Sunset Campground
05 reviewsUpper Lake, CA, near State Rt. 20 and Main St.
Sunset Campground
$16.00 - $32.00 / 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
Single sites are charged $16 per night, with additional fees of $3 per extra vehicle and $1 per pet per night. Double sites are $32 per night. A boating launch fee is $5.
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About this campground
Nestled along the shores of Lake Pillsbury in the heart of Mendocino National Forest, Sunset Campground offers two distinct camping experiences. The lakeside loop beckons water enthusiasts with sweeping views of the shimmering lake, where morning mist dances across the water and boats cut gentle wakes through the afternoon sun. For those seeking a more secluded retreat, the shaded upper loop provides a tranquil escape beneath towering canopies, where soft grass carpets the forest floor and privacy abounds. Whether you're launching your boat for a day of fishing or setting out on scenic forest trails, Sunset Campground serves as your perfect basecamp for adventure.
Sunset Campground accommodates various camping styles, including tent camping and combined sites. RV camping is not supported due to the absence of hookups.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dynamic seasons of Northern California's wilderness, where early spring arrives with refreshing rains that awaken the forest and fill the lake to its brim. As summer approaches, the landscape transforms into a sun-drenched paradise, with warm days perfect for swimming and crystal-clear skies ideal for stargazing. Peak summer brings reliable sunshine and comfortable temperatures, while autumn paints the surrounding hills in golden hues. The campground's seasonal weather patterns create an ever-changing backdrop for your outdoor adventures.
ElevationPerched at 1,880 feet above sea level, Sunset Campground enjoys a privileged position that delivers naturally air-conditioned comfort during summer months. This modest elevation creates the perfect climate sweet spot—high enough to escape the valley heat, yet accessible enough for comfortable camping. Cool mountain breezes sweep through the campground each evening, bringing relief after sun-soaked days on the lake.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where majestic Douglas firs stretch skyward, their evergreen boughs creating cathedral-like canopies overhead. Twisted manzanita shrubs paint the understory with their distinctive red bark and delicate pink blossoms in spring. The lower loop embraces an open, airy atmosphere where campsites enjoy unobstructed views and easy lake access, perfect for families who love to stay connected with their neighbors and the water. In contrast, the upper shaded loop offers a more intimate experience, where thick grass cushions your footsteps and generous spacing between sites ensures peaceful solitude among the trees.
Geological RegionSunset Campground claims its place within the vast expanse of Mendocino National Forest, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of rolling hills and pristine waters. At 1,880 feet elevation, the campground occupies a unique ecological niche where Douglas fir forests merge with chaparral communities dominated by manzanita. Lake Pillsbury sparkles as the centerpiece of this mountain tableau, its waters reflecting the surrounding peaks while an extensive trail network weaves through the diverse terrain, connecting campers to hidden vistas and secret swimming holes throughout this remarkable corner of Northern California.
Campsite details
AccessibilityWheelchair-accessible vault toilets are available, but there is limited additional information on other accessibility features.
Sites SizeParking aprons are paved and uniform in size, accommodating typical vehicles.
Sites PrivacyThe campground has two loops. One loop, with lower-numbered campsites, is more open and provides limited privacy due to Manzanita bushes. The other loop is more shaded, with a grass understory, but offers little privacy due to clustering.
Total Campsites52 campsites
Recommended CampsitesArrive early for holiday weekends to secure desirable sites near the lake. Check for cement cook oven or pedestal grills for cooking needs.
Best CampsitesSites on the lake-side loop are considered desirable for their proximity to Lake Pillsbury and views.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 p.m.
Check-out
11:00 a.m.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Information is unclear on guest limits per site.
Groups
No group sites are specifically designated.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutTwo unnamed loops: one open with limited privacy and lake views, and another shaded with grassy understory and no lake views.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen mid-April through mid-September.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations; first-come, first-served only.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are walk-up only, as confirmed by authoritative sources and user reviews. User review states 'get there early' during busy holiday weekends like July 4th.
Cancellation PolicyNot applicable since reservations are not offered.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Sunset Campground provides a mix of recreational activities focused on outdoor experiences. Popular activities include fishing, boating, hiking, and water skiing. Swimming is explicitly not available.
Hiking
Two trails are accessible from this site: Sunset Nature Trail is a 1-mile footpath, and Lakeshore Trail is a 4-mile trail suitable for hiking or horseback riding.Fishing
Fishing opportunities at Lake Pillsbury include various species such as Black bass, Rainbow trout, Sunfish, salmon, and Steelhead.Boating
The campground provides access to motorized boating and non-motorized boating (e.g., canoes or kayaks). A boat ramp is conveniently located nearby.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not applicable as the campground operates seasonally from mid-April to mid-September.Water Sports
Water skiing is available at Lake Pillsbury, which spans 2,280 acres and generates power.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires likely permitted but subject to seasonal regulations (not explicitly stated).
- Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsPit toilets are available, and potable water is not provided. Campers should plan accordingly.
Weather forecast
96
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 22%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 10.3 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
Closest emergency services likely located in Upper Lake or Ukiah, both within driving distance.
Good to know
Peak season datesLikely summer months given operational season (April - September).
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are available, with garbage cans scattered throughout the campground. Recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresLocated next to Lake Pillsbury (2,280 acres), which offers boating and fishing opportunities.
Common complaintsUser reviews mention crowded conditions, unregulated quiet hours, and limited privacy.
Campground Map
Upper Lake, CA, near State Rt. 20 and Main St.
Driving directionsIn Upper Lake, CA, at 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 Rt. M1 and go 4.9 miles to campground sign. Turn right at sign into campground.
Accessible via paved roads to the campground entrance, although some reviews mention that it is 'a little ways off the beaten path.' Seasonal access appears limited due to an operational season.Nearby places
Ukiah - 6 miles north via US 101
Upper Lake - 31 miles north via County Road 301 (Forest Road M-1)
Soda Creek Grocery is nearby for limited supplies.
Nearby supplies
Limited groceries available at Soda Creek Grocery at the intersection of Rt. M1 and Soda Creek Rd.
Camper Reviews
0.0
5 reviews
Sunset Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, user reviews depict a campground with a mix of positive and negative experiences. While some praise its proximity to the lake and basic amenities, others cite issues with privacy and quiet hours enforcement.
Review Summaries
Based on 5 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include nice-sized campsites close to the lake, many restrooms, paved parking aprons, and picnic tables and fire rings at most sites. Users appreciate the scenic surroundings and...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include campsites being too close together, lack of privacy, and quiet hours not being enforced. The absence of potable water is also an inconvenience for some campers.
Based on 5 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Arrive early to secure a site during busy weekends like the 4th of July. Bring your own potable water supplies, as drinking water is not available on-site.
Based on 5 reviewsSeasonal Insights
During peak summer weekends such as July 4th, the campground reaches maximum capacity early in the day. Seasonal operations limit usability to mid-April through mid-September.
Based on 5 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'This is a nice little campground a little ways off the beaten path. It offers nice-sized camp sites close to the lake.' - Wez So_N_So
2. 'It's a very nice campground, but a bit too close to...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
The loop near Pillsbury Lake offers better views but limited privacy due to openness. Sites with lower numbers are noted to be closer to the lake.
Based on 5 reviewsAccessibility Features
No additional reviews addressing accessibility features are available.
Based on 5 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed for $1 per night, but no specific user experiences regarding pets are detailed.
Based on 5 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025