How much does camping cost at Masterson Group Campground?

Camping fees at Masterson Group Campground are $75/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Masterson Group Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Masterson Group 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 Masterson Group Campground before I book?

Yes! Masterson Group Campground has 6 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 Masterson Group Campground?

Masterson Group Campground is open June 01 to September 30. 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 Masterson Group Campground?

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

How many campsites does Masterson Group Campground have?

Masterson Group Campground has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Masterson Group Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Masterson Group Campground?

Masterson Group Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Masterson Group Campground?

Popular activities at Masterson Group Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Masterson Group Campground

2.59

7 reviews

Stonyford Work Station, P.O. Box 160, Stonyford, CA, 95979-0160, USA

Quick Facts

6,220 ft

Price

$75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open season starts J...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Mendocino National Forest - USDA Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,220 ft

Price

$75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open season starts J...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Mendocino National Forest - USDA Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Masterson Group Campground

$75.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $75.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$75.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

530-963-3128

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Stonyford Work Station, P.O. Box 160, Stonyford, CA, 95979-0160, USA

Masterson Group Campground

Stonyford Work Station, P.O. Box 160, Stonyford, CA, 95979-0160, USA

Nearby places

Stonyford (roughly 8 miles), Willows (approximately 34 miles).

Weather at Masterson Group Campground

Best Time to Camp at Masterson Group Campground

Best season: summer. Summer is the clear highlight because the campground is open June 1–Sept 30 and offers the most reliable weather for hiking, boating, fishing, and group gatherings. Expect warm, sunny days (roughly 65–80°F) with cool nights (35–50°F) at 6,220 ft — ideal for daytime adventures and comfortable evenings around a group site. Trails are dry and accessible, nearby lakes and reservoirs are warm enough for boating and fishing, and wildlife viewing is productive; expect moderate crowds on holiday and mid Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open June 1–Sept 30; summer is the best season with reliable weather and full activity access.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 01 to September 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season starts June 1 and ends September 30 each year.

About Masterson Group Campground

Masterson Group Campground sits at 6,220 feet in Mendocino National Forest near Stonyford, a short walk from Plaskett Lake. Operated by the USDA Forest Service, this small group site offers a quiet, forested setting for summer gatherings with vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. Visitors hike forest trails, fish the nearby lake, and enjoy wildlife viewing in a spacious, clean environment.

Masterson Group Campground is specifically designed for group camping and offers primitive facilities without electricity or sewer hookups.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer is the clear highlight because the campground is open June 1–Sept 30 and offers the most reliable weather for hiking, boating, fishing, and group gatherings. Expect warm, sunny days (roughly 65–80°F) with cool nights (35–50°F) at 6,220 ft — ideal for daytime adventures and comfortable evenings around a group site. Trails are dry and accessible, nearby lakes and reservoirs are warm enough for boating and fishing, and wildlife viewing is productive; expect moderate crowds on holiday and mid Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation6220 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a clearing within dense coniferous forest on the eastern edge of California's Coastal Mountain Range. Towering pines ring the perimeter, creating natural privacy, while grassy meadow areas provide open space for group activities. Plaskett Lake sits nearby, offering fishing and canoeing access. The elevation and forested ridgelines create a secluded feel despite the campground's large capacity. Trails wind through the surrounding forest, leading to hidden valleys and additional meadows.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo traditional lodging accommodations like cabins or hotel-style lodging are mentioned in the authoritative sources.

Programs & ActivitiesCultural or educational programs are not mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 75 guests per group site

Groups

The group site accommodates up to 75 guests and 25 vehicles, making it ideal for large gatherings.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned.

Site SizeThe campground is spacious enough to accommodate up to 75 guests and 25 vehicles.

PrivacyUser reviews describe the campground as private and large, surrounded by towering pines and offering solitude.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesVisitors are advised to call ahead to check water availability and use Alder Springs Road instead of Google Maps’ suggested route for easier access.

Best CampsitesThere's only one site, a group area that reviewers describe as spacious and private. The surrounding forest provides natural screening, and the meadow areas work well for large gatherings.

Need help booking Masterson Group Campground?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Masterson Group Campground offers a blend of primitive camping and convenient facilities, including clean vault toilets and running water (seasonal availability). The campground is spacious and can accommodate up to 75 guests and 25 vehicles, making it ideal for large gatherings. Amenities include fire rings, grills, and picnic tables to facilitate group activities and campfire gatherings. Trash collection is available, and the campground emphasizes the importance of buying local firewood to protect the forest.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Things to do at Masterson Group Campground

Masterson Group Campground offers a wide variety of activities, from hiking and wildlife viewing to fishing and non-motorized boating at nearby Plaskett Lake. Its open meadow areas are ideal for group games, and a large fire ring adds to the nighttime experience. Mendocino National Forest provides opportunities for hunting (seasonal), off-highway vehicle riding, and nature exploration.

Hiking3.0/5

Access to Mendocino NF trails; description states hiking opportunities are abundant across varied terrain.

Fishing3.0/5

Biking3.0/5

Mendocino NF has trails suitable for biking; campground provides trail access.

Wildlife viewing3.0/5

Wildlife common: deer, birds, chipmunks, rabbits; bears may be present per description.

Water Sports3.0/5

Non‑motorized boating (canoes/kayaks) is available at nearby Plaskett Lake a short walk away.

Winter Activities

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; the site provides well-maintained vault toilets.

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

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

2.6

7 reviews

Mixed Reviews

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

User reviews highlight the campground's spaciousness, privacy, and suitability for large groups. Visitors appreciate the clean vault toilets and running water (seasonal), as well as the nearby Plaskett Lake for fishing and canoeing.

Review Summaries

Based on 7 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include a quiet and clean environment, proximity to Plaskett Lake, and spaciousness ideal for group activities. Vault toilets are well-maintained, and the surrounding forest adds to...

Based on 7 reviews

Common Concerns

Some reviews mention seasonal water unavailability and road conditions requiring a 4WD vehicle. Clearing activities during certain visits impacted the site's cleanliness.

Based on 7 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The campground is described as spacious and private, suitable for large groups up to 75 guests. Vault toilets are clean and well-stocked.

Based on 7 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Future campers are advised to confirm water availability and use Alder Springs Road instead of Google Maps directions to avoid dangerous routes. Bringing 4WD is recommended due to rutted roads.

Based on 7 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Seasonal water availability and road conditions can affect the camping experience. Summer months are popular for group camping, while hunting season sees increased visitation.

Based on 7 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Bathrooms and running water are available. They were doing some clearing while we were there, so it was kind of messy." "Nearby Plaskett Lake is a good fishing lake but not for swimming. Use Alder...

Based on 7 reviews