Mill Valley Campground
01 reviewMill Valley Campground
$5.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
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
The fee is $10 per night during peak season (May–September) and $5 during the off-season. An Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Pass provides a 50% discount for single campsites occupied by the passholder.
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About this campground
Nestled just a mile north of the popular Letts Lake, Mill Valley Campground offers a peaceful retreat among towering Ponderosa pines and fragrant conifers. This hidden gem serves as a quieter alternative when Letts Lake reaches capacity, featuring a simple yet charming single-loop design that winds through a cathedral of forest shade. Fresh from recent renovations that brought new picnic tables, fire rings, and protective barriers, the campground welcomes both traditional campers and off-highway vehicle enthusiasts who can access miles of thrilling OHV trails right from their campsite.
Mill Valley Campground offers 15 combined sites that cater to both tent camping and group camping. The campground can accommodate medium-sized trailers but does not provide RV pull-through sites, sewer hookups, or electric hookups.
Weather and SeasonsMill Valley transforms with the seasons, offering distinct experiences throughout the year. Summer brings warm, sun-drenched days perfect for exploration, with temperatures climbing into the pleasant mid-80s to low-90s from June through August. As autumn arrives, the forest becomes a tapestry of changing colors, though rain showers and cooler temperatures remind visitors to pack layers. Winter wraps the campground in a blanket of quiet solitude, with freezing temperatures and occasional snow creating a wonderland for the hardy few. Spring emerges with wildflowers and moderate temperatures, though unpredictable weather keeps campers on their toes.
ElevationPerched at 4,200 feet above sea level, Mill Valley Campground offers a refreshing mountain escape where the air is crisp and pine-scented. This elevation provides welcome relief from valley heat during summer months, though visitors should come prepared for dramatically cooler temperatures as the sun sets behind the peaks. The altitude brings crystal-clear nights perfect for stargazing, but also means winter arrives early and lingers late in this mountain sanctuary.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard where majestic Ponderosa pines stretch skyward, their vanilla-scented bark and sprawling branches creating a natural cathedral overhead. Mixed conifers and vibrant manzanita bushes paint the understory with varied textures and colors, while dappled sunlight filters through the canopy to dance across the forest floor. A nearby marshy area adds to the ecosystem's diversity, attracting various wildlife and, admittedly, some insects during warmer months – a small price to pay for this slice of wilderness paradise.
Geological RegionMill Valley Campground sits within the heart of Mendocino National Forest, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of rolling hills and volcanic remnants. At 4,200 feet elevation, the campground occupies a sweet spot where mature Ponderosa pines thrive alongside hardy conifers and resilient manzanita. This unique ecosystem, shaped by millions of years of geological activity and positioned near the tranquil waters of Letts Lake, creates a diverse habitat that showcases the rugged beauty of Northern California's lesser-known wilderness areas.
Campsite details
AccessibilityVault toilets at the campground are wheelchair accessible. No further specific information about accessibility features was provided.
Sites SizeThe campground contains 15 combined sites, each equipped with picnic tables and fire rings.
Sites PrivacyThe campsites are closely spaced, providing little privacy due to the lack of understory vegetation. However, there is ample shade from mature Ponderosa pines and other conifers.
Total Campsites15 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
14 days maximum
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSingle loop design with well-shaded campsites.
Open and Closed SeasonMay 15 through November 30 (weather dependent)
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability only; no reservations.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Mill Valley Campground is primarily focused on OHV (Off-Highway Vehicle) activities, with an OHV trail leading directly in and out of the area. Hiking opportunities are limited to the nearby Lower Letts Fire Road, suitable for high-clearance vehicles. No water-based or other recreational activities are available.
Hiking
The Lower Letts Fire Road (17N12) offers hiking opportunities, primarily suited for high-clearance vehicles. The trails appear to cater mainly to off-highway vehicle enthusiasts rather than general hikers.Winter Activities
No specific details about winter activities are provided, but the campground is open year-round and operates seasonally depending on weather conditions.Water Sports
The campground does not support non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted within the designated fire rings provided on-site.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM – 6:00 AM
Hazards
General hazardsSeasonal hazards include potential insect presence due to the marshy area. Road access may be challenging during heavy storms, as sections can become impassable.
Active alertsThe slide above Fouts Springs has been temporarily repaired and is passable with a lightweight 4WD vehicle but could slide again after heavy storms.
Weather forecast
88
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 28%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 0.9 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
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Daily & Hourly Insights
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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
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
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Good to know
Peak season datesMay–September
Trash and recyclingThere is no trash service during the off-season. Campers are encouraged to pack out what they bring to maintain the cleanliness of the campground.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located 1 mile north of Letts Lake.
Common complaintsUser reviews indicate that privacy between campsites is limited due to close proximity and sparse understory.
Campground Map
Driving directionsDrive west from Stonyford, CA, for 14.2 miles along Fouts Springs Rd. (Forest Service Rt. M10). At the 'Y' intersection, bear left onto FS17N02 and continue for 1.4 miles. At the next 'Y' intersection, bear left again and drive 0.2 miles to the campground. Please note: most of the access route is single lane, with the last 4.5 miles being dirt and gravel.
The access route includes single-lane roads with the last 4.5 miles on dirt and gravel terrain. This may pose challenges during inclement weather or for low-clearance vehicles.Nearby places
Stonyford (17 miles)
Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Mill Valley Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the peaceful setting of the Mill Valley Campground and the availability of shade from mature trees as significant positives. However, some users note the lack of privacy due to closely spaced campsites.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
"Two quiet and wonderful days and nights" and "lots of great views and guard-rail-free hairpin turns" during the drive to the campground were among the highlights mentioned in user reviews.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
No specific complaints were noted from the reviews provided, but the lack of potable water and trash services during the off-season may be a concern for campers.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers should bring their own drinking water and insect repellent due to the marshy area nearby. Be cautious on the challenging and narrow dirt and gravel roads leading to the site.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground operates with services from May 15 through November 30, yet it is open year-round. Users should note that during the off-season, there is no potable water or trash service.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
"My daughter and I camped here for two nights... These were two quiet and wonderful days and nights."
Based on 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
No specific campsites have been singled out as the best or worst. The campground includes 15 combined sites.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
Vault toilets are wheelchair accessible, and no other specific accessibility reviews are available.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically mention pet policies or pet-related experiences.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025