Penny Pines Campground
Sites are first-come, first-served. Recreation.gov lists this campground for paying on site, and you may be able to pay with the Scan and Pay feature of its app.
More like this: first-come in California · pets allowed in California
Site mix
| Standard, no hookups | 10 |
Site guide
10 sites. Tap a filter to narrow the list; the map follows.
| Site | Entry | Surface | Shade | Water / sewer | People / vehicles | Fires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pull-through | Gravel | No / No | 8 / 2 | Yes | |
| 2 | None | No / No | 8 / – | Yes | ||
| 3 | Back-in | Gravel | No / No | 8 / 2 | Yes | |
| 4 | Partial | No / No | 8 / – | Yes | ||
| 5 | Partial | No / No | 8 / – | Yes | ||
| 6 | Back-in | Gravel | Partial | No / No | 8 / 2 | Yes |
| 7 | Back-in | Gravel | Partial | No / No | 8 / 2 | Yes |
| 8 | Back-in | Gravel | Partial | No / No | 8 / 2 | Yes |
| 9 | Back-in | Gravel | Partial | No / No | 8 / 2 | |
| 10 | Back-in | Gravel | None | No / No | 8 / 2 | Yes |
Per-site records as published by the managing agency on Recreation.gov. Blank cells mean the agency listed nothing for that site. Check-in 2:00 PM, checkout 11:00 AM.
Amenities & rules
| Pets | Allowed |
| Campfires | Allowed, subject to restrictions |
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.
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Weather by month
Getting there
From CA SR20, take Mendenhall north and follow it to a stop sign. Upper Lake Ranger Station will be on your left there. Turn left onto Elk Mountain Road, aka M1, and follow it past Middle Creek Campground and past the 2 turnoffs for Deer Valley Campground, and continue to Penny Pines, which will be on your left.
| Nearest town | Upper Lake, California |
| Area | Recreation.gov lists no exact point for this campground. The recreation area is at 39.72° N, 122.77° W. Call the office before you drive. |
Fire nearby
- PrescribedHoward Forest Frp Rx
39 mi from the campground · 13 acres
Distance is to the reported incident point, not the fire edge. Call the managing office before you drive.
Explore
Video
Penny Pines Campground dual sport ride
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.
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.
Guidebooks for California
We earn a small commission if you buy through these links. It does not change what we list.
Titles come from Open Library's catalog, matched by subject heading or by title.
Reference
Questions people ask
Do I need a reservation at Penny Pines Campground?
No. Penny Pines Campground is first-come, first-served. Sites are taken on arrival and paid at the fee station.
Source: How first-come camping works
What time is check-in at Penny Pines Campground?
Check-in 2:00 PM, checkout 11:00 AM.
How many sites does Penny Pines Campground have?
10 sites, including 10 standard sites without power.
Source: Site mix
Are pets allowed at Penny Pines Campground?
Yes, pets are allowed at Penny Pines Campground. Leash rules apply.
Can I have a campfire at Penny Pines Campground?
Fires are allowed in the provided rings under normal conditions. As of 2026-10-16, there is 1 active fire within 50 miles, so check current restrictions before you light one.
Source: Fire nearby
What is there to do at Penny Pines Campground?
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. The Recreation section on this page has the rest.
Source: Recreation
What is the nearest town to Penny Pines Campground?
Upper Lake, California.
Source: Getting there