Fuller Grove Campground at Lake Pillsbury in the Mendocino National Forest is operated by the Pacific Gas and Electric Corporation. Signs for the turn into the campground are hard to see when approaching from the south. The campground is situated among the trees on the northwestern shore of Lake Pillsbury, a short distance back from the water.
Lake Pillsbury, the largest lake in the Mendocino National Forest, is popular for fishing, swimming, and boating. A boat launch ramp is nearby.
Fuller Grove Campground has 30 sites which can accommodate tents or small RVs or trailers (up to 22 feet). Six are double sites. Many sites have lake views. Reservations for the family sites are not yet available, but the reservation website provides good information about each campsite. Check link below. There is also a Group Campsite included in the campground.
Off Simmons Road at Lake Pillsbury, 24 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 - 95 miles, 2:08
Number of Sites:
30
Camping Season:
Open mid-April through mid-September, depending on weather
Max. People per Site:
6 (including children)
Vehicles per Site:
2 ($5 fee per night for 2nd vehicle)
Pets:
on leash, always attended, $2 per pet per night, maximum of 2
Picnic table, food locker, grill, fire ring; no hook-ups
Campground:
Vault toilets, tap water
Showers:
No
Dump station:
No
Attractions near Fuller Grove Campground:
Enjoy fishing and boating at Lake Pillsbury. Visit Lake Pillsbury Resort for its swim beach, marina, and boat rentals. Find nearby boat launch ramps. Enjoy hiking trails. Explore the Snow Mountain Wilderness and Bloody Rock historic area. Watch for tule elk.
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.
Pacific Gas & Electric Company Campground Reservation Information for 2024
PG&E has updated its reservations dates for 2024.
April 15, 8:00 AM - Reservations become available for camping dates one week or longer.
April 22, 8:00 AM - Reservations become available for stays less than one week.
Many PG&E campgrounds (except group campgrounds), including those with reservations available, also have some first-come, first-serve sites.
Fuller Grove Group Campground
Fuller Grove Campground
Mendocino National Forest Attractions and Activities
Visitors to the Mendocino National Forest discover a wide range of outdoor activities and scenic attractions. Those who are camped at Fuller Grove Campground have all the features of Lake Pillsbury to enjoy.
Head out boating and fishing on Lake Pillsbury.
Drop in to the Lake Pillsbury Resort for cabins and camping, a swim beach, and a marina with boat rentals.
Have fun mountain biking along countless dirt roads through the forest.
Give a try fishing in the Eel River (check current limitations and regulations), or at Letts Lake or Plaskett Lakes.
Enjoy great OHV camping and riding at places such as Nail Track OHV Play Area, around Stonyford Recreation Area, and many other places.
Visit Rattlesnake Firefight Overlook.
Picnic at Plaskett Meadows, Pine Point, Sycamore Grove, Big Springs, or Wolf Creek.
Key Fuller Grove Campground Regulations
Avoid problems with bears by storing food and similar items must be stored in bear-proof lockers or canisters.
To avoid the spread of harmful insects, obtain firewood locally.
Dogs must be on leash in the campground and always attended.
