Gray Pine Group Camp sits at 1,700 feet in the Mendocino National Forest, designed specifically for large gatherings of up to 75 people. It's a staging ground for groups looking to explore California's only national forest without paved roads, with OHV trails accessible directly from camp.
Campground Details
- ⛺Type
- Group
- 💵Fee per Night
- $75
- 📋Reservations
- Reservation Required
- 🏔️Elevation
- 1,700 ft
- 📍GPS
- 39.35722, -122.65333
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- No
- 📞Phone
- 530-963-3128
- 🗺️Address
- CA
Amenities
The Camp
This is traditional group camping in a forest setting, built to handle parties that regular campgrounds can't accommodate. The camp sits within the 913,306-acre Mendocino National Forest, which straddles the eastern spur of the Coastal Mountain Range. Unlike other California national forests, no paved roads cross this landscape — a detail that speaks to the more remote character of the area.
The forest itself is dense and green, punctuated by several lakes that provide additional recreation opportunities beyond the campground's immediate vicinity.
What to Know
Reservations are required, and at $75 per night, you're paying for the capacity rather than luxury amenities. The camp provides vault toilets but keeps facilities minimal. This is three hours north of both San Francisco and Sacramento, making it accessible for Bay Area and Central Valley groups without being a quick weekend jaunt.
The area draws heavy use during hunting season, so expect company if you're camping in fall. The forest offers deer, birds, rabbits, chipmunks, and occasional bear sightings for wildlife watchers.
Nearby
OHV enthusiasts have direct access to popular riding trails from the campground — a significant draw for motorized groups. Beyond that, the forest provides the full menu of backcountry activities: horseback riding, hiking, backpacking, boating, and fishing. The lack of internal paved roads means these activities feel more remote than in other national forests, though you're still car-camping rather than truly getting away from it all.
The scattered lakes throughout the forest add fishing and boating options, though the source material doesn't specify which lakes or how far they are from Gray Pine.