OHV and dirt bike riders heading into the Elk Mountain area have a natural staging point at Middle Creek Campground, a Forest Service site in Mendocino National Forest that runs $8 per night and stays open year-round. The campground sits along a creek corridor, and campers can hear the water from their sites. Each site includes a picnic table, fire pit, and BBQ grill. Pull-through sites accommodate rigs up to 71 feet, making this one of the more accessible options in the forest for larger vehicles.
Amenities are functional but limited. Vault toilets and potable water spigots are on-site, though the spigots lack hose fittings, so filling tanks requires carrying containers. No showers or sinks are available. Reviewers consistently note the campground runs clean. Weekday visits tend to be quieter; weekends bring more activity, especially from OHV users accessing the surrounding trails.
One practical note on road conditions: Elk Mountain Road, particularly the stretch above the campground toward the top of the mountain, has drawn repeated mention for poor maintenance. High-clearance vehicles will handle it better. A small town roughly 15 minutes away provides gas, a market, and food options, so resupply is manageable. As Donna M. noted, "you can hear the creek running along the camp, as well as the wild turkeys," and multiple reviewers mention a variety of bird species in the area. Nearby alternatives include Penny Pines Campground and Deer Valley Campground for campers who want to compare options in the same part of the forest. Middle Creek works best for OHV enthusiasts and self-sufficient campers comfortable with basic facilities.
Description
OHV Staging Area, Equestrian Staging Area (no camping).
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsMiddle Creek Campground is located in California near Upper Lake
Directions
Located 8 miles north of Upper Lake on County Road 301 (Forest Road M-1). Lat - 39° 15' 09.46080", Long - 122° 57' 01.76399"
Coordinates
39.25300072 N
122.95000097 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly









