Masterson Group Campground

Closed — Closed for the winter season. Most Mendocino National Forest campgrounds typically open mid to late May and close in October when water systems are shut down for winter. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.

National Forest System Roads

Follow California Vehicle Code on National Forest System Roads

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

Tucked away in the towering pines of Mendocino National Forest, Masterson Group Campground is an ideal destination for large group gatherings seeking tranquility and solitude. The campground features large grassy meadows surrounded by dense forest, creating a serene backdrop for group activities and campfire gatherings around the site's large fire ring. The site can comfortably accommodate up to 75 guests and 25 vehicles, making it perfect for family reunions, youth groups, or other organized gatherings. Despite its primitive setting, the campground provides the convenience of vault toilets and drinking water from faucets. A gated entrance provides added security, with the combination provided upon reservation confirmation. Just a one-mile walk from the campground, Plaskett Lake offers excellent trout fishing, canoeing, and other non-motorized boating opportunities. The surrounding Mendocino National Forest encompasses 913,306 acres of mountains and canyons, providing diverse recreational opportunities including hiking, backpacking, fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing. The area is particularly popular during hunting season and offers the chance to spot deer, birds, rabbits, chipmunks, and occasionally bears.

Directions

From Interstate 5, take the exit for Willows/Oroville Highway 162 and head west. After about 23 miles turn right at the junction at County Road 306. Travel approximately four miles, then turn left onto 162/Forest Highway 7. After approximately 30 miles turn right at the Masterson Group Campground sign and follow the road for a quarter-mile to the gated entrance.

Nearby Campgrounds

Amenities

Water Yes
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers No
Electric Hookups No
Water Hookups No
Sewer Hookups No
Camp Store No
Price $75

Vehicle

Max RV Length
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (530) 963-3128

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

Community Posts

No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!