Little Doe Campground

Star3.67
8 reviews
Mendocino National Forest, Covelo, CA

Quick Facts

3,700 ft

Price

$6/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Open May 15 through ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Mendocino National Forest site

Official Website
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Little Doe Campground
$6.00 - $6.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The campground charges $6 per night for a single site. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount to Single Campsites...
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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

3.67

Mixed Reviews

Based on 8 reviews

6 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietclean

"Overall, user reviews depict Little Doe Campground as a remote and quiet spot, ideal for those seeking solitude and a true wilderness experience. While some appreciate its isolation, others find it daunting."

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Campground Map

Mendocino National Forest, Covelo, CA

Little Doe Campground

Mendocino National Forest, Covelo, CA

Driving directionsFrom Covelo, CA, take State Rt. 162 north 1.1 miles to an intersection. Turn right, staying on Rt. 162, and go 2.2 miles to a Y intersection. Bear left, continuing on Rt. 162 and go 8.3 miles to another intersection. Turn left onto Forest Rt. M-1 and go 13.9 miles to campground sign. Turn left into campground.
Forest Rt. M-1 is single-lane and becomes dirt and rocky after 10.3 miles. Also Rt. 162 is a narrow two-lane road that winds along the Middle Fork of Eel River.
Nearby places
Covelo is the closest city at approximately 12 miles away.
Nearby supplies
Hot showers (for a fee) and limited groceries available at Black Butte River Ranch, located at the intersection of routes M-1 and 162.

Best Time to Camp at Little Doe Campground

Experience nature's full palette as the seasons transform Little Doe Campground throughout the year. Summer brings warm, sun-drenched days perfect for hiking and exploring, while winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, creating a wonderland accessible only to the most adventurous souls. The consistently dry climate means crisp, clear nights ideal for stargazing, though visitors should prepare for dramatic temperature swings when the sun sets behind the mountains.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Open in summer; reviews note fewer people and abundant wildlife but some feel area abandoned.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Camp is open through Nov 15; mixed-conifer forest suggests pleasant fall conditions and colors.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Seasonal creek active in spring/early summer; site opens May 15 so late-spring experience noted.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed mid-Nov to mid-May; winter use not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Peak season not specified.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 15 through November 15, dependent on weather.
  • Current Alerts: Campers are advised against parking under fire-damaged trees due to risks from the August Complex Fire.

About Little Doe Campground

Tucked away in a serene mixed-conifer forest, Little Doe Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape where the only sounds are rustling leaves and birdsong. This intimate campground features 11 thoughtfully spaced tent sites, each equipped with its own picnic table and fire ring, creating perfect basecamp for nature lovers seeking solitude. Three well-maintained vault toilets serve the campground, while the remote location ensures a peaceful retreat far from the crowds.
Little Doe Campground offers tent camping opportunities with 12 sites, including two walk-in sites. It provides a primitive camping experience in a semi-wilderness setting.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 14 days.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The activities at Little Doe Campground are limited but include opportunities for hunting and wildlife viewing. The campground's remote location and mixed-conifer setting offer a natural environment for quiet recreation.
Wildlife viewingUser reviews highlight ample wildlife, including bears. Visitors are advised to be cautious with food storage.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife hazards such as bears are present; proper food storage is necessary. Fire-damaged trees from the August Complex Fire pose risks.
Active AlertsCampers are advised against parking under fire-damaged trees due to risks from the August Complex Fire.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Little Doe Campground

Reviews

3.7
8 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Little Doe Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, user reviews depict Little Doe Campground as a remote and quiet spot, ideal for those seeking solitude and a true wilderness experience. While some appreciate its isolation, others find it daunting.
Review Summaries
Based on 8 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the remote and quiet setting, the presence of wildlife, and the availability of clean vault toilets. The presence of fire pits and picnic tables is also noted positively.
Based on 8 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users find the remote location challenging, especially due to rough and unpaved roads that require a 4WD vehicle. Concerns about safety in the dark, isolated setting were also mentioned.
Based on 8 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing a 4-wheel drive vehicle for the rugged roads and being cautious with food storage due to wildlife, especially bears. Packing out all trash is essential as there are no...
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Based on 8 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest that the campground is quieter in summer, with fewer people and an abundance of wildlife. However, the area can feel abandoned and unsafe to some during this time.
Based on 8 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Love this campground for the reasons others dislike it. It's remote, quiet and isn't full of screaming kids, even during the summer season. Tons of wildlife, especially bears, so be careful with...
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Based on 8 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific campsite numbers were highlighted as better or worse.
Based on 8 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews on accessibility features were provided.
Based on 8 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews focused on pet policies or pet-related experiences.
Based on 8 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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