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About
Those looking for solitude will find it in droves. This is the only forest in California without a paved road or highway going through it. That should give you some idea of its rugged nature.
Backpackers will delight in the wide-open meadows and waterfalls of Snow Mountain Wilderness. Water is scarce around here, so be sure to pack in extra. If trails aren’t your thing, go full cross-country in the Sanhedrin Wilderness.
Camping is easy to come by with plenty of developed campgrounds and dispersed sites to choose from. Even though it’s a National Forest, be sure to keep your dog leashed in the developed campgrounds.
Anglers can fish the abundant trout in the streams or catch bass in Lake Pillsbury. Off-roaders will find a bounty of dirt roads to r
Those looking for solitude will find it in droves. This is the only forest in California without a paved road or highway going through it. That should give you some idea of its rugged nature.
Backpackers will delight in the wide-open meadows and waterfalls of Snow Mountain Wilderness. Water is scarce around here, so be sure to pack in extra. If trails aren’t your thing, go full cross-country in the Sanhedrin Wilderness.
Camping is easy to come by with plenty of developed campgrounds and dispersed sites to choose from. Even though it’s a National Forest, be sure to keep your dog leashed in the developed campgrounds.
Anglers can fish the abundant trout in the streams or catch bass in Lake Pillsbury. Off-roaders will find a bounty of dirt roads to ride in the Knoxville Wildlife Area.
The archaeology of the Mendo area is fascinating. There are more than 1,800 Native American sites in the forest from the Yuki, Nomlaki Wintu, Patwin Wintu, Eastern Pomo, and Northeastern Pomo. In the latter half of the nineteenth centuries miners and foresters moved in.
The minerals that attracted most people, however, were the ones dissolved in waters of the Forest's gurgling, steaming hot springs. During the early 1900's, visitors would travel many miles to soak up the supposed health benefits of baths in several resorts and spas. You can see remains of three resort hotels, mineral baths, and a bottling plant for mineral water at Bartlett Flats. Fouts Springs, Hough Springs, and Allen Springs also boasted popular resort facilities, although little evidence of their buildings remains.
A beautiful lakeside experience awaits you at the Howard Lake Campground. Howard Lake contains 20 acres of sparkling blue water, beneath even bluer skies. The campground is hugged by douglas fir, cedar, oak, and in the near distance, a vista of mountains. The lake is accessible by vehicle, but we recommend one with good clearance, as the access ro Read more...
Find yourself at the relaxed Howard Meadows Campground, and enjoy the 3,500 feet of elevation. The campground is within walking distance from Howard Lake, which can be teeming with small trout. The area is a pocket of beauty—tall green trees and purple mountains’ majesty. This is a popular primitive experience, and we think you’ll like it here.
You’ll find yourself a very happy camper in Kingsley Glade Campground, a campground situated in a forest at the edge of a sun-kissed meadow. Once you’ve explored the area, head on over to Thomes Creek to make some new friends, as it’s a very popular fishing and swimming spot.
Deep greens surround you in this pretty little campground that stretches along a seasonal creek. At Little Doe Campground enjoy the views of douglas fir, madrone, cedar, and oak. Relax, or get rugged in this semi-wilderness experience.
Sugar Spring Campground is a remote camp on the north side of Thomes Creek. With a little imagination, you could make this into the perfect weekend adventure. Invite a few of your best pals, and when anyone else asks where your photos are from, cryptically reply, “If you have to ask, you’ll never know. ”
Dip your toes into the small creeks that flow early in the season through Sugarfoot Glade Campground, or soak in the magical relaxation of hugging a big old Oak. One of several tiny campgrounds sprinkled along the east-facing slopes of the Eel Divide, Sugarfoot Glade Campground is so remote that it might just be in the middle of nowhere. You know, Read more...
Seven miles east of Eel River Station off Forest Highway 7, Surveyors Camp Campground is a largely undeveloped site, meaning you won’t find paved looped roads or parking spurs. Head north for an excellent view at Anthony Peak Lookout, and be prepared to supply your own water and pack out any trash.
For those of us who secretly dream of re-enacting scenes from Twilight, this is the meadow in the woods that you're searching for. Three Pong Campground is situated near a large open meadow set amidst fir and pine trees. Aside from the Fall season, when it is used as a base camp for hunters, Three Prong is a remote and primitive campground. So go Read more...
Beat the summer heat surrounded by red fir forest in this beautiful high-elevation campground that offers an excellent lush evergreen scenery and an elevation of 6,300 feet. With the cool breeze on your face, hike a mile up to Anthony Peak Lookout, when on a clear day you can see all the way to the Pacific Ocean.
The US Navy is looking for a new slogan—and perhaps they should take a closer look at the Navy Camp Campground. It’s a fine-looking thing, and a great option when weekends have the surrounding campsites filled to the brim, but keep your wits about you, and go in with the know-how of identifying poison oak. The camp is settled into Lake Pillsbury’s Read more...
Located on the western slopes of the Mendocino National Forest, Eel River Campground lies at the junction of the Black Butte and the Middle Fork Eel Rivers. Sites are suitable for families, but just remember to pack out any trash. Life is good for everyone while splashing in swimming holes, breathing in the clean Northern California air, and watch Read more...
Looking to teleport your-self deep into the wilderness? Turn the settings to Rock Cabin Trailhead Campground in the Mendocino National Forest north of Covelo (a town that is in the middle of nowhere). This primitive campground offers excellent access to the remote wilderness section of the Eel River. Beam me up scotty, its camp’n time!
Located near the Sacramento River, Camp Discovery Group Campground has accommodations for all types of campers. Pitch your tent in the forest, bring your RV, or stay in one of the 11 screened cabins. There are also 2 cabanas, and picnic areas with grills. Running low on fuel? Make a quick trip to the nearby town of Red Bluff for camping supplies, Read more...
Sunset Campground resides directly across from the Nature trail. If boating and fishing are the adventures your heart seeks, the boat launching ramp and Lake Pillsbury—the largest lake in the forest with 2,280 acres of surface area is very near indeed. Stick that in the oven and bake it!
Herding your cattle through the mountains? Even if it’s just you and your children, Dixie Glade Campground is your spot to rest amongst the shade of trees and soft green grasses. This is a smaller site that packs a lot—tables, grills, corrals and hitching posts. A short trail (. 8 mile) connects to the Deafy Glade Trail that puts you on your way t Read more...
Bear Creek Campground is peacefully set out in the boondocks of Mendo County. Campsites are nestled against picturesque Bear Creek, and rumor has it the trout fish’n is good. Nothing like falling asleep with fresh trout in your belly, while the cold mountain creek sings.
This one is out in the thick of it. Deer Valley Campground, North of Ukiah, is a popular camping spot for OHV enthusiast and deer hunters in the fall. Camo camping gear is highly recommended.
Located eight miles north of Upper Lake on County Road 301, Middle Creek Campground is an OHV and equestrian staging area (just no horse camping). If you take the trip into town, ask about Hayville Sulphur Spring. It’s nearby and was once used for medicinal purposes. Many people believe it sulfur can do wonders for skin complexion.
Sycamore Grove Campground is isolated but fully loaded with grills, fire rings, potable water, showers, a boat ramp, and hiking trails. If you’re up for a day trip, drive 25 miles to Black Butte Lake in the Buckhorn Recreation Area, popular with watersports enthusiasts--you can sail or wakeboard, and the lake is known for its warm-water fishin'.
Letts head to Letts Lake and snuggle into Mill Valley Campground. These primitive campsites one mile north of the Lake will help you explore the striking and diverse Mendocino interior lands. Time for some boondock adventur’n!
Conifers—the word from Latin meaning “to carry (pine) cones”—surround this charming lake that invites you to relax and sit back in ease. Letts Lake Campground hosts a popular fishing pier and is well suited for pond fishing. If you’re not looking to cook up trout for dinner, bring your bathing suit and take a dip—there’s a small beach area for sw Read more...
<p>Rustic and unpaved, Oak Flat Campground is the perfect primitive site if you want to stay near major highways. The camping area is flat with nice tree cover, and a “diamond in the rough” for botanists and those hoping to catch sight of the resident deer, especially in the Spring. </p><p>Bring your camera to capture the vistas, Read more...
A mix of campsites on concrete pads and good-ol’ fashioned dirt, Pogie Point Campground is a quiet and attractive campground. Meander through the forest along two un-named loops, or wet your toes in the sandy shores of the Salmon Creek, a short walk from the campground and home to black bass, rainbow trout, sunfish, salmon and steelhead.
In them golden rolling hills of California, Fouts campground is perched on a bluff overlooking the picturesque Mill Creek. You can camp in fields of Gray pines and spreading oaks, and sleep under an ocean of stars. The campground is also a popular staging area for OHV trails.
Holy moley it’s the Yolla Bolley! Green Springs Campground is located at a trailhead that traverses into the Yolla Bolley Wilderness. The sites are primitive, and provide an equestrian corral. The camping area is a great launching point to hike (or gallop) to the Eel River Divide where you can fathom the stellar watershed views.
Named after the nearby creek, Atchison Campground is a smaller campground without the frills of more developed campgrounds. If you aren’t from the glamping tribe, this will suit you just fine. Just come prepared with enough water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. Bring some good company, and together you can discover the perfect art of marshmal Read more...
At Hammerhorn Campground you might feel like you’re in your own private getaway. Gaze out upon the lake to notice that the only thing creating ripples amidst the serene waters, will be the trout on your hook. Bring a picnic, and after lunch trek down the Hammerhorn Trail along the lake, where you'll find two fully accessible fishing piers.
Towering Douglas firs provide ample shade and whisper your secrets! But not without fellow campers overhearing, as Plaskett Meadows Campground sites are hosted close together. A super fun feature to enjoy with campground companions are the Klamath ovens, but practice safe food storage techniques—this is bear country! Meander and explore through th Read more...
Take a look around! Whitlock Campground is an obscure Forest Service camp in a lush part of Mendocino National Forest that is often close to empty. A small, quiet camp atop a glorious 4,300 foot elevation, this section of full forest greenery will have your feet kissing the ground with every step.
Wildlife to the north and mountain views to the east, the Fuller Grove Campground sports lakeside camping, darn good fishing, and water recreation. Lake Pillsbury is the largest lake in the Mendocino National Forest, and boat ramp parking and a launching facility are located adjacent to Fuller Grove. The site is large, and includes six doubles, so Read more...
Sitting in a shaded area near the shores of Lake Pillsbury, Fuller Grove Group Camp is a great place for a group getaway! There are restrooms, tables, fire rings, and food storage lockers on site. BYOBoat! Fuller Boat ramp is nearby, so you can spend your entire day on the water.
Located a mile from Plaskett Lake, Masterson Group Campground is a great place to pitch your tent or camp in your RV with a big group. The campground is in a grassy meadow, surrounded by a dense forest of pine. Spend your day on the lake boating and fishing, and head back for an evening s’mores session around the fire ring!
Gray Pine Group Campground is located near Stony Creek and Mill Creek. The campground sits among gray pine and has a barbeque, fire rings, and both traditional and primitive campsites.
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Campgrounds operated by federal and state agencies are not yet bookable on Hipcamp. Learn more.
Mendocino National Forest
Almost a million acres in size, there’s one word to describe this National Forest: Huge.
Those looking for solitude will find it in droves. This is the only forest in California without a paved road or highway going through it. That should give you some idea of its rugged nature.
Backpackers will delight in the wide-open meadows and waterfalls of Snow Mountain Wilderness. Water is scarce around here, so be sure to pack in extra. If trails aren’t your thing, go full cross-country in the Sanhedrin Wilderness.
Camping is easy to come by with plenty of developed campgrounds and dispersed sites to choose from. Even though it’s a National Forest, be sure to keep your dog leashed in the developed campgrounds.
Anglers can fish the abundant trout in the streams or catch bass in Lake Pillsbury. Off-roaders will find a bounty of dirt roads to r
Those looking for solitude will find it in droves. This is the only forest in California without a paved road or highway going through it. That should give you some idea of its rugged nature.
Backpackers will delight in the wide-open meadows and waterfalls of Snow Mountain Wilderness. Water is scarce around here, so be sure to pack in extra. If trails aren’t your thing, go full cross-country in the Sanhedrin Wilderness.
Camping is easy to come by with plenty of developed campgrounds and dispersed sites to choose from. Even though it’s a National Forest, be sure to keep your dog leashed in the developed campgrounds.
Anglers can fish the abundant trout in the streams or catch bass in Lake Pillsbury. Off-roaders will find a bounty of dirt roads to ride in the Knoxville Wildlife Area.
The archaeology of the Mendo area is fascinating. There are more than 1,800 Native American sites in the forest from the Yuki, Nomlaki Wintu, Patwin Wintu, Eastern Pomo, and Northeastern Pomo. In the latter half of the nineteenth centuries miners and foresters moved in.
The minerals that attracted most people, however, were the ones dissolved in waters of the Forest's gurgling, steaming hot springs. During the early 1900's, visitors would travel many miles to soak up the supposed health benefits of baths in several resorts and spas. You can see remains of three resort hotels, mineral baths, and a bottling plant for mineral water at Bartlett Flats. Fouts Springs, Hough Springs, and Allen Springs also boasted popular resort facilities, although little evidence of their buildings remains.
Activities in the park
33 campgrounds in Mendocino National Forest
A beautiful lakeside experience awaits you at the Howard Lake Campground. Howard Lake contains 20 acres of sparkling blue water, beneath even bluer skies. The campground is hugged by douglas fir, cedar, oak, and in the near distance, a vista of mountains. The lake is accessible by vehicle, but we recommend one with good clearance, as the access ro Read more...
Find yourself at the relaxed Howard Meadows Campground, and enjoy the 3,500 feet of elevation. The campground is within walking distance from Howard Lake, which can be teeming with small trout. The area is a pocket of beauty—tall green trees and purple mountains’ majesty. This is a popular primitive experience, and we think you’ll like it here.
You’ll find yourself a very happy camper in Kingsley Glade Campground, a campground situated in a forest at the edge of a sun-kissed meadow. Once you’ve explored the area, head on over to Thomes Creek to make some new friends, as it’s a very popular fishing and swimming spot.
Deep greens surround you in this pretty little campground that stretches along a seasonal creek. At Little Doe Campground enjoy the views of douglas fir, madrone, cedar, and oak. Relax, or get rugged in this semi-wilderness experience.
Sugar Spring Campground is a remote camp on the north side of Thomes Creek. With a little imagination, you could make this into the perfect weekend adventure. Invite a few of your best pals, and when anyone else asks where your photos are from, cryptically reply, “If you have to ask, you’ll never know. ”
Dip your toes into the small creeks that flow early in the season through Sugarfoot Glade Campground, or soak in the magical relaxation of hugging a big old Oak. One of several tiny campgrounds sprinkled along the east-facing slopes of the Eel Divide, Sugarfoot Glade Campground is so remote that it might just be in the middle of nowhere. You know, Read more...
Seven miles east of Eel River Station off Forest Highway 7, Surveyors Camp Campground is a largely undeveloped site, meaning you won’t find paved looped roads or parking spurs. Head north for an excellent view at Anthony Peak Lookout, and be prepared to supply your own water and pack out any trash.
For those of us who secretly dream of re-enacting scenes from Twilight, this is the meadow in the woods that you're searching for. Three Pong Campground is situated near a large open meadow set amidst fir and pine trees. Aside from the Fall season, when it is used as a base camp for hunters, Three Prong is a remote and primitive campground. So go Read more...
Beat the summer heat surrounded by red fir forest in this beautiful high-elevation campground that offers an excellent lush evergreen scenery and an elevation of 6,300 feet. With the cool breeze on your face, hike a mile up to Anthony Peak Lookout, when on a clear day you can see all the way to the Pacific Ocean.
The US Navy is looking for a new slogan—and perhaps they should take a closer look at the Navy Camp Campground. It’s a fine-looking thing, and a great option when weekends have the surrounding campsites filled to the brim, but keep your wits about you, and go in with the know-how of identifying poison oak. The camp is settled into Lake Pillsbury’s Read more...
Located on the western slopes of the Mendocino National Forest, Eel River Campground lies at the junction of the Black Butte and the Middle Fork Eel Rivers. Sites are suitable for families, but just remember to pack out any trash. Life is good for everyone while splashing in swimming holes, breathing in the clean Northern California air, and watch Read more...
Looking to teleport your-self deep into the wilderness? Turn the settings to Rock Cabin Trailhead Campground in the Mendocino National Forest north of Covelo (a town that is in the middle of nowhere). This primitive campground offers excellent access to the remote wilderness section of the Eel River. Beam me up scotty, its camp’n time!
Located near the Sacramento River, Camp Discovery Group Campground has accommodations for all types of campers. Pitch your tent in the forest, bring your RV, or stay in one of the 11 screened cabins. There are also 2 cabanas, and picnic areas with grills. Running low on fuel? Make a quick trip to the nearby town of Red Bluff for camping supplies, Read more...
Sunset Campground resides directly across from the Nature trail. If boating and fishing are the adventures your heart seeks, the boat launching ramp and Lake Pillsbury—the largest lake in the forest with 2,280 acres of surface area is very near indeed. Stick that in the oven and bake it!
Herding your cattle through the mountains? Even if it’s just you and your children, Dixie Glade Campground is your spot to rest amongst the shade of trees and soft green grasses. This is a smaller site that packs a lot—tables, grills, corrals and hitching posts. A short trail (. 8 mile) connects to the Deafy Glade Trail that puts you on your way t Read more...
Bear Creek Campground is peacefully set out in the boondocks of Mendo County. Campsites are nestled against picturesque Bear Creek, and rumor has it the trout fish’n is good. Nothing like falling asleep with fresh trout in your belly, while the cold mountain creek sings.
This one is out in the thick of it. Deer Valley Campground, North of Ukiah, is a popular camping spot for OHV enthusiast and deer hunters in the fall. Camo camping gear is highly recommended.
Located eight miles north of Upper Lake on County Road 301, Middle Creek Campground is an OHV and equestrian staging area (just no horse camping). If you take the trip into town, ask about Hayville Sulphur Spring. It’s nearby and was once used for medicinal purposes. Many people believe it sulfur can do wonders for skin complexion.
Sycamore Grove Campground is isolated but fully loaded with grills, fire rings, potable water, showers, a boat ramp, and hiking trails. If you’re up for a day trip, drive 25 miles to Black Butte Lake in the Buckhorn Recreation Area, popular with watersports enthusiasts--you can sail or wakeboard, and the lake is known for its warm-water fishin'.
Letts head to Letts Lake and snuggle into Mill Valley Campground. These primitive campsites one mile north of the Lake will help you explore the striking and diverse Mendocino interior lands. Time for some boondock adventur’n!
Conifers—the word from Latin meaning “to carry (pine) cones”—surround this charming lake that invites you to relax and sit back in ease. Letts Lake Campground hosts a popular fishing pier and is well suited for pond fishing. If you’re not looking to cook up trout for dinner, bring your bathing suit and take a dip—there’s a small beach area for sw Read more...
<p>Rustic and unpaved, Oak Flat Campground is the perfect primitive site if you want to stay near major highways. The camping area is flat with nice tree cover, and a “diamond in the rough” for botanists and those hoping to catch sight of the resident deer, especially in the Spring. </p><p>Bring your camera to capture the vistas, Read more...
A mix of campsites on concrete pads and good-ol’ fashioned dirt, Pogie Point Campground is a quiet and attractive campground. Meander through the forest along two un-named loops, or wet your toes in the sandy shores of the Salmon Creek, a short walk from the campground and home to black bass, rainbow trout, sunfish, salmon and steelhead.
In them golden rolling hills of California, Fouts campground is perched on a bluff overlooking the picturesque Mill Creek. You can camp in fields of Gray pines and spreading oaks, and sleep under an ocean of stars. The campground is also a popular staging area for OHV trails.
Holy moley it’s the Yolla Bolley! Green Springs Campground is located at a trailhead that traverses into the Yolla Bolley Wilderness. The sites are primitive, and provide an equestrian corral. The camping area is a great launching point to hike (or gallop) to the Eel River Divide where you can fathom the stellar watershed views.
Named after the nearby creek, Atchison Campground is a smaller campground without the frills of more developed campgrounds. If you aren’t from the glamping tribe, this will suit you just fine. Just come prepared with enough water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. Bring some good company, and together you can discover the perfect art of marshmal Read more...
At Hammerhorn Campground you might feel like you’re in your own private getaway. Gaze out upon the lake to notice that the only thing creating ripples amidst the serene waters, will be the trout on your hook. Bring a picnic, and after lunch trek down the Hammerhorn Trail along the lake, where you'll find two fully accessible fishing piers.
Towering Douglas firs provide ample shade and whisper your secrets! But not without fellow campers overhearing, as Plaskett Meadows Campground sites are hosted close together. A super fun feature to enjoy with campground companions are the Klamath ovens, but practice safe food storage techniques—this is bear country! Meander and explore through th Read more...
Take a look around! Whitlock Campground is an obscure Forest Service camp in a lush part of Mendocino National Forest that is often close to empty. A small, quiet camp atop a glorious 4,300 foot elevation, this section of full forest greenery will have your feet kissing the ground with every step.
Wildlife to the north and mountain views to the east, the Fuller Grove Campground sports lakeside camping, darn good fishing, and water recreation. Lake Pillsbury is the largest lake in the Mendocino National Forest, and boat ramp parking and a launching facility are located adjacent to Fuller Grove. The site is large, and includes six doubles, so Read more...
Sitting in a shaded area near the shores of Lake Pillsbury, Fuller Grove Group Camp is a great place for a group getaway! There are restrooms, tables, fire rings, and food storage lockers on site. BYOBoat! Fuller Boat ramp is nearby, so you can spend your entire day on the water.
Located a mile from Plaskett Lake, Masterson Group Campground is a great place to pitch your tent or camp in your RV with a big group. The campground is in a grassy meadow, surrounded by a dense forest of pine. Spend your day on the lake boating and fishing, and head back for an evening s’mores session around the fire ring!
Gray Pine Group Campground is located near Stony Creek and Mill Creek. The campground sits among gray pine and has a barbeque, fire rings, and both traditional and primitive campsites.
Why can't I see these campgrounds when I search with dates?
Public campgrounds (book externally) —