Sunset Campground

Star4.55
13 reviews
Upper Lake, CA, near State Rt. 20 and Main St.
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,880 ft

Price

$16 - $32/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

52 campsites

Season

Open mid-April throu...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Mendocino National Forest site

Official Website
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Sunset Campground
$16.00 - $32.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Single sites are charged $16 per night, with additional fees of $3 per extra vehicle and $1 per pet per night. Double sites are $32 per night. A...
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Standard Site Fee$16.00
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

4.55

Top-Rated

Based on 13 reviews

11 Google reviews

Most mentioned

restroomslakesites

Some mention

crowded

"Overall, user reviews depict a campground with a mix of positive and negative experiences. While some praise its proximity to the lake and basic amenities, others cite issues with privacy and quiet hours enforcement."

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Campground Map

Upper Lake, CA, near State Rt. 20 and Main St.

Sunset Campground

Upper Lake, CA, near State Rt. 20 and Main St.

Driving directionsIn 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 4.9 miles to campground sign. Turn right at sign into campground.
Accessible via paved roads to the campground entrance, although some reviews mention that it is 'a little ways off the beaten path.' Seasonal access appears limited due to an operational season.
Nearby places
Ukiah - 6 miles north via US 101
Upper Lake - 31 miles north via County Road 301 (Forest Road M-1)
Soda Creek Grocery is nearby for limited supplies.
Nearby supplies
Limited groceries available at Soda Creek Grocery at the intersection of Rt. M1 and Soda Creek Rd.

Best Time to Camp at Sunset Campground

Experience the dynamic seasons of Northern California's wilderness, where early spring arrives with refreshing rains that awaken the forest and fill the lake to its brim. As summer approaches, the landscape transforms into a sun-drenched paradise, with warm days perfect for swimming and crystal-clear skies ideal for stargazing. Peak summer brings reliable sunshine and comfortable temperatures, while autumn paints the surrounding hills in golden hues. The campground's seasonal weather patterns create an ever-changing backdrop for your outdoor adventures.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season for boating and fishing; campground fills early on summer holiday weekends.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Open through mid-September; early fall access but short season limits later-fall use.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Open starting mid-April; spring brings rains and full lake levels, offering good scenery and fishing.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed through winter; open mid-April to mid-September only.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Likely summer months given operational season (April - September).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open mid-April through mid-September.

About Sunset Campground

Nestled along the shores of Lake Pillsbury in the heart of Mendocino National Forest, Sunset Campground offers two distinct camping experiences. The lakeside loop beckons water enthusiasts with sweeping views of the shimmering lake, where morning mist dances across the water and boats cut gentle wakes through the afternoon sun. For those seeking a more secluded retreat, the shaded upper loop provides a tranquil escape beneath towering canopies, where soft grass carpets the forest floor and privacy abounds. Whether you're launching your boat for a day of fishing or setting out on scenic forest trails, Sunset Campground serves as your perfect basecamp for adventure.
Sunset Campground accommodates various camping styles, including tent camping and combined sites. RV camping is not supported due to the absence of hookups.
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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 of 14 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Sunset Campground provides a mix of recreational activities focused on outdoor experiences. Popular activities include fishing, boating, hiking, and water skiing. Swimming is explicitly not available.
HikingTwo trails are accessible from this site: Sunset Nature Trail is a 1-mile footpath, and Lakeshore Trail is a 4-mile trail suitable for hiking or horseback riding.
FishingFishing opportunities at Lake Pillsbury include various species such as Black bass, Rainbow trout, Sunfish, salmon, and Steelhead.
BoatingThe campground provides access to motorized boating and non-motorized boating (e.g., canoes or kayaks). A boat ramp is conveniently located nearby.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPit toilets are available, and potable water is not provided. Campers should plan accordingly.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Sunset Campground

Reviews

4.6
13 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Sunset Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, user reviews depict a campground with a mix of positive and negative experiences. While some praise its proximity to the lake and basic amenities, others cite issues with privacy and quiet hours enforcement.
Review Summaries
Based on 13 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include nice-sized campsites close to the lake, many restrooms, paved parking aprons, and picnic tables and fire rings at most sites. Users appreciate the scenic surroundings and...
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Based on 13 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include campsites being too close together, lack of privacy, and quiet hours not being enforced. The absence of potable water is also an inconvenience for some campers.
Based on 13 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early to secure a site during busy weekends like the 4th of July. Bring your own potable water supplies, as drinking water is not available on-site.
Based on 13 reviews

Seasonal Insights

During peak summer weekends such as July 4th, the campground reaches maximum capacity early in the day. Seasonal operations limit usability to mid-April through mid-September.
Based on 13 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'This is a nice little campground a little ways off the beaten path. It offers nice-sized camp sites close to the lake.' - Wez So_N_So 2. 'It's a very nice campground, but a bit too close to...
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Based on 13 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The loop near Pillsbury Lake offers better views but limited privacy due to openness. Sites with lower numbers are noted to be closer to the lake.
Based on 13 reviews

Accessibility Features

No additional reviews addressing accessibility features are available.
Based on 13 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed for $1 per night, but no specific user experiences regarding pets are detailed.
Based on 13 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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