Deer Valley Campground
05 reviews.
Deer Valley Campground
$6.00 - $6.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$6.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Flat fee of $6. Vault toilets available. No potable water. No garbage service. Payment via check in the on-site drop box.
About this campground
Escape to the untamed beauty of Deer Valley Campground, where pristine forest solitude awaits in the heart of Mendocino National Forest. This rustic dry camping destination invites adventurers to disconnect from modern conveniences and reconnect with nature's raw essence. Come prepared for a true wilderness experience—bring your own water and pack out what you pack in, as this remote haven operates without potable water or garbage services.
Deer Valley Campground provides basic camping options suited for tent campers and OHV enthusiasts. It is described as a small, rustic site with six campsites.
Historical SignificanceDeer Valley Campground stands as a testament to nature's resilience, having emerged unscathed from the devastating Mendocino National Forest fires that swept through the region. This survival story adds a profound layer of meaning to every visit, as campers witness firsthand the enduring strength of the forest ecosystem and its remarkable ability to preserve these sacred camping grounds for future generations.
Weather and SeasonsExperience nature's dramatic seasonal symphony at Deer Valley, where winter transforms the landscape into a muddy, challenging wonderland that tests even seasoned campers' mettle. As the calendar turns to summer, the forest emerges in its full glory, offering crystalline skies and temperatures that range from pleasantly warm to sweltering hot. This dynamic climate creates an ever-changing backdrop for outdoor adventures, from crisp mornings perfect for hiking to balmy evenings ideal for stargazing.
Elevationnull
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a cathedral of towering trees that create a natural canopy overhead, filtering sunlight into dancing patterns across the forest floor. The campground's thoughtfully placed sites nestle among mature trees, offering generous shade and privacy. This tranquil sanctuary provides the perfect backdrop for meditation, wildlife watching, or simply savoring the symphony of rustling leaves and birdsong that defines this peaceful retreat.
Geological RegionDiscover the rugged splendor of Mendocino National Forest, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of rolling, tree-covered hills and dramatic terrain. This protected wilderness showcases Northern California's characteristic forest ecosystem, with its diverse topography creating natural amphitheaters and intimate valleys that shelter campers from the outside world while providing endless opportunities for exploration and discovery.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned in authoritative sources or user reviews.
Sites SizeUser reviews indicate the campsites are large, with one reviewer noting, 'the campsites are huge.'
Sites PrivacyNo specific information is available on the level of privacy provided by campsites.
Total Campsites6 campsites
Recommended CampsitesCampsites are large, shaded, and quiet as noted by user reviews. Dry camping environment.
Best Campsitesnull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
Null
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Groups
No designated group camping sites are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSmall campground with 6 sites located among trees.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation Platformsnull
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served payment via drop box.
Cancellation Policynull
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Deer Valley Campground offers recreational opportunities primarily focused on Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) camping and trail riding. The lack of potable water and other amenities suggests limited organized activities beyond personal exploration.
Winter Activities
No winter-specific recreational activities are mentioned.Water Sports
No water sports activities are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
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- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM until 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsSlippery mud in rainy conditions; challenging narrow roads requiring high-clearance 4WD vehicles.
Active alertsElk Mountain Road is closed due to hillslope failure after storms.
Weather forecast
87
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 28%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 12.2 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
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Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingNo garbage service is provided, and campers are expected to manage their own waste disposal.
Proximity to water featuresnull
Common complaintsLack of potable water and garbage service. Road conditions are challenging particularly after rain.
Hostnull
Campground Map
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Driving directionsLocated 12 miles north of Upper Lake on County Road 301 (Forest Road M-1), and 4 miles east on Forest Road 16N01. Please note Elk Mountain Road is closed due to hillslope failure after winter storms. Access this campground via Potter Valley (Mendocino County Rd 240 / Lake County Rd 301) or via Sam Alley (Forest Roads 16N01 and 16N30). Roads are very narrow, driveable only with high-clearance 4WD, no trailers.
Roads are very narrow and rough. Driveable only with high-clearance 4WD. No trailers are advised. 'Watch when it rains as dirt turns to slippery mud will cause problems.'Nearby places
Upper Lake, 12 miles.
Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
0.0
5 reviews
Deer Valley Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the rustic beauty of Deer Valley Campground, emphasizing its suitability for OHV enthusiasts and those seeking solitude. The lack of potable water and the challenging access road are common themes.
Review Summaries
Based on 5 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviewers appreciate the large campsites and the quiet, secluded environment. One user stated, 'it was perfect, no one else was there, the campsites are huge and, it was just beautiful.' Another user...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include the lack of potable water, garbage service, and challenging road access requiring high-clearance 4WD vehicles. One user noted, 'Watch when it rains as dirt turns to slippery mud...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing all necessary supplies, including water, and using a hardy vehicle due to the challenging road conditions. For OHV enthusiasts, the trails are highlighted as a major draw.
Based on 5 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer reviews highlight the heat and the shade provided by the trees, while spring and fall reviews emphasize the need for high-clearance vehicles due to potential mud issues. Winter experiences are...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'We came up here to go to Lower Nye Campground... doubled back and came here to Deer Valley and it was perfect.' 2. 'Simple little campsite among the trees (the shade was welcome in the heat).' 3....
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Site-Specific Reviews
One campsite is closed due to storm damage. Specific site numbers are not mentioned.
Based on 5 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features or experiences.
Based on 5 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically discuss pet policies or experiences.
Based on 5 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025