Hammerhorn Campground

Star0
2 reviews
Hammerhorn Campground
$8.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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

'Overnight Use: Single Site: $8/night.'
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About this campground

Currently closed following the devastating 2018 Ranch Fire and 2020 August Complex Fire, this resilient campground awaits its eventual reopening amid a landscape of renewal. When accessible, visitors will find a spacious trailer pull-through site nestled within a recovering forest ecosystem. The unpaved site offers a genuine back-to-nature experience, surrounded by towering conifers and firs that have long called this area home, interspersed with hardy deciduous trees and vibrant understory bushes that speak to nature's remarkable ability to regenerate.
Hammerhorn Campground is suited for basic tent camping and RV setups. It has nine sites and features a trailer pull-through site.
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits within a captivating tapestry of natural beauty, where majestic coniferous and fir trees create a towering canopy overhead. These evergreen giants share the landscape with smaller deciduous trees that paint the forest with seasonal colors, while native bushes and shrubs form a diverse understory. This rich forest ecosystem provides a sanctuary for wildlife and offers visitors an authentic wilderness experience, showcasing the remarkable resilience of California's forests as they recover and thrive following natural disturbances.
Geological RegionThis enchanting location features a predominantly coniferous and fir forest ecosystem, characteristic of California's mountain regions. The geological landscape supports a diverse mix of evergreen giants alongside smaller deciduous trees and flourishing bushes, creating multiple forest layers that define the area's unique ecological character. This varied vegetation reflects the region's geological foundation and climate patterns, offering visitors a glimpse into the complex interplay between earth and forest.

Campsite details

AccessibilityThe campground has one accessible site and bathroom, and progress on an accessible trail around the lake is approximately 40% complete.
Sites SizeNo specific description of campsite sizes is available, but there are nine sites in total.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels between campsites are not discussed in the source material.
Total Campsites9 campsites

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 p.m.
Check-out
11:00 a.m.
Groups
There is no mention of group camping sites or their capacity.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed

Open and Closed SeasonCampground closed due to damage from 2018 Ranch and 202 August Complex Fires

Amenities available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Hammerhorn Campground is noted for its proximity to the lake and surrounding forest, enabling activities such as non-motorized boating and hunting. Official sources mention fishing opportunities, although "fishing unavailable due to low water levels." User reviews highlight the remote and adventurous location, with one reviewer calling it "very remote campground in the Mendocino Nat'l Forest."
Fishing
Fishing is technically possible, but "fishing unavailable due to low water levels."
Boating
Non-motorized boating is listed as an activity, though specific details about equipment or facilities are missing.
Winter Activities
No winter recreation activities are specified.
Water Sports
Non-motorized boating is highlighted as a water-based activity.

Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed
  • Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.

Hazards


Weather forecast

90
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Humidity: 18%

Very dry conditions, stay hydrated

Wind: 7.6 mph

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Partly cloudy
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Good to know

Trash and recyclingNo information about trash or recycling facilities is provided.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground sits a short distance above the lake. The accessible trail around the lake is about 40% complete. There is a five-acre lake for trout fishing.

Campground Map

Driving directionsHighway 101 - 12 miles north of Willits, California turn right on Highway 162 to Covelo. One and one half mile north of Covelo turn right on Highway 162 East, go 11 miles to Eel River Work Center. Located 18 miles north of Eel River Work Center via Road M1 (Indian Dick Road).
"Going up the mountain up the rocky Old Logging Road was quite the adventure I would highly suggest an SUV and make sure you have a really good tires and try to avoid the sharp rocks but otherwise it's pretty smooth sailing run about 10 to 15 miles an hour most of the way on the rocky road just before you get to the campsite but the ride is amazing and it's well worth it.
Nearby places
City 36

Camper Reviews

0.0
2 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Hammerhorn Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews emphasize the remote and rugged nature of Hammerhorn Campground. One user described it as "going up the mountain up the rocky Old Logging Road was quite the adventure," highlighting the challenging access road and scenic experience. Another stated, "Very remote campground in the Mendocino Nat'l Forest," noting the thick forest and nearby lake.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive feedback includes the remote and scenic nature of the campground: "The ride is amazing and it's well worth it."
Based on 2 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints primarily revolve around lack of amenities, with one user mentioning, "Water and vaulted toilets." Additionally, the rocky access road may deter some campers.
Based on 2 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing an SUV with good tires due to the rocky road and being prepared for the lack of potable water.
Based on 2 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews do not provide sufficient detail to analyze seasonal trends.
Based on 2 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Going up the mountain up the rocky Old Logging Road was quite the adventure... make sure you have really good tires." - Darryl Davidson 2. "Very remote campground in the Mendocino Nat'l Forest....
Show more
Based on 2 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Users do not provide feedback specific to particular campsites.
Based on 2 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are noted, including one accessible site and bathroom as well as progress on an accessible trail around the lake.
Based on 2 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

There are no reviews addressing pet policies or pet-friendly features.
Based on 2 reviews

Last updated August 10, 2025

Campgrounds
Mendocino National Forest
Hammerhorn Campground