Whitlock Campground

Star0
3 reviews
Whitlock Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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

No fee Description
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About this campground

Nestled within the enchanting Mendocino Forest, this hidden gem offers campers an authentic Northern California wilderness experience. Towering redwoods and Douglas firs create a natural cathedral overhead, while moss-covered trails wind through ancient groves that have stood sentinel for centuries. Whether you're seeking solitude among the giants or adventure on backcountry trails, this campground serves as your gateway to one of California's most pristine forest ecosystems.
Whitlock Campground offers tent camping and primitive camping options with minimal facilities. RVs up to 12 feet in length can also be accommodated.
Historical SignificanceThis land holds deep roots in California's rich tapestry of history. For thousands of years, the Pomo and other indigenous peoples called these forests home, sustainably harvesting resources and maintaining sacred sites throughout the region. During the late 1800s, the area witnessed the boom of the timber industry, with narrow-gauge railroads snaking through the valleys. Today, remnants of old logging camps and railroad grades offer glimpses into this bygone era, while the forest itself stands as a testament to nature's resilience and renewal.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the magic of four distinct seasons in this temperate forest paradise. Spring awakens the forest with wildflower blooms and rushing streams fed by melting snow. Summer brings warm, sun-dappled days perfect for hiking and cool, star-filled nights around the campfire. Fall transforms the deciduous understory into a tapestry of gold and amber, while winter offers crisp air and occasional dustings of snow that turn the forest into a wonderland. Coastal fog often drifts through the valleys, creating mystical morning scenes.
ElevationPerched at varying elevations throughout the Mendocino Forest's rolling terrain, the campground offers diverse microclimates and ecosystems. From valley floors at 1,000 feet where fog settles like a blanket, to ridge-top sites reaching 4,000 feet with panoramic views of the coastal range, each campsite provides its own unique perspective. The elevation changes create distinct vegetation zones, from lush fern grottos in the lower reaches to hardy manzanita and pine communities on the exposed ridges.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where ancient redwood groves give way to oak woodlands and pristine mountain streams cascade over granite boulders. The Mendocino Forest showcases nature's artistry at every turn - from the delicate trilliums carpeting the forest floor to the majestic Roosevelt elk that occasionally grace the meadows at dawn. Crystal-clear creeks provide refreshing swimming holes in summer, while volcanic outcroppings and serpentine soils support rare plant communities found nowhere else. Hawks and eagles soar above the canopy, and the haunting call of spotted owls echoes through the night.
Geological RegionSet within the spectacular Mendocino Forest, this campground rests on a complex geological foundation that tells the story of California's dynamic past. The region showcases a fascinating mix of ancient seafloor sediments thrust skyward by tectonic forces, volcanic intrusions, and the famous Franciscan Complex. This geological diversity creates the varied topography and unique soil conditions that support the incredible biodiversity of the Mendocino Forest, from its world-renowned redwood groves to its rare serpentine plant communities.

Campsite details

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned in authoritative sources or user reviews.
Sites SizeAccommodates up to 12-foot trailers, as specified in authoritative content.
Sites PrivacyDescribed as cozy and quiet by user reviews, which suggests a reasonable degree of privacy.
Total Campsites0 campsites

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check
Check-out
Check-out.
Stay Limit
Stay Lim.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Guests.
Groups
Group camping is not mentioned in any authoritative sources or user reviews.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed

Open and Closed SeasonOpen.
Reservation PlatformsFee.
Walk-in AvailabilityFees
Cancellation PolicyNo fee Description

Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Activities at Whitlock Campground are centered on traditional camping experiences. While no official sources detail specific activities, user reviews highlight its use as a hunting base and the opportunity for serious camping amidst natural surroundings.
Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned in the sources.
Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding are not mentioned in the sources.

Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed
  • Quiet hours are quiet hours are at 10.00 p.m

Hazards

General hazardsFees.

Weather forecast

85
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%

Strong wind, exercise caution

Humidity: 27%

Very dry conditions, stay hydrated

Wind: 8.1 mph

Strong wind, exercise caution

Clear sky
7-Day Forecast

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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

Peak season datesFees.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not provided; campers are responsible for packing out all trash.

Campground Map

Driving directionsFrom Paskenta, take Road M-2 west to Road #24N19, right on Road #24N19 to campground.
No fee for site access; roads are accessible.

Camper Reviews

0.0
3 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Whitlock Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews consistently describe Whitlock Campground as cozy, quiet, and best suited for serious camping rather than luxury or comfort camping. It is noted as a hunting base and getaway destination.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive remarks include its quiet and secluded nature, surrounded by conifers, and its suitability for serious campers. Review by Annani Sophia Kelley highlights its appeal for those 'away from...
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Based on 3 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints are centered around the lack of services, such as potable water and other amenities, with campers needing to pack in all supplies and pack out trash.
Based on 3 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing all necessary supplies, including water and trash bags, due to the lack of services. J2600 advises obtaining permits and maps before visiting.
Based on 3 reviews

Seasonal Insights

No specific trends by season are noted, though user J2600 mentions it being used by locals during hunting season.
Based on 3 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Camping place hunting place just a get away on the mountain' (Vickie Bruton). 2. 'Cozy. Quiet. Away from everything. NOT for "glampers" or people wanting comfort camping. Serious camping only.'...
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Based on 3 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews indicate the campground has 5-6 tent sites surrounded by conifers, as detailed by J2600.
Based on 3 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility features or experiences from users with disabilities.
Based on 3 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews discuss pet policies or experiences related to pets.
Based on 3 reviews

Last updated August 10, 2025

Campgrounds
Mendocino National Forest
Whitlock Campground