How much does camping cost at Lower Nye Campground?

Camping fees at Lower Nye Campground range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Lower Nye Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Lower Nye Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. "Dispersed camping sites available only. Walk-up option is possible."

Can I see photos of campsites at Lower Nye Campground before I book?

Yes! Lower Nye 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 Lower Nye Campground?

Lower Nye 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 Lower Nye Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Lower Nye Campground?

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

Are dogs allowed at Lower Nye Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Lower Nye Campground?

Popular activities at Lower Nye Campground include Hiking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Lower Nye Campground

2.17

6 reviews

Quick Facts

3,304 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

null

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

3,304 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

null

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Lower Nye Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

"No fees are required for this site."

No paid fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

USFS

Provider

nullnull

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Lower Nye Campground

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

Lower Nye Campground

39.4432, -122.8255

Driving directions"Lat - 39° 26' 35.2932", Long - 122° 49' 29.251199"

"The road is windy and gets a little rough right north of Lower Nye Campground, but we left and went south down the M3 to Upper Lake, CA, and the road was much worse. You have to drive through 3 creeks and there was much more washed-out road to slowly crawl through. I recommend the northern route if you're choosing between the two."

Weather at Lower Nye Campground

Current alert: "Closed due to safety hazards from the 2018 Ranch Fire and 2020 August Complex."

Best Time to Camp at Lower Nye Campground

Summer offers the most reliable access and comfortable camping conditions. Daytime highs typically reach the mid-70s to high-80s°F, with cool nights dropping to 45–60°F. The primitive access road is usually passable during summer months, and long daylight hours support hiking and exploring. Fire restrictions often apply during peak summer. Crowds stay light compared to developed campgrounds. Bring all your own water regardless of season.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer offers most reliable access and comfortable daytime temps (mid-70s–80s).

Planning Tips

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

About Lower Nye Campground

Lower Nye Campground sits deep in Mendocino National Forest at 3,304 feet elevation, offering primitive dispersed camping in an open meadow backed by a stand of oaks. No amenities exist here. No water, tables, or fire rings. Access requires navigating rough forest roads, with the northern route significantly easier than the southern approach through washed-out sections and creek crossings.

Lower Nye Campground is a dispersed camping area with no structured or developed sites. It is suitable for primitive camping.

Historical Significance

Firefighters used Lower Nye as a base camp in 2017 while fighting the lightning-sparked Skeleton Fire near Thistle Glade Creek. The campground closed following damage from the 2018 Ranch Fire and 2020 August Complex fires.

Weather and SeasonsSummer offers the most reliable access and comfortable camping conditions. Daytime highs typically reach the mid-70s to high-80s°F, with cool nights dropping to 45–60°F. The primitive access road is usually passable during summer months, and long daylight hours support hiking and exploring. Fire restrictions often apply during peak summer. Crowds stay light compared to developed campgrounds. Bring all your own water regardless of season.

Elevationnull

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a large open meadow that transitions into a shady oak grove. A steep ravine marks the boundary between the sun-exposed meadow and the darker forest, with a creek running through the ravine below. The contrasting terrain creates distinct camping zones: the open meadow for star-watching and the oak stand for shade. The topography drops dramatically at the ravine edge where the creek has carved into the landscape over time.

Geological RegionThis remarkable landscape showcases nature's artistry through contrasting terrains—from the gentle, rolling meadow that welcomes visitors to the dramatic ravine that marks the boundary between sun-drenched openness and shadowy oak forest. The creek cutting through the steep ravine tells a geological story millions of years in the making, its persistent flow carving deeper into the earth with each passing season, creating the dramatic topography that makes Lower Nye such a memorable destination.

Scenic Views"The campground offers scenic views that blend open meadows with shady oak stands."

Lodging & AccommodationsNo lodging or accommodations such as cabins or lodges are available at this dispersed camping site.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are offered at this site.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 p.m.

Check-out

11:00 a.m.

Stay Limit

Null

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation Platformsnull

Walk-in AvailabilityDispersed camping sites available only. Walk-up option is possible.

Cancellation Policynull

Site SizeThe campground appears to have ample open space according to user reviews.

PrivacyUser reviews suggest it is a spacious area, but no specific mention of privacy features is made.

Recommended SitesNorthern route recommended for accessing the site due to better road conditions.

Amenities available

Lower Nye Campground is a dispersed camping area in the Mendocino National Forest. The campground lacks developed amenities such as tables, fire rings, and potable water. There are restrooms available, but no further services are provided. User reviews highlight the presence of a creek near the campground, which can make access difficult during high water levels.

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Activities at Lower Nye Campground are limited but include opportunities for hiking and backpacking. The area is suited for nature enthusiasts who prefer a more primitive experience.

Hiking

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts"Not accessible when creek is too high to ford. No potable water is available, and no bathrooms."

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

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

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 Lower Nye Campground

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

From Booking Sources

2.2

6 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Lower Nye Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews generally describe Lower Nye Campground as a primitive, remote camping area. The feedback highlights both the rugged beauty and the challenges of accessibility.

Review Summaries

Based on 6 reviews

What Campers Love

Users describe the campground as 'a beautiful campground with a large open meadow in front' and 'a shady stand of oaks,' creating a scenic environment. The creek adds to the natural beauty of the...

Based on 6 reviews

Common Concerns

Accessibility is a major concern, with users noting the rough roads, especially the southern approach: 'The road is windy and gets a little rough right North of Lower Nye Campground, but we left and...

Based on 6 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific site reviews are available; comments address the general campground area.

Based on 6 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

One user suggests taking the northern route when accessing the campground, as the southern approach is significantly worse and involves navigating washed-out sections and creek crossings.

Based on 6 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Season-specific trends are not mentioned in the reviews provided.

Based on 6 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'It's a beautiful campground with a large open meadow in front and a very primitive road that goes through into a shady stand of oaks.' 2. 'You have to drive through 3 creeks and there was much...

Based on 6 reviews

Accessibility Features

There are no reviews that specifically address accessibility features.

Based on 6 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No information about pet policies or pet-related experiences is mentioned.

Based on 6 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

Hard-core primitive campers who've confirmed the closure is lifted will find a genuinely open meadow backed by an oak grove, cool summer nights in the mid-40s to 60s, and zero other campers. Take the northern route in.

Skip if

It's closed right now due to compounding wildfire damage, and even when open, there's no water, no fire rings, no hookups, and the southern road involves washed-out sections and creek crossings that can block access entirely.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited