Mill Valley Campground

5 reviews

Quick Facts

4,200 ft

Price

$5 - $10/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

15 campsites

Season

May 15 through Novem...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Mendocino National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

4,200 ft

Price

$5 - $10/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

15 campsites

Season

May 15 through Novem...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Mendocino National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Mill Valley Campground

$5.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The fee is $10 per night during peak season (May–September) and $5 during the off-season. An Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Pass provides a 50%...

Standard Site Fee$10.00

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

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 5 reviews

3 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquiet

"User reviews highlight the peaceful setting of the Mill Valley Campground and the availability of shade from mature trees as significant positives. However, some users note the lack of privacy due to closely spaced campsites."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Mill Valley Campground

39.3183, -122.7062

Driving directionsDrive west from Stonyford, CA, for 14.2 miles along Fouts Springs Rd. (Forest Service Rt. M10). At the 'Y' intersection, bear left onto FS17N02 and continue for 1.4 miles. At the next 'Y' intersection, bear left again and drive 0.2 miles to the campground. Please note: most of the access route is single lane, with the last 4.5 miles being dirt and gravel.

The access route includes single-lane roads with the last 4.5 miles on dirt and gravel terrain. This may pose challenges during inclement weather or for low-clearance vehicles.

Nearby places

Stonyford (17 miles)

Nearby supplies

Null

Best Time to Camp at Mill Valley Campground

Mill Valley transforms with the seasons, offering distinct experiences throughout the year. Summer brings warm, sun-drenched days perfect for exploration, with temperatures climbing into the pleasant mid-80s to low-90s from June through August. As autumn arrives, the forest becomes a tapestry of changing colors, though rain showers and cooler temperatures remind visitors to pack layers. Winter wraps the campground in a blanket of quiet solitude, with freezing temperatures and occasional snow creating a wonderland for the hardy few. Spring emerges with wildflowers and moderate temperatures, though unpredictable weather keeps campers on their toes.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season May–Sept; warm, pleasant days for exploration and camping.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Open through Nov 30; fall offers quieter visits and continued scenic qualities.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Opens May 15; late-spring access limited until mid-May, pleasant after opening.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Services limited/off-season and likely weather-dependent closure; not ideal in winter.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May–September. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: May 15 through November 30 (weather dependent)
Current Alerts: The slide above Fouts Springs has been temporarily repaired and is passable with a lightweight 4WD vehicle but could slide again after heavy storms.

About Mill Valley Campground

Nestled just a mile north of the popular Letts Lake, Mill Valley Campground offers a peaceful retreat among towering Ponderosa pines and fragrant conifers. This hidden gem serves as a quieter alternative when Letts Lake reaches capacity, featuring a simple yet charming single-loop design that winds through a cathedral of forest shade. Fresh from recent renovations that brought new picnic tables, fire rings, and protective barriers, the campground welcomes both traditional campers and off-highway vehicle enthusiasts who can access miles of thrilling OHV trails right from their campsite.

Mill Valley Campground offers 15 combined sites that cater to both tent camping and group camping. The campground can accommodate medium-sized trailers but does not provide RV pull-through sites, sewer hookups, or electric hookups.

Weather and SeasonsMill Valley transforms with the seasons, offering distinct experiences throughout the year. Summer brings warm, sun-drenched days perfect for exploration, with temperatures climbing into the pleasant mid-80s to low-90s from June through August. As autumn arrives, the forest becomes a tapestry of changing colors, though rain showers and cooler temperatures remind visitors to pack layers. Winter wraps the campground in a blanket of quiet solitude, with freezing temperatures and occasional snow creating a wonderland for the hardy few. Spring emerges with wildflowers and moderate temperatures, though unpredictable weather keeps campers on their toes.

ElevationPerched at 4,200 feet above sea level, Mill Valley Campground offers a refreshing mountain escape where the air is crisp and pine-scented. This elevation provides welcome relief from valley heat during summer months, though visitors should come prepared for dramatically cooler temperatures as the sun sets behind the peaks. The altitude brings crystal-clear nights perfect for stargazing, but also means winter arrives early and lingers late in this mountain sanctuary.

Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard where majestic Ponderosa pines stretch skyward, their vanilla-scented bark and sprawling branches creating a natural cathedral overhead. Mixed conifers and vibrant manzanita bushes paint the understory with varied textures and colors, while dappled sunlight filters through the canopy to dance across the forest floor. A nearby marshy area adds to the ecosystem's diversity, attracting various wildlife and, admittedly, some insects during warmer months – a small price to pay for this slice of wilderness paradise.

Geological RegionMill Valley Campground sits within the heart of Mendocino National Forest, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of rolling hills and volcanic remnants. At 4,200 feet elevation, the campground occupies a sweet spot where mature Ponderosa pines thrive alongside hardy conifers and resilient manzanita. This unique ecosystem, shaped by millions of years of geological activity and positioned near the tranquil waters of Letts Lake, creates a diverse habitat that showcases the rugged beauty of Northern California's lesser-known wilderness areas.

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Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

11:00 AM

Stay Limit

14 days maximum

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSingle loop design with well-shaded campsites.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability only; no reservations.

AccessibilityVault toilets at the campground are wheelchair accessible. No further specific information about accessibility features was provided.

Site SizeThe campground contains 15 combined sites, each equipped with picnic tables and fire rings.

PrivacyThe campsites are closely spaced, providing little privacy due to the lack of understory vegetation. However, there is ample shade from mature Ponderosa pines and other conifers.

Total Campsites15 campsites

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Mill Valley Campground is primarily focused on OHV (Off-Highway Vehicle) activities, with an OHV trail leading directly in and out of the area. Hiking opportunities are limited to the nearby Lower Letts Fire Road, suitable for high-clearance vehicles. No water-based or other recreational activities are available.

HikingThe Lower Letts Fire Road (17N12) offers hiking opportunities, primarily suited for high-clearance vehicles. The trails appear to cater mainly to off-highway vehicle enthusiasts rather than general hikers.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSeasonal hazards include potential insect presence due to the marshy area. Road access may be challenging during heavy storms, as sections can become impassable.

Active AlertsThe slide above Fouts Springs has been temporarily repaired and is passable with a lightweight 4WD vehicle but could slide again after heavy storms.

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

Weather at Mill Valley Campground

Reviews

0.0

5 reviews

Limited Reviews

Mill Valley Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the peaceful setting of the Mill Valley Campground and the availability of shade from mature trees as significant positives. However, some users note the lack of privacy due to closely spaced campsites.

Review Summaries

Based on 5 reviews

What Campers Love

"Two quiet and wonderful days and nights" and "lots of great views and guard-rail-free hairpin turns" during the drive to the campground were among the highlights mentioned in user reviews.

Based on 5 reviews

Common Concerns

No specific complaints were noted from the reviews provided, but the lack of potable water and trash services during the off-season may be a concern for campers.

Based on 5 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers should bring their own drinking water and insect repellent due to the marshy area nearby. Be cautious on the challenging and narrow dirt and gravel roads leading to the site.

Based on 5 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground operates with services from May 15 through November 30, yet it is open year-round. Users should note that during the off-season, there is no potable water or trash service.

Based on 5 reviews