How much does camping cost at Penny Pines Campground?

Camping fees at Penny Pines Campground range from $6-$7/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Penny Pines Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Penny Pines Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Sites are not reservable, suggesting first-come, first-served availability.

What is the best time to visit Penny Pines Campground?

Penny Pines Campground is open Open all year; "Campground may be closed by snow.". The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Penny Pines Campground?

Penny Pines Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Penny Pines Campground have?

Penny Pines Campground has 10 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Penny Pines Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Penny Pines Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Penny Pines Campground?

Penny Pines Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Penny Pines Campground?

Popular activities at Penny Pines Campground include Hiking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Penny Pines Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Penny Pines Campground?

Fire policies at Penny Pines Campground: Campfires are permitted using downed trees and limbs, provided campers hold a valid campfire permit.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.47

38 reviews

Top 16% in CASummer

Scenic ViewsPeace & Quiet

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

Check Availability 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

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Penny Pines Campground

$6.00 - $7.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Overnight Use: Single Site: $6 per night

Standard Site Fee$6.00

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USFS

Provider

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Penny Pines Campground

39.3008, -122.9302

Weather at Penny Pines Campground

Best Time to Camp at Penny Pines Campground

Summer is the most reliable season for access, with daytime highs in the mid-60s to mid-80s°F and nights dropping into the 40s-50s°F. The weather stays dry, trails are fully accessible, and weekend OHV traffic picks up but the 10-site limit keeps things intimate. Winter brings snow possibilities at this elevation. Spring sees rain and gradual warming.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 16% in CA

Summer is most reliable; trails fully accessible and cool daytime temps make it ideal.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open all year; "Campground may be closed by snow."

About Penny Pines Campground

Penny Pines sits at 3,500 feet in Mendocino National Forest, near Upper Lake. The campground has 10 tent sites surrounded by dense forest, each with a picnic table and grill. Fees run $6-7 per night. It's a pack-it-in, pack-it-out site with vault toilets but no water, serving primarily as a base for OHV riders accessing the 135-mile trail network.

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 Significance

The campground was replanted after a 1960s wildfire, funded by schoolchildren who collected pennies to restore the forest. The pines shading the sites today grew from that effort.

Weather and SeasonsSummer is the most reliable season for access, with daytime highs in the mid-60s to mid-80s°F and nights dropping into the 40s-50s°F. The weather stays dry, trails are fully accessible, and weekend OHV traffic picks up but the 10-site limit keeps things intimate. Winter brings snow possibilities at this elevation. Spring sees rain and gradual warming.

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 SceneryThe elevation creates a mixed conifer zone where Douglas fir, Ponderosa pine, and Sugar pine grow together. Dense forest surrounds the sites, providing considerable privacy. Reviewers describe the setting as serene and scenic, with towering Ponderosa pines dominating the canopy. Western views open up in the evenings. The forest is the main attraction here, not dramatic vistas or water features.

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.

Scenic ViewsThe campground offers expansive vistas to the west, noted by reviewers as a scenic highlight.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodging accommodations available at Penny Pines Campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are offered at Penny Pines Campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

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

Penny Pines Campground is a small, primitive facility located within the Mendocino National Forest. It is known for its towering Ponderosa pines, cool summer temperatures, and abundant shade. The campground has basic amenities with a pack-it-in, pack-it-out policy. It is popular among off-road enthusiasts due to its proximity to a 135-mile OHV trail network. However, the lack of potable water and limited facilities may not suit all campers.

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

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.

Hiking

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

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

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

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.

Cell CoverageThere is no explicit information available about cell phone service at this campground.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

38 reviews

Recommended

Penny Pines Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews are not available. However, all ten campsites are equipped with picnic tables and grills.

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

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features like wheelchair-friendly vault toilets are noted, but no user reviews specifically address accessibility experiences.

Based on 38 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews mention experiences with pets at this campground.

Based on 38 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

OHV riders who pack in all their own water and want cheap, shaded, first-come sites with direct trail access. Ten sites and dense forest cover mean it rarely feels crowded, and summer nights drop into the 40s.

Skip if

No potable water on-site is a hard stop for anyone not prepared to haul it in. The rough access road also gives trouble to low-clearance vehicles, and traditional hikers will find the trail network skewed heavily toward off-road traffic.

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Middle Creek Campground sits along its namesake creek in Mendocino National Forest, 22 sites scattered across a meadow-like landscape dotted with oaks and gray pines. It's a budget-friendly OHV basecamp ($8–12/night) with vault toilets, picnic tables, and direct trail access. The setting is pleasant when it's quiet, but reviews consistently mention trash overflow, unleashed dogs, and motorbikes running through camp. Issues the hosts don't always address.

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Penny Pines Campground

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Penny Pines Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<p>No Day Use Area or General Parking.</p>

About the campground

The elevation is 3,500 ft. NOTE: This campground came on line after the authors' visit to the Mendocino National Forest. All information is provided by the Upper Lake Ranger District Office. This small, pack-it-in, pack-it-out campground winds through a stand of mixed conifers including Douglas fir, and Ponderosa and Sugar pines. Cool temperatures and ample shade make this a popular campground all summer. Convenient to the Upper Lake 135-mile OHV trail network, this campground is often full of off-road enthusiasts. The campground's name comes from fund-raising efforts used to re-forest the area after a huge wildfire back in the 1960s. The story goes that school children, along with others, donated their pennies and change to help pay for the trees now growing in the campground and the surrounding area.

Seasons & access

Campground may be closed by snow.

Directions

In 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.

National Forest: Mendocino National Forest
Ranger District: Upper Lake
Elevation: 3,500
Rate: $7 per day
Maximum Stay: 14