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Map showing campground location near Mendocino National Forest, California
Camper submitted image from Oak Flat CampgroundView 25 Photos
RoadsMap showing campground location near Mendocino National Forest, California

Oak Flat Campground

4 ReviewsAdd Review

Within Mendocino National Forest, Oak Flat Campground provides year-round access at $5 per night through the US Forest Service. The campground sits in open terrain accessible by multiple methods including drive-in, boat-in, hike-in, and walk-in options. Campers can reach the site via dirt roads that connect to nearby Lake Pillsbury recreation areas.

The campground features vault toilets and seasonal drinking water that gets shut off during winter months to prevent pipe damage. Campfires are permitted when fire restrictions allow, and a local store about 10 minutes away sells firewood, ice, and beer during summer months. Sites accommodate big rigs and include picnic tables, with pets and alcohol both permitted on the grounds.

Wildlife viewing opportunities include elk, birds, lizards, and amphibians, particularly during weekdays when the area sees less activity. Christian N. notes that "even with annoying neighbors, you can have peace and quiet" due to the spacious site layout. Weekend visitors should expect more noise and activity levels. The campground provides access to fishing when water levels are adequate, and boat launches are located within a 10-minute drive.

Target shooting is available at the nearby airstrip, and campers looking for additional options can explore places to camp near Mendocino National Forest throughout the broader region.

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Map & DirectionsOak Flat Campground is located in California near Mendocino National Forest

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

6 miles north of Ukiah on US 101, 5 miles east on California Highway 20, 26 miles northwest on County Road 240 (Potter Valley-Lake Pillsbury Road). Also, accessible through Upper Lake traveling 31 miles north on County Road 301 (Forest Road M-1).  Lat - 39° 26' 09.9132", Long - 122° 58' 03.8208"

Coordinates

39.44400096 N
122.95300018 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

Drive Time

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Reviews4 Camper Reviews - Oak Flat Campground

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4.5

out of 5

4 Reviews

Campers regularly cited spacious primitive sites and peaceful weekday atmosphere. Several noted basic facilities work well seasonally. Weekend noise from other visitors remains a concern for quiet seekers.

Reviewed Sep. 6, 2025

Beautiful and peaceful *on weekdays*

Quiet and peaceful, watch elk, birds, lizards, toads/frogs on weekdays. All but the hardiest of wildlife and people should avoid the weekends. We finally learned our lesson after every Friday and/or Saturday over the years has been disrupted by people yelling and/or blasting music, running dogs off leash, and then (last trip) racing dirt bikes through the campground until 1 am.

Sitevarious
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Sep. 29, 2022

Oak flats

I’ve been coming here since I was a kid and my dad was a hang glider pilot. The campground has vaulted toilets non-flushable of course. There is water at the campground except during the winter as they shut it off to keep the pipes from bursting. The campground is open up all year round. Fires are allowed depending on regulations from Cal fire. The local store is about a 10 minute drive away and during the summer has ice beer and provides firewood for sale (during winter no ice but plenty of snow). Target shooting is available at the end of the airstrip which you will pass over on the way to the campground. For a boat launch there are two about a 10 minute drive from the campground

Month of VisitJanuary
  • Review photo of Oak Flat Campground by keith B., September 29, 2022
  • Review photo of Oak Flat Campground by keith B., September 29, 2022
Reviewed Dec. 22, 2020

Nice Oaky Campsite

Was 0.75 miles away from water (we have been in a drought?) but beautiful spacious campsite. Even with annoying neighbors, you can have peace and quiet. Fun, almost hidden area that I didn’t know existed before this trip.

  • Review photo of Oak Flat Campground by Christian N., December 22, 2020
  • Review photo of Oak Flat Campground by Christian N., December 22, 2020
  • Review photo of Oak Flat Campground by Christian N., December 22, 2020
  • (20) View All
Reviewed Jul. 10, 2016

Oak flat

Nice camp ground. Super primitive. All dirt. But always fun times. When the water level is high great fishing from this camp ground.

Showing results 1-4 of 4 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What outdoor activities can you do near Oak Flat Campground at Lake Pillsbury?

Lake Pillsbury offers excellent fishing opportunities, especially when water levels are high, with good fishing spots accessible directly from the campground. The area is also popular for hang gliding, with a history of pilots using the region. Wildlife viewing is abundant - visitors can observe elk, birds, lizards, toads, and frogs, particularly during weekdays when the area is quieter. The surrounding landscape provides opportunities for hiking and exploring the natural environment, making it ideal for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers.

Where is Oak Flat Campground located at Lake Pillsbury?

Oak Flat Campground is located at Lake Pillsbury in Northern California. The campground sits approximately 0.75 miles away from the lake itself, with the distance varying depending on water levels which can fluctuate due to seasonal conditions and drought periods. It's situated in a somewhat hidden area that offers privacy and natural surroundings, making it a peaceful destination for campers seeking a secluded outdoor experience.

What amenities are available at Oak Flat Campground?

Oak Flat Campground offers basic, primitive amenities. The facilities include vault toilets (non-flushable) and water access during most of the year, though water is shut off during winter months to prevent pipe damage. The campground features spacious, dirt campsites that provide good separation between neighbors for privacy. It remains open year-round, though winter visitors should plan for no water access. Campfire regulations are in place but may vary seasonally. The rustic nature of this campground means visitors should come prepared for a more primitive camping experience.

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