Bear Creek Campground
Open — Open year-round with challenging access. Traditional routes via Elk Mountain Road and M10 Road are closed due to storm damage. Currently accessible only through Potter Valley or via Sam Alley using forest roads. High-clearance 4WD required; no trailers. Rice Fork crossing may be impassable depending on water levels. Vault toilets are reported as full.
Wet weather trail closure in effect on Grindstone District
A wet weather closure is in effect for Stonyford OHV trails on the Grindstone Ranger District, as of 10am, Dec. 23. Trail closures go into effect when two inches of rainfall occur within a 24-hour period or when the soils are saturated.
Wet weather trail closure in effect on Upper Lake District
A wet weather closure will go in effect for OHV trails on the Upper Lake Ranger District, as of 8am on Dec. 20, 2025. Trail closures go into effect when two inches of rainfall occur within a 24-hour period or when the soils are saturated.
Stonyford Office Hours Changing
The Stonyford Office's visitor services hours are changing beginning Jan. 5, 2026. Starting next year, the office will be open from Monday-Friday and closed Saturday-Sunday. Office hours are 8:30-4pm with a lunch break 12-1pm.
M10 Road Construction
The M10 road will be closed Monday, Nov. 17- 20, 2025. Closure location is above Fouts Springs near Dixie Glade. Main impacts are to the Letts Lake basin on Grindstone Ranger District. Detour to get to Letts Lake is via the M5 and 17N02 Roads, high clearance vehicle recommended.
Trail 34 on Upper Lake District closed due to unsafe conditions
OHV Trail 34 is closed due to trail tread degradation and rutting that runs 300 feet down the trail. The trail is unsafe due to unstable soil, extremely muddy conditions and increased runoff.
Trail 3 on Grindstone closed due to slide
Trail 85303 (Trail 3) on the Grindstone Ranger District closed due to landslide: Trail 85303 is closed between Trail 85304 and M5 Road for public safety and to protect natural resources. Unstable soil, downed trees and a steep drop off make this trail unsafe for users.
Cedar Camp Campground Closure
Cedar Camp Campground is closed for public safety. Closure is in effect through 6/18/26.
Chico Seed Orchard Public Use and Access Closure
Pets must be on a leash. Fall/winter hours are 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. beginning Nov. 1. Spring/summer hours are 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. A closure is in effect outside of these hours.
About
Bear Creek Campground sits in a remote section of Mendocino National Forest within the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument. This primitive, no-fee campground offers 16 sites equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, plus a large equestrian camp for horse camping. Located along Bear Creek, the campground provides opportunities for fishing, backpacking, and day hiking in a secluded forest setting. The campground is open year-round but access is challenging and often limited. Multiple road closures and storm damage on traditional routes mean campers must currently access the site via Potter Valley or Sam Alley using forest roads that require high-clearance 4WD vehicles. Trailers cannot access the campground due to narrow roads. The Rice Fork crossing on M10 Road can become impassable during high water events, and vault toilets may be full during peak seasons. This is a true dispersed-style experience with no potable water, no fees, and minimal amenities. Campers must be self-sufficient and prepared for primitive conditions. Quiet hours are enforced from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Directions
Located 15 miles north of Upper Lake on Elk Mountain Road, and 8 miles east on Forest Road M10. Due to storm damage, traditional routes are closed. Currently accessible through Potter Valley via Mendocino County Rd 240 / Lake County Rd 301 or via Sam Alley using Forest Roads 16N01 and 16N30. High-clearance 4WD required; roads are very narrow with no trailer access.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (530) 934-3316 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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