Little Doe Campground
04 reviewsMendocino National Forest, Covelo, CA
Quick Facts
3,700 ftPrice
$6/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
11 campsites
Season
Open May 15 through ...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
3,700 ftPrice
$6/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
11 campsites
Season
Open May 15 through ...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
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
Total Campsite Fees$6.00
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ProviderWhat Campers Say
N/A
Limited Reviews
Based on 4 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."
Fees & Passes at Little Doe Campground
$6/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: Maximum stay limit is 14 days.
Cancellation: No cancellation policy mentioned.
Prices verified November 17, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Mendocino National Forest website.
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.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
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.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time and discover pieces of American history scattered throughout Little Doe Campground. Many campsites feature original Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Klamath ovens, enduring monuments to the young men who helped shape our national forests during the Great Depression. These historic stone structures serve as both functional fire features and tangible connections to the campground's storied past.
Weather and SeasonsExperience 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.
ElevationPerched at 3,700 feet above sea level, Little Doe Campground serves as a natural air conditioner during scorching summer months. This elevated setting creates a refreshing microclimate where afternoon breezes whisper through the trees and evening temperatures invite cozy campfire gatherings. The altitude provides welcome relief from valley heat while offering expansive views of the surrounding wilderness.
Natural Features and SceneryA tapestry of towering Douglas firs, distinctive red-barked Madrones, aromatic Cedars, and sturdy oaks creates a cathedral-like canopy above Little Doe Campground. A seasonal creek meanders through the property, its gentle babbling providing a natural soundtrack during spring and early summer months. This diverse ecosystem supports abundant wildlife, including black bears who occasionally wander through camp, reminding visitors to properly store their food and respect the wild inhabitants of this forest sanctuary.
Geological RegionLittle Doe Campground rests in a remarkable geological transition zone where diverse forest ecosystems converge along a seasonal creek corridor. The unique combination of Douglas fir, Madrone, Cedar, and oak trees tells the story of millennia of natural adaptation, creating a living classroom where visitors can witness the intricate relationships between water, soil, and plant communities that define this special corner of the wilderness.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground has wheelchair-friendly vault toilets but no other specific accessibility features were mentioned.
Sites SizeThe sites are standard size and can accommodate tents.
Sites PrivacySites are described as remote and quiet, with a semi-wilderness atmosphere offering privacy and a tranquil setting.
Total Campsites11 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUsers have noted the campground's quiet and secluded nature. Recommendations mention avoiding the area if unprepared for wilderness camping.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 14 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Guests per site not explicitly stated.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutCampground stretches along a creek with individual tent sites spread among mixed trees.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 15 through November 15, dependent on weather.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not accepted.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cancellation PolicyNo cancellation policy mentioned.
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 viewing
User reviews highlight ample wildlife, including bears. Visitors are advised to be cautious with food storage.Winter Activities
The campground is not maintained during winter months, and no winter-specific activities are mentioned.Water Sports
Water-based activities are not available at this campground.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed within designated fire rings.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife 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.
Weather at Little Doe Campground
52
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 64%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Contact Ranger District Office in Covelo for emergencies.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season not specified.
Trash and recyclingThere are no trash services available at the campground. Visitors are required to pack out all their trash.
Proximity to water featuresSeasonal creek runs through the campground.
Common complaintsReviews mention difficulty with road access due to unpaved and rocky conditions, lack of potable water, and the remote nature of the campground.
Campground Map
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.
Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
4 reviews
Little Doe Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % 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 4 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 4 reviewsCommon 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 4 reviewsPro 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...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
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 4 reviewsCamper 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...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific campsite numbers were highlighted as better or worse.
Based on 4 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews on accessibility features were provided.
Based on 4 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews focused on pet policies or pet-related experiences.
Based on 4 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 17, 2025
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