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Best Tent Camping near Elk Creek, CA

228 Reviews

Tent camping options in the Mendocino National Forest surround the Elk Creek area of California, offering a mix of established tent campgrounds and wilderness backcountry sites. Bear Creek Campground provides accessible tent campsites with picnic tables and toilet facilities, while Snow Mountain Wilderness offers more remote hike-in tent camping opportunities for those seeking solitude. Penny Pines Campground serves as another established option, particularly popular among those exploring the OHV trail systems in the region.

Most tent camping areas near Elk Creek feature basic amenities, with varying levels of accessibility depending on the season and recent weather conditions. Fire regulations change throughout the year, with some areas permitting campfires in established rings while others maintain strict fire bans. Many campgrounds offer vault toilets but no drinking water, making water filtration equipment essential for backcountry tent campers. A review mentioned that "if flow allows you can continue on after fording the creek into the Cache Creek Wilderness area where there is a resident herd of elk." Access roads to more remote tent sites often require high-clearance vehicles, with several campgrounds located 4-6 miles from main roads on rough forest service routes.

Sites throughout the region provide opportunities for wildlife viewing and outdoor recreation beyond the campgrounds. Tent campers frequently report spotting eagles in canyon areas and enjoying seasonal wildflowers during spring months. A recent review noted that "Wildflowers are plentiful in the spring" in the Snow Mountain Wilderness area. Howard Meadows Campground provides tent sites near a "trickling creek with frogs in the evening," according to camper experiences. The terrain varies from wooded areas to more exposed sites with mountain views. Many backcountry tent camping areas enforce a 14-day stay limit while maintaining a leave-no-trace policy. Weather conditions can change rapidly at higher elevations, requiring tent campers to prepare for temperature fluctuations even during summer months.

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Best Tent Sites Near Elk Creek, California (36)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Elk Creek, CA

6 Photos of 36 Elk Creek Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Elk Creek, CA

228 Reviews of 36 Elk Creek Campgrounds

  • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 1, 2018

    Sunset Point Campground

    The name says it all

    Super cool place to camp in Sequoia National Park. I drove in from the south and passed quite a few full campgrounds before I finally made it to Sunset and scored a spot that I thought was great- up high and dry, no neighbors, a nearby source of downed wood. It looks like the Park Service stays busy downing dead/dying trees, however there were lots of trees providing cover. The closest neighbors were even able to hammock (though I was not due to lack of trees). When noisy neighbors moved in at the adjoining site, I was able to move to a primo site the next day. The new site (52, I think) was right on the edge of the granite slope with an amazing view of the sunset (hence the name of the campground). All sites had the usual amenities of picnic table and fire ring (and the mandatory must use bear boxes), but you need to take a look around for a site that is level and has adequate space between the fire pit and the tent site (mine did not, so no fire for me).  There is a visitor center across the road at Grant Grove Village with ranger station, grocery, post office, restaurant, gas station, and cabins. This is a good place to set up camp if you want to see big trees; the big sequoia tree General Grant is in a sequoia grove just up the road (you could easily hike there from the campground).

  • Michi P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 24, 2025

    Middle Creek Campground

    Great place for dry camping

    Beautiful location, campground was easily accessible going up Elk Mountain Road. Camped in Site 11, pull through, no hook ups, nice picnic table, grill and fire pit. Vault toilets, no showers. There is potable water close to the campsites. Very quiet during the week, it did get noisier on the weekends, but everyone settled down for the evening.

  • Maddy S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 1, 2022

    Bushay Recreation Area

    Exceeded all expectations

    Since my friend and I decided to plan a last minute camping trip, reservations were hard to find anywhere. I'm from Santa Cruz and hardly ever make it north of San Francisco so Bushay Campground sounded like a nice getaway. However I was a little hesitant since there were so many open sites here and no reviews anywhere but it really was just too perfect.

    We stayed Sat-Mon and it was pretty much empty by Sun (workweek + predicted rain). Everyone else staying the weekend was very friendly and helpful. The rain only made the campsite so much more lush and beautiful and luckily we were prepared for the rain. The sound of frogs and turkeys added a nice touch and we also saw tons of fascinating birds (including a bald eagle!!). I'm used to camping on hard dirt so the cushion of the grassy campsites was really nice, plus the dead grass served as decent tinder. 

    Also, I accidentally left my camping chairs behind :( and an employee reached out to me to let me know! I wish it wasn't a 3+ hour drive for me because I would love to already head back lol.

    Anyway, here are the takeaways:

    • Easy to access, right off the 101
    • Free firewood all around the campgrounds
    • Free showers (no need for quarters)
    • Super clean and well lit bathrooms
    • Ranger patrolling often (we are 2 young women, this helped us feel a little safer)
    • Standard campsite setup (bench + fire ring) but also included a pole with a hook - perfect for hanging lights, a tarp, drying dishware, etc.
    • Heads up! Advanced reservation is required
  • Susan R.
    Jun. 9, 2021

    Buckhorn Recreation Area

    Great Spot, very windy

    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. Water was super warm, but gets icky in the summer, so definitely need to go early in the season.

  • Cary A.
    Aug. 10, 2020

    Pogie Point Campground

    Nice lake camping

    Arrived early Friday afternoon in August and there were only 3-4 spots occupied. We got our pick of spots without a reservation. Most spots offer plenty of shade and space between neighbors. Bugs were moderate, bring bug spray. Pit toilets were clean. All camps have a fire ring and picnic table and a few have brick ovens. This is close to the lake, but no direct lake access. Weather was pretty hot and humid until a few hours after dark. Of all the campgrounds on Lake Pillsbury, this one seems the most secluded with privacy and distance from neighbors. The road to get here is mostly dirt and pretty windy, 4WD recommended. This is a popular area for hunting and off roading, so be prepared for a lot of OHV noise and gunshots echoing through the valley. In the evening it sounded like there was a gun range on the other side of the lake, 100 gunshots per minute until after dark. I would give 5 stars except for the OHV and gunfire noise. But the best part, in the right season the elk herds come through the dry riverbed next to the camp. We saw a herd of 30+ elk and listened to them calling all evening and in the morning.

  • Christine T.
    Aug. 3, 2018

    Sunset Point Campground

    Relaxing campsite near the Grove village in Sequoia

    Nice sites, trees for hammocks, bathrooms (no showers) w running water and toilets. 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! It’s bear country, so bear bins provided! Campsite is in the middle between King’s canyon and Sequoia National Park. Our site had a spot for 1 car, 2 tents and a hammock. Space looked shared with adjacent site.

  • T
    Jul. 22, 2023

    Kelsey Creek Campground — Clear Lake State Park

    Pleasantly surprised - clean, well kept and nice features

    Having visited Lake County many times, I wasn't expecting much from this camp ground. I had intended to camp at Boggs Forest - my usual hangout for mountain biking when in the area. Turns out it's closed to camping now, so I took a flyer and looked at this park. I managed to grab what appeared to be the last spot available for the Friday and Saturday night stay I had planned. And it was a spot next to the water! 

    The spots are a bit close, but there are many options available - from waters edge on the creek or lake, to hilltops with views of the lake. 

    The bathrooms were clean, but I showered at the back of my van and didn't need to obtain any tokens to use theirs. 

    There are hiking trails, a boat launch, bbq pits, food storage lockers and a pretty good amount of trees to shade the camp sites. 

    I think next time I'd opt for a spot along the creek instead of the lake. They look to be better shaded, but may get more drive by traffic. 

    I did happen to be here during a heat spell - 104 was the high yesterday. The shade definitely helped! 

    I will be back since it's a convenient location for me - 20 mins from my father in Lakeport, 30 mins from Highland Springs and 40 from Boggs Forest. Oh… and the bugs are not at Al what you might expect. At least for me. They weren’t bad at all. I didn’t even need the screens on my van, but the zapper was busy at dusk. Update as I’m still here: for some reason the toilets no longer flush. After all those beers I figured it’d be polite to use a toilet to return them to their maker, but the first bathroom had a large deposit waiting for me. I tried to flush it, but nothing. Went next door. Only per in this one, and it wouldn’t flush either. Oh well. I added to the color of the bowl. Oddly, the faucet worked. At least I was able to wash my hands.

  • C
    Jul. 9, 2018

    Stony Gorge Reservoir - USBR

    Awesome free campsite!

    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. There are fire pits with grills and picnic tables at all the sites. The lake is amazing for swimming!

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 25, 2022

    Kelsey Creek Campground — Clear Lake State Park

    Quiet in April but probably not in the summer!

    General: There are four campgrounds in Clear Lake State Park: Upper Bayview, Lower Bayview(both of which were closed when we were there in April), Cole Creek, and Kelsey Creek. This review focuses on Kelsey Creek. 

    Site Quality: The sites all appeared to be level with paved pads. No hookups throughout the park. Not a lot of privacy between the sites but decent separation. 

    Bathhouse: Clean but as we have found in other California state parks, no soap! Showers take tokens which must be purchased on-site 

    Activities: Limited hiking on a short nature path. In season, there is boating, swimming, and fishing. It was very quiet when we were there in April but I imagine there would be quite a different vibe come summer when the campground would be full (which is why we like camping in the off-season!)

Guide to Elk Creek

Tent camping near Elk Creek, California, offers a chance to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying various amenities and activities at well-reviewed campgrounds.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • At Bear Creek Campground, visitors can enjoy the convenience of picnic tables and toilets, making for a comfortable stay.
  • Sugarfoot Campground allows pets and features picnic tables, perfect for families looking to enjoy meals outdoors.
  • Cedar Camp Campground provides trash disposal and the option to gather firewood, enhancing the camping experience.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Hiking enthusiasts will find great trails near Snow Mountain Wilderness, where wildflowers bloom in spring and eagles can be spotted.
  • Fishing is popular at Cedar Camp Campground, with easy access to nearby lakes and rivers.
  • For those seeking a more secluded experience, Pine Ridge Camp offers drive-in and hike-in access to pristine wilderness areas.

Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $30

  • Camping at Bear Creek Campground is available year-round, making it a flexible option for spontaneous trips.
  • Seasonal camping at Whitlock Campground from May to November provides a great opportunity to enjoy the warmer months.
  • Lower Nye Campground welcomes pets and is open from mid-May to mid-November, catering to those looking for a pet-friendly getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Elk Creek, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Elk Creek, CA is Snow Mountain Wilderness with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Elk Creek, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 36 tent camping locations near Elk Creek, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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