Middle Creek Campground

4.04

88 reviews

Located 8 miles north of Upper Lake on County Road 301 (Forest Road M-1).

Quick Facts

1,518 ft

Price

$8 - $12/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

22 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Mendocino National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,518 ft

Price

$8 - $12/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

22 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Mendocino National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Middle Creek Campground

$8.00 - $12.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Single site overnight use costs $8 per night. An additional vehicle costs $2 per night, with a limit of two vehicles per site. Double sites are...

Standard Site Fee$8.00

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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USFS

Provider

+1 530-963-3121

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What Campers Say

4.04

Satisfactory

Based on 88 reviews

80 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulspacioussites

"Mixed reviews highlight the campground's suitability for OHV enthusiasts but note significant drawbacks, such as trash maintenance, noise disturbances, and rule enforcement issues."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Located 8 miles north of Upper Lake on County Road 301 (Forest Road M-1).

Middle Creek Campground

Located 8 miles north of Upper Lake on County Road 301 (Forest Road M-1).

Driving directionsIn Upper Lake, CA, at intersection of State Rt. 20 and Main St., take Main St. north 0.2 miles to 2nd St. Turn right on 2nd St. and go 0.1 miles to first left (Middle Creek Rd.). Turn left and go 0.4 miles to Elk Mountain Rd. Turn right (north) onto Elk Mountain Rd. and go 7.7 miles to campground on right.

Accessible via Elk Mountain Road (County Road 301). Roads are paved up to the campground, although some sections are uneven due to erosion around the pavement. Obey all posted signs and do not drive around barriers or locked gates.

Nearby places

Upper Lake: 8 miles (~15 minutes).

Nearby supplies

Closest town for groceries and supplies is Upper Lake, 8 miles south. Recommended stops include the deli and pizza place in Upper Lake.

Best Time to Camp at Middle Creek Campground

Experience the full spectrum of California's inland climate at Middle Creek, where each season brings its own rewards. Winter arrives with crisp, dry air punctuated by occasional rain showers and rare dustings of snow that transform the landscape into a quiet wonderland. As spring unfolds, comfortable temperatures and blooming wildflowers create perfect conditions for extended trail rides. Summer brings brilliant blue skies and warm-to-hot days ideal for early morning adventures and lazy afternoon creek-side relaxation. Fall returns with golden light and moderate temperatures, offering perhaps the most spectacular camping conditions of the year.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Open year-round; summer weekends are busy and noisy from OHV use.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Pleasant inland fall conditions, good trail access and scenic value.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Positive spring reviews mention lush growth and enjoyment; caution after heavy rains.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.5 / 5

Top 23% in CA

Quieter off-season; crisp dry air with occasional rain and rare snow at this elevation.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Not specified; campground open all year.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round.
Current Alerts: No active alerts at the time of review.

About Middle Creek Campground

Nestled alongside the gentle waters of Middle Creek, this intimate campground serves as a gateway to adventure for off-highway vehicle enthusiasts and equestrian explorers. The partially shaded grounds offer a perfect balance of sun and shelter, creating an ideal basecamp for those seeking thrilling trail rides through Mendocino National Forest. While amenities remain refreshingly simple, the campground's direct access to extensive OHV trails and proximity to the creek make it a beloved destination for riders who prefer authentic outdoor experiences over resort-style camping.

Middle Creek Campground is geared toward OHV enthusiasts and RV users but does not provide full RV hookups or amenities like showers. There are 22 combined sites with tables and grilles available at each. Tent and trailer camping are supported.

Historical SignificanceThe surrounding landscape tells a powerful story of nature's resilience and renewal. Evidence of past wildfires remains visible throughout the area, where blackened tree trunks stand as monuments to the forest's history. Yet amid these reminders, vibrant new growth emerges—young trees stretching skyward, native grasses reclaiming the forest floor, and wildlife returning to restored habitats. This ongoing transformation offers campers a unique opportunity to witness the forest's remarkable ability to heal and regenerate, making each visit a chance to observe nature's ever-changing canvas.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of California's inland climate at Middle Creek, where each season brings its own rewards. Winter arrives with crisp, dry air punctuated by occasional rain showers and rare dustings of snow that transform the landscape into a quiet wonderland. As spring unfolds, comfortable temperatures and blooming wildflowers create perfect conditions for extended trail rides. Summer brings brilliant blue skies and warm-to-hot days ideal for early morning adventures and lazy afternoon creek-side relaxation. Fall returns with golden light and moderate temperatures, offering perhaps the most spectacular camping conditions of the year.

ElevationPerched at 1,518 feet above sea level in the heart of Mendocino National Forest, Middle Creek Campground occupies a sweet spot where mountain air meets accessible terrain. This moderate elevation provides comfortable temperatures for most of the year while keeping you connected to the dramatic topography that makes this region a paradise for outdoor recreation. The altitude offers just enough elevation to escape the valley heat without the challenges of high-mountain camping.

Natural Features and SceneryMiddle Creek Campground unfolds across a picturesque meadow-like setting where native California trees create natural gathering spaces and shaded retreats. Majestic valley oaks spread their gnarled branches overhead, while gray pines add their distinctive silhouettes to the skyline, and scattered walnuts provide seasonal beauty. The namesake Middle Creek winds alongside the campground, its babbling waters providing a soothing soundtrack to your stay. Throughout the surrounding forest, the interplay of fire-scarred veterans and emerging young growth creates a dynamic landscape that changes with each season, offering photographers and nature lovers endless opportunities for discovery.

Geological RegionSet within the rugged beauty of Mendocino National Forest, Middle Creek Campground occupies a unique ecological niche where water, forest, and meadow converge. The campground's location along Middle Creek has created a diverse habitat supporting an impressive variety of native trees—from the drought-adapted gray pines that thrive on sunny slopes to the water-loving walnuts that cluster near the creek. This partially open, field-like terrain provides expansive views of the surrounding forest while maintaining pockets of shade beneath mature oaks, creating an inviting landscape that perfectly balances accessibility with natural beauty.

Best Campsites

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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

Limit of two vehicles per site. No specific guest limit mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layout22 campsites, all equipped with tables and grills. Parking aprons are paved; 12 sites are pull-throughs with parallel parking to the interior road.

Reservation PlatformsNo reservation platforms available; first-come, first-served.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served. Weekends tend to be busier, especially for OHV users.

Cancellation PolicyNo reservations are accepted. Sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly vault toilets are available. The facility is not recommended for ambulatory disabled individuals due to tripping hazards and erosion around pavement.

Site SizeSites include pull-through parking options, suitable for RVs and trailers.

PrivacySites provide some degree of privacy but may experience disturbances due to nearby OHV activities and other campers walking through sites.

Total Campsites22 campsites

Recommended SitesNo specific recommendations for individual sites provided.

Amenities available

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Middle Creek Campground is an OHV-centric site featuring 60 miles of trails for trail riding and dirt biking. Horseback riding opportunities are also available. However, there are limited recreational activities beyond these, and no water-related sports or fishing.

HikingThe campground is surrounded by OHV trails, offering abundant hiking opportunities. Difficulty levels are varied, according to user reviews.

BikingThe campground is popular among dirt bikers due to its proximity to OHV trails. User reviews describe trails of varying difficulty levels.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential tripping hazards due to erosion around pavement. Tunneling varmints may create holes and collapsed dens around the campground. Wildlife includes frogs, tadpoles, and feral cats.

Active AlertsNo active alerts at the time of review.

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

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed following posted guidelines.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.

Emergency ServicesRangers and Law Enforcement based within Mendocino National Forest. Closest town for emergency services is Upper Lake, 8 miles south.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are present but inconsistently maintained. Users report overflowing dumpsters during warmer months.

Water FeaturesAdjacent to Middle Creek.

Camp HostCamp hosts have been described as helpful and knowledgeable during certain periods; however, some users report issues with host turnover and lack of support for hosts from local management.

Weather at Middle Creek Campground

Reviews

4.0

88 reviews

Satisfactory

Middle Creek Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Mixed reviews highlight the campground's suitability for OHV enthusiasts but note significant drawbacks, such as trash maintenance, noise disturbances, and rule enforcement issues.

Review Summaries

Based on 88 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive feedback includes close access to OHV trails, spacious campsites, and affordable rates. "Little slice of heaven... Right on the large creek, down in the valley. Very peaceful," noted one...

Based on 88 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues include trash overflow, noise disturbances from ATVs and other campers, feral animals, and poor rule enforcement. "Fair amount of garbage strewn about the campground...groups of people...

Based on 88 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Call ahead to confirm trail conditions, as closures can occur after heavy rains. Campsites are more peaceful during weekdays.

Based on 88 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Weekends are busy and noisy due to OHV activity, but the campground is quieter during weekdays and the off-season winter months.

Based on 88 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "This place is kind of a dump. The bathrooms were disgusting." 2. "My family and I absolutely LOVE this place for camping, hiking, trail riding dirt bikes." 3. "Great site, had firewood delivered...

Based on 88 reviews