The best camping near Lake Pillsbury

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Lake Pillsbury adventure.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Lake Pillsbury

96%
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Jug Handle Creek Farm

20 sites · RVs, Tents33 acres · Caspar, CA
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ **PLEASE NOTE** Construction of our new bathrooms will be taking place through January of 2025. Construction will take place between the hours of 7:30am and 5:30pm, Monday through Thursday, and it will be noisy. We apologize for the disruption, but look forward to being able to offer this amenity to our campers in the future! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Jug Handle Creek Farm and Nature Center is a nonprofit with a five minute walk to Jug Handle State Reserve, Jug Handle beach and the Ecological Staircase trail. We offer 11 unique campsites with plenty of space and privacy. Each site has two picnic tables, a fire ring, parking for two cars and plenty of space for your tents. Our 33 acres include a native plant nursery, community gardens, forests, meadows, and nature trails. Our site has lots of nature trails, is peaceful and beautiful and just a 5-minute walk to Jug Handle Beach and the Jug Handle Preserve. Our Mission: We offer a welcoming and supportive environment for people of all backgrounds to explore nature and connect with the natural word. Nature stewardship is central to our non-profit mission and as an organization we are engaged in many nature restoration projects throughout Mendocino County. We also provide a supportive learning environment for nature education for disadvantaged youth during the school year. If you teach k-12 and would like to bring your classroom to Jug Handle contact us about special rates and our immersive nature education programs.
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$40
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Waterfall Camp

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Mendocino, CA
Welcome to Waterfall Camp. Come enjoy your stay with us on our beautiful 5-acre property centrally located, its only 10 min to the village of Mendocino, 5 minute drive to Caspar beach and 10 min to the town of Fort Bragg. Nestled on the edge of the Redwoods and Pygmy Forest, adjacent to Russian Gulch State Park. The property has private access into park which consists of many miles of beautiful Redwood trails,the trail to the waterfall, biking trails along with a trail that leads straight to the ocean. Come and relax around your private campfire and cook over the open flames or treat yourself to fine dining in Mendocino or Fort Bragg, the experience is at your fingertips. From camping under the stars to hiking and biking through the redwoods or kayaking up Big River, come let the Mendocino coast show you what it’s all about. Our goal is to make you feel right at home. Each of our three sites has a redwood deck with a sink and food prep space, potable water, remote solar lighting, picnic table, smokeless fire pit and grill, firewood, level parking area and tent pad. One of the three sites can accommodate a 25’ trailer. There is a beautiful redwood bathhouse with two outdoor showers and two flushing toilets. All water onsite is potable so make sure to top off before your day of adventuring. There is a horseshoe pit, cornhole, and badminton set for fun under the sun. All sites are a two min walk to the State Park trails and 5 min ride to Jackson state forest bike trails. It's about a half hour walk to the beautiful waterfall from our property. Large Groups are welcome to book all three sites with two additional RV locations. Also we have a fully stocked westfalia camper van to glamp in if your wanting to pack light for the weekend. We hope to make your stay with us a memorable and fun experience. Shay & Liz
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$85
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Baby Banana Slug Farm

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Albion, CA
Once an ancient Redwood grove full of mature redwood trees towering 250 feet in the air, This is a beautiful piece of property, very private, with an old growth Redwood snag still remaining and 30 foot diameter re-sprouted Redwood fairy rings. it has its own private entrance.In the redwood forest, lots of trees and other vegetation. Good wildlife watching area. 4 miles from the ocean. Campsites have own access point. Pack it in, pack it out. Please be respectful of neighbors and land around you.2 sites available - both with potable water, and area for campfires (outside of any burn ban), and toilet access. Firewood available for fee. Pets allowed.Guests love staying here: "This was such a treat. Nathan was a responsive, present host--made sure we had all of the wood we wanted. We were tucked away in the woods with great amenities... bathroom included. There is a beautiful tree on the campsite that made the whole experience magical. And my pup was free to run and around and bring me sticks. I will definitely come back again!"
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$60
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99%
(381)

Heartwood Mendocino

12 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Mendocino, CA
Our property is just minutes from Mendocino's beaches, parks and sweet town, yet private and quiet as it is surrounded by 50,000 acre state forest with world class hiking and biking trails directly accessed from our place. Around the giant redwoods and meadows we have sprinkled in the most amazing little cabins, camp sites and deluxe bath house. We have a great outdoor camp kitchen available for your use. The redwood tree shower must not be missed! This is a very special experience for us to share with you. We are a family of campers. We agree, there's nothing better than a rest in a hammock following a hike or a beach day and a night under the stars without the constant dinging of cell and internet! Guests love staying here: "Such a lovely getaway! Our family of four and little dog thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Heartwood. The cabins are great, with comfortable (warm) beds, very clean and cozy. It’s well worth the visit even in the winter! Really appreciated being outdoors surrounded by Redwoods, hiking the trails around the property, the modern bathrooms with hot showers, and the indoor sitting area to make coffee in the mornings. Our stay was relaxing, memorable and special!"
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$76
 / night
96%
(41)

EL EL Cool Ranch

1 site · Lodging80 acres · Ukiah, CA
Welcome to our majestic homestead nestled on 80 acres of pristine wilderness, up a private secluded road just outside of Ukiah. Situated off Highway 253 towards Booneville, our enchanting retreat offers a sanctuary for nature lovers and adventurers alike. In the winter months, the landscape transforms into a winter wonderland, with streams, creeks, and waterfalls cascading through the lush forests. Lichen adorns the trees, while curious newts explore their surroundings. It's a magical time to reconnect with nature and marvel at the beauty of the season. As the temperatures rise in the summer, our homestead comes alive with vibrant gardens bursting with vegetables and flowers, fruit trees in bloom, and a tranquil pond offers the perfect spot for a dip. Keep an eye out for the unique wild ponies that call this valley home, adding to the allure of the landscape. Explore hiking trails that wind through the property, offering glimpses of wildlife and breathtaking vistas at every turn. Nearby rivers and creeks beckon for swimming, while the majestic redwoods and stunning coastline are just a short drive away. Our dome, a true architectural gem, provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience for guests. With its remarkable acoustics, it's the perfect setting for yoga sessions, writing retreats, or simply soaking in the serenity of the surroundings. In the colder months, cozy up next to the wood stove and indulge in a hot bath while a pot of soup simmers on the stove. Accessible via a well-maintained gravel and dirt road, our homestead offers a secluded escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Please note that AWD/4WD is required during the winter months to navigate the terrain safely. Whether you're seeking solitude and reflection or adventure and exploration, our majestic homestead offers something for everyone. We invite you to experience the magic of our sanctuary and create memories that will last a lifetime. Welcome home.
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$100
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The Deck and Cozy Container

1 site · RV, Tent60 acres · Albion, CA
**NEW** Rent our Cozy Container (see Extras) for a dry, warm and cozy Winter getaway!! Hello and welcome to The Deck on Albion Ridge! A Bit About Us and The Deck Site: Albion and the surrounding areas are the original home of the Pomo peoples Northern California and we honor their stewardship of this land for millennia before us. This property sits just above the Salmon Creek watershed which is home to coho salmon and steelhead, northern spotted owls, bears, dear, mountain lions, pileated woodpeckers, along with thousands of other species big and small, and so we feel it is our duty to uphold that stewardship of this land for future generations. We were both born and raised on the Mendocino Coast, and are now raising our two young children here. We have been developing and preserving the natural beauty of our coastal Redwood property here in Albion for the past 13 years. One of the first things we built on this property was a 2,000 sq ft deck that cantilevers over the hillside with a view of the Redwood ridges and Eastern sunrises beyond, all with wood milled from the property. Our vision for this deck was to host our family and friends and bring people together in this gorgeous outdoor setting. We have had many a birthday party, movie nights, baby showers, as well as a couple weddings and yoga retreats at this site, and now you can too! We can't wait to share the beauty and tranquility of this campsite with you! What We Offer: Camp next to, and make use of, our large Redwood deck with sweeping ridge top views. The base rate for this site includes up to four people, there is an extra charge of $25 per day, per person, for any extra people. We allow up to 16 campers total but if you're looking to have more please message us and we can talk details. Campers can set up tents just off the deck, OR for an extra fee (see Extras), you can rent our new addition of The Cozy Container, for the people that want to be in nature but don't quite want the fuss of pitching a tent. This sleeping container, not to be confused with the shipping container connected to the deck that houses the bathroom and kitchenette, houses a full size bed as well as a fold out futon and sleep 3-4 people comfortably. When booking the Cozy Container we will make up the full size bed with pillows, sheets and down comforter, however if you would like to also use the futon, we ask that you bring your own bedding for that. NOTE: We have two converted shipping containers at the site. The Cozy Container for sleeping in is away from The Deck slightly and to the left. The container attached to The Deck to the right, houses the kitchenette, bathroom, and shower around back. The use of this container is included in the basic site fee. We also allow trailers and small RVs, we just ask that during the wet Winter months, you park in our gravel parking spaces. Connected to The Deck we have another 30 ft shipping container converted into a kitchenette and bathroom with toilet and running water. Behind that you'll find an enclosed shower with hot and cold water. We also have a grill, propane heater, cooler and a cornhole set available to rent (see Extras). There is plenty of space to set up multiple tents so this is the perfect spot to wrangle all those friends or family you’ve been missing and enjoy some quality time together in nature. The Area: The village of Albion has a well equipped grocery store and deli, as well as a hardware store and post office. There IS gas if you are in a pinch, but we recommend filling up long before you get to the coast, or making the drive up to Fort Bragg for gas. You will also find EV charging stations in Fort Bragg at the Boatyard Shopping center. Drive just 20 minutes North to the village of Mendocino where you'll find plenty of shops and restaurants as well as access to hiking, biking, kayaking, surfing and bird and whale watching. Please don't hesitate to ask us for recommendations for all things to eat, see and do while you're here. We love to share the beauty of the area with our guests! Dogs: We live on the property as a family of four with two young children and two friendly dogs. Our dogs Olive and Blue may greet you when you arrive, and might bark at your car, but rest assured they are friendly and when you get out of your car, call their names and they should come begging for pets. If you're not into dogs, that's totally fine. You can always text us and we will do our best to keep them home. Tenants/Neighbors: We do have one tenant on the property whose rental shares a road with The Deck site so you may see them coming and going, but there is no line of site from their rental to The Deck site. However, being that they are somewhat close we ask that campers be mindful of noise in the evenings and we ask that all amplified music be turned off between the hours of 10pm-7am. Should you have any questions or need any help during your stay, we are just a short walk away and happy to help. We love sharing the beauty of our land and all that the Mendocino Coast has to offer so don't hesitate to ask for our recommendations on all things Mendocino! Trash and Clean Up Expectations: We provide dish ware, glasses, utensils and some other odds and ends, in hopes that our guests will use less single use plastics and cut down on waste. However, we know there is always some level of trash that comes along with camping therefore, we provide trash bags and labeled trash and recycling bins, but we ask that our guests bring their trash with them when they leave. *If for some reason this is not possible, we can remove the trash for you for a fee of $15/bag, but you must message us prior to your departure and let us know that your are unable to take the trash with you. Otherwise we provide the operating hours of the solid waste disposal site (located just down the road) in our guest book in the kitchen container. We hope you enjoy our campsite and all it has to offer and we look forward to hosting you! Alex and Justin
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$142.50
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Ariana Acres

2 sites · Lodging2 acres · Willits, CA
Welcome All Mushroom Hunters Winter camping is here! Welcome to Ariana Acres located on Ridgewood Summitt next to The Golden Rule. Home and final resting place to legendary race horse Seabiscuit. Hikers love sighting the rare White Tallow Deer imported from Europe. They were brought here from William Randolph Hearst's San Simeon Ranch by Charles Howard in 1949. Hikers site them most midday. The locals really appreciate Mr. Howard for what is now Howard Memorial Adventist Health Hospital. Charles Howard was a successful business man from the city who bought Seabiscuit and Ridgewood Ranch. His son Frank died in an accident on the ranch. He was fifteen years old. Charles had the hospital built in honor of his son Frank to save other children's lives. Roots Restaurant is inside the hospital serving organic house made meals. They employ seven full time gardener's that supply the restaurant genuine farm to table produce directly from their garden. The Skunk Train runs from downtown Willits towards Ft. Bragg passing the world's largest Redwood tree. It is an open air steam locomotive. The country equivalent to the Cable Cars in San Francisco! The Skunk Train is world renowned, and was named one of the top ten attractions to go see in the United States by the New York Times. Fort Bragg is an hour away to the coast, offering more gorgeous coastline scenery. Lake Walker is about a mile hike down the mountain from Ariana Acres. There are hiking trails galore from Ariana Acres to The Golden Rule and back. Guides available for group excursions. Enjoy breath taking sunsets, stargazing nights from your tent sunroof, and warm fires in the fire pit. Brand new and in early development, Ariana Acres is located on 2 acres on the side of the ridge. The Well House tent is on the top level behind the fence on the upper driveway. Sunset Road is front and center and will reopen in summer. The Golden Bowl is on the 3rd terrace at the very back of the property. This is the most secluded site and most popular with couples. (Still in development outdoor kitchen, shower and picnic tables)
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$21
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Meadow Farm & Forest

9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents28 acres · Fort Bragg, CA
Meadow Farm is a quiet and creative sanctuary surrounded by the forest. The ocean breezes freshen the air and the pulse of the planet is heard as the surf sounds travel to put us to rest at night.. We are a place for people experimenting with the new old ways to live with low impact and conservation of our precious resources. We offer affordable accommodations, organic gardening, and education on plants and living simply. We welcome your interest in veganic garden and diet, orchards, and forest trails. Our organic vegetables and fruit may be available if you wish to bring some of our farm to your table. Our garden is reduced this time of year but we may still have something to share. We can offer you a quiet and peaceful place without social pressures if you wish to "decompress" from city life, jobs or any stressful times. Or come to the communal fire near the bathhouse for sharing some time with family and the few other campers that may be there. Bringing your own wood is welcome. The coastal bike and hike trails are many. From South of Ft Bragg to the Sand Dunes near Ward Ave. you can travel over 7 miles one way and go down to quiet little beach coves along the way. Meadow Farm is a nonprofit 501c3 with goals of coastal food security, disaster preparation and sheltering, carbon sequestering and forest restoration. We offer native plant tours on or off site with advance notice. We like our dog companions! Two McNab collies, Moxie and Shama live here and may bark at first...still very friendly and social with people and other dogs.. There are several dog friendly off-leash areas such as, Noyo North Harbor Beach, Seaside Beach and dog parks in both Ft Bragg and Mendocino. Our farm is dog friendly tho we wish pets to be kept close, must be neutered and friendly to other dogs and people. Please be sure to bury or bag the waste. Speaking of waste, Meadow Farm strives to reduce waste by avoiding plastic as much as possible, recycling what we can and composting our veggie scraps. Please bring your own waste receptacles and take them along when you go. We take ours to the Caspar Transfer Station which is open Saturday through Wednesday... the location and hours can be found online. Our water is from a deep well and we periodically test it for bacteria. It is cold and delicious. Our irrigation pipes that have spigots and hoses at each camp are safe for drinking, cooking and cleaning. Our solar pump moves water into storage tanks that provide all the water to the farm. It is very important that the water valves on your camp spigot is turned off (gently please) to avoid losing 2500 gallons of water in a short time. If you see a leak or break in a line please contact us immediately. There are also water shut offs for the camps on the west side of the Farm House if you are unable to reach us right away.. When doing dishes we request that you use the strainer to catch food particles from the dish water and toss them in your trash or compost bucket. If you have vegetable waste let us know and we can pick them up for adding to the worm bins or composting piles. We make worm "tea" fertilizer and rich soil from these offerings. No animal products or oil please... a few egg shells are okay. We do have the usual wildlife though we haven't had problems with them. Ravens will raid your camp if food or bags are left out while you are away. From dusk to dawn keep children and pets close. We coexist well here with the critters...and glad to have them. Wishing you a very peaceful and soul refreshing stay at Meadow Farm. Come and allow this natural setting to heal and restore your sense of well-being.
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$65
 / night

The best camping near Lake Pillsbury guide

Overview

About

Located in the southern Mendocino National Forest, Lake Pillsbury is best known for its abundance of watersports. With two boat launches and a marina the lake makes it easier than ever to take to the water. Beautiful hiking and biking trails wind through the surrounding hills with multiple vista points to admire the valley below. Along with the more run-of-the-mill outdoor activities, Lake Pillsbury has a very popular hang gliding business. Admire the beauty of the tall peaks and deep blues of the water all while soaring through the mountain air.

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