Oak Flat Campground

4.17

37 reviews

In Upper Lake, CA, at intersection of State Rt. 20 and Main St., take Main St. 0.9 miles to Elk Mountain Rd. (a.k.a. County Rt. 301 and Forest Rt. M1). Turn left onto Elk Mountain Rd. and go 27.1 miles to a "T" intersection. Turn right, staying on Rt. M1, and go 4.1 miles to campground sign. Turn right at sign into campground.

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,850 ft

Price

$5 - $10/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open all year. Not s...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Mendocino National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,850 ft

Price

$5 - $10/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open all year. Not s...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Mendocino National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Oak Flat Campground

$5.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Overnight use: $10 per night during summer; $5 per night during winter.

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

4.17

Satisfactory

Based on 37 reviews

30 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanrestroomslakefriendly

Some mention

noisedusty

"User reviews highlight the campground's rustic charm, proximity to Lake Pillsbury, and the presence of wildlife, especially tule elk. However, some users noted negatives like dust, lack of potable water, and noise during peak OHV season."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Oak Flat Campground

Driving directions6 miles north of Ukiah on US 101, 5 miles east on California Highway 20, 26 miles northwest on County Road 240 (Potter Valley-Lake Pillsbury Road). Accessible through Upper Lake traveling 31 miles north on County Road 301 (Forest Road M-1).

The interior road is rough, and parking aprons are dirt, irregular, and informal.

Nearby places

Ukiah (6 miles north on US 101), Upper Lake (31 miles north on County Road 301).

Nearby supplies

Water must be brought to camp or purchased at the Soda Creek Store. Groceries and supplies are available in nearby Upper Lake, CA.

Best Time to Camp at Oak Flat Campground

Each season paints Oak Flat in dramatically different hues. Spring arrives with gentle warmth and an explosion of wildflowers, bringing frequent wildlife encounters as animals emerge from winter's quiet. Summer transforms the campground into a sun-drenched haven where the oak canopy provides welcome relief from the heat, perfect for lazy afternoons before evening lake adventures. Autumn brings crisp air and golden light filtering through the changing leaves, while winter offers a peaceful solitude rarely found in California campgrounds, with cool temperatures that make campfire gatherings especially memorable.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Peak season at lake but reviewers warn of dust and OHV noise in summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Fall not detailed; likely milder with fewer crowds than summer but limited explicit info.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring recommended for cooler temps, wildflowers and frequent wildlife encounters.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.5 / 5

Top 23% in CA

Open year-round; winter noted as offering solitude though no winter-sport amenities exist.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season corresponds to summer months (higher fees apply).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open all year. Not seasonal.
Current Alerts: Water turned off due to leaks and broken pipes.

About Oak Flat Campground

Nestled beneath a canopy of majestic oaks in the heart of Mendocino National Forest, Oak Flat Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape along the shores of Lake Pillsbury. This intimate hideaway features 12 thoughtfully spaced sites that capture the essence of dispersed camping while maintaining easy access to the lake's recreational opportunities. When neighboring Sunset Point reaches capacity, Oak Flat becomes a coveted refuge for those seeking a more secluded camping experience. Open throughout all four seasons, this year-round sanctuary invites adventurers to discover the ever-changing beauty of Northern California's backcountry.

The campground offers standard primitive camping facilities with options for both tent and RV campers.

Historical SignificanceOak Flat holds a special place in the region's ecological tapestry as part of the protected habitat for the magnificent tule elk. Each spring, this area becomes a nursery ground during the elk calving season, prompting a thoughtful pause in off-highway vehicle activities from May 18 through September 8. This annual tradition honors the delicate balance between recreation and conservation, allowing visitors to witness one of California's great wildlife success stories while respecting the natural rhythms of these majestic creatures.

Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Oak Flat in dramatically different hues. Spring arrives with gentle warmth and an explosion of wildflowers, bringing frequent wildlife encounters as animals emerge from winter's quiet. Summer transforms the campground into a sun-drenched haven where the oak canopy provides welcome relief from the heat, perfect for lazy afternoons before evening lake adventures. Autumn brings crisp air and golden light filtering through the changing leaves, while winter offers a peaceful solitude rarely found in California campgrounds, with cool temperatures that make campfire gatherings especially memorable.

ElevationPerched at 1,850 feet in the Sierra foothills, Oak Flat offers the perfect elevation for year-round comfort. This sweet spot above the valley floor provides cooler temperatures than the lowlands while remaining accessible even during winter months. Each campsite features a natural dirt parking area that blends seamlessly with the forest floor, preserving the authentic camping atmosphere while providing level spaces for your wilderness home-away-from-home.

Natural Features and SceneryAncient valley oaks stand as sentinels throughout Oak Flat, their massive branches creating natural cathedral ceilings that filter sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. Just steps away, Lake Pillsbury's sparkling waters beckon with promises of swimming, fishing, and boating adventures. The nearby Gravelly Valley Airstrip adds an unexpected element of adventure, where small aircraft touch down against the backdrop of forested mountains. This unique combination of towering oaks, waterfront access, and wide-open skies creates a landscape that feels both intimate and expansive.

Geological RegionOak Flat sits at the intersection of multiple worlds within Mendocino National Forest's diverse landscape. Here, the rolling oak woodlands meet the engineered shoreline of Lake Pillsbury, while the historic Gravelly Valley Airstrip provides a window into the region's aviation heritage. The campground's signature oak groves tell the story of centuries-old ecosystems that have adapted to Mediterranean climate patterns, creating pockets of shade and habitat within the larger tapestry of pine forests and chaparral that characterize this corner of the Coastal Range.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 p.m.

Check-out

11:00 a.m.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit is 14 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Campsite size accommodates dispersed camping feel
specific guest limits are null.

Groups

No information available about group-specific sites.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutDispersed and informal campsites with dirt parking aprons. Nine sites with tables and grills.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served. Campground does fill up during peak times.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies are null.

AccessibilityThe site does not have wheelchair-friendly toilets nor specific accessibility accommodations.

Site SizeThe campsites are large and informal, giving a dispersed camping atmosphere.

PrivacySome campsites are spread out, offering privacy, while others are closer together.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended Sites“Some sites are spread out, offering privacy, while others are closer to neighboring campers. Access to trails right from the campground.”

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Oak Flat Campground provides various recreational activities, primarily focused on outdoor exploration and lake-based pursuits.

HikingThe Lakeshore Trail, measuring 4 miles and open for both foot and horseback traffic, offers scenic views for nature enthusiasts.

FishingFishing opportunities include species like black bass, rainbow trout, sunfish, salmon, and steelhead in Lake Pillsbury.

BoatingThe nearby Lake Pillsbury supports a range of boating activities including power boating, motorized boating, and non-powered options such as canoeing. Boat ramps are available at nearby Sunset Point and Fuller Grove campgrounds.

Wildlife viewingThe area is known for its tule elk population. During specific seasons like spring, elk bugling is a notable feature that enhances the wildlife-viewing experience.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPoison oak is common in the area. Roads and parking aprons are rough and irregular.

Active AlertsWater turned off due to leaks and broken pipes.

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

Fire PolicyNo campfires or stoves allowed due to seasonal restrictions.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services are null.

Trash & RecyclingNo specific details available about trash and recycling facilities.

Water FeaturesNext to Lake Pillsbury; ideal for boating, fishing, and water skiing. The lake is 2,280 acres and used to generate power.

Camp Host“Campground host was great, friendly and professional. Knowledgeable about the area too.”

Weather at Oak Flat Campground

Reviews

4.2

37 reviews

Satisfactory

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

User reviews highlight the campground's rustic charm, proximity to Lake Pillsbury, and the presence of wildlife, especially tule elk. However, some users noted negatives like dust, lack of potable water, and noise during peak OHV season.

Review Summaries

Based on 37 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean restrooms, friendly campground host, good separation between some campsites, natural beauty of Lake Pillsbury, and the unique experience of hearing elk bugling at night.

Based on 37 reviews

Common Concerns

Dusty conditions, lack of potable water, noise from off-road vehicles during peak OHV season, and rough interior roads.

Based on 37 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water. Visit during the off-season for a quieter experience. Engage in wildlife viewing during spring.

Based on 37 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring is recommended for its cooler temperatures and abundant wildlife. Summer can be dusty and noisy due to OHV activity. Winter offers solitude as it's the only open campground in the area.

Based on 37 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Restrooms were spotless and stocked with paper." 2. "Campground doesn't currently have running water." 3. "The roaming elk is one of the best features!" 4. "In winter/off season it's the only...

Based on 37 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific sites are not individually reviewed by number, but users noted a mix of private and clustered setups. The campground is described as offering a dispersed camping feel in certain spots.

Based on 37 reviews