Mendocino National Forest Recreation News
Recreation Report - January 9th
FIRE RESTRICTIONS: Fire restrictions have been lifted and visitors with a valid California Campfire Permit will be able to have fires outside of designated campgrounds, including wilderness areas. However, the public is reminded that until there is significant rain, we are still in an active fire season.
MOTOR VEHICLE USE MAPS: Motor Vehicle Use Maps maps are now available at the Mendocino National Forest offices or online at www.fs.fed.us/r5/mendocino/maps/mvum.
ROAD CONDITIONS: As you travel through the forest, be prepared for icy, snowy conditions. Four-wheel drive vehicles and chains are strongly recommended. Forest Highway 7 (County Road 307) will be closed when it is deemed unsafe for travel. Please use caution. Carry emergency equipment in your vehicle. For more information on road conditions, Glenn County Public Works Department - 530-934-6530, Colusa County – 530-458-0466, Tehama County – 530-385-1462, Lake County – 707-263-2341, Mendocino County – 707-463-4363. or the Highway Patrol at 707-463-4722.
CAMPGROUNDS: Most campsites on the forest are open. Campsites are first come-first serve; reservations are only taken for group campsites. Reservations for Grey Pine and Masterson Group Campsites can be made through the National Recreation Reservation System at www.recreation.gov or 1-877-444-6777. Please help us keep our campgrounds and facilities clean; do not throw your trash in the toilets. The toilets are not trash receptacles. It is costly to remove non-biodegradable material from the toilets.
GRINDSTONE RANGER DISTRICT: The water system at the Fouts Springs and Davis Flat Recreation area has been shut off and will remain off until further notice while repairs are made to the system. Please plan accordingly and bring sufficient water. Campgrounds are open. For recorded OHV information please call 530-963-3128. Fees are required at Little Stony, Dixie Glade, Fouts Springs, Mill creek and North Fork Campgrounds ($5.00/night).
UPPER LAKE RANGER DISTRICT: Fees are now required at Penny Pines and Deer Valley Campgrounds of $6.00 per night. Pillsbury Pines and Fuller Grove boat launches are closed for the season. All campgrounds at Lake Pillsbury are now closed except for Oak Flat. Forest Service Road M-8 (River Road) from county road 240A near Van Arsdale to road 18N05 is closed until further notice. Call the OHV Information phone line for current conditions: 707- 275-1430.
COVELO RANGER DISTRICT: Fees are now required at Howard Lake, Howard Meadows and Little Doe Campground at $6.00 per night.
RED BLUFF RECREATION AREA: There are 4½ miles of nature trails to view the abundant wildlife at the Recreation Area. Please remember to keep pets on their leash at all times.. Forest maps and information can also be obtained from the Sacramento River Discovery Center and the Red Bluff Chamber of Commerce. Boat Launch Fees are now $6.00.
CAMPFIRE PERMITS: Campfire permits are free and available at all Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection offices and from Forest Service field personnel. You may also download the form from our web site at www.fs.fed.us/r5/mendocino/passespermits/. Please fill out the permit and fax it to (530-934-7384); include your fax number and we will process the permit and fax it back to you.
GENETIC RESOURCE & CONSERVATION CENTER: The 209 acre Genetic Resource & Conservation Center in Chico is open Monday thru Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The nature trail is wheelchair accessible. Pet leash laws do apply and are posted.
FUELWOOD PERMITS: Personal use firewood permits for 2008 are available for purchase. There is a minimum purchase of four cords of wood for $20.00. It is illegal to remove firewood from the forest without a valid permit.
FOREST MAPS: Mendocino Forest Vistor and Wilderness maps are available at any of the Mendocino National Forest offices.
Note: Corning Chamber of Commerce, 1110 Solano Street, (530) 824-5550; and Red Bluff Chamber of Commerce, 100 Main Street, (530) 527-6220; sell Forest Visitor maps ONLY.
Maps are also available at:
- June Marie's Gifts 76300 Covelo Road., Covelo, CA 95428, (707) 983-6101.
- Soda Creek Store, Upper Lake.
- Lake County Visitor Information Center, 6110 East Highway 20, Lucerne, CA 95458, (707)274-5652.
INTERAGENCY RECREATION PASS PROGRAM: Available to citizens who are age 62 or older, the Senior Pass is a lifetime pass that costs $10.00. The Access Pass is a free, lifetime pass available to citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. who are permanently disabled. The Annual Pass costs $85.00 and is valid for one year from date of purchase. Passes admit the pass holder into federal public recreation sites that charge entrance fees and offers a 50% discount at certain outdoor recreation sites. Where a per-person fee is charged, the Annual Pass covers a pass holder and three accompanying adults. For more information, please call one of our offices.
LAKE PILLSBURY: The
largest lake on the Forest has 2,280
acres of surface area and 31 miles of
shoreline. Fishing, boating, sailing,
and water-skiing are popular activities. The Forest Service
and PG&E manage
several developed campgrounds around the lake, for more information
on PG&E campgrounds
call 916-386-5164.
Please remember that camping in Lake Pillsbury Basin is allowed in designated campgrounds only.
Name | Fees | Contact | Status |
---|---|---|---|
Big Spring | no | Stonyford Work Center | CLOSED |
Fuller Grove | no | Upper Lake Ranger District | OPEN |
Pine Point | no | Upper Lake Ranger District | OPEN |
Plaskett Meadows | no | Stonyford Work Center | OPEN |
Pogie Point | no | Upper Lake Ranger District | CLOSED |
Rattlesnake Firefighter Memorial | no | Grindstone Ranger District | OPEN |
Sycamore Grove | no | Red Bluff Recreation Area | OPEN |
Wolf Creek Information Site | no | Stonyford Work Center | OPEN |