How much does camping cost at Deer Valley Campground?

Camping fees at Deer Valley Campground range from $6/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Deer Valley Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Deer Valley Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Deer Valley Campground before I book?

Yes! Deer Valley Campground has 3 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Deer Valley Campground?

Deer Valley Campground is open null. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Deer Valley Campground?

Deer Valley Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Deer Valley Campground?

Fire policies at Deer Valley Campground: null. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Deer Valley Campground have?

Deer Valley Campground has 6 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Deer Valley Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Deer Valley Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Deer Valley Campground?

Deer Valley Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Deer Valley Campground

3.60

15 reviews

Featured in:Tent Camping California

Quick Facts

3,566 ft

Price

$6/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

3,566 ft

Price

$6/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

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

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USFS

Provider

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I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Deer Valley Campground

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Campground Map

Deer Valley Campground

Nearby places

Upper Lake, 12 miles.

Nearby supplies

null

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.'

Weather at Deer Valley Campground

Current alert: Elk Mountain Road is closed due to hillslope failure after storms.

Best Time to Camp at Deer Valley Campground

Summer brings the most reliable access and comfortable camping weather. Expect daytime highs around 70–85°F and cool nights dropping into the mid-40s to mid-50s. Winter turns the access road muddy and challenging, making the campground difficult to reach. Dry summer roads are still rough in sections, but passable with a hardy vehicle.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer offers most reliable access and comfortable temps; shade mitigates heat per reviews.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round.

About Deer Valley Campground

Deer Valley Campground sits at 3,566 feet in Mendocino National Forest, offering six primitive sites popular with OHV riders and campers seeking quiet. The campground charges $6 per night and has no water or garbage service. Cell service is nearly nonexistent.

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.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the most reliable access and comfortable camping weather. Expect daytime highs around 70–85°F and cool nights dropping into the mid-40s to mid-50s. Winter turns the access road muddy and challenging, making the campground difficult to reach. Dry summer roads are still rough in sections, but passable with a hardy vehicle.

Elevationnull

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a forested pocket with mature trees providing shade across the sites. Reviewers describe the landscape as beautiful and secluded, with the forest canopy creating a quiet atmosphere. The terrain is typical of Mendocino's rolling, tree-covered hills. Sites are large, giving each group plenty of room to spread out.

Geological RegionDiscover the rugged splendor of Mendocino National Forest, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of rolling, tree-covered hills and dramatic terrain. This protected wilderness showcases Northern California's characteristic forest ecosystem, with its diverse topography creating natural amphitheaters and intimate valleys that shelter campers from the outside world while providing endless opportunities for exploration and discovery.

Scenic Views'Beautiful' views among the trees with plenty of shade as noted in user reviews.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style accommodations are available within the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned in authoritative sources or user reviews.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

11:00 AM

Stay Limit

Null

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Groups

No designated group camping sites are mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSix sites spread among the trees with concrete picnic tables and vault toilets. No formal loops or designated spacing information available.

Reservation Platformsnull

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served payment via drop box.

Cancellation Policynull

Site SizeUser reviews indicate the campsites are large, with one reviewer noting, 'the campsites are huge.

PrivacyNo specific information is available on the level of privacy provided by campsites.

Total Campsites6 campsites

Recommended SitesCampsites are large, shaded, and quiet as noted by user reviews. Dry camping environment.

Best Campsitesnull

Need help booking Deer Valley Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Dry camp, bring water. No trash services provided; please pack out garbage.

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSlippery mud in rainy conditions; challenging narrow roads requiring high-clearance 4WD vehicles.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at the campground; vault toilets are the only restroom option.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Deer Valley Campground

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From Booking Sources

3.6

15 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Deer Valley Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% 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...

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...

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

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...

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....

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

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Go if

OHV riders and dry-campers who bring everything they need and drive a high-clearance 4WD. Sites are large, shaded, and genuinely quiet. Summer is the reliable window when the dirt access road is passable.

Skip if

Elk Mountain Road is currently closed due to hillslope failure, so confirm an alternate route before booking. Even in good conditions, the road turns to slippery mud after rain, and there's no water, no cell service, and no trash pickup.

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