Navy Camp Campground
02 reviewsNavy Camp Campground
$16.00 - $16.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$16.00
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
Camp fee is $16 per unit, with additional fees for vehicles ($3/night) and pets ($1 per pet/night).
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About this campground
Discover a hidden gem where tranquility meets adventure at this secluded campground nestled alongside the Gravelly Valley airstrip in the heart of Mendocino National Forest. Tucked peacefully between Oak Flat and Pogie Point campgrounds, this single-loop retreat offers a refreshing escape from the crowds that flock to Lake Pillsbury's more popular spots. Here, sun-drenched campsites bask beneath the protective canopy of majestic California oaks, creating an intimate outdoor experience where the only sounds you'll hear are rustling leaves and distant birdsong.
Navy Camp Campground offers traditional camping accommodations with combined sites suitable for tents or small vehicles.
ElevationPerched at a comfortable 1,800 feet above sea level, the campground enjoys a perfect balance of mountain freshness and accessibility, where crisp mornings give way to warm, golden afternoons ideal for outdoor adventures.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a serene landscape where ancient California oaks stand as gentle sentinels, their gnarled branches creating natural umbrellas of dappled shade across sun-kissed campsites. This peaceful haven offers the perfect vantage point to explore the magnificent Lake Pillsbury, whose 2,280 acres of pristine waters sparkle invitingly just beyond the treeline. The harmonious blend of woodland tranquility and lakeside proximity creates an enchanting backdrop for unforgettable camping memories.
Geological RegionSet within the sprawling wilderness of Mendocino National Forest, this unique campground offers the rare combination of backcountry solitude with the fascinating proximity to Gravelly Valley Airstrip, where adventure literally takes flight against a backdrop of rolling hills and endless California skies.
Campsite details
AccessibilityVault toilets at the campground are wheelchair-friendly. No other specific accessibility features are noted.
Sites SizeThe campsites offer paved parking aprons with no further size specifications provided.
Sites PrivacyThe campsites are described as open and sunny with limited shade from scattered California oaks, suggesting low privacy levels.
Total Campsites20 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 days.
Groups
No designated group camping sites are available at this campground.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layout"Campground features a single loop with 20 campsites."
Open and Closed SeasonOpen mid-April through mid-September. Closed outside this window.
Reservation Platforms"No reservations allowed."
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability only. No reservations allowed.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Activities at Navy Camp Campground are centered around water-based and outdoor recreational opportunities. According to authoritative sources, visitors can enjoy fishing, boating (both motorized and non-motorized), and hiking. Hunting opportunities are also available.
Hiking
The Lakeshore trail, a 4-mile path accessible for both foot traffic and horses, is available near Pillsbury Lake.Fishing
Fishing at the nearby Pillsbury Lake includes bass and trout species.Boating
Both motorized and non-motorized boating activities are supported at Pillsbury Lake. However, there is no on-site boat ramp at Navy Camp.Winter Activities
Winter recreation activities are not mentioned in the authoritative source or in user reviews.Water Sports
Water sports activities such as power boating are supported, but there is no access to kayaking or rafting.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
Hazards
Weather forecast
97
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 22%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 9.9 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
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Temperature Trends
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Precipitation Trends
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Weather Summaries
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Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned in the sources provided.
Proximity to water featuresClose proximity to Lake Pillsbury, offering fishing opportunities (bass and trout) as well as power boating and non-motorized boating.
Campground Map
Driving directionsIn Upper Lake, CA, at the intersection of State Rt. 20 and Main St., take Main St. 0.9 miles to Elk Mountain Rd. (a.k.a. County Rt. 301 and Forest Rt. M1). Turn left onto Elk Mountain Rd and go 27.1 miles to a 'T' intersection. Turn right, staying on Forest Rt. M1, and go 3.8 miles to campground on left.
"6 miles north of Ukiah on US 101, 5 miles east on California Highway 20, 26 miles northwest on County Road 240 (Potter Valley-Lake Pillsbury Road). Also, accessible through Upper Lake traveling 31 miles north on County Road 301 (Forest Road M-1)." The parking aprons are paved, according to the RV site data.Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
Navy Camp Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews suggest that Navy Camp Campground is generally quiet and less crowded compared to other campgrounds around Pillsbury Lake. However, one review mentions that the campground may be closed during specific seasons.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviews highlight the campground's quiet environment and open campsites.
Based on 2 reviewsCommon Concerns
Limited facilities such as the absence of potable water, showers, and flush toilets are common issues noted.
Based on 2 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors should plan ahead by bringing potable water and all necessary resources due to the limited amenities available at the site.
Based on 2 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is open seasonally from mid-April through mid-September. User reviews suggest that some facilities may be closed during the off-season.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'The campground Navy is closed right now for the season but oak flat is open $5 a night come on up there's a little blanket of snow but don't let that stop you.' - Judy Wells
2. 'Named so because...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific reviews addressing individual campsites are available.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
One accessible feature noted in authoritative sources is wheelchair-friendly vault toilets, but reviews do not expand on accessibility.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed for a fee of $1 per day. However, user reviews do not explicitly address pet-owner experiences.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025