# Jug Handle Creek Nature Center

See photos, check availability, and book on Hipcamp: https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-jug-handle-creek-nature-center-3xryhjnk

- **Location:** Caspar, California, United States
- **Price:** from $45.00/night
- **Rating:** 96% recommend (3362 reviews)
- **Sites:** 12
- **Size:** 33 acres
- **Host:** Jug Handle Creek N.

## Overview

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.

We're a "pack it in, pack it out" kind of place... there is no garbage service in our campground. 

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.

Jug Handle is the perfect place to unplug. There is NO WIFI and LIMITED/NO CELL SERVICE.

Weather and wind can kick up suddenly on the coast. It is your personal responsibility to be prepared and use caution. We reserve the right to ban campfires at any time. We reserve the right to close the campground at any time if conditions are unsafe. Let's work together to stay safe, protect this special place, and enjoy everything the Mendocino Coast has to offer.

## Highlights

- **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.
- **Amazing views:** Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.
- **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.
- **Staff verified:** Accuracy verified by Hipcamp's on-the-ground team.
- **Romantic:** Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is romantic.

## Amenities

- **Amenities:** Potable water, Toilets, Campfires, Cooking equipment, Picnic table
- **RV amenities:** Electricity Hookup, Water Hookup
- **Activities:** Biking, Fishing, Hiking, Horseback riding, Paddling, Surfing, Swimming, Wildlife watching
- **Terrain:** Beach, Forest, Redwoods, Swimming hole, Waterfall, Coastal, Field

## Sites

- **#7 - Large Sunny Family Spot** (rv-tent, up to 10 guests, $60.00/night)
- **#4 - Big Meadow, Electrical Hookup** (rv-tent, up to 8 guests, $60.00/night)
- **#6 - Sunny and Open** (tents, up to 4 guests, $50.00/night)
- **#3 - Grandma's Wild Woods** (tents, up to 6 guests, $50.00/night)
- **#2 - Sunny Spot in Meadow** (tents, up to 6 guests, $50.00/night)
- **#1 - Shady & Big** (tents, up to 14 guests, $80.00/night)
- **#5 - Play in the Shade** (tents, up to 4 guests, $50.00/night)
- **#10 - Sunny Spot** (rv-tent, up to 4 guests, $45.00/night)
- **#9 - Walk into Forest** (tents, up to 4 guests, $50.00/night)
- **#8 - Woodland's hangout** (tents, up to 4 guests, $50.00/night)
- **#11 Large Sunny Group Campsite** (rv-tent, up to 30 guests, $160.00/night)
- **Entire Campground 11 sites** (rv-tent, up to 100 guests, $1,050.00/night)

## Recent reviews

> so good
>
> - William E., October 30, 2026

> Very well maintained campground with super clean washrooms and beach so close by. We’ll definitely come again!
>
> - Sameer P., October 29, 2026

> Great location! Great campsite! Big, well separated sites.
>
> - Timothy S., October 27, 2026

> Nice and quiet campsite, I just wish they had garbage bins
>
> - Mario M., October 26, 2026

> This location was beautiful. We enjoyed the quiet outdoors and the trails they had to explore.
>
> - Sara L., October 25, 2026