Tent camping near Orland, California offers opportunities within the Mendocino National Forest, where elevations range from 1,500 to 7,000 feet across varied terrain. Campgrounds in this region typically remain open from late spring through fall, with most closing during winter months due to inaccessible roads and weather conditions. Water availability becomes limited during late summer and early fall when seasonal creeks dry up.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Bear Creek Campground provides access to streams where anglers can try their luck. "Found a great spot. Nice view and campsite. Clean," notes Carl in a review of Bear Creek Campground.
Wildlife observation: Backcountry exploration in Snow Mountain Wilderness often rewards campers with wildlife sightings. "Have seen eagles in the canyon everytime I have hiked in," reports MarinMaverick about Snow Mountain Wilderness, who also mentions a "resident herd of elk" in the Cache Creek Wilderness area accessible by fording the creek when water levels permit.
OHV recreation: Surveyor Campground serves as a base camp for off-highway vehicle enthusiasts. "This is an ideal Campground for those with OHV's. As you pass thru an off road vehicle area on way up to campsite," explains Ann N. about her experience at Surveyor Campground.
What campers like
Natural isolation: Howard Meadows Campground offers a secluded camping experience with natural soundscapes. "Sites are dispersed, vault toilet, no trash. Trickling creek with frogs in the evening," writes Kenny C. about Howard Meadows Campground.
Spring wildflowers: The Snow Mountain Wilderness area transforms during spring months with abundant flora. According to a camper, "Wildflowers are plentiful in the spring" and hikers can find "campsites right on Cache Creek" for primitive camping experiences.
Fishing access: Philbrook Campground attracts anglers despite its limited seasonal availability. "Great little lake. Good fishing. Rough road in," notes Mr R. about his experience at Philbrook Campground, which typically opens only during August and September.
What you should know
Access challenges: Most remote campgrounds require significant travel on rough roads. Kenny C. explains about Howard Meadows: "road in was muddy, but a capable 4x4 can handle it easily" and warns "the road back out was blocked by a tree. There is another way out, but it's a Jeep trail and definitely requires 4lo."
Limited maintenance: Some campgrounds receive minimal upkeep from forest services. At Sugarfoot Campground, Devon B. observed, "The forest service has yet to clean up all the downed trees from last year leaving 90% of the camp spots unopened. Love this beautiful camp but not many shade trees left since they are all cut down."
Insect preparation: Multiple campsites report seasonal insect activity that can impact camping comfort. At Black Rock Campground, alissa C. advises, "The mosquitoes were out in full force so bug spray is a must," particularly during late spring visits when she noted the weather was "perfect for traditional camping activities."
Tips for camping with families
Water supply planning: No running water exists at most primitive sites, requiring families to pack sufficient supplies. A camper at Black Rock notes, "The camp ground had a pit toilet and no running water," emphasizing the need to bring all necessary drinking water for the duration of your stay.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Families can enjoy nature observation at several campgrounds near Orland. Alissa C. shares that at Black Rock Campground: "We saw some salmon, deer, quail, and frogs. There was evidence of bears around our site but we didn't have any issues."
Environmental awareness: Teaching children proper outdoor ethics becomes a practical lesson at these campgrounds. Kaye S. from Black Rock Campground emphasizes, "Practicing leave no trace is so important for the safety of all animals and the preservation of our wild lands," after an unfortunate incident with improperly discarded items.
Tips from RVers
Road clearance requirements: RVers need high-clearance vehicles for most campgrounds in the area. Ann N. cautions about the route to Surveyor Campground: "Take Forrest Route N17 off of Spouts Spring Rd... an hour on an unimproved wash board road" and advises to "drive a well running car. You don't want to get stuck out here!"
Emergency preparation: Limited cell service throughout the region necessitates proper preparation. Kyle M. notes about Black Rock Campground: "There was no cell service" and Gordon C. adds that you should "Go to this camp for the quiet," highlighting its remote nature with "rarely more than one other camp used."
Stream crossing assessment: RVers must evaluate water crossings before attempting access. According to Kaye S., "The road in took about an hour and a half and I would not recommend attempting it without 4WD and high clearance. There is one stream crossing but it is minor."
