1 campground with availability next weekend
Cowboy Camp near Mendocino National Forest offers primitive dispersed camping facilities for equestrians exploring the region's backcountry trails. Located in the Cache Creek Management Area, this Bureau of Land Management site features level, open grounds suitable for horse trailer parking with direct access to an extensive trail network. The camp includes vault toilets but provides no drinking water, requiring riders to bring sufficient water for themselves and their horses. The area is particularly suitable for spring visits when wildflowers bloom along the hillsides. Trail riders should note the sometimes challenging creek crossing from the camping area to access hiking paths, which can be easily navigated on horseback but may present difficulties for hikers.
Middle Creek Campground provides another option for horse enthusiasts in the Mendocino area, though it lacks dedicated corrals or stalls. The primitive campsites accommodate both tents and RVs with space for horse trailers. Located on Elk Mountain Road, this campground serves as a popular base for off-highway vehicle riders and equestrians exploring the forest trails. The site features vault toilets, potable water from spigots (without hose attachments), picnic tables, fire pits and BBQ grills. The running creek provides a natural water source for horses, though riders should bring buckets for watering. The surrounding trails traverse varied terrain with scenic vistas of the Mendocino mountains, making it ideal for day rides or multi-day pack trips.
"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."
"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)."
from $5 / night
"Middle creek campground was as close as we could find to free camping in Upper Lake CA."
"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."
from $8 / night
"Campsite is above lake, no access feom campground. Not all water faucets have hose attachment."
"There are many sites next to the ocean."
"PROS Campground is adjacent to the beach. You can hear the ocean and sometimes catch peeks of the ocean from the campground.
→ Campsites have bear lockers."
from $45 - $260 / night
"As you pass thru a off road vehicle area on way up to campsite. Lett's Lake was closed due to a prior fire. But the upside is that the Forrest service has provided free stacks of wood."
"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."
from $49 - $69 / night
"Next to a stream and surrounded by hills. The only tough part is getting across the stream to some of the hikes."
"There was a small creek behind the campground which was nice. It was about a 30 minute drive to fort Bragg made for an easy day trip. The campground is maintained by cal fire $20 a night."
"Jackson State Demonstration forest is about 6 miles from fort Bragg on hwy.20 Campground is about 3 miles down a dirt road down into the forest from the highway. Beautiful, clean and peaceful."
TravelerGreat camp with amazing views. But, you should not camp alone. I've been here often this month and have seen a herd sheep eating the grass on the hillside, heard a pack of coyotes several nights in a row, until I heard a Mt Lion doing it's bird like sounds at night, as it circled my rv. This is last night, 10/07/2026 - mt lion presence detected, not seen. Be careful.
TravelerCowboy Camp had everything I had heard it offered & more! There was plenty of space when I visited and I got to pick a spot down by the water. Easy access & semi-secluded. The spot was half shaded and half sunny by 3 PM. Perfect for our truck to park in & stay cool. Vaulted toilets were in decent shape & even had TP. Lots of awesome spots to pull off at on the way there from Winters area. Beautiful views of flowing green water & colorful trees.
TravelerUpside: almost no one here, including security and onsite host (private and undisturbed), no road noise, great playground, bathrooms, showers and water views.
Downside: no onsite host, book online (reserveca.com). Some spots are VERY OPEN no privacy and all overgrown meadow. Campsite is above lake, no access feom campground. Not all water faucets have hose attachment.
See attached map for most private $35 spots ( not waterfront) and the blue dot has a water spiket with hose attachment.
LegendNeeded a hot shower and some chill time. And some saltwater. All the superlatives apply; just wish the spaces were more private. And paying for showers after the $45 camping fee was a bummer.
GuideApparently this place has been closed for four years and is just re-opening. It definitely looks like it. Sections of the campground are still closed, and the parts that are open were ROUGH. This places does have potential- views of the lake are good, bathrooms have showers. By far the worst part of camping here is that there was no camp host and no park ranger. Saw unsafe fire practices, and experienced extremely loud music that went to 2:00 am and started again at 6:30 am. Did I ask for it by coming here on Fourth of July weekend? Probably. On the whole, the entire experience felt like trying to camp in a run down city park. Having no one to contact when things get out of control after the sun goes down invites campers to try to regulate other campers, which is always recipe for disaster. I’ve camped in all kinds of place - Nat’l park, state parks, county parks, BLM, National Forests, and have experienced the full range of camping experiences . I will never come back to this place again.
ScoutThis is a great place to camp. Very clean and beautiful views.
TravelerState park site showed zero availability. However drove in, tons of spots open, park rangers extremely helpful. New showers and bathrooms. Fire pits, bear boxes, picnic tables. Can see the ocean from our Surfwood spot!
TravelerSpending 3 nights here at Surfwood campground. Short walking distance to the beach. Cleanest restroom and shower we’ve ever been. Highly recommend this campground
LegendAfter finding the local state parks closed for a few days due to having no water, we headed out to take a chance on this dispersed site. It was simply a pull off as all the designated campgrounds in the area were closed for the season. The sign posted at the day use noted they close campgrounds in wet weather to save wear and tear on them since they are maintained by the forestry service. It does make sense as the road was quite muddy.
Mendocino National Forest covers nearly one million acres across the Coastal Mountain Range, with elevations ranging from 750 to 8,092 feet at Snow Mountain's peak. The forest experiences hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, with yearly precipitation varying dramatically from 70 inches on western slopes to just 20 inches in eastern sections. Most dispersed camping sites lack designated facilities beyond existing fire rings and occasional vault toilets.
Horseback riding trails: The Jackson Demonstration Forest provides excellent terrain for equestrians with multiple riding options. "Beautiful, clean and peaceful. Plenty of trails to explore and Noyo River meanders through the center," notes Danielle F.
Swimming in natural settings: During warmer months, several campgrounds offer creek access for cooling off. "The running creek provides a natural water source for horses, though riders should bring buckets for watering," explains a visitor to Middle Creek Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Mackerricher State Park Campground offers shoreline fishing options with diverse coastal species. "You can hear the ocean and sometimes catch peeks of the ocean from the campground," writes Mea H.
Seasonal wildflower displays: Spring visitors to the Cowboy Camp area appreciate the natural vegetation. "It's open, grassy level and quiet. Next to a stream and surrounded by hills," reports Jorg F.
Wildlife viewing: Oak Flat Campground near Lake Pillsbury provides opportunities to observe local fauna. "Quiet and peaceful, watch elk, birds, lizards, toads/frogs on weekdays," explains Angela.
Weather protection: Russian Gulch State Park Campground offers shelter from coastal conditions. "This campground is protected by a buffer of coastal trees. It's not nearly as windy at the campground as it is on the beach," shares Mea H.
Seasonal closures: Always check current status before traveling. "I arrived 9/10/25 but did not camp here because the camp is closed for some flood damage repair," warns Robert C. about Bu-Shay Campground.
Variable water conditions: Water availability changes throughout the year at Stony Gorge Reservoir - USBR. "It has lots of vault toilets and trash cans, but there is no running water," notes Cat C.
Weekend crowds: Several horse campgrounds near Mendocino National Forest experience significant weekend traffic. "Every Friday and/or Saturday over the years has been disrupted by people yelling and/or blasting music, running dogs off leash," reports Angela about Oak Flat Campground.
Playground access: Some campgrounds include recreational structures for children. "Our young kids had a great time playing on the playground which was an unexpected bonus," shares Joshua H. about Bu-Shay Campground.
Beach proximity: Surveyor Campground provides access to multiple outdoor activities. "What a sweet surprise after spending an hour on an unimproved wash board road. This is an ideal Campground for those with OHV's," notes Ann N.
Wildlife education: Many equestrian camping areas near Mendocino National Forest feature interpretive signs. "My family has been camping here for the past 30+ years and it is always a memorable experience," reports Christina H. about Russian Gulch State Park Campground.
Dump station costs: Budget for additional fees at some campgrounds. "The dump station has a mandatory fee of $10. You pay with a credit card. When payment is approved, the cap to the dump hole unlocks," reports Mea H. about Mackerricher State Park.
Level sites: Rolling Hills Casino Truck Lot provides reliable parking surfaces. "Level pull-thru sites, full hook-ups. $40, well worth the price when temps are 90+ and need your a/c," notes Mary S.
Limited big rig access: Many equestrian camping locations near Mendocino National Forest have size restrictions. "We always manage to level out in our 23" Winnebago View. There is lots of open space so no crowding," explains Jorg F. about Cowboy Camp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Mendocino National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Mendocino National Forest is Oak Flat Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Mendocino National Forest?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Mendocino National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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