Lower Nye Campground

3.00

6 reviews

Quick Facts

3,304 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

null

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Mendocino National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

3,304 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

null

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Mendocino National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Lower Nye Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

"No fees are required for this site."

Standard Site Fee$0.00

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

3.00

Mixed Reviews

Based on 6 reviews

3 Google 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."

Read all reviews

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."

Best Time to Camp at Lower Nye Campground

null

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Meadow and oak shade suit summer camping, though no explicit seasonal info provided.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Fall likely comfortable and scenic; reviews don't specify seasonal trends.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring wildflowers in the meadow likely enhance scenery though season specifics are absent.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

No winter info; 3,300 ft elevation and rough roads may reduce access in winter.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: null
Current Alerts: "Closed due to safety hazards from the 2018 Ranch Fire and 2020 August Complex."

About Lower Nye Campground

Nestled deep within the Mendocino National Forest, Lower Nye Campground offers an authentic wilderness experience for those seeking solitude and raw natural beauty. This dispersed camping area captivates visitors with its expansive meadow stretching beneath ancient oaks, where camper Charley once described discovering 'a beautiful campground with a large open meadow in front and a very primitive road that goes through into a shady stand of oaks.' True to its backcountry nature, Lower Nye provides no formal amenities—no tables, fire rings, or potable water—just pure, undeveloped wilderness. Please note: The campground remains closed following damage from the devastating 2018 Ranch Fire and 2020 August Complex, as forest officials work to ensure visitor safety.

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

Historical SignificanceLower Nye has served as more than just a camping destination—it's been a crucial staging ground for those who protect these forests. In 2017, brave firefighters established their base camp here while battling the lightning-sparked Skeleton Fire that threatened nearby Thistle Glade Creek. This remote outpost has witnessed both the forest's vulnerability and the dedication of those who safeguard it.

Weather and Seasonsnull

Elevationnull

Natural Features and SceneryPicture yourself standing at the edge of a sweeping meadow, where tall grasses dance in the mountain breeze and wildflowers paint the landscape in seasonal hues. Behind this natural amphitheater, a grove of stately oaks provides cool shade and shelter, their gnarled branches creating a living canopy overhead. The campground's dramatic backdrop features a steep ravine carved by time, where a creek murmurs its ancient song as it tumbles over rocks below—a constant reminder of the powerful forces that shaped this rugged terrain.

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.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 p.m.

Check-out

11:00 a.m.

Stay Limit

Null

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Groups

There is no information available about designated group camping sites.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutnull

Reservation Platformsnull

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

Cancellation Policynull

AccessibilityThere is no information available about accessibility features for campers with disabilities.

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.

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.

HikingHiking and backpacking are available as recreational activities. No specific trail details are provided.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

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

Active Alerts"Closed due to safety hazards from the 2018 Ranch Fire and 2020 August Complex."

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

Weather at Lower Nye Campground

Reviews

3.0

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

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