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Best Campgrounds near Elk Creek, CA

300 Reviews

Camping options around Elk Creek, California include several lakeside recreation areas with varied accommodations for outdoor enthusiasts. Stony Gorge Reservoir offers tent and RV camping with boat-in access and basic amenities like picnic tables and pit toilets. East Park Reservoir near Stonyford provides tent, RV, and cabin options with similar basic facilities. The region encompasses developed campgrounds operated by the Bureau of Reclamation and US Forest Service, with primitive dispersed camping available in parts of the Mendocino National Forest.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the area, with some campgrounds requiring travel on rough or unpaved forest roads. The camping season typically runs from April through September, with many facilities closing during winter months. Orland Buttes, about 20 miles north of Elk Creek, operates seasonally from April to September, while East Park Reservoir opens in April. One camper noted, "This is a great spot close, but not too close to the highway. About 5-7 drive off the highway right next to the Sacramento River." Summer temperatures can be extremely hot, often exceeding 100°F, making lakeside camping particularly popular for swimming and cooling off.

The Elk Creek area campgrounds receive positive reviews for fishing access, lake views, and natural surroundings. Campsites at developed areas like Buckhorn Recreation Area provide spacious layouts with lake views. According to visitor feedback, "The sites are spacious and there is a pool to cool down during the hot summers." For those seeking more remote experiences, campgrounds further into Mendocino National Forest offer greater seclusion but fewer amenities. Wildlife viewing opportunities include elk herds that sometimes pass through the more remote camping areas. Many campgrounds in the region are situated near water bodies, making them popular for fishing and boating activities, though some visitors note that these areas can become crowded during peak summer weekends.

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Best Camping Sites Near Elk Creek, California (139)

    1. Stony Gorge Reservoir - USBR

    2 Reviews
    Elk Creek, CA
    2 miles
    Website

    "The lake is amazing for swimming!"

    2. The Parkway RV Resort & Campground

    14 Reviews
    Orland, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 865-9188

    "Stayed here for a second time driving from Southern California to Oregon. The sites are spacious and there is a pool to cool down during the hot summers. There is wine tasting as well."

    "I have stayed here several times as a waypoint on my travels between California to Washington.  It is a nice safe quiet park that has many pull through spaces for RVs spending the night.  I have used"

    3. Buckhorn Recreation Area

    8 Reviews
    Paskenta, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 865-4781

    $18 - $200 / night

    "Didn’t really have neighbors too close and had a great view of the lake."

    "A lot of the sites have fabulous views of the lake. The surrounding area is beautiful to see as well. Great trail system for exploring the park. Boat ramp, old bathrooms."

    4. Letts Lake Campground — Mendocino National Forest

    11 Reviews
    Stonyford, CA
    22 miles
    Website

    $6 / night

    "National Forest pulled in officers from surrounding forests and Sheriff Depts. With a 35' Class A our options were limited. A Ranger suggested Letts Lake."

    "The campground does not offer very much privacy between sites, but is right on Letts Lake, offering great views."

    5. East Park Reservoir

    5 Reviews
    Stonyford, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 458-0466

    "But, no worries, there were plenty of sites spread around - it is a large reservoir. We found one that had shade, wasn't too sloped and wasn't even next to anyone else. We are going again this year."

    "It was relatively quiet, and nobody immediately near us.  Amazing sunsets. The second time we went was June 2020.  This time we stayed on the other side of the lake. "

    6. Orland Buttes

    2 Reviews
    Orland, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 865-4781

    $20 - $130 / night

    "This is a nice, basic COE campground with hiking trails, lake access, and a boat ramp. Volunteer host on site."

    7. North Fork Campground

    2 Reviews
    Stonyford, CA
    16 miles
    Website

    "The campground is next to the Truckee River but most sites do not have easy access to it. There are only three pit toilets since one of them is permanently damaged and has been for quite some time."

    "If you drive past all the OHV-filled camps, you’ll eventually get to this little gem."

    8. Rolling Hills Casino Truck Lot

    12 Reviews
    Corning, CA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 528-3586

    $49 - $69 / night

    "Casino nearby has multiple restaurants and entertainment, including golf.  Cheap gas for California.  Little bit of a hike to clean restrooms.  Quiet.  Convenient location for traveling down I-5."

    "Conveniently located just off I-5, far enough away from the noise. Casino, restaurants, doggy daycare and golf just next door. Sites are level 75 ft pull through sites. We will stay again."

    9. Snow Mountain Wilderness

    1 Review
    Stonyford, CA
    16 miles

    10. Sunset Point Campground

    8 Reviews
    Mendocino National Forest, CA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 275-2361

    "Close to neighboring campsites but not too bad. Grove village is really close where they have firewood, grocery store, restaurant, shops, post office. Bugs in summer so don’t forget your bug spray!"

    "Great location in the Sequoia National Park. Appropriate for families, couples or singles. Plenty of trails to roam and scenery galore. Easy access to bathrooms, evening activities."

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Recent Camping Photos near Elk Creek, CA

138 Photos of 139 Elk Creek Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Elk Creek, CA

300 Reviews of 139 Elk Creek Campgrounds

  • Cathy H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 5, 2025

    Sycamore Grove (red Bluff) Campground

    Close to the town

    This camp site is really close to town ...like five minutes and your at a store. The is a ice cream truck that come through the camp. The cell service is excellent. There are bathrooms and showers on site. A metal firepit and metal grill at each of the camp sites. The camp host is around and introduced herself when she saw me the next day.

  • R. J.
    Oct. 26, 2025

    Lower Bayview Campground — Clear Lake State Park

    Not completely worth it

    Great campground, not so great in the summer. There is barely any airflow. Once in a while a breeze will manage to pass through, but when its 100ºF outside...you'd wish it were breezy all day.

    Campsite #99 is literally right next to the restroom, as well as a few other campsites at the Lower Bay View campsite(93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 100, & 110) with a bit more walking. The other campsites are a bit of a walk the further you get away.

    If you are expecting it to be quiet during the evening nearby the restrooms, these sites will not help. Not everyone is respectful of their camping neighbors and will either stand there and chitchat...for some odd reason...but also, you can really hear the toilet flush as it was amplified.

    I do highly recommend to bring a rake and rake out where you are going to put your tent. Soo many twigs and rocks on the ground, ain't fun. Also, be sure to bring a canopy with a mosquito screen...tons of flies, yellow jackets, moths, gnats, just all around flying bugs. Remember when I mentioned the breeze coming once in a while...yeah, this is another reason why.

    Thankfully no trash pandas(racoons) were seen the entire trip. But we have seen tons of lizards, crows, and bluejay's. I did see however on our last night at the camp, a California Kingsnake. I was going to the restroom before going to bed and 3 women were by the men's side of the bathrooms. Once I was done, I came out and saw the snake with my headlamp. I stepped aside and told the women to be careful, there is a snake.

    They told me its just lizards...apparently a few ran across their feet. I told them "No, its a snake...look". They looked down where my light was spotted and saw the snake. 2 of the 3 women ran while the 3rd stood by me til it moved away. The 3rd ran once the snake continued to where it was going. I went to my tent and zipped it up tightly and went to bed. While laying down, I can hear the ladies talking to the men at their campsite about the snake and couldn't help but laugh a bit silently.

    The swimming lagoon was not worth even trying to get in. The water level is low, boat launch nearby was closed due to waterline being low. There is soo much algae, the water stinks if you break the surface. Wasn't even worth trying to swim.

    Oh and one last thing, call before you arrive the day you plan on visiting. No Charcoal Grills, No Campfires, Only gas or propane grills. Due to an extreme risk of fire, there has been a ban. I asked the ranger about using the fire pit rings at the campsite, and seeing on the website reservation system that we are allowed to use it. That is not true and whoever is responsible on maintaining the system hasn't updated it to reflect the fire ban according to what the ranger at the station stated.

  • Jan P.
    Oct. 26, 2025

    Rolling Hills Casino Truck Lot

    Cheap gas, crappy Wi-Fi if at all, very nice showers

    The casino is pretty dominating and intense as is the truck stop, but if you don't mind those it's not a bad place.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Cowboy Camp

    Served its Purpose

    This site served its purpose; spot to sleep after a long day of driving. The disbursed camping area was down a gravel road to the left next to the day use vault toilet through a cattle gate.

    There were several campers already there but plenty of room for more. There were also several vault toilets on the property as well.

  • Steven V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2025

    The Parkway RV Resort & Campground

    Great overnight stop

    Stayed for one night. Nice full hookup spots that are level. Clean bathrooms. It is quiet because far enough away from freeway.

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Cache Creek Regional Park Campground

    Nature solace

    I pulled in here for the night and found I was completely alone. Except I kept hearing splashing in the creek. I wasn't alone - there was a herd of Elk. Super cool. This is a great spot for a short stay. No real 'sites' but a pleasant spot in the middle of the Cache Creek Natural Area.

  • Sarah S.The Dyrt ADMIN User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    East Park Reservoir

    We had the entire campground to ourselves

    We stayed here on a weekday in early October and we were the only ones in the entire campground. We picked a spot right on the water and got to enjoy the amazing views and sounds from the geese. The views were incredible no matter which way we looked, especially at sunset.

    Porta potties and pit toilets throughout the campground. The road to the campground was a bit bumpy.

    Campground fee can be paid via a QR code.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Kyen Campground

    A convenient and good campground

    I liked this tree shaded campground. Some Lakeside campsites for RVs and tents with many other campsites, stretching up a gentle hill. Potable water is available. Bathrooms were clean but showers not so much but plenty of hot water and does not require quarters. Campground can be very crowded prior to Labor Day, especially weekends. When I was there on 9/10/25 there were very few campers. Register on recreation.gov. Use your federal discount pass to get half price on the $35 or $65 electrical sites.

Guide to Elk Creek

Camping near Elk Creek, California, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking to relax by the lake or explore the outdoors, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Fishing: Many campers enjoy fishing at Letts Lake Campground. One visitor shared, "Great camping and fishing. Lots of smaller bass and trout." This lake is perfect for those who love to cast a line.
  • Swimming: At Parkway RV Resort & Campground, there's a refreshing pool to cool off in after a long day. A reviewer mentioned, "The best grassy, clean dog run and a refreshing pool to cool off in after a long day of driving."
  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Sunset Point Campground. One camper noted, "Nice walk around the lake, fishing wasn’t the best but still fun."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at places like Rolling Hills Casino Truck Lot. A visitor said, "Super clean and well-kept property from the grounds to the toilets."
  • Friendly Staff: Many reviews highlight the helpfulness of staff. At The Aurora RV Park & Marina, one camper mentioned, "We were greeted by the camp host with a smile! Very friendly!"
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy the roomy sites at Buckhorn Recreation Area. A reviewer stated, "We had a good experience. Didn’t really have neighbors too close and had a great view of the lake."

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Letts Lake Campground, have minimal services. A visitor noted, "There is no water or trash service there was no fee."
  • Access Issues: At Woodson Bridge State Recreation Area, river access has been eroded. One camper mentioned, "But river access has been eroded in this last year so access is down the way at the county park."
  • Crowded During Peak Times: Campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A reviewer at Sunset Point Campground said, "It can get a bit rowdy at this campground, with lots of large groups."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Campgrounds with Pools: Kids love to swim, so look for places like Parkway RV Resort & Campground that have pools. One parent said, "We really appreciated the pool, the very friendly staff and clean restrooms."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to bring fishing gear for lakes like Letts Lake Campground. A family shared, "Great lake to go camping with a family. Had great swimming and a nice little hiking trail."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can keep everyone happy. A camper at Rolling Hills Casino Truck Lot mentioned, "There are also amazing views at sunset and sunrise."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at The Aurora RV Park & Marina noted, "The lakeside spots are very tight together—and require backing in."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Campgrounds like Woodson Bridge Mobile Home & RV Park offer full hookups, which can make your stay more comfortable. One visitor said, "Full hookups (30 amp), with very clean bathhouse."
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds can be near busy roads. A camper at Woodson Bridge State Recreation Area mentioned, "Instead of waking up to birds and nature it was loud cars and honking."

Camping near Elk Creek, California, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. Just remember to check the amenities and plan your activities for a great outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Elk Creek, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Elk Creek, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 139 campgrounds and RV parks near Elk Creek, CA and 12 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Elk Creek, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Elk Creek, CA is Stony Gorge Reservoir - USBR with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Elk Creek, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 free dispersed camping spots near Elk Creek, CA.

What parks are near Elk Creek, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 21 parks near Elk Creek, CA that allow camping, notably Black Butte Lake and Mendocino National Forest.

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