Plaskett Meadows Campground

3.82

26 reviews

Quick Facts

6,000 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

36 campsites

Season

Open seasonally with...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Mendocino National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,000 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

36 campsites

Season

Open seasonally with...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Mendocino National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Plaskett Meadows Campground

$0.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The standard overnight fee is $10 per night during the peak season (Memorial Day to Labor Day) and $0 during the off-season. Interagency...

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

3.82

Mixed Reviews

Based on 26 reviews

22 Google reviews

Most mentioned

clean

"User reviews for Plaskett Meadows Campground are a mix of positive and critical feedback. Many users praise the beauty and remoteness of the location, but several complaints highlight the lack of functional water spigots and disturbances such as nearby logging operations."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Plaskett Meadows Campground

39.7285, -122.8458

Driving directionsFrom Covelo, CA take State Rt. 162 north 1.1 miles to an intersection. Turn right, staying on Rt. 162 and go 2.2 miles to a Y intersection. Bear left, staying on Rt. 162, and go 8.3 miles to another intersection. Continue straight onto Forest Highway FH-1 (dirt and rocky) and go 19.9 miles to campground sign. Turn right and go 0.4 miles to intersection. Turn left into campground. NOTE: State Rt. 162 is narrow two-lane road that winds along the Middle Fork of Eel River.

Forest Highway FH-1 is described as dirt and rocky, with State Route 162 being narrow and winding. This could present challenges for larger vehicles and less experienced drivers.

Nearby places

Covelo: 36 miles northwest of Elk Creek and 15 miles east of Eel River Station.

Nearby supplies

Hot showers and limited groceries are available at Black Butte River Ranch, located at the intersection of Route 162 and FH-1.

Best Time to Camp at Plaskett Meadows Campground

At 6,000 feet, Plaskett Meadows experiences the full drama of mountain seasons. Summer arrives like a gentle blessing, bringing warm days perfect for lakeside lounging and cool nights ideal for campfire stories. As autumn approaches, the air grows crisp and the forest prepares for its winter slumber. Winter transforms this highland paradise into a wonderland where snow may blanket the ground and limit access—a time when the campground sleeps beneath nature's white quilt. Spring's arrival brings renewal, though freezing temperatures can linger well into the season, reminding visitors that this is truly wild country where weather writes its own rules.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open and busiest in summer; warm days, cool nights, ideal for fishing and boating.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Open through October; mountain fall scenery but services may be reduced and weather cooler.

Spring(Mar-May)

2.5 / 5

Services begin June 15; spring access may be weather-limited and inconsistent.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Seasonal operation; services not provided in winter (closed/limited).

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May to September (Memorial Day to Labor Day). Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open seasonally with services provided June 15 to October, weather-dependent.
Current Alerts: The campground is currently closed due to safety issues caused by falling hazard trees.

About Plaskett Meadows Campground

Nestled deep within the Mendocino National Forest, Plaskett Meadows Campground offers a tranquil escape among ancient Douglas firs and stately white firs that stretch skyward like nature's cathedral. This rustic mountain retreat beckons anglers and nature lovers alike with its two pristine trout-stocked lakes, where morning mist dances across the water and the only sounds are birdsong and the gentle splash of rising fish. While amenities remain refreshingly simple—vault toilets and sturdy picnic tables beneath the canopy—the real luxury here is the profound sense of peace that comes from camping in California's high country.

Plaskett Meadows Campground is primarily a tent-camping destination with compact sites that are not suitable for RVs.

Weather and SeasonsAt 6,000 feet, Plaskett Meadows experiences the full drama of mountain seasons. Summer arrives like a gentle blessing, bringing warm days perfect for lakeside lounging and cool nights ideal for campfire stories. As autumn approaches, the air grows crisp and the forest prepares for its winter slumber. Winter transforms this highland paradise into a wonderland where snow may blanket the ground and limit access—a time when the campground sleeps beneath nature's white quilt. Spring's arrival brings renewal, though freezing temperatures can linger well into the season, reminding visitors that this is truly wild country where weather writes its own rules.

ElevationPerched at an impressive 6,000 feet above sea level, Plaskett Meadows exists in that magical realm where the air is crisp, the stars shine brighter, and every breath feels cleaner. This lofty elevation brings mountain weather in all its moods—from sun-drenched summer afternoons to winter days when snow transforms the landscape into a pristine wilderness. The thin mountain air and cooler temperatures create an invigorating atmosphere that reminds visitors they've truly escaped to the heights.

Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard where towering conifers create a natural amphitheater around your campsite. The forest canopy filters sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor, while two jewel-like lakes offer mirror-perfect reflections of the surrounding peaks. Plaskett Lake, a intimate one-acre gem, provides an ideal setting for quiet contemplation or enthusiastic fishing. The mature Douglas and white firs stand as gentle giants, their branches offering generous shade during warm afternoons and shelter from mountain breezes. This is a place where nature's architecture creates intimate spaces for camping while maintaining the grandeur of the greater wilderness.

Geological RegionRising from the rugged backbone of the Mendocino National Forest, this high-elevation sanctuary showcases the region's diverse coniferous ecosystem. At 6,000 feet, the campground occupies a sweet spot where pine and fir species thrive together, creating a mixed forest that represents millions of years of geological and biological evolution. This mountainous terrain, carved by ancient forces and polished by time, offers camping within one of Northern California's most pristine forest environments—a place where the earth's story is written in every rock formation and ridgeline.

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 is allowed.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground features two unnamed loops with sites packed closely together. The right loop features grills; the left loop has fire rings and Klamath ovens, but with more erosion and uneven parking surfaces.

Walk-in AvailabilitySites are not reservable; walk-up only.

AccessibilityThe campground includes a wheelchair-friendly fishing pier at Plaskett Lake and some wheelchair-accessible vault toilets.

Site SizeThe campground is best suited for tents, slide-ins, and pop-up campers. The sites are compact and privacy is limited. "The campground is tight and compact and is best suited for tents, slide-ins, and pop-up campers.

PrivacyPrivacy is minimal to poor due to the close proximity of the campsites. "With sites close together, privacy is minimal to poor.

Total Campsites36 campsites

Recommended SitesThe left loop is noted for having fire rings and Klamath ovens at most sites, but also more erosion and uneven parking surfaces. The right loop offers grills.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers limited recreational activities, focusing on fishing and non-motorized boating at Plaskett Lake. Swimming is not recommended, and there are no hiking trails.

FishingFishing is a highlight at Plaskett Meadows Campground, particularly for rainbow trout. Plaskett Lake features a wheelchair-friendly fishing pier.

BoatingNon-motorized boating is allowed on Plaskett Lake, making it a peaceful option for canoeing or kayaking.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsActive hazard trees (falling trees, standing dead trees) pose significant risks, leading to the current closure of the campground. The area is also bear habitat, requiring food storage precautions.

Active AlertsThe campground is currently closed due to safety issues caused by falling hazard trees.

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, with some sites offering fire rings and Klamath ovens.

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

Emergency ServicesEmergency services information is not explicitly provided.

Trash & RecyclingGarbage pickup is available on-site, as noted by a user review. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.

Water FeaturesTwo small lakes (approximately 3-4 acres in size each) are available for trout fishing. One lake features a wheelchair-friendly fishing pier.

Camp HostNo campsite host is available.

Weather at Plaskett Meadows Campground

Reviews

3.8

26 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Plaskett Meadows Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Plaskett Meadows Campground are a mix of positive and critical feedback. Many users praise the beauty and remoteness of the location, but several complaints highlight the lack of functional water spigots and disturbances such as nearby logging operations.

Review Summaries

Based on 26 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the natural beauty and cleanliness of the campground, as well as the fishing opportunities. "This place has a lot of different sized camping spots" (Wez So_N_So); "Beautiful meadow...

Based on 26 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include non-functional water spigots, lack of potable water, insect prevalence, and disturbances from a nearby logging operation. "No water. Bring water. Has spigots, but not on."...

Based on 26 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Recommendations include bringing your own water due to spigots not being functional and practicing bear-safe food storage techniques as this is bear country.

Based on 26 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground operates primarily during the summer months (June to October), with services available weather permitting. Some reviewers note that the area may be less enjoyable during periods of...

Based on 26 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great bathrooms, wood, clean camps, but those chipmunks will steal your spork." (John Stile); "If you're ok with being one with nature thinks your place. No cell reception. No showers. Just you and...

Based on 26 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific campsite numbers are highlighted as the best or worst, but the loop to the left of the fee board is noted to have more erosion and irregular parking.

Based on 26 reviews