Digger Pine Campground

Hey there, California outdoor enthusiasts! If you're yearning for an authentic wilderness experience, far from the hustle and bustle, where the sounds of nature replace city noise, then Little Stony Campground in Stonyford, CA, might just be your next favorite escape. This hidden gem, nestled within the expansive Mendocino National Forest, offers a more rugged and immersive camping experience that truly connects you with the natural beauty of Northern California.

While its name has evolved over the years (you might recall it as Digger Pine Campground or Gray Pine in the past), its essence as a tranquil, natural retreat remains constant. Little Stony is particularly popular among those who appreciate simplicity, direct access to outdoor activities, and the serene presence of a year-round creek. It's a place where you can truly unplug and embrace the wild, making it an excellent choice for adventurers and families looking to create genuine outdoor memories. Let's explore what makes Little Stony Campground a unique destination for your next California camping trip.

Little Stony Campground is located in the heart of the Mendocino National Forest, near Stonyford, CA 95979, USA. Its address places it firmly within a vast, rugged landscape renowned for its diverse recreational opportunities. To reach the campground, you'll typically navigate through Forest Service roads. It is situated approximately 10 miles southwest of the town of Stonyford. While it offers a feeling of remote wilderness, the accessibility is generally straightforward, with reviews indicating that a four-wheel-drive vehicle is not typically required to reach the campground, making it suitable for a wider range of vehicles.

The drive itself is part of the adventure, winding through the picturesque scenery of the Mendocino National Forest. This region is unique, being California's only national forest not bisected by a paved road, which contributes to its wild and untouched feel. Despite its relatively secluded nature, Little Stony Campground offers direct access to a network of trails and natural features, making it a highly desirable spot for those looking to explore. The closest town, Stonyford, offers a point of reference but is primarily a small community, so campers are advised to arrive prepared with all necessary supplies. Its location by a year-round creek adds to its appeal, providing a constant natural soundtrack and a refreshing presence for campers. This prime, yet accessible, location allows campers to truly immerse themselves in the Northern California wilderness.

• Campsites: Little Stony Campground offers 8 sites designed primarily for tent camping, though it can accommodate trailers up to 24 feet. These sites are first-come, first-served, encouraging a spontaneous and traditional camping experience. Each campsite typically includes a picnic table and a fire ring for cooking and enjoying a campfire (always check current fire restrictions).
• Pit Toilets: Basic restroom facilities are available in the form of pit toilets, providing essential sanitation in a rustic setting. Visitors should be prepared for a more primitive restroom experience.
• No Showers or Hookups: It's important for campers to note that Little Stony Campground does not offer showers or hookups for RVs. This is a primitive camping experience, meaning visitors should be self-sufficient regarding personal hygiene and power needs.
• No Potable Water: There is no potable (drinkable) water available at the campground. Campers must bring all their water for drinking, cooking, and washing, or have a reliable method for purifying natural water sources.
• No Trash Services: As a primitive campground, there are typically no trash collection services. Visitors are expected to practice Leave No Trace principles by packing out all their trash and waste.
• Year-Round Access: The campground is open year-round, allowing for seasonal variations in the camping experience, from lush spring conditions to cooler fall and winter tranquility.

• Year-Round Creek Access: A significant highlight of Little Stony Campground is its location adjacent to a year-round creek. This provides a constant source of soothing natural sounds, potential opportunities for fishing (especially in winter when the stream is full), and a refreshing natural element to the camping environment.
• Dirt Bike and OHV Trail Access: For off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts, Little Stony is a dream come true. The campground offers direct access to the extensive Grindstone OHV trail system, providing hundreds of miles of designated trails for dirt bikes, ATVs, and other OHVs. This makes it an ideal basecamp for adventurous riders.
• Primitive Camping Experience: This campground caters to those who prefer a more rustic and authentic outdoor experience. Without the distractions of modern hookups or excessive amenities, campers can truly immerse themselves in nature, fostering a deeper connection with the wilderness.
• Scenic Natural Setting: Situated within the Mendocino National Forest, the campground is surrounded by chaparral vegetation and mixed conifers, with rolling hills and a drainage running through. Despite some open areas with less shade, the natural landscape is beautiful and provides ample opportunities for nature observation.
• Hiking Opportunities: While primarily known for OHV access, the surrounding Mendocino National Forest offers various hiking opportunities, allowing campers to explore the diverse terrain on foot.
• Wildlife Viewing: The forest environment supports diverse wildlife, offering chances for campers to spot various bird species, small mammals, and potentially larger animals in their natural habitat.
• Peaceful Atmosphere (Generally): Despite the OHV activity, many visitors find the campground to offer a peaceful and quiet atmosphere, particularly for tent campers situated away from any main staging areas. The sounds of the creek contribute to this tranquility.
• First-Come, First-Served: The first-come, first-served policy for campsites adds an element of spontaneity to camping trips, allowing for last-minute decisions and more flexible travel plans for those who prefer not to book far in advance.

Address: Stonyford, CA 95979, USA

Since Little Stony Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis and is managed by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the Mendocino National Forest, there isn't a direct phone number for the campground itself. For general inquiries, current conditions (like fire restrictions or trail closures), or information about the surrounding Grindstone Ranger District, you should contact the Stonyford Work Center or the Mendocino National Forest Supervisor's Office.

Stonyford Work Center: (530) 963-3128

Mendocino National Forest Supervisor's Office: (530) 934-3316

It is always recommended to check the official Mendocino National Forest website or Recreation.gov for the most up-to-date information before planning your visit, especially concerning fire restrictions, road conditions, and any changes to campground policies.

For Californians, especially those in the Northern and Central parts of the state, Little Stony Campground represents a fantastic opportunity to embrace the rugged beauty and recreational richness of our own backyard. It’s an ideal spot for locals who truly appreciate a less developed, more authentic camping experience, away from the crowds often found at more amenity-rich sites. If you own dirt bikes or other OHVs, this campground is a no-brainer, providing unparalleled access to a vast network of trails right from your campsite. This saves you valuable travel time and allows for maximum riding enjoyment, a distinct advantage for those who enjoy powersports.

Beyond the thrills of OHV riding, Little Stony's appeal to locals extends to its primitive charm. The year-round creek offers a constant source of tranquility and a unique natural feature for exploration, fishing, or simply unwinding by the water. For campers who pride themselves on self-sufficiency and adhering to Leave No Trace principles, this campground provides the perfect environment to practice responsible outdoor recreation. It’s a chance to disconnect from technology and reconnect with the basics of nature. While there's a certain raw appeal to the lack of amenities like showers or hookups, it speaks to a desire among many Californians to seek out genuine wilderness experiences. Little Stony Campground, with its enduring natural character and direct access to diverse outdoor activities, offers a true taste of the Mendocino National Forest's wild heart, making it a suitable and highly recommended destination for those of us who call California home.

Digger Pine Campground

Stonyford, CA 95979, USA