Sugar Spring Campground
Open — Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations accepted. Campers must bring their own water, as none is available on-site.
Stonyford Office Hours Temporary Change
Starting Jan. 19, the Stonyford Office will be open to the public on Thursdays and Fridays only. Our regular Monday-Friday schedule will resume on Feb. 9.
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!
Chico Seed Orchard pedestrian access
The pedestrian gate is broken so access is limited to the drive-through gate. The drive-through gate is accessible Monday - Friday from 7am-3pm, except on federal holidays. The orchard is closed to the public outside of these hours until the pedestrian gate can be restored.
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
Sugar Spring Campground is a quiet, primitive campground situated on the north side of Thomes Creek within Mendocino National Forest in Tehama County. This small, remote campground offers just two campsites nestled among thick forest trees, making it an ideal destination for campers seeking solitude and a true backcountry experience. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and fire ring, providing basic amenities for tent camping or small trailers. A vault toilet is available on-site, but campers must bring their own water as no potable water is available. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no fees required, offering an affordable option for forest camping. Access to Sugar Spring Campground requires travel on forest roads, with the campground located approximately 26 miles west of Paskenta via Round Valley Road and Forest Routes 23N02 and M4. Quiet hours are enforced from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., and pets are allowed but must be kept on leash.
Directions
From Paskenta, head west on Round Valley Road. After 7 miles, take a slight right to stay on Round Valley Road. Continue straight onto Forest Route M4/Forest Route 23N02. In 11 miles, take a slight right onto Forest Route 23N02. In 5 miles, turn right onto Forest Route M4. In 3 miles, the campground will be on the right.
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 |
Useful Links
| Sugar Spring Campground | |
| View on Recreation.gov |
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