Lower Nye Campground
02 reviewsLower Nye Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / 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
"No fees are required for this site."
About this campground
Nestled deep within the Mendocino National Forest, Lower Nye Campground offers an authentic wilderness experience for those seeking solitude and raw natural beauty. This dispersed camping area captivates visitors with its expansive meadow stretching beneath ancient oaks, where camper Charley once described discovering 'a beautiful campground with a large open meadow in front and a very primitive road that goes through into a shady stand of oaks.' True to its backcountry nature, Lower Nye provides no formal amenities—no tables, fire rings, or potable water—just pure, undeveloped wilderness. Please note: The campground remains closed following damage from the devastating 2018 Ranch Fire and 2020 August Complex, as forest officials work to ensure visitor safety.
Lower Nye Campground is a dispersed camping area with no structured or developed sites. It is suitable for primitive camping.
Historical SignificanceLower Nye has served as more than just a camping destination—it's been a crucial staging ground for those who protect these forests. In 2017, brave firefighters established their base camp here while battling the lightning-sparked Skeleton Fire that threatened nearby Thistle Glade Creek. This remote outpost has witnessed both the forest's vulnerability and the dedication of those who safeguard it.
Weather and Seasonsnull
Elevationnull
Natural Features and SceneryPicture yourself standing at the edge of a sweeping meadow, where tall grasses dance in the mountain breeze and wildflowers paint the landscape in seasonal hues. Behind this natural amphitheater, a grove of stately oaks provides cool shade and shelter, their gnarled branches creating a living canopy overhead. The campground's dramatic backdrop features a steep ravine carved by time, where a creek murmurs its ancient song as it tumbles over rocks below—a constant reminder of the powerful forces that shaped this rugged terrain.
Geological RegionThis remarkable landscape showcases nature's artistry through contrasting terrains—from the gentle, rolling meadow that welcomes visitors to the dramatic ravine that marks the boundary between sun-drenched openness and shadowy oak forest. The creek cutting through the steep ravine tells a geological story millions of years in the making, its persistent flow carving deeper into the earth with each passing season, creating the dramatic topography that makes Lower Nye such a memorable destination.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThere is no information available about accessibility features for campers with disabilities.
Sites SizeThe campground appears to have ample open space according to user reviews.
Sites PrivacyUser reviews suggest it is a spacious area, but no specific mention of privacy features is made.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended Campsites"Northern route recommended for accessing the site due to better road conditions."
Best Campsitesnull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 p.m.
Check-out
11:00 a.m.
Stay Limit
Null
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Groups
There is no information available about designated group camping sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutnull
Open and Closed Seasonnull
Reservation Platformsnull
Walk-in Availability"Dispersed camping sites available only. Walk-up option is possible."
Cancellation Policynull
Activities you can enjoy
Activities at Lower Nye Campground are limited but include opportunities for hiking and backpacking. The area is suited for nature enthusiasts who prefer a more primitive experience.
Hiking
Hiking and backpacking are available as recreational activities. No specific trail details are provided.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned in the sources.Water Sports
There is no mention of water sports such as kayaking or canoeing.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
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- Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Hazards
General hazards"Not accessible when creek is too high to ford. No potable water is available, and no bathrooms."
Active alerts"Closed due to safety hazards from the 2018 Ranch Fire and 2020 August Complex."
Weather forecast
90
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 26%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 8.4 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
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Daily & Hourly Insights
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Temperature Trends
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Precipitation Trends
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Weather Summaries
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingThere is no information available about trash and recycling facilities at Lower Nye Campground.
Proximity to water features"A nearby creek runs down a steep ravine on the edge of the campground."
Common complaints"Rough road conditions, particularly southbound on M3 towards Upper Lake, CA. No water or amenities available."
Hostnull
Campground Map
Driving directions"Lat - 39° 26' 35.2932", Long - 122° 49' 29.251199"
"The road is windy and gets a little rough right north of Lower Nye Campground, but we left and went south down the M3 to Upper Lake, CA, and the road was much worse. You have to drive through 3 creeks and there was much more washed-out road to slowly crawl through. I recommend the northern route if you're choosing between the two."Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
Lower Nye Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally describe Lower Nye Campground as a primitive, remote camping area. The feedback highlights both the rugged beauty and the challenges of accessibility.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
Users describe the campground as 'a beautiful campground with a large open meadow in front' and 'a shady stand of oaks,' creating a scenic environment. The creek adds to the natural beauty of the...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Accessibility is a major concern, with users noting the rough roads, especially the southern approach: 'The road is windy and gets a little rough right North of Lower Nye Campground, but we left and...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
One user suggests taking the northern route when accessing the campground, as the southern approach is significantly worse and involves navigating washed-out sections and creek crossings.
Based on 2 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Season-specific trends are not mentioned in the reviews provided.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'It's a beautiful campground with a large open meadow in front and a very primitive road that goes through into a shady stand of oaks.' 2. 'You have to drive through 3 creeks and there was much...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific site reviews are available; comments address the general campground area.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
There are no reviews that specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No information about pet policies or pet-related experiences is mentioned.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025