The Blue Mountains surrounding Ukiah sit at elevations between 4,300 and 7,000 feet, creating distinct seasonal camping conditions with cooler temperatures than nearby lowlands. This remote region experiences less crowding than other Oregon camping destinations, even during peak summer months. Campsites near Ukiah range from basic forest service campgrounds to developed sites with limited amenities.
What to do
Fishing in Camas Creek: Ukiah-Dale Forest State Scenic Corridor offers fishing opportunities along Camas Creek. "Right on Camas Creek. Lovely," notes camper Dani K. The creek maintains "a decent flow but it is mid summer and slowing down" according to another visitor.
Mountain biking at Anthony Lakes: Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort Campground transforms in summer when "the ski lift becomes a mountain biking lift" on weekends. "There are hiking trails, and of course lakes. The lakes themselves are pretty small, but big enough for some kayak adventuring and swimming," explains Raphaela H.
Historic exploration: The region offers opportunities to explore mining history. "On the way through the mountains, there's plenty of gold mining history, a historical dredge, and some ghost towns to stop by," notes a visitor to Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort Campground.
Therapeutic soaking: Grande Hot Springs RV Resort features natural mineral pools for relaxation. "The soaking pools were amazing. They even had a twilight soak. Very peaceful and relaxing campground," shares Cheryl S. The resort allows soaking until 11 PM.
What campers like
Quiet, uncrowded settings: Campsites around Ukiah offer seclusion, especially midweek. At Ukiah-Dale Forest State Scenic Corridor, one visitor reported, "We had the place to ourselves in early May." Another noted it's "a nice little wayside" with well-spaced sites.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The area provides chances to observe local wildlife. At Grande Hot Springs RV Resort, a visitor shared their experience: "Nature trail along the creek was cool. Saw huge bull frogs, tadpoles, and fish. Also saw mule deer."
Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain clean restrooms despite remote locations. At Spring Creek Campground, a visitor noted, "Vault toilet was very clean." Similarly, at Spring Creek Campground, a camper appreciated the "pit toilet(1) and clean" facilities.
Winter accessibility: Some campgrounds remain accessible year-round. "It's plowed in the winter. There wasn't much snow here on January 5-6th, 2025," reports Jacob D. about Spring Creek Campground, making it suitable for off-season yurt camping near Ukiah, Oregon.
What you should know
Limited supplies: The Ukiah area has minimal services. "Ukiah is nearby, but has very minimal supplies. If you head into these areas have water, a full tank of gas and all your supplies already on board," advises Jill R. from Spool Cart Campground.
Highway noise: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise. At Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area, several campers mention highway sounds: "The road noise is extreme; very loud" and "The noise was very loud and traffic did not slow down at night."
Cell service variability: Connectivity varies significantly by location. At Spring Creek Campground, a visitor noted, "Verizon was 2 bars, 4g but slow. Wifiranger with AT&T was very fast." Another campground reported "cell service is sporty from 3 bars to none."
Seasonal pests: Insects can be problematic during certain periods. One camper at Ukiah-Dale noted, "I did not have a mosquito problem but black jackets and hornets were present." Another campground visitor warned about leeches in some water bodies.
Tips for camping with families
Yurt options for families: Several campgrounds offer yurt accommodations as alternatives to tent camping. At Wildhorse Casino, families appreciate amenities like "clean pool and hot tub. Showers and bathrooms very clean and a laundry room, too!"
Campground activities: Look for sites with built-in recreation. "We paddled on the lake, hiked around it, drove up to the top of the ski area for the view and part of our group hiked down from there," shares a visitor about Anthony Lakes Campground.
Wildlife education: Use wildlife sightings as learning opportunities. One camper at Emigrant Springs noted, "The Jr rangers program for the children was wonderful and hands on" and "The park rangers were so nice. They had informed classes about animals in the forest."
Water safety considerations: Not all water bodies are suitable for swimming. At Penland Lake, a visitor cautioned, "Unfortunately, when we got out of the water we found leeches attached to our feet. So I would say this water isn't really meant for swimming and more for fishing and boating/floating."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: Choose campgrounds that accommodate your rig size. At Anthony Lakes Campground, one RVer noted, "We were able to drive through the campground with the 27' trailer we had rented but none of the spaces would have accommodated us (that we could see)."
Hookup availability: Willow Creek RV Park and other locations offer various hookup options. At Grande Hot Springs, RVers appreciate "many full hookup pull through sites" that provide convenience for larger vehicles.
Level parking considerations: Some areas offer better parking than others. At Spring Creek Campground, a visitor mentioned, "4 sites only! Pit toilet(1) and clean. No trash pick up. Every site has a picnic table and a fire pit."
Off-season accessibility: RVers seeking yurt camping near Ukiah in winter should note that Grande Hot Springs operates year-round, while Spring Creek Campground reports, "Cozy, small campground far enough from the interstate to be peaceful. 4 spots available so it fills up fast."
