Best camp ground in Mendocino Nationa Forest

So I'm thinking of doing a one or two night trip up to Mendo National forest. I have personally never been much further than Penny Pines. I'm looking for a place to camp where I can make use of my 4wd on the way. Then some other trails. To have fun on. Maybe switch spots or just on the way back. Anyway I realize it's prob real muddy now but I'm just trying to plan ahead. Thanks y'all.

 

BUMP as I too am wondering

 

I've been looking at a lot of maps and I am thinking about trying to get up there maybe in 2 weeks. Right now I'm thinking of going from upper lake to Letts lake and maybe try to go check out the old mill campground as well as cedar mill. I'm just nervous about everything being washed out and maybe even snow??

 

Yea I feel you- Letts is on my radar too but because I'm not familiar with the terrain I'm a little hesitant for those same reasons.


If you're ready for adventure hit it up- just go prepared.

You thinking the weekend of the 18th?

 

Ya preparation is key. Also having some buddies! Especially since the high lift is my only winch. Anyway weekends are tough for me. I'm a bartender so I typically have Monday-Tuesday off which is nice until you ant to go somewhere with mon-fri folks. But let's try to set something up in April or something can always request time off. Plus get my cousins up there they both have tacomas they never wheel.

 

Working for MNF I know the roads and areas pretty well. This time of year you won't be able to get very far due to the fact that some roads get shut down. As far as the areas mentioned above, you'll be able to get to Letts Lake via the M10 from the East side out of Stonyford and will pass routes for Old Mill and Cedar Camp. A fun area that I know people go up to this time of year is around Plasket Meadows. The area gets decent snow and guys like to go snow wheeling.

 

Also, roads can and will be shut down if weather and road conditions are too poor. Best bet would be to call the ranger station the day of and make sure roads are clear and open!

 

Awesome thanks for the info I'll look into plasket meadow. In other news just got back from Tahoe this was one days worth of snow on Monday.

 

that.
is.
awesome.

 

Letts lake is a great little campground. IIRC last time i was there the main road was shut down just beyond it though.

You could camp by lake Pillsbury. Oak Flat I think it is? I was out there a couple weeks ago and there were plenty of trails open on that side.

 

i got to hit up lake pillsbury this past memorial day weekend with my cousins and a few buddies.
that shit was tight!

imagine an adult playground where you can off-road, shoot, ride dirt bike/ quad, hike, chill by the lake, get hammered, whatever your heart desires.

although pretty full because of the holiday weekend, it still didn't have the congested feel.

highly recommended.