Post Creek Guard Station

Mendocino National Forest

Escape to the untouched wilderness of Howard Meadows Campground, where six intimate campsites await those seeking true solitude in the heart of Mendocino National Forest. This beautifully remote destination strips camping down to its purest form – just you, nature, and the essentials. With only a vault toilet and no running water, Howard Meadows invites adventurers to embrace the simplicity of backcountry camping. Remember to arrive self-sufficient with all necessary supplies and leave no trace of your visit, preserving this pristine sanctuary for future explorers.

Mendocino National Forest

Nestled in a tranquil grove where ancient oaks create a natural canopy, this charming campground offers a peaceful retreat that changes with the seasons. In spring and early summer, a babbling creek winds through the heart of the camp, providing a soothing soundtrack to your outdoor adventure. As summer progresses, the creek bed transforms into a gentle reminder of nature's cycles, perfect for exploring smooth river stones and discovering the hidden life that thrives in this seasonal waterway.

Mendocino National Forest, Covelo, CA

Tucked away in a serene mixed-conifer forest, Little Doe Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape where the only sounds are rustling leaves and birdsong. This intimate campground features 11 thoughtfully spaced tent sites, each equipped with its own picnic table and fire ring, creating perfect basecamp for nature lovers seeking solitude. Three well-maintained vault toilets serve the campground, while the remote location ensures a peaceful retreat far from the crowds.

Mendocino National Forest

Nestled where ancient forest meets open meadow, Kingsley Glade Campground offers the perfect blend of woodland shelter and expansive mountain views. This tranquil retreat sits at 4,500 feet elevation, where cool mountain breezes carry the scent of pine and wildflowers. Just five miles away, the crystal-clear waters of Thomes Creek beckon anglers and swimmers alike, creating a natural playground for outdoor enthusiasts seeking both relaxation and adventure in the heart of the wilderness.

Mendocino National Forest

Nestled within the enchanting Mendocino Forest, this hidden gem offers campers an authentic Northern California wilderness experience. Towering redwoods and Douglas firs create a natural cathedral overhead, while moss-covered trails wind through ancient groves that have stood sentinel for centuries. Whether you're seeking solitude among the giants or adventure on backcountry trails, this campground serves as your gateway to one of California's most pristine forest ecosystems.

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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.

Mendocino National Forest

Currently closed following the devastating 2018 Ranch Fire and 2020 August Complex Fire, this resilient campground awaits its eventual reopening amid a landscape of renewal. When accessible, visitors will find a spacious trailer pull-through site nestled within a recovering forest ecosystem. The unpaved site offers a genuine back-to-nature experience, surrounded by towering conifers and firs that have long called this area home, interspersed with hardy deciduous trees and vibrant understory bushes that speak to nature's remarkable ability to regenerate.

Mendocino National Forest

Tucked away in the heart of Mendocino National Forest, Green Springs Campground offers an intimate escape with just four secluded sites. This hidden gem provides the perfect basecamp for adventurers seeking solitude and direct access to pristine wilderness trails. Each site comes equipped with a fire ring where stories are shared under starlit skies, while the campground's prime location offers immediate access to hiking trails that wind their way into the spectacular Yolla Bolly Wilderness.

Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Escape to the pristine wilderness at Tomhead Saddle Campground, where tent camping takes on its purest form. Tucked away in the breathtaking Shasta-Trinity National Forest, this remote sanctuary lies within the legendary Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness—one of California's most untouched natural treasures. While you'll find restroom facilities for your convenience, the absence of potable water reminds campers to come prepared for a true backcountry experience. This is camping as it was meant to be: just you, your tent, and the vast wilderness stretching endlessly before you.

Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Tucked away in nature's embrace, this intimate, tents-only retreat offers the perfect escape for those seeking authentic wilderness experiences. The gentle murmur of nearby Beegum Creek provides a natural soundtrack to your outdoor adventures, while dappled sunlight filters through the canopy overhead. This cozy campground serves as an ideal basecamp for explorers ready to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature. While you'll find basic vault toilet facilities here, remember to pack your own water supply – a small trade-off for the pristine, undeveloped beauty that surrounds you.

11 Trinity Street Hayfork, CA 96041

Nestled within a canopy of towering trees, Basin Gulch Campground offers an intimate forest retreat where the gentle sounds of Middle Fork Cottonwood Creek create nature's perfect soundtrack. This cozy hideaway welcomes tent campers and small trailers (up to 20 feet) seeking respite in the shade-dappled wilderness. Open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, the campground provides just the right blend of accessibility and seclusion, with the creek's cooling waters just a pleasant stroll away through the forest understory.

WEAVERVILLE RANGER STATION, PO BOX 1190, WEAVERVILLE, CA, 96093 USA

Step back in time at Forest Glen Guard Station, where a century of forest service history meets modern comfort in this enchanting 1916 two-story cabin. Nestled between the babbling waters of Glen Creek and the pristine South Fork Trinity River, this historic retreat seamlessly blends rustic charm with contemporary conveniences. Eight guests can gather in comfort, enjoying a fully equipped kitchen, cozy space heaters, and modern bathrooms, before settling into Adirondack chairs around the fire pit to share stories under the stars. With electricity illuminating the original wooden floors and a picnic table ready for outdoor feasts, Forest Glen offers an authentic wilderness experience without sacrificing comfort.

11 Trinity Street, Hayfork, CA 96041

Nestled along the pristine Trinity River, Hell Gate Campground beckons adventurers with 17 intimate camping units perfectly sized for those seeking a more rustic experience. Whether you're pulling a compact trailer (up to 16 feet) or pitching a tent, you'll find yourself immersed in a playground of natural wonders. Days here unfold with endless possibilities: cast a line into the rushing waters, explore the distinctive rocky shoreline, plunge into refreshing swimming holes, or lose yourself on scenic hiking trails while eagles and ospreys soar overhead.

Forest Glen Campground, Hayfork, CA, 96041

Nestled alongside the crystal-clear waters of the South Fork Trinity River, Forest Glen Campground invites you to experience the serene beauty of Northern California's pine country. This intimate retreat features 15 thoughtfully placed camping units beneath a canopy of majestic Ponderosa pines, where dappled sunlight filters through ancient branches. Whether you're seeking adventure or tranquility, Forest Glen delivers both—cast a line into the river's cool waters, take a refreshing dip on warm afternoons, or explore hiking trails that wind through the surrounding wilderness. For those craving extra solitude, four walk-in tent sites offer a more secluded camping experience, perfect for disconnecting from the modern world and reconnecting with nature.

Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Escape the crowds and discover the tranquil charm of Philpot Picnic Area, where six intimate picnic spots nestle among untouched wilderness. This hidden gem, reached via rustic unpaved roads, offers a genuine back-to-nature experience without the trappings of modern amenities. While you won't find running water here, you will discover something far more precious: direct access to the fascinating Philpot Interpretive Trail, where every step reveals the area's natural secrets. Perfect for adventurers seeking an authentic outdoor experience away from the beaten path.

Forest Rt. 1, Deerlick Springs, Yolla Bolla Ranger District.

Nestled beneath a towering canopy of ancient Douglas Firs, Deerlick Springs Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape with 13 intimate tent-only sites. This hidden gem rewards adventurous souls who navigate its rugged access road, leaving the world of RVs and trailers behind for a truly immersive forest experience.

PO Box 188, Whiskeytown, CA 96095, USA

Tucked away in the heart of Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, Horse Camp Primitive Campground offers a rare escape where riders and their equine companions can share the wilderness experience together. This intimate hideaway features just two thoughtfully designed sites, each welcoming vehicles, tents, and most uniquely, horses. As the park's exclusive equestrian-friendly camping destination, Horse Camp provides a gateway to miles of scenic trails where hoofbeats blend with birdsong and the rustle of foothill pines.

PO Box 188, Whiskeytown, CA 96095, USA

Escape to Peltier Bridge Primitive Campground, where canvas walls replace cabin doors and the whisper of Clear Creek provides your nightly soundtrack. Nestled within Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, this tent-only sanctuary invites adventurers to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature. Towering alders and ancient canyon live oaks create a natural canopy over intimate campsites, while endless trails and crystalline waters promise days filled with exploration in this serene mountain hideaway.

WEAVERVILLE RANGER STATION, PO BOX 1190, WEAVERVILLE, CA, 96093 USA

Forest Glen Campground, Hayfork, CA, 96041

Forest Rt. 1, Deerlick Springs, Yolla Bolla Ranger District.

Mendocino National Forest, Covelo, CA

11 Trinity Street, Hayfork, CA 96041

Mendocino National Forest

Mendocino National Forest

Shasta-Trinity National Forest

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Shasta-Trinity National Forest

11 Trinity Street Hayfork, CA 96041

Mendocino National Forest

Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Mendocino National Forest

Mendocino National Forest

Shasta-Trinity National Forest

INYO, CA, USA

Nestled in the heart of the Eastern Sierra, Big Pine Canyon offers adventurers a gateway to some of California's most dramatic alpine wilderness. This stunning canyon serves as your basecamp for exploring ancient glaciers, crystal-clear mountain lakes, and towering granite peaks that pierce the sky at over 14,000 feet. Whether you're seeking challenging mountaineering routes or peaceful streamside camping, Big Pine Canyon delivers an authentic High Sierra experience that will leave you breathless—both from the altitude and the sheer beauty surrounding you.

1 Visitor Center Dr Lee Vining, CA 93541

Tucked into a scenic bend along the melodious Lee Vining Creek, Big Bend Campground invites adventurers to claim one of its 17 intimate campsites within the majestic Inyo National Forest. This hidden gem serves as the perfect basecamp for those drawn to both Yosemite's stunning Tuolumne Meadows entrance and the otherworldly landscapes of Mono Basin Scenic Area. Each site comes equipped with essential amenities including vault toilets, fresh potable water, and bear-proof food storage lockers to ensure both comfort and wildlife safety during your stay.

Modoc National Forest

Nestled at the gateway to the South Warner Wilderness, Pepperdine Campground offers three distinct camping experiences in one remarkable location. Equestrian enthusiasts will discover a dedicated horse camp complete with convenient stock water and pole stalls at select sites. The trailhead staging area beckons adventurers with ample parking and corrals, serving as your launching point into the wilderness. For those seeking a more intimate experience, a cozy family camping loop awaits beneath a canopy of ancient fir trees. As a pack-it-in, pack-it-out facility, Pepperdine encourages visitors to embrace Leave No Trace principles while immersing themselves in this pristine mountain environment.

Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Gather your favorite people at Camp 4 Group Campsite, where up to 35 adventurers can create lasting memories together in the heart of nature. This thoughtfully developed campground welcomes groups with everything needed for the perfect outdoor gathering – spacious picnic tables for shared meals under towering trees, crackling fire pits for evening storytelling, convenient vault toilets, and regular garbage collection that lets you focus on what matters most: quality time with friends and family.

Upper Soda Springs Campground, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546

Nestled in the heart of Reds Meadow Valley, Upper Soda Springs Campground offers an intimate escape where the melodic San Joaquin River becomes your constant companion. This tranquil retreat features 28 thoughtfully spaced campsites, each equipped with bear-proof lockers, picnic tables, and access to pristine pit toilets and fresh potable water. Adventure beckons from every direction—cast a line into the crystal-clear river waters, set out on scenic trails that wind through ancient forests, or venture to the nearby geological wonder of Devil's Postpile National Monument and the breathtaking cascade of Rainbow Falls.

13652 Highway 79 Julian, CA 92036

Saddle up for an unforgettable equestrian adventure at Los Vaqueros Group Horse Campground, where the spirit of the Old West meets modern camping comfort. This specialized horse-friendly retreat beckons riders and their four-legged companions with direct access to the legendary California Riding and Hiking Trail. Well-appointed horse corrals ensure your equine partners rest as comfortably as you do, making this the perfect basecamp for exploring miles of scenic trails that wind through California's stunning backcountry.

Doran Regional Park

Nestled along a stunning 2-mile stretch of sandy beach on Bodega Bay, Doran Regional Park Campground offers 112 year-round campsites where the Pacific Ocean meets coastal adventure. With five distinct camping zones ranging from harbor-side spots to tent-only areas, this family-friendly destination combines beach camping with exceptional access to fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching. Whether you're launching your kayak into the bay, exploring tide pools along the rock jetty, or simply enjoying soft sand and mellow surf, Doran delivers a quintessential California coastal camping experience.

Mendocino National Forest

Tucked into a peaceful inlet at Lake Pillsbury's northwestern corner, this campground offers the perfect blend of lakeside tranquility and easy water access. Just a short stroll from your campsite, the shimmering waters of Mendocino National Forest's largest lake beckon with endless possibilities for adventure. Whether you're launching your boat from the nearby ramp at dawn, casting a line into the crystal-clear waters, or taking an afternoon swim, this scenic basecamp puts you at the heart of one of Northern California's most beloved recreational lakes.

17119 Avenue of the Giants, Weott CA 95571

Escape into the cathedral-like sanctuary of Hamilton Barn Environmental Campground, where primitive hike-in campsites nestle beneath towering old-growth redwoods. This hidden gem rewards adventurous souls with unparalleled privacy and profound solitude, offering a rare chance to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature's ancient rhythms.

CA-108, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, California

Nestled along the scenic Sonora Pass on CA-108, Sonora Bridge Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with 22 tranquil sites carved into a landscape of towering Jeffrey pines and aromatic sagebrush. Here, where the melodious West Walker River flows just steps away, anglers cast their lines into pristine waters while hikers set off to explore the dramatic high country. This rustic mountain retreat offers the perfect basecamp for your Sierra Nevada adventures, complete with firewood available on-site to fuel evening campfires under star-studded skies.