Deer Valley Campground

Star4.08
15 reviews
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Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

3,566 ft

Price

$6/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens US Forest Service site

Official Website
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Deer Valley Campground
$6.00 - $6.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Flat fee of $6. Vault toilets available. No potable water. No garbage service. Payment via check in the on-site drop box.
Standard Site Fee$6.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.08

Satisfactory

Based on 15 reviews

12 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietshadesites

"User reviews highlight the rustic beauty of Deer Valley Campground, emphasizing its suitability for OHV enthusiasts and those seeking solitude. The lack of potable water and the challenging access road are common themes."

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Campground Map

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Deer Valley Campground

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Driving directionsLocated 12 miles north of Upper Lake on County Road 301 (Forest Road M-1), and 4 miles east on Forest Road 16N01. Please note Elk Mountain Road is closed due to hillslope failure after winter storms. Access this campground via Potter Valley (Mendocino County Rd 240 / Lake County Rd 301) or via Sam Alley (Forest Roads 16N01 and 16N30). Roads are very narrow, driveable only with high-clearance 4WD, no trailers.
Roads are very narrow and rough. Driveable only with high-clearance 4WD. No trailers are advised. 'Watch when it rains as dirt turns to slippery mud will cause problems.'
Nearby places
Upper Lake, 12 miles.
Nearby supplies
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Best Time to Camp at Deer Valley Campground

Experience nature's dramatic seasonal symphony at Deer Valley, where winter transforms the landscape into a muddy, challenging wonderland that tests even seasoned campers' mettle. As the calendar turns to summer, the forest emerges in its full glory, offering crystalline skies and temperatures that range from pleasantly warm to sweltering hot. This dynamic climate creates an ever-changing backdrop for outdoor adventures, from crisp mornings perfect for hiking to balmy evenings ideal for stargazing.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Summer reviews note heat but also good tree shade; summer is usable and popular.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Fall reviews mention need for high-clearance vehicles due to potential mud; pleasant otherwise.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.5 / 5

Spring may have mud and require high-clearance 4WD; otherwise natural beauty available.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Winter can be muddy and very challenging; not recommended for typical campers.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round.
  • Current Alerts: Elk Mountain Road is closed due to hillslope failure after storms.

About Deer Valley Campground

Escape to the untamed beauty of Deer Valley Campground, where pristine forest solitude awaits in the heart of Mendocino National Forest. This rustic dry camping destination invites adventurers to disconnect from modern conveniences and reconnect with nature's raw essence. Come prepared for a true wilderness experience—bring your own water and pack out what you pack in, as this remote haven operates without potable water or garbage services.
Deer Valley Campground provides basic camping options suited for tent campers and OHV enthusiasts. It is described as a small, rustic site with six campsites.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
Null

Amenities available

Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Deer Valley Campground offers recreational opportunities primarily focused on Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) camping and trail riding. The lack of potable water and other amenities suggests limited organized activities beyond personal exploration.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSlippery mud in rainy conditions; challenging narrow roads requiring high-clearance 4WD vehicles.
Active AlertsElk Mountain Road is closed due to hillslope failure after storms.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Deer Valley Campground

Reviews

4.1
15 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Deer Valley Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the rustic beauty of Deer Valley Campground, emphasizing its suitability for OHV enthusiasts and those seeking solitude. The lack of potable water and the challenging access road are common themes.
Review Summaries
Based on 15 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers appreciate the large campsites and the quiet, secluded environment. One user stated, 'it was perfect, no one else was there, the campsites are huge and, it was just beautiful.' Another user...
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Based on 15 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include the lack of potable water, garbage service, and challenging road access requiring high-clearance 4WD vehicles. One user noted, 'Watch when it rains as dirt turns to slippery mud...
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Based on 15 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing all necessary supplies, including water, and using a hardy vehicle due to the challenging road conditions. For OHV enthusiasts, the trails are highlighted as a major draw.
Based on 15 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews highlight the heat and the shade provided by the trees, while spring and fall reviews emphasize the need for high-clearance vehicles due to potential mud issues. Winter experiences are...
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Based on 15 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'We came up here to go to Lower Nye Campground... doubled back and came here to Deer Valley and it was perfect.' 2. 'Simple little campsite among the trees (the shade was welcome in the heat).' 3....
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Based on 15 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

One campsite is closed due to storm damage. Specific site numbers are not mentioned.
Based on 15 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility features or experiences.
Based on 15 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically discuss pet policies or experiences.
Based on 15 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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