Oak Flat Campground
Oak Flat Campground at Lake Pillsbury in the Mendocino National Forest is operated by the Pacific Gas and Electric Corporation. The campground is situated among the trees, a short distance back from the northern side of the lake. Lake Pillsbury, the largest lake in the Mendocino National Forest, is popular for fishing, swimming, and boating. Nearby is a boat launch ramp. Keep your eyes open for Tule elk in the meadows at the north end of the lake.
Oak Flat Campground has 18 sites which can accommodate small RVs or trailers (up to 16 feet). There is some dispersed camping there, along with the designated campsites. When the lake is full the campground is only a short walk from the water's edge. Even when water levels begin to drop in the fall, many sites have nice views of the lake. Oak Flat Campground has a much more open feel to it than its neighbor, Navy Camp Campground.
| Oak Flat Campground Basics |
| Oak Flat Campground Location: |
Off Simmons Road at Lake Pillsbury, 23 miles north of Highway 20 via Potter Valley Rd., Eel River Rd., and Elk Mountain Rd.
For some route finding tips, see Directions below. |
| Elevation: |
1,900 feet |
| Mileage and driving time from gateway city: |
Santa Rosa - 96 miles, 2:09 |
| Number of Sites: |
18 |
| Camping Season: |
Open year-round, depending on weather |
| Max. People per Site: |
6 (including children) |
| Vehicles per Site: |
2 ($3 fee per night for 2nd vehicle) |
| Pets: |
on leash, always attended, maximum of 2 |
| Operated by |
Pacific Gas and Electric |
| Information: |
PG&E (916) 386-5164 or
Upper Lake Ranger District at (707) 275-2361 |
| Reservations |
| No Reservations: |
All campsites at Oak Flat Campground are first-come, first-served. |
| Maximum RV/trailer Length: |
16 feet |
| Accessible Sites: |
None designated |
| Fees: |
$10 per night, $5 per night in winter
(pets $2 each per night) |
| Check-in, check-out: |
2:00 PM, check-out 11:00 AM |
| Oak Flat Campground Amenities |
| Campsites: |
Picnic table, fire ring with grill; no hook-ups |
| Campground: |
Vault toilets, potable water (according to Forest Service) |
| Showers: |
No |
| Dump station: |
No |
| Attractions near Oak Flat Campground: |
Watch for Tule elk in nearby meadows. Enjoy fishing and boating at Lake Pillsbury. Visit Lake Pillsbury Resort for its swim beach, marina, and boat rentals. Find nearby boat launch ramps. Set out on hiking trails. Explore the Snow Mountain Wilderness and Bloody Rock historic area.
|
Directions to Lake Pillsbury Camping
Once you have made the turn at Potter Valley, signs become scarce. Four miles beyond Potter's Valley the road suddenly splits, either road looking as likely as the other, and no sign to indicate which way to go. Actuslly either way works. Left is more gradual. The two roads meet again at the bottom of the hill.
After crossing a bridge over the Eel River, turn right. (Again, no signs to Lake Pillsbury). The next dozen miles are on gravel road high on the north side of the Eel River. The road on the south side of the river is filled with ruts, bumps, and pot holes. Unless you like 4-wheeling, avoid it.
Confirm your route using GPS or maps.
General Camping Information
Opening and closing dates of campgrounds are only estimates, usually dependent on weather conditions. Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. If using a reservation website, check to see if your vehicles will fit in the provided space.
In order to prevent the spread of invasive insects, obtain firewood from the local area of the campground.
Accessible Sites
Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate.
