The Mendocino National Forest camping areas near Stonyford, California range in elevation from 1,000 to over 7,000 feet, creating diverse microclimates throughout the region. Summer daytime temperatures at lower elevations frequently exceed 90°F while dropping to the 40s at night in higher altitude camping spots. Most forest roads accessing remote sites aren't maintained during winter months, typically closing from November through April due to snow and muddy conditions.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Letts Lake Campground, anglers target bass and trout in a motor-free environment. "This lake is amazing for Bass fishing!! There are only a few sites on the water, definitely get there early. All First come, first serve. We seen the sheriff patrol at least once a day here," notes Susan R.
Hiking trails: Access the Snow Mountain Wilderness area for day hikes with elevation gains of 500-2,000 feet depending on route selection. A camper at Snow Mountain Wilderness reports, "Easy to reach, great in beauty backpacking trip. Wildflowers are plentiful in the spring... Have seen eagles in the canyon everytime I have hiked in."
Off-highway vehicle recreation: The forest contains over 200 miles of designated OHV trails. According to a visitor at Little Stony, "Just a short drive from the main road into the Mendocino National Forest. You don't need four-wheel-drive to get here. Clean camping that's paved as well there nice stream next to the campground full of turtles, crawfish and ducks. Be aware that this campground is mainly used by dirtbike riders but not much of a bother."
What campers like
Lake access: Many campers value waterfront locations for swimming during hot summer days. A visitor to East Park Reservoir shares, "The first time was memorial day in 2019, and we had a great spot right on the water. We took our canoe and were able to launch from our site. So ideal. It was relatively quiet, and nobody immediately near us. Amazing sunsets."
Wildlife viewing: The forest areas contain diverse species including eagles, turtles, and various small mammals. At North Fork Campground, one camper notes, "If you drive past all the OHV-filled camps, you'll eventually get to this little gem. No water or trash (though you have both at the sites back down the road), but the location is so perfect - you can hear the creek rushing, and the big groups are too far away to be bothersome."
Seclusion options: For those seeking quiet camping spots near Stonyford, several areas offer more isolated sites away from busier locations. A visitor to Lakeview Dispersed Campground explains, "There were only one other person here when I was. They got the prime spot, early bird and all. Very nice view. You have to drive up to right as you enter and then turn toward the lake to find the really nice spots. You can't see them from the main area."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to many camping areas requires driving on unmaintained forest roads that can be challenging. According to a camper at Old Mill, "Follow the M5 route from M10 coming from Stonyford. Don't rely on Google maps or you'll spend hours trying to reroute after trying to drive up a ATV trail. Beautiful single lane dirt road up the mountain once on M5, steep drop offs. Dusty with mild bumps and some wash boarding."
Seasonal considerations: Campground facilities and road access change dramatically between seasons. A Letts Lake camper reports, "During summer months the area gets fairly warm. During off-season camping, I experienced temperatures between 26-34 F. Although it was a chilly camping experience, it was one I won't soon forget!"
Limited services: Most camping options lack basic amenities, requiring proper preparation. A camper at Lakeview Dispersed Campground notes, "Very beautiful and quiet, can be extremely cold at night and morning so be prepared! We did not got many bugs which was great."
Tips for camping with families
Selecting kid-friendly sites: Look for campgrounds with gentle terrain and water access for recreation. A visitor to Letts Lake Campground states, "Stayed here for 3 nights with our 2 toddlers and our dog. Lots of shade and some space between campsites. Only the lower loop of sites was open when we stayed here early April. Very dog and kid friendly."
Short hiking options: Several campgrounds feature trails appropriate for younger hikers. "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!)," notes a family who visited Letts Lake.
Swimming spots: During summer months, lake and creek swimming areas provide cooling recreation for children. "Great lake to go camping with a family. Had great swimming and a nice little hiking trail. There are only a few spots so it makes it nice," reports a Steve D. about Letts Lake.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Many forest campgrounds have limitations for larger rigs. A camper at Dixie Glade reports, "The sites were nice size, and a couple backed up to each other, making a good group site," though access routes may challenge larger vehicles.
RV length restrictions: Some camping areas accommodate larger vehicles better than others. An RVer at Gray Pine Group Campground shares, "The campground had plenty of room for everyone. The facilities were in good order and clean."
Boondocking considerations: For self-contained RVs, dispersed camping requires preparation. At Lakeview Dispersed, one RVer notes, "Not a easy campground to get to had a RV road is horrible no nearby water."
