Masterson Group Campground

Star3.88
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

Opens Mendocino National Forest - USDA Forest Service site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Masterson Group Campground
$75.00 - $75.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly rate for the group standard nonelectric site is $75 during the peak season from June 01 to September 30 each year. The fee excludes...
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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$75.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
530-963-3128
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What Campers Say

3.88

Mixed Reviews

Based on 7 reviews

4 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanspaciouslake

"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."

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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

Driving directionsFrom Interstate 5, take the exit for Willows/Oroville Hwy 162 and head west. After about 23 miles turn right at the junction at County Road 306. Travel approximately four miles, then turn left onto 162/Forest Highway 7. After approximately 30 miles turn right at the Masterson Group Campground sign and follow the road for a quarter-mile to the gated entrance.
The Mendocino National Forest is noted for being California’s only national forest not crossed by a paved road. Some reviews highlight challenges accessing the campground due to unpaved, rutted roads: 'It is best to have 4WD as the road is rutted and can be difficult in places.' Another reviewer warns against following Google Maps directions, as one route suggested (via 307) is dangerous and out of commission.
Nearby places
Stonyford (roughly 8 miles), Willows (approximately 34 miles).
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are likely available in Stonyford, approximately 8 miles away. Detailed information on grocery stores, camping supplies, and fuel stations is null.

Best Time to Camp at Masterson Group Campground

Summer transforms Masterson into a camper's paradise, with June through September bringing crystal-clear skies and comfortable temperatures perfect for outdoor adventures. While winter months deliver bone-chilling cold and occasional precipitation, the shoulder seasons offer their own quiet beauty. The dry mountain air and moderate humidity create ideal conditions for campfires and stargazing during peak season, when the forest truly comes alive with visitors and wildlife alike.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open June–Sept; summer has clear skies, comfortable temps and is peak season for groups.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
2.5 / 5

Open only through Sept 30; early fall possible but limited and subject to seasonal water/road issues.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Closed in spring; open season begins June 1.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed outside the June–Sept operating window.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June 01 - September 30 each year.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season starts June 1 and ends September 30 each year.
  • Current Alerts: One review warns against following Google Maps directions due to a dangerous road (307) being 'out of commission.' Seasonal water availability may also vary.

About Masterson Group Campground

Hidden among towering pines and sun-dappled meadows in the heart of Mendocino National Forest, Masterson Group Campground offers the perfect escape for families, friends, and organizations seeking to reconnect in nature's embrace. This thoughtfully designed group camping destination combines the tranquility of dense forest solitude with the convenience of facilities built for large gatherings, creating an ideal backdrop for reunions, retreats, and celebrations under the stars.
Masterson Group Campground is specifically designed for group camping and offers primitive facilities without electricity or sewer hookups.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

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.
HikingHiking opportunities are abundant in Mendocino National Forest, which spans over 913,306 acres of mountains and canyons. Trails vary in difficulty and offer stunning views.
FishingFishing at Plaskett Lake, a short one-mile walk from the campground, features trout. User reviews highlight its suitability for fishing but note it is less ideal for swimming.
BikingTrails suitable for biking are available in the Mendocino National Forest.
BoatingNon-motorized boating, including canoeing, is available at Plaskett Lake, which is a short walk from the campground.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is popular, with deer, birds, chipmunks, and rabbits commonly seen. Bears may also be present.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife like bears and deer, and challenging road conditions. Roads may require 4WD due to rutting as noted by reviewers.
Active AlertsOne review warns against following Google Maps directions due to a dangerous road (307) being 'out of commission.' Seasonal water availability may also vary.

Weather at Masterson Group Campground

Reviews

3.9
7 reviews
Mixed 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...
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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

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...
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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

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features and experiences are not discussed in user reviews.
Based on 7 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies and experiences are not explicitly mentioned in user reviews.
Based on 7 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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