Penny Pines Campground

4.70

38 reviews

Scenic Views

Featured in:Primitive Camping California Hidden Gem Campgrounds California

Quick Facts

3,500 ft

Price

$6 - $7/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open all year; "Camp...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Upper Lake Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

3,500 ft

Price

$6 - $7/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open all year; "Camp...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Upper Lake Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Penny Pines Campground

$6.00 - $7.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Single campsite fees are $6 per night. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Pass holders receive a 50% discount applied only to the pass holder’s...

Standard Site Fee$6.00

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

4.70

Top-Rated

Based on 38 reviews

32 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peaceful

"User reviews praise the serene beauty of the campground, its towering Ponderosa pines, and its excellent proximity to off-road trails. It is described as a haven for off-road enthusiasts but less suitable for traditional hikers or those seeking diverse campground amenities."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Penny Pines Campground

39.3008, -122.9302

Driving directionsIn Upper Lake, CA, at the 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 14.1 miles to campground on left.

The road up to Penny Pines is described as rough in user reviews. It is accessible via Elk Mountain Road, a county road.

Best Time to Camp at Penny Pines Campground

Penny Pines transforms with the seasons, each bringing its own unique charm to this mountain retreat. Winter arrives with a crystalline chill and the possibility of snow dusting the pine boughs, creating a wonderland for hardy cold-weather campers. As spring unfolds, refreshing rains awaken the forest floor while temperatures gradually warm. Summer brings the campground to life with warm days perfect for trail exploration, though the elevation ensures cool, comfortable evenings. The dry mountain air and seasonal transitions create an ever-changing backdrop that keeps each visit fresh and memorable.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Most enjoyed in summer: cool temps and accessible OHV trails make summer the peak season.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Mountain forest likely offers pleasant fall conditions and colors, though reviews focus on summer.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Spring offers trail access but seasonal creek and variable conditions; less-cited than summer.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Open year but may close by snow; winter access and services can be limited or intermittent.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open all year; "Campground may be closed by snow."
Current Alerts: There are no active alerts mentioned.

About Penny Pines Campground

Tucked away in the heart of Mendocino National Forest, Penny Pines Campground beckons adventurers with its intimate collection of 10 tent-only sites nestled beneath a cathedral of towering Ponderosa Pines. This hidden gem has become a beloved basecamp for off-road enthusiasts, offering direct access to an extensive 135-mile OHV trail network that winds through the forest. As evening falls, campers are rewarded with sweeping western vistas that paint the sky in brilliant hues, while the gentle whisper of pine needles creates nature's perfect soundtrack for a peaceful night under the stars.

Penny Pines Campground is a primitive camping facility designed for tent campers and off-road vehicle enthusiasts. There are no RV or group camping options.

Historical SignificanceThe story of Penny Pines is one of renewal and community spirit that touches the heart. Rising from the ashes of a devastating 1960s wildfire, this campground owes its existence to the generosity of schoolchildren who collected their pennies and pocket change to help replant the scorched forest. Today, the majestic pines that shade your tent stand as living monuments to their compassion and vision. Every tree tells a story of resilience and hope, making your camping experience part of a larger narrative of environmental stewardship and community action.

Weather and SeasonsPenny Pines transforms with the seasons, each bringing its own unique charm to this mountain retreat. Winter arrives with a crystalline chill and the possibility of snow dusting the pine boughs, creating a wonderland for hardy cold-weather campers. As spring unfolds, refreshing rains awaken the forest floor while temperatures gradually warm. Summer brings the campground to life with warm days perfect for trail exploration, though the elevation ensures cool, comfortable evenings. The dry mountain air and seasonal transitions create an ever-changing backdrop that keeps each visit fresh and memorable.

ElevationPerched at 3,500 feet above sea level, Penny Pines offers a refreshing mountain escape where the air is crisp and clean. This elevation creates a natural air conditioning system during summer months, with temperatures typically running 10-15 degrees cooler than the valleys below. The generous canopy of mature pines provides dappled shade throughout the day, creating comfortable camping conditions even during the warmest afternoons while offering just enough sunlight to dry morning dew from your tent.

Natural Features and SceneryStep into an enchanted forest where Douglas firs stand shoulder-to-shoulder with majestic Ponderosa and Sugar pines, creating a living cathedral that has captivated visitors for generations. This small, pristine pack-it-in, pack-it-out campground meanders through the mixed conifer stand like a secret garden path. Visitors consistently describe the setting as 'amazingly beautiful,' where morning light filters through the pine canopy in golden shafts and the sweet vanilla scent of Ponderosa bark perfumes the air. The intimate scale of the campground ensures each site feels like its own private woodland sanctuary.

Geological RegionPenny Pines occupies a special niche within the vast Mendocino National Forest, where the 3,500-foot elevation creates a unique microclimate supporting a diverse mixed conifer ecosystem. Here, the geological forces that shaped Northern California's mountains have created the perfect conditions for Douglas fir, Ponderosa, and Sugar pines to thrive together. This elevation zone represents a sweet spot where mountain and forest ecosystems converge, offering campers the chance to experience the botanical diversity that makes California's national forests so remarkable.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

11:00 AM

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 days.

Groups

No group sites are available.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsSites are not reservable.

Walk-in AvailabilitySites are not reservable, suggesting first-come, first-served availability.

AccessibilityThe campground includes wheelchair-friendly vault toilets.

Site SizeThe campground has 10 tent sites, each equipped with a picnic table and a grill.

PrivacyThe campground is surrounded by dense forest, offering considerable privacy at each site.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesSites closer to main trails might be better suited for OHV enthusiasts.

Amenities available

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The primary activities at Penny Pines Campground cater to off-road vehicle enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful forest retreat. However, other recreational activities like fishing and swimming are not available.

HikingThe campground provides access to the Upper Lake OHV Trail Network, featuring 135 miles of trails suitable for hiking and OHVs. User reviews highlight the trails' diversity, including single tracks, river crossings, and rocky paths.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include rough road access and the possibility of snow closures during winter.

Active AlertsThere are no active alerts mentioned.

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

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted using downed trees and limbs, provided campers hold a valid campfire permit.

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

Emergency ServicesUpper Lake Ranger District Office.

Trash & RecyclingCampers are expected to pack out all trash as there are no waste disposal facilities on-site.

Water FeaturesA creek flows through the campground in early summer, according to user reviews.

Weather at Penny Pines Campground

Reviews

4.7

38 reviews

Top-Rated

Penny Pines Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews praise the serene beauty of the campground, its towering Ponderosa pines, and its excellent proximity to off-road trails. It is described as a haven for off-road enthusiasts but less suitable for traditional hikers or those seeking diverse campground amenities.

Review Summaries

Based on 38 reviews

What Campers Love

Common positive highlights include the peaceful atmosphere, excellent trail systems for OHV riders, and the scenic beauty of the surrounding forest. Reviewers frequently mention the campground's...

Based on 38 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the lack of potable water, limited facilities, and the rough road leading to the campground.

Based on 38 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing all necessary supplies, including water, due to the limited amenities. A valid campfire permit is required for fires, and the road to the campground can be challenging for...

Based on 38 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is most enjoyed in the summer months due to its cool temperatures and accessible trails. It may be less accessible in winter due to snow.

Based on 38 reviews

Camper Quotes

- "Beautiful campground surrounded by still living trees after the devastating fires." - Ryan Lewis - "Excellent trails, nice campground, in-ground toilets, no water. Intermediate single track, river...

Based on 38 reviews