Three Prong Campground

4.56

7 reviews

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Quick Facts

5,800 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

null

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Mendocino National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,800 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

null

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Mendocino National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Three Prong Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fees are required for this site.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

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

4.56

Top-Rated

Based on 7 reviews

4 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsshade

"User reviews describe the campground as a rough and minimally serviced area, popular among quad riders and hunters. While it provides a scenic meadow and opportunities for wildlife observation, it is not suitable for those seeking comfort or extensive amenities."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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Three Prong Campground

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Driving directionsLocated 25 miles west of Paskenta. 60 miles west of Red Bluff at 5,800 feet elevation. From Paskenta take Road M-2 to Road #24N01, then right on Road #24N13 to campground.

"This ain't your tow a teardrop trailer in with your manly crossover SUV kind of campground. It's a rough, steep drive to get here. The roads up in this area are populated with logging trucks and heavy equipment maintaining the timber growth."

Nearby places

Paskenta: 25 miles, Red Bluff: 60 miles

Nearby supplies

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Best Time to Camp at Three Prong Campground

Experience four distinct seasons in this mountain paradise. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-covered wonderland, with accumulations reaching over a foot during peak storms and crisp, freezing temperatures perfect for those seeking solitude. Spring awakens the meadow with a mix of gentle rains, occasional snow flurries, and warming temperatures that coax wildflowers from their winter slumber. Summer delivers camping perfection with crystal-clear skies, comfortable temperatures climbing to the low 80s, and virtually no rain to interrupt your outdoor adventures. As autumn arrives, the air turns crisp and clouds begin to gather, painting dramatic skies above the changing forest.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Shade from conifers and meadow views make summer pleasant; minimal services remain a factor.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

Scenic fall setting but sees visitor spikes during deer hunting season.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Meadow and forest likely attractive in spring, but no specific spring info provided.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Winter brings >1ft snow; primitive site and rough roads likely limit winter camping comfort/access.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: null
Current Alerts: "This area has burned in a recent fire. Downed trees, dropped limbs, stump holes and unstable terrain may be present. Trails may not be cleared. Avoid parking under dead standing trees."

About Three Prong Campground

Tucked beneath towering fir and pine trees where forest meets meadow, this rustic campground offers an authentic wilderness experience. The loosely maintained sites preserve the natural character of the landscape, with some featuring established fire pits perfect for evening gatherings under the stars. As one visitor aptly described it, this 'nice rough campground' provides just enough amenities while keeping you connected to the wild. The expansive meadow serves as nature's amphitheater, where wildlife frequently makes appearances and the changing light creates an ever-shifting canvas of colors and shadows.

Three Prong Campground is primarily suited for primitive camping, with some accommodation for trailers. It is described as rough and minimally serviced.

Historical Significancenull

Weather and SeasonsExperience four distinct seasons in this mountain paradise. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-covered wonderland, with accumulations reaching over a foot during peak storms and crisp, freezing temperatures perfect for those seeking solitude. Spring awakens the meadow with a mix of gentle rains, occasional snow flurries, and warming temperatures that coax wildflowers from their winter slumber. Summer delivers camping perfection with crystal-clear skies, comfortable temperatures climbing to the low 80s, and virtually no rain to interrupt your outdoor adventures. As autumn arrives, the air turns crisp and clouds begin to gather, painting dramatic skies above the changing forest.

ElevationPerched at 5,800 feet above sea level, this mountain retreat offers crisp, clean air and cooler temperatures that provide welcome relief from summer heat. The elevation creates an ideal climate for both the surrounding coniferous forest and the diverse meadow ecosystem.

Natural Features and SceneryWhere dense stands of fragrant fir and pine give way to an expansive meadow, this campground occupies one of nature's most magical transition zones. The towering conifers provide natural shelter and privacy for campsites, their branches whispering in the mountain breeze. The adjacent meadow stretches out like a natural sanctuary, its grasses rippling in waves and providing prime habitat for the abundant wildlife that call this area home. This stunning juxtaposition of forest and open space creates endless opportunities for photography, wildlife watching, and simple contemplation of nature's beauty.

Geological RegionNestled in a pristine mountain ecosystem where coniferous forest meets alpine meadow, this area showcases the dramatic interplay between woodland and grassland habitats. The surrounding fir and pine forest represents centuries of natural succession, while the meadow provides a stunning contrast with its open vistas and diverse plant communities.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

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Check-out

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Stay Limit

Null

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Groups

Group camping is not specifically mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutnull

Reservation Platformsnull

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are walk-up; reservations are not available.

Cancellation Policynull

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not detailed in the materials provided.

Site SizeUser reviews emphasize that the campground is trailer-friendly with plenty of shade, but specific size details are not provided.

PrivacyPrivacy levels are not explicitly mentioned, but user feedback suggests that the campground may get crowded during deer hunting season.

Recommended SitesSites with fire pits and proximity to the meadow are recommended. Privacy and shade may vary.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Three Prong Campground offers opportunities for wildlife observation and quad riding. Visitors have also highlighted the scenic beauty of the meadow and the presence of diverse wildlife such as bears, coyotes, and mountain lions.

Wildlife viewingUser reviews emphasize the abundance of wildlife in the area, including bears, coyotes, and mountain lions. Campers are advised to keep an eye on small children and pets.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts"Keep in mind that there are mountain lions and bears in this area." Downed trees, dropped limbs, stump holes, unstable terrain, and unmarked trails due to recent fire damage.

Active Alerts"This area has burned in a recent fire. Downed trees, dropped limbs, stump holes and unstable terrain may be present. Trails may not be cleared. Avoid parking under dead standing trees."

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 allowed; downed trees and limbs can be used for firewood.

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

Emergency Servicesnull

Trash & RecyclingUser reviews indicate that trash cans are not available at the campground. Campers must pack out their trash.

Water Featuresnull

Camp Host"The campground is loosely maintained by the forest service. Where they fall short, the hunters that come up do the rest."

Weather at Three Prong Campground

Reviews

4.6

7 reviews

Top-Rated

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

User reviews describe the campground as a rough and minimally serviced area, popular among quad riders and hunters. While it provides a scenic meadow and opportunities for wildlife observation, it is not suitable for those seeking comfort or extensive amenities.

Review Summaries

Based on 7 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects mentioned include the scenic views of the meadow, ample shade, opportunities for quad riding, and the abundance of wildlife.

Based on 7 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the lack of potable water, trash cans, and general maintenance. Campers also note the challenges posed by the rough roads and competition for sites during deer hunting...

Based on 7 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommended bringing your own firewood and trash bags due to the lack of amenities. They also advised caution regarding wildlife, especially mountain lions and bears.

Based on 7 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest that the campground becomes more crowded during deer hunting season, indicating a seasonal spike in visitors.

Based on 7 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great place to go spend the weekend or the entire week and ride quads and take in the wildlife." - Jeffrey Keiser. "Be prepared for competition in finding a camping spot during deer season." - Brian...

Based on 7 reviews