Penny Pines Campground
4.6913 reviewsPenny Pines Campground
$6.00 - $7.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$6.00
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 campsite fees are $6 per night. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Pass holders receive a 50% discount applied only to the pass holder’s campsite. Reservation fees may apply.
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About this campground
Tucked away in the heart of Mendocino National Forest, Penny Pines Campground beckons adventurers with its intimate collection of 10 tent-only sites nestled beneath a cathedral of towering Ponderosa Pines. This hidden gem has become a beloved basecamp for off-road enthusiasts, offering direct access to an extensive 135-mile OHV trail network that winds through the forest. As evening falls, campers are rewarded with sweeping western vistas that paint the sky in brilliant hues, while the gentle whisper of pine needles creates nature's perfect soundtrack for a peaceful night under the stars.
Penny Pines Campground is a primitive camping facility designed for tent campers and off-road vehicle enthusiasts. There are no RV or group camping options.
Historical SignificanceThe story of Penny Pines is one of renewal and community spirit that touches the heart. Rising from the ashes of a devastating 1960s wildfire, this campground owes its existence to the generosity of schoolchildren who collected their pennies and pocket change to help replant the scorched forest. Today, the majestic pines that shade your tent stand as living monuments to their compassion and vision. Every tree tells a story of resilience and hope, making your camping experience part of a larger narrative of environmental stewardship and community action.
Weather and SeasonsPenny Pines transforms with the seasons, each bringing its own unique charm to this mountain retreat. Winter arrives with a crystalline chill and the possibility of snow dusting the pine boughs, creating a wonderland for hardy cold-weather campers. As spring unfolds, refreshing rains awaken the forest floor while temperatures gradually warm. Summer brings the campground to life with warm days perfect for trail exploration, though the elevation ensures cool, comfortable evenings. The dry mountain air and seasonal transitions create an ever-changing backdrop that keeps each visit fresh and memorable.
ElevationPerched at 3,500 feet above sea level, Penny Pines offers a refreshing mountain escape where the air is crisp and clean. This elevation creates a natural air conditioning system during summer months, with temperatures typically running 10-15 degrees cooler than the valleys below. The generous canopy of mature pines provides dappled shade throughout the day, creating comfortable camping conditions even during the warmest afternoons while offering just enough sunlight to dry morning dew from your tent.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into an enchanted forest where Douglas firs stand shoulder-to-shoulder with majestic Ponderosa and Sugar pines, creating a living cathedral that has captivated visitors for generations. This small, pristine pack-it-in, pack-it-out campground meanders through the mixed conifer stand like a secret garden path. Visitors consistently describe the setting as 'amazingly beautiful,' where morning light filters through the pine canopy in golden shafts and the sweet vanilla scent of Ponderosa bark perfumes the air. The intimate scale of the campground ensures each site feels like its own private woodland sanctuary.
Geological RegionPenny Pines occupies a special niche within the vast Mendocino National Forest, where the 3,500-foot elevation creates a unique microclimate supporting a diverse mixed conifer ecosystem. Here, the geological forces that shaped Northern California's mountains have created the perfect conditions for Douglas fir, Ponderosa, and Sugar pines to thrive together. This elevation zone represents a sweet spot where mountain and forest ecosystems converge, offering campers the chance to experience the botanical diversity that makes California's national forests so remarkable.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground includes wheelchair-friendly vault toilets.
Sites SizeThe campground has 10 tent sites, each equipped with a picnic table and a grill.
Sites PrivacyThe campground is surrounded by dense forest, offering considerable privacy at each site.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites closer to main trails might be better suited for OHV enthusiasts.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 days.
Groups
No group sites are available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Open and Closed SeasonOpen all year; "Campground may be closed by snow."
Reservation PlatformsSites are not reservable.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are not reservable, suggesting first-come, first-served availability.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The primary activities at Penny Pines Campground cater to off-road vehicle enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful forest retreat. However, other recreational activities like fishing and swimming are not available.
Hiking
The campground provides access to the Upper Lake OHV Trail Network, featuring 135 miles of trails suitable for hiking and OHVs. User reviews highlight the trails' diversity, including single tracks, river crossings, and rocky paths.Winter Activities
The campground may be inaccessible during heavy snow, but no specific winter activities are indicated.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking and canoeing are not available.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted using downed trees and limbs, provided campers hold a valid campfire permit.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include rough road access and the possibility of snow closures during winter.
Active alertsThere are no active alerts mentioned.
Weather forecast
87
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 27%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 9.5 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
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
Upper Lake Ranger District Office.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingCampers are expected to pack out all trash as there are no waste disposal facilities on-site.
Proximity to water featuresA creek flows through the campground in early summer, according to user reviews.
Common complaintsThe lack of potable water and rough road conditions are noted as concerns in user reviews.
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 14.1 miles to campground on left.
The road up to Penny Pines is described as rough in user reviews. It is accessible via Elk Mountain Road, a county road.Camper Reviews
4.7
13 reviews
Penny Pines Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews praise the serene beauty of the campground, its towering Ponderosa pines, and its excellent proximity to off-road trails. It is described as a haven for off-road enthusiasts but less suitable for traditional hikers or those seeking diverse campground amenities.
Review Summaries
Based on 13 reviews
What Campers Love
Common positive highlights include the peaceful atmosphere, excellent trail systems for OHV riders, and the scenic beauty of the surrounding forest. Reviewers frequently mention the campground's...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include the lack of potable water, limited facilities, and the rough road leading to the campground.
Based on 13 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing all necessary supplies, including water, due to the limited amenities. A valid campfire permit is required for fires, and the road to the campground can be challenging for...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is most enjoyed in the summer months due to its cool temperatures and accessible trails. It may be less accessible in winter due to snow.
Based on 13 reviewsCamper Quotes
- "Beautiful campground surrounded by still living trees after the devastating fires." - Ryan Lewis
- "Excellent trails, nice campground, in-ground toilets, no water. Intermediate single track, river...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific reviews are not available. However, all ten campsites are equipped with picnic tables and grills.
Based on 13 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features like wheelchair-friendly vault toilets are noted, but no user reviews specifically address accessibility experiences.
Based on 13 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews mention experiences with pets at this campground.
Based on 13 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025