Penny Pines Campground
Closed — Currently closed due to wet weather as of December 20, 2025. The closure will be lifted after 48 consecutive hours with no measurable precipitation. The campground typically operates seasonally but is subject to weather-related closures to protect trail systems and soil conditions.
Partial road closure 22N11 Road
A partial road closure is in place on the 22N11 Road in the Covelo Ranger District. Location of the closure is shown on the map. The closure is for public safety after a road failure in the area has made vehicle travel unsafe and at risk of collapse without warning under the weight of a vehicle.…
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 November 1 - February 29. Spring/summer hours are 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. beginning March 1 - October 31. A closure is in effect outside of these hours.
M10 Road Construction
The M10 road has an active construction zone to repair a major slide, located above Fouts Springs near Dixie Glade. Depending on construction progress, there can be periods where the road is impassable, has traffic control stops, or is passable in high clearance vehicles. Main impacts to access are…
Road conditions
Please be advised that forest roads are NOT plowed or maintained in winter so driving conditions are hazardous, slippery, and may be impassable. Even with good snow tires and four-wheel drive, less than a foot of snow is enough to get a vehicle stuck! Snow and ice can be expected at higher…
Developed campground stay limits
Developed campground camping stay limits are in effect across the Mendocino National Forest through October 12, 2027. Visitors may camp in the same developed recreation campground for 14 days within any 30-day period but no more than 28 cumulative days in any 12-month period.
Dispersed camping stay limits
Dispersed camping stay limits are in effect across the Mendocino National Forest through Oct.8, 2027. The stay limits apply to developed campgrounds and dispersed camping locations. Visitors may camp in the same location outside a one-mile radius of a developed recreation site for 14 days within…
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.
Cedar Camp Campground Closure
Cedar Camp Campground is closed for public safety. Closure is in effect through 6/18/26.
About
Located approximately 10 miles from Upper Lake on County Road 301 (Elk Mountain Road), Penny Pines Campground offers 10 campsites set among pines and oaks in the Mendocino National Forest. The campground has been rebuilt after previous fires and now provides a shaded retreat for campers. Each site is equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, and pedestal grill. Campers are welcome to gather downed wood for campfires with a valid campfire permit. The campground serves as a popular base camp for off-highway vehicle enthusiasts, providing direct access to the extensive Upper Lake OHV trail system with over 135 miles of trails ranging from novice to advanced difficulty. The facility operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservations available. Rangers regularly patrol the area to verify payment compliance. Basic amenities include vault toilets, but visitors must bring their own water and pack out all trash as these services are not provided. The campground is accessible via a drive up tight switchbacks through a previous fire corridor. Access and the road can be challenging, particularly during wet weather when the area is subject to closure.
Directions
From Upper Lake, travel approximately 10 miles on County Road 301 (also known as Forest Road M1 or Elk Mountain Road). The route includes tight switchbacks through a previous fire corridor.
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 | $6 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| SM.FS.mendopao@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (707) 275-2361 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
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