USDA Forest Service · California

Penny Pines Campground

USDA Forest Service · California, United States

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Sites
10
Hookups
10 with water, 10 no hookups
Season
Year-round
Drinking water
Yes
Restrooms
Yes
Pets
Yes
Elevation
3,730 ft
Dark sky
Bortle class 1
Cell coverage
T-Mobile none · AT&T none · Verizon none (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
Lake
Mendocino National Forest
Nearest town
Upper Lake
Address
10025 Elk Mountain Road, Upper Lake , CA, 95485
Phone
(707) 275-2361
Activities
Camping, Off Highway Vehicle Trails, Picnicking

About

Overview

This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site.

Once on-site, you are able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature.

In order to utilize Scan & Pay on site, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.

Recreation

The Forest Service in cooperation with the State of California Off-Highway Vehicle Fund, (Green Sticker), has developed roads, trails, and facilities for further enjoyment of the OHV user. Remember, these are your facilities and OHV funds are being used to develop and maintain them.

Forest Service roads open to Off-Highway Vehicles are considered public roads. All motorcycle riders on public lands in the State of California must wear a safety helmet meeting the standards adopted by the US Department of Transportation.

State law requires all vehicles, including motorcycles to be registered. You must have a current Green or Red Sticker, or Highway License. Highway licensed vehicles must meet all standards for operating on a public highway and be operated in accordance with California state law.

Your vehicle must be equipped with a properly installed Forest Service approved spark arrester in good working condition.

For your safety and the safety of others, Off-Highway Vehicles must never be operated in a manner likely to endanger any person or property. Driving at excessive speeds, careless and reckless driving, racing and "wheelies" are not only prohibited, but also dangerous on forest roads and camping areas.

State and Federal law prohibit operating any vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This applies equally to the operation on Off-Highway vehicles, including those statutes prohibiting drinking while driving (CVC 23220), and drinking in a motor vehicle (CVC 23221).

Motorcycles and ATVs must meet state sound requirement of 96 dba or lower.

Unlicensed juveniles operating motorcycles and ATVs must be under the supervision of a licensed adult.

Facilities

Penny Pines campground offers 10 campsites equipped with picnic tables and fire rings.

Campground provides restrooms.

Campground does not provide trash service, so please take your trash with you to dispose of at home. Please leave a clean campsite.

Natural Features

The public is free to use the plentiful downed trees and limbs for campfires in the campground and with a valid campfire permit.

Weather, month by month

MonthTypical highTypical lowColdest nightHottest dayYears with a night below 32°F
January49°34°23°69°8 of 11
February51°34°19°70°9 of 11
March55°34°25°81°8 of 11
April58°38°27°74°5 of 11
May70°46°35°83°0 of 11
June79°53°38°96°0 of 11
July91°60°46°101°0 of 11
August90°61°51°100°0 of 11
September82°55°44°91°0 of 11
October72°47°37°88°0 of 10
November55°39°26°76°5 of 10
December48°34°21°67°8 of 10

Mid-month figures from 2016–2026 of daily weather at this spot (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), in °F. Typical is the median; coldest and hottest are the extremes seen.

Nearby campgrounds

All public campgrounds in California · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-03-11. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.