature trails, a native plant nursery, community gardens, and beautiful woodlands—or simply relax beneath the stars. EXTRAS: We provide trash service to groups at the rate of $300/group. Please message us if you would like to add this service to your reservation.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
No electrical hookup
No water hookup
from
$700
/ night
for 100 guests
from
$45
/ night
12 sites

Reviews

96% Recommend5309 ratings · 1937 reviews

Location

Caspar, Mendocino, California, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Jughandle F.

Joined in September 2015

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