Dispersed camping sites near Elk Creek, California sit within the eastern edge of Mendocino National Forest at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 3,000 feet. The camping season extends beyond the April-September window mentioned in established campgrounds, with some dispersed areas accessible year-round when weather permits. Winter temperatures typically drop to 30-40°F at night, while fall camping offers more moderate temperatures in the 60-80°F range.
What to do
Fishing at various depths: Stony Gorge Reservoir offers excellent fishing with different techniques. "The lake is amazing for Bass fishing!! There are only a few sites on the water, definitely get there early. All First come, first serve," notes Susan R.
Hiking around lakes: At Letts Lake Campground, an easy trail circles the entire lake. A camper reports, "There's an easy trail that loops around the lake that's just over a mile long and a place to put in a boat in the lake (there's a bunch of fish in there!)."
Wildlife viewing: Snow Mountain Wilderness provides excellent bird watching opportunities without requiring deep wilderness travel. One visitor observed, "I have not fished here but have seen many others coming in to do just that. Have seen eagles in the canyon everytime I have hiked in."
What campers like
Swimming access: During hot summer days, lake swimming becomes essential. At Stony Gorge Reservoir, one camper remarked, "This campground is free!!! It has lots of vault toilets and trash cans, but there is no running water. There are some campsites that are private and some where you can bring a big group. The lake is amazing for swimming!"
Privacy options: Some campgrounds near Elk Creek offer varied site configurations. At Buckhorn Recreation Area, a camper noted, "We just spent one night in sight 6 with our 24' camper and we had a good experience. Didn't really have neighbors too close and had a great view of the lake."
Seasonal variations: Fall and spring camping provides different experiences than summer. One camper at East Park Reservoir shared, "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."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many campgrounds require travel on rough roads. As one Letts Lake visitor warned, "The drive to the campsite is a long 19 miles on combo of narrow paved and windy road and dirt road. 4wd wasn't necessary when we went but lower clearance cars might not fair so well."
Water availability: Most dispersed sites lack potable water. At East Park Reservoir, you'll find "Porta potties and pit toilets throughout the campground" but limited water access, and "Campground fee can be paid via a QR code."
Wind conditions: Be prepared for strong winds at some locations. One camper at Buckhorn Recreation Area advised, "Wonderful spot. Sites were kinda small, but we we able to fit 2-6 person tents and a 4 person in a row. Wasn't windy when we got there in the morning, but that night the wind started and almost blew everything away. STAKE down, no matter the weather."
Tips for camping with families
Lake recreation options: Orland Buttes offers multiple activities for kids. A visitor noted, "This is a beautiful, quiet campground with hiking trails, lake access, and a boat ramp. Volunteer host on site."
Heat management strategies: When camping with children during summer, heat preparation is essential. One family at Sunset Point Campground shared, "Given how hot Lake Pills gets in the summer, this is a nice option to escape the summer's heat. It can get a bit rowdy at this campground, with lots of large groups."
Fishing access for kids: Several sites offer easy fishing access for children. At Letts Lake Campground, a camper observed, "Great camping and fishing. Lots of smaller bass and trout. Nice remote lake with amenities."
Tips from RVers
Pull-through access: For larger rigs, The RV Park at Rolling Hills provides convenient options. One RVer mentioned, "We enjoyed an overnight stay here. Clean facilities, well maintained grounds and friendly neighbors. Conveniently located just off I-5, far enough away from the noise. Sites are level 75 ft pull through sites."
Tank filling logistics: Many campgrounds have limited water hookups. At Orland Buttes, a camper advised, "No hookups at sites, but there are random water spigots throughout the campground, as well as a dump station and water flush on the way out. There was a water spigot with no handle at the dump station as well, and we used pliers to open the water and fill our tanks."
Site variability: RV sites differ greatly in size and levelness. When staying at Letts Lake with a larger RV, one camper reported, "With a 35' Class A our options were limited. A Ranger suggested Letts Lake. There is a narrow one lane newly paved road that goes up to Dixie Glade equestrian camp, from there it is dirt. Taking it slow, we made it to Letts Lake and parked in spot 12. It was a tight fit, but we made it."
