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Jug Handle Creek Nature Center

Hosted by Jughandle · Caspar, California
12 sites · RV, Tent · 33 acres
96%
·
1921 reviews
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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.
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$45
/ night
12 sites

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Tent-only sites

7 sites
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#4 - Big Meadow, Electrical Hookup

96%
(351)
Tent site · Sleeps 8
Site #4 has electrical hookups. This is a great site for an RV/camper. Maximum length of 24 feet. Site #4 looks out over our main meadow. 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, pets are no longer permitted on the premises.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
No showers
Picnic table
from
$60
/ night
for NaN guests
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High demandInstant book

#3 - Grandma's Wild Woods

97%
(344)
Tent site · Sleeps 5
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. 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, pets are no longer permitted on the premises.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
No showers
Picnic table
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$50
/ night
for NaN guests
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#2 - Sunny Spot in Meadow

96%
(320)
Tent site · Sleeps 8
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.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
No showers
Picnic table
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$50
/ night
for NaN guests
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#1 - Shady & Big

96%
(310)
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. 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, pets are no longer permitted on the premises.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
No showers
Picnic table
from
$50
/ night
for NaN guests
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Instant book

#5 - Play in the Shade

96%
(294)
Tent site · Sleeps 8
Site #5 is close to everything. Mostly shady with some sun. 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, pets are no longer permitted on the premises.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
No showers
Picnic table
from
$50
/ night
for NaN guests
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#9 - Walk into Forest

97%
(210)
Tent site · Sleeps 8
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. It is worth the haul.... **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. 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, pets are no longer permitted on the premises.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
No showers
Picnic table
from
$50
/ night
for NaN guests
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Instant book

#8 - Woodland's hangout

94%
(178)
Tent site · Sleeps 6
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. 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, pets are no longer permitted on the premises.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
No showers
Picnic table
from
$50
/ night
for NaN guests

RV/tent sites

5 sites
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High demandInstant book

#7 - Large Sunny Family Spot

94%
(341)
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. 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, pets are no longer permitted on the premises.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
No electrical hookup
No water hookup
from
$60
/ night
for NaN guests
  • Picture of the site
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High demandInstant book

#6 - Sunny and Open

95%
(330)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 6 · 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 water spigot. 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, pets are no longer permitted on the premises.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
No electrical hookup
No water hookup
from
$50
/ night
for NaN guests
  • Picture of the site
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High demandInstant book

#10 - Sunny Spot

94%
(210)
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. 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, pets are no longer permitted on the premises.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
No electrical hookup
No water hookup
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/ night
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#11 Large Sunny Group Campsite

97%
(73)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 30 · Vehicles under 24 ft
Hold your 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.  The campsite includes a cooking counter with a large sink. Sorry no showers!  Please note that like the rest of Jug Handle Creek Nature Center, THIS IS NOT A PARTY SPOT.  Respectful, quiet, and kind camping groups are welcome.  Please be mindful of our other guests by respecting QUIET TIME after 9:00pm. Basic rules: Be respectful of your neighboring tent campers: quiet time after 9:00 please!  No Dogs are allowed on the property.  Should you bring a dog you will be asked to leave.  Be fire safe!  Douse your fires when you leave your campsite and at night.  We have very limited cell service and no wifi in the Campground.  If you have an issue, please TEXT the host as voice messages don't get through.  Our Mission: We offer a welcoming and supportive environment for people of all backgrounds to explore nature and connect with the natural word. 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 special rates and our immersive nature education programs. Our 33 acre property has lots of nature trails, is peaceful and beautiful and just a 5-minute walk to Jug Handle Beach and the Jug Handle Preserve.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
No electrical hookup
Water hookup
from
$150
/ night
for NaN guests
  • Picture of the site
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Entire Campground 11 sites

RV/tent site · Sleeps 110 · 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. Pricing includes a mandatory $300 trash removal fee. The maximum number of people is 110. Nestled on 33 acres of coastal meadows and forest, Jug Handle Creek Farm & 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, community gardens, and beautiful woodlands—or simply relax beneath the stars. EXTRAS: We provide trash service to groups at the rate of $300/group.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
No electrical hookup
No water hookup
from
$900
/ night
for NaN guests
from
$45
/ night
12 sites

Reviews

96% Recommend5279 ratings · 1921 reviews
Recommends
· November 2025
Tent ·
#10 - Sunny Spot
Tent camping was so much fun. We lucked out on the weather and it was beautiful. Very quiet campsites. As well as great clean bathrooms!
G
Grace A.
14 reviews
Recommends
· November 2025
November stay
Tent ·
#10 - Sunny Spot
Spacious sites with plenty of privacy between sites. Beautiful location. Clean and maintained flush toilets were a plus.
Avatar
Katherine V.
3 reviews
Recommends
· November 2025
Almost theBest campsite in the area
Tent · Group trip ·
#7 - Large Sunny Family Spot
Usually camp sites are small and rarely provide plenty of room. We rented #7 for 8 people. Honestly, we could have set up 20 tents it is very large. It is flat, with two large tables, 1 pitfire, running water, and two modern restrooms with a sink, lovely, They offer free wood logs at the entrance of the camp. You are right there, walking distance to the beach on a trail, or you can visit the pine forest. The no-pets policy should be revisited; that is the reason I almost cancel. Restroom code is a good idea, but a surprise when you have no cell reception, it can be a challenge. We ultimately got our access code. Lastly, no one came to bug us, which made us feel comfortable. good quality campsite a few miles from Mendocino, beach etc
J
J B.
7 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· November 2025
Excellent location and facilities
Tent ·
#1 - Shady & Big
The campground is clean and grassy, and quiet this time of year. The main draw for us is that the location is central to trailheads that lead right from the campground. You want to walk to rugged beaches Mendocino is known for? Less than a mile. You want to go to the fabulous Ecological Staircase, a self-guided walk in geological time. Less than 3 miles. It is not far from other state parks/beaches, and not far from Fort Bragg, now a tourist destination having non-chain restaurants of all kinds.
L
Larry H.
2 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· November 2025
Surrounded by beauty!
Tent ·
#9 - Walk into Forest
Jug Handle was exceptional. An historic farm turned conservation center, with trails from camp to the Pygmy Forest, was hard to beat. We enjoyed warm fires surrounded by tanbark oak. The campground is well maintained and is a must-stay if you are looking for a Mendocino getaway!
M
Martin S.
2 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2025
Can’t stinking wait to go back
Tent ·
#9 - Walk into Forest
Can’t stinking wait to go back. Great time with my honey, making fires and good food, hunting mushrooms and getting chased by the campground cat everywhere. Best campsite is number nine but don’t listen to me because I don’t want to compete with you in reserving it again in the future.
T
Tommy S.
2 reviews
Recommends
· October 2025
19 ft campervan ·
#7 - Large Sunny Family Spot
We needed to change sites last minute and the host was immediately helpful and responsive via text. Bathrooms were well kept and spotless. We walked to the beach for sunset, there’s a nice little path that takes you through the woods rather than having to cross the road, highly recommend!
R
Robin D.
19 reviews
Not recommend
· October 2025
Friendly but dogs not allowed.
16 ft pop-up camper · With pets ·
#10 - Sunny Spot
We are pleased with our stay at Jughandle, although not without some problems. Management did allow us to stay in a beautiful apple orchard the night before our confirmed reservation, a very generous gesture. We were informed though, that our dogs were not allowed - a new policy - even though that restriction is not at all evident in their marketing materials or on their Hipcamp listing (the only indication that dogs are not allowed pops up when making a reservation where some campsites are not available when "dogs" are selected in the registration process. Perhaps they are working to update their website and Hipcamp listings). We did not stay in our reserved campsite #10 on our second night but remained in the apple orchard with management's permission. That site #10 is next to the road, not at all private, and barely room for two vehicles. The photographs of this site are misleading. While management was very accommodating and friendly and went out of their way to make us comfortable, we will not be staying there again because they do not allow dogs. Too bad!
Avatar
Norman P.
4 reviews
Recommends
· October 2025
Mendo Coast Dreamscape
Tent · Group trip ·
#8 - Woodland's hangout
Chill campground in an amazing location! This area of the Mendocino Coast is particularly beautiful and the campground is settled nicely with a comfy and natural feel while being close to both the towns of Mendocino and Fort Bragg. Check out Jughandle Beach plus the staircase hike is super interesting (make sure to grab a guide at the Jughandle Beach parking lot!) Check-in information and signage is pretty minimal and one of the bathrooms near our site was locked most of the time we were there. A trash service would be great, and perhaps hooks on the bathroom stalls and walls? Site 8 was private and would comfortably fit 4 people. We love it here!!
L
Lucy O.
5 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2025
Camping with Joaconstrictor
Tent ·
#9 - Walk into Forest
This is the best site at a conveniently located and endearing campground between Fort Bragg and Mendocino. My girlfriend and I had a memorable trip together and highly recommend staying here whenever possible. There’s a lot to write, so maybe just go see for yourself.
T
Tommy S.
2 reviews
Recommends
· October 2025
Good to go.
10 ft travel trailer · With kids ·
#7 - Large Sunny Family Spot
Clean, Quiet, Peaceful. Great Trails. Great for kids. Walk to a stellar beach.
K
Kestrel C.
2 reviews
Not recommend
· October 2025
Not private not that great
Tent ·
#5 - Play in the Shade
Bathroom is locked and did not provide the code for it.
Avatar
Jack T.
4 reviews
Recommends
· October 2025
Camp Cat Included
Tent ·
#9 - Walk into Forest
This was the perfect camping site! The hike down to the beach was wonderful, and the campground cat who came to visit us at every meal was the cherry on top. We will definitely be back!
K
Katy B.
11 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2025
Tent ·
#10 - Sunny Spot
if you have low expectations and are low maintenance, this place is for you. i could not find any water spigots as advertised other than dish cleaning sink by the bathroom. it is self check in so you kind of have to figure everything out on your own. it is next to a trail to the beach. lots of beautiful scenery. campsite 10 gets some sunshine in the morning and has bumpy terrain. in general, i would recommend this to others only if there were no other options.
A
Ania M.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2025
Tent ·
#9 - Walk into Forest
Everything went well camping at Jughandle. The campsite was easy to find, far from the highway, and the restrooms were super clean.
J
Julia P.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2025
Tent ·
#1 - Shady & Big
Great and spacious site. Fairly secluded. Firewood was available onsite when I ran out. Close to the beach. Very quiet. Overall would come back.
M
Manuel C.
3 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2025
20 ft campervan ·
#6 - Sunny and Open
Good solid place to stay, now with new and very much improved bathrooms. I will certainly plan on staying again.
M
Marco D.
6 reviews
Recommends
· September 2025
Gratitude
Tent ·
#6 - Sunny and Open
Peace. Proximity to the new restroom. Able to charge my phone in the bathroom outlet. Slow but worked. Very quiet. The barking dog in the neighboring property barked through the night on our last night.
J
John R.
6 months on Hipcamp
Mixed feelings
· September 2025
Big, Clean. Beach is the best part!
Tent · With kids ·
#1 - Shady & Big
We had an overall great time. The sites are big, spread out, mostly even and clean. The bathroom is super nice. The local cat was sweet and hung out with us a lot. The walk to the beach is maybe 5 min and definitely makes this place worth it. There were banana slugs everywhere! Which was cool. Only negatives were that communication wasn’t super fast when I wanted to confirm we could have a fire (there were bans in some parts of the state) and there was a surprising amount of road noise.
L
Lacey C.
2 reviews
Recommends
· September 2025
Walkable to the sandy beach!
16 ft pop-up camper · Group trip ·
#10 - Sunny Spot
The campground was quiet, private, ideally located, and had flush toilets! The beach was warm and gentle enough to swim in (a rare day in Mendocino!). We took a sunset walk along the bluff. We will likely come again. If only it was less pricey.
T
Tori T.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2025
Tent ·
#9 - Walk into Forest
We loved the beautiful trails connecting to the property and all the plant diversity. Site #9 felt private and was an ideal distance to the bathroom. Nicest bathrooms I’ve ever seen at a campsite. Would definitely return!
M
Marin T.
2 reviews
Recommends
· September 2025
Tent · Group trip ·
#7 - Large Sunny Family Spot
Huge space, quiet, and very convenient as it’s next to the new “toilet”. Highly recommend for a family or friends trip!
F
Fengbin S.
8 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2025
Tent ·
#8 - Woodland's hangout
great safe campsite! responsive hosts and fantastic location. would stay again!
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Alex D.
2 reviews
Recommends
· September 2025
Tent · Group trip ·
#4 - Big Meadow, Electrical Hookup
Loved camping here! This is my 3rd time coming here and first time since they put in the new bathrooms. We loved being on #4 because we had water, power, and were located right across from the bathroom. The only downside is nobody came to replenish supplies so we ended up donating a a couple rolls of TP that ended up being used by other campers too. You also tend to become the keeper of the bathrooms at site #4 because people kept leaving the doors open despite the signs asking them to stay shut and other campers asking for the code to get in. Im assuming they didnt read their emails then? Unsure. But we really did have a blast! 10/10 will be camping here again!
Avatar
Rebekah N.
5 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2025
Tent ·
#3 - Grandma's Wild Woods
Feels very private while still being close to town and highway 1. The large remodeled bathrooms were very clean and well done
A
Autumn D.
3 reviews
Recommends
· September 2025
Great find. Will come back!
Tent ·
#11 Large Sunny Group Campsite
Great location! Jug Handle Beach is just a short walk across PCH. The campground has well maintained and clean bathrooms with flush toilets and sinks. Private camp sites surrounded by forest. I can’t wait to come back and stay longer.
A
Aaron E.
4 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2025
15 ft campervan ·
#10 - Sunny Spot
Excellent campground. Quiet, clean, scenic, near Mendocino, walking distance to the beach. Would definitely come again!
H
Harry J.
3 reviews
Recommends
· September 2025
Tent ·
#2 - Sunny Spot in Meadow
We had an amazing time here. Definitely one of the best campsites we’ve ever stayed at. The location was stunning, everything was clean and well-maintained, and the whole experience was super peaceful. We’ll definitely be coming back!
J
Jovanne Q.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2025
Tent · With kids ·
#8 - Woodland's hangout
We tent camped at site #8 Woodland’s Hangout. 2 cars can definitely fit in the parking spot (maybe even 3). My favorite part about the campsite is that it’s pretty hidden and offers a lot of privacy. The new bathrooms are very clean, close by, and there’s a dish washing station. There was a nice cat that would come visit everyday! Comes with 2 huge picnic tables smooth enough to won’t cause splinters. Would definitely come back!
R
Rechelle V.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2025
Tent · With kids ·
#2 - Sunny Spot in Meadow
What a beautiful spot! Super quiet at night, spacious site, trails everywhere and super clean. So excited to come back again!
C
Courtney B.
5 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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