General Campgrounds & Trailheads

Open — Many sites in this collection are currently closed for winter, though some remain open year-round. Several campgrounds are closed due to damage from the 2020 August Complex fires with reconstruction ongoing. Most campgrounds that operate seasonally typically open mid to late May and close in October when water systems shut down for winter.

About

This listing represents a collection of dispersed camping areas and trailheads scattered throughout Mendocino National Forest's nearly one million acres. These general use areas provide primitive camping experiences with minimal developed facilities. Most sites feature basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables, though some dispersed areas offer no services at all. The Forest Service operates these areas under a pack-it-in, pack-it-out program, meaning campers must bring their own garbage bags and remove all waste. Many of these locations suffered damage from the 2020 August Complex fires, and reconstruction efforts are ongoing. Access varies by site, with some requiring high-clearance vehicles. Visitors planning to build campfires or use stoves outside developed recreation areas must obtain a free California Campfire Permit from Forest Service, BLM, or California Department of Forestry offices. These areas provide opportunities for hiking, hunting, fishing, and experiencing the rugged wilderness of northern California.

Directions

From Willows, CA, take Forest Highway 7 north for approximately 35 miles. Turn right onto Forest Road 22N11 and continue for about 2 miles to reach the campground.

Nearby Campgrounds