Middle Creek Campground
4.0331 reviewsLocated 8 miles north of Upper Lake on County Road 301 (Forest Road M-1).
Middle Creek Campground
$8.00 - $12.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$8.00
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
Single site overnight use costs $8 per night. An additional vehicle costs $2 per night, with a limit of two vehicles per site. Double sites are available for $12 per night. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount on single sites.
About this campground
Nestled alongside the gentle waters of Middle Creek, this intimate campground serves as a gateway to adventure for off-highway vehicle enthusiasts and equestrian explorers. The partially shaded grounds offer a perfect balance of sun and shelter, creating an ideal basecamp for those seeking thrilling trail rides through Mendocino National Forest. While amenities remain refreshingly simple, the campground's direct access to extensive OHV trails and proximity to the creek make it a beloved destination for riders who prefer authentic outdoor experiences over resort-style camping.
Middle Creek Campground is geared toward OHV enthusiasts and RV users but does not provide full RV hookups or amenities like showers. There are 22 combined sites with tables and grilles available at each. Tent and trailer camping are supported.
Historical SignificanceThe surrounding landscape tells a powerful story of nature's resilience and renewal. Evidence of past wildfires remains visible throughout the area, where blackened tree trunks stand as monuments to the forest's history. Yet amid these reminders, vibrant new growth emerges—young trees stretching skyward, native grasses reclaiming the forest floor, and wildlife returning to restored habitats. This ongoing transformation offers campers a unique opportunity to witness the forest's remarkable ability to heal and regenerate, making each visit a chance to observe nature's ever-changing canvas.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of California's inland climate at Middle Creek, where each season brings its own rewards. Winter arrives with crisp, dry air punctuated by occasional rain showers and rare dustings of snow that transform the landscape into a quiet wonderland. As spring unfolds, comfortable temperatures and blooming wildflowers create perfect conditions for extended trail rides. Summer brings brilliant blue skies and warm-to-hot days ideal for early morning adventures and lazy afternoon creek-side relaxation. Fall returns with golden light and moderate temperatures, offering perhaps the most spectacular camping conditions of the year.
ElevationPerched at 1,518 feet above sea level in the heart of Mendocino National Forest, Middle Creek Campground occupies a sweet spot where mountain air meets accessible terrain. This moderate elevation provides comfortable temperatures for most of the year while keeping you connected to the dramatic topography that makes this region a paradise for outdoor recreation. The altitude offers just enough elevation to escape the valley heat without the challenges of high-mountain camping.
Natural Features and SceneryMiddle Creek Campground unfolds across a picturesque meadow-like setting where native California trees create natural gathering spaces and shaded retreats. Majestic valley oaks spread their gnarled branches overhead, while gray pines add their distinctive silhouettes to the skyline, and scattered walnuts provide seasonal beauty. The namesake Middle Creek winds alongside the campground, its babbling waters providing a soothing soundtrack to your stay. Throughout the surrounding forest, the interplay of fire-scarred veterans and emerging young growth creates a dynamic landscape that changes with each season, offering photographers and nature lovers endless opportunities for discovery.
Geological RegionSet within the rugged beauty of Mendocino National Forest, Middle Creek Campground occupies a unique ecological niche where water, forest, and meadow converge. The campground's location along Middle Creek has created a diverse habitat supporting an impressive variety of native trees—from the drought-adapted gray pines that thrive on sunny slopes to the water-loving walnuts that cluster near the creek. This partially open, field-like terrain provides expansive views of the surrounding forest while maintaining pockets of shade beneath mature oaks, creating an inviting landscape that perfectly balances accessibility with natural beauty.
Campsite details
AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly vault toilets are available. The facility is not recommended for ambulatory disabled individuals due to tripping hazards and erosion around pavement.
Sites SizeSites include pull-through parking options, suitable for RVs and trailers.
Sites PrivacySites provide some degree of privacy but may experience disturbances due to nearby OHV activities and other campers walking through sites.
Total Campsites22 campsites
Recommended CampsitesNo specific recommendations for individual sites provided.
Best CampsitesNo specific campsite numbers highlighted as best.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 14 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Limit of two vehicles per site. No specific guest limit mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layout22 campsites, all equipped with tables and grills. Parking aprons are paved; 12 sites are pull-throughs with parallel parking to the interior road.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservation platforms available; first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served. Weekends tend to be busier, especially for OHV users.
Cancellation PolicyNo reservations are accepted. Sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Middle Creek Campground is an OHV-centric site featuring 60 miles of trails for trail riding and dirt biking. Horseback riding opportunities are also available. However, there are limited recreational activities beyond these, and no water-related sports or fishing.
Hiking
The campground is surrounded by OHV trails, offering abundant hiking opportunities. Difficulty levels are varied, according to user reviews.Biking
The campground is popular among dirt bikers due to its proximity to OHV trails. User reviews describe trails of varying difficulty levels.Winter Activities
Winter activities are limited, although user reviews indicate that the campground can be quiet during colder months when OHV activities are restricted.Water Sports
NoneCampground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed following posted guidelines.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential tripping hazards due to erosion around pavement. Tunneling varmints may create holes and collapsed dens around the campground. Wildlife includes frogs, tadpoles, and feral cats.
Active alertsNo active alerts at the time of review.
Weather forecast
88
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 29%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 7.9 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
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
Rangers and Law Enforcement based within Mendocino National Forest. Closest town for emergency services is Upper Lake, 8 miles south.
Good to know
Peak season datesNot specified; campground open all year.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are present but inconsistently maintained. Users report overflowing dumpsters during warmer months.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Middle Creek.
Common complaintsUser complaints include garbage overflow, rule violations (motorbikes operating in the campground), lack of enforcement by camp hosts, and disruptive campers with barking dogs and generators.
HostCamp hosts have been described as helpful and knowledgeable during certain periods; however, some users report issues with host turnover and lack of support for hosts from local management.
Campground Map
Located 8 miles north of Upper Lake on County Road 301 (Forest Road M-1).
Driving directionsIn Upper Lake, CA, at intersection of State Rt. 20 and Main St., take Main St. north 0.2 miles to 2nd St. Turn right on 2nd St. and go 0.1 miles to first left (Middle Creek Rd.). Turn left and go 0.4 miles to Elk Mountain Rd. Turn right (north) onto Elk Mountain Rd. and go 7.7 miles to campground on right.
Accessible via Elk Mountain Road (County Road 301). Roads are paved up to the campground, although some sections are uneven due to erosion around the pavement. Obey all posted signs and do not drive around barriers or locked gates.Nearby places
Upper Lake: 8 miles (~15 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Closest town for groceries and supplies is Upper Lake, 8 miles south. Recommended stops include the deli and pizza place in Upper Lake.
Camper Reviews
4.0
31 reviews
Middle Creek Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Mixed reviews highlight the campground's suitability for OHV enthusiasts but note significant drawbacks, such as trash maintenance, noise disturbances, and rule enforcement issues.
Review Summaries
Based on 31 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive feedback includes close access to OHV trails, spacious campsites, and affordable rates. "Little slice of heaven... Right on the large creek, down in the valley. Very peaceful," noted one...
Based on 31 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common issues include trash overflow, noise disturbances from ATVs and other campers, feral animals, and poor rule enforcement. "Fair amount of garbage strewn about the campground...groups of people...
Based on 31 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Call ahead to confirm trail conditions, as closures can occur after heavy rains. Campsites are more peaceful during weekdays.
Based on 31 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Weekends are busy and noisy due to OHV activity, but the campground is quieter during weekdays and the off-season winter months.
Based on 31 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. "This place is kind of a dump. The bathrooms were disgusting." 2. "My family and I absolutely LOVE this place for camping, hiking, trail riding dirt bikes." 3. "Great site, had firewood delivered...
Based on 31 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific reviews indicate that pull-through sites are more suited for larger RVs and trailers. Vault toilets receive mixed feedback.
Based on 31 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features are limited, with vault toilets labeled as wheelchair-friendly. However, erosion and uneven pavement pose tripping risks.
Based on 31 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but some users report that campers often fail to leash their pets.
Based on 31 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025